JP2006109427A - Program downloading apparatus and method, and camera system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program downloading apparatus of a system wherein time and effort for rewriting a nonvolatile external memory are eliminated, and the number of wiring is reduced. <P>SOLUTION: The program downloading apparatus is constituted of an external device 10 having a flash memory with an operation program stored, and a camera system 20 which uses a predetermined program for which the operation program has been downloaded from the external device 10. Operation of a CPU 21 of the camera system 20 is stopped by a stop signal from the external device 10. Under shut down of operation of the CPU 21, the predetermined program is transmitted from the external device 10 to a volatile internal memory 25 of the camera system 20 and stored therein. According to completion of transmitting of the program, shut down of operation of the CPU 21 is canceled, direction wherein a memory by which the CPU 21 refers to an address is changed from a nonvolatile external memory 27 to the volatile internal memory 25 is transmitted from the external device 10, and the predetermined program stored in the volatile internal memory 25 is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a program download apparatus and method, and a camera system.

  For example, a non-volatile external memory such as a flash memory incorporates a main program such as sequence control and an image processing program. In this case, when the CPU is reset from the external device (or master device), the CPU reads the main program from the external memory and executes the main program.

For example, in Japanese Patent No. 2556268, in a plurality of processors composed of a master processor and a slave processor connected to the master processor via a system bus, the slave processor is stopped by a reset, and the master processor is connected to the system bus. The program can be quickly downloaded to the volatile local memory on the slave processor side.
Japanese Patent No. 2556268

  However, the above-described prior art has a problem in that rewriting takes time since the nonvolatile external memory is configured by a flash memory or the like. In addition, when rewriting a nonvolatile external memory, it is generally necessary to transmit data via a large number of external buses.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to download a program for a system that eliminates the trouble of rewriting a nonvolatile external memory and reduces the number of wires. And a method and a camera system.

To achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first device having a flash memory in which an operation program is stored, and a part or all of the operation program downloaded from the first device. A program download device for a system comprising a second device that uses the predetermined program, wherein the second device is a CPU, a volatile built-in memory, and a nonvolatile memory storing a control program for the CPU A first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory in response to a switching signal from the first device, a memory that references an address when the CPU releases a reset When,
The first device transmits a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU, and transmits the predetermined program to the volatile built-in memory while the CPU stops operating. A non-volatile storage unit that stores a transfer storage unit that stores the program, a stop cancellation unit that transmits a stop cancellation signal to cancel operation stop of the CPU upon completion of transmission of the program, and a memory that refers to an address when the CPU cancels reset A switching instruction unit for transmitting the switching signal for instructing switching from the external external memory to the volatile built-in memory, and the predetermined signal stored in the volatile built-in memory by transmitting a reset release signal of the CPU An execution instruction unit for executing the program.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first device having at least a CPU, a flash memory storing an operation program for the CPU, and a serial I / F, and the serial I from the first device. / F is a program download device for a camera system comprising a second device that uses a predetermined program that downloads a part or all of the operation program via / F, and the second device is a CPU, Internal memory, a nonvolatile external memory in which the operation program of the CPU is stored, and a memory in which the CPU refers to an address when reset is released, by the switching signal from the first device. A first switching unit that switches between a memory and the volatile built-in memory, and the first device transmits a stop signal to the CPU A stop instruction unit for stopping the operation, a transfer storage unit for transmitting and storing the predetermined program to the volatile built-in memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped, and a stop cancellation signal upon completion of transmission of the program A stop canceling unit for canceling the operation stop of the CPU, and the switching signal for instructing the CPU to switch the memory that refers to the address from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory when the reset is released And an execution instruction unit that transmits a reset release signal of the CPU and executes the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the volatile built-in memory is a built-in RAM, and the nonvolatile external memory is a flash memory.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the second device receives the predetermined program from the first device, and the volatile built-in device. It further has a first serial I / F that transmits to the memory.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the second device communicates with the CPU to execute an execution end signal and an operation OK / NG of the predetermined program. A second serial I / F that transmits a signal to the first device, and the second serial I / F when a reset signal is input from the first device while the operation of the CPU is stopped. A second switching unit configured to perform switching so that serial communication with the first device is possible;

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the second serial I / F causes the first device to perform a predetermined process on the second device. Used to send instructions.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the CPU, the volatile built-in memory, the first switching unit, the first serial I / F, and the second The serial I / F and the second switching unit are formed on the same semiconductor substrate.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the second device is a camera system, and the first device is separate from the camera system. The operation program and the predetermined program are camera system maintenance programs.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the second to seventh aspects, the first device is a master unit of a camera system, and the second device is the camera system. It is a slave unit, and the operation program is a main program including a camera system control program and an image processing program, and the predetermined program is a camera system image processing program.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the external device receives a signal indicating completion of maintenance program execution and a signal indicating operation OK / NG from the camera system, and determines the state of the signal. It further has a notification section for notifying each.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the second device further includes a notification unit for notifying information related to completion of execution of the maintenance program and operation OK / NG.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the master unit receives a signal indicating completion of execution of the image processing program and a signal indicating operation OK / NG from the slave unit, and the state of the signal It further has a notification part for notifying.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the slave unit further includes a notifying unit for notifying information on the completion of the image processing program execution and the operation OK / NG.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first device having a flash memory in which an operation program is stored, a CPU, a volatile built-in memory, and a nonvolatile external device in which a control program for the CPU is stored. A first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory in response to a switching signal from the first device; A program download method for a system comprising a second device using a predetermined program in which a part or all of the operation program has been downloaded from one device, wherein the CPU is activated by a stop signal from the first device. When the operation is stopped and the CPU is stopped, the predetermined program is transferred from the first device to the volatile built-in memory. The CPU sends the stop release signal to release the operation stop of the CPU upon completion of the transmission of the program, and the CPU receives the address by the switching signal from the first device. Switching the memory to be referenced from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory, and executing the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory in response to a reset release signal from the first device And comprising.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first device having at least a CPU, a flash memory storing an operation program for the CPU, and a serial I / F, a CPU, a volatile built-in memory, A nonvolatile external memory in which an operation program of the CPU is stored; a memory for referring to an address when reset is released; and the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory by a switching signal from the first device And a second device that uses a predetermined program that downloads part or all of the operation program from the first device via the serial I / F. A method for downloading a program of a camera system, comprising: stopping an operation of the CPU by a stop signal from the first device; When the operation of the PU is stopped, the predetermined program is transmitted from the first device to the volatile built-in memory and stored, and upon completion of the transmission of the program, a stop cancellation signal is transmitted to the CPU. Canceling the operation stop, switching the memory to which the CPU refers to the address from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory by the switching signal, and releasing the reset from the first device And executing the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory by a signal.

  The sixteenth aspect of the present invention uses a first device having a flash memory in which an operation program is stored, and a predetermined program downloaded from a part or all of the operation program from the first device. A camera system comprising a second device, wherein the second device comprises a CPU, a volatile built-in memory, a non-volatile external memory storing a control program for the CPU, and the CPU resetting A first switching unit configured to switch a memory that refers to an address at the time of cancellation between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory by a switching signal from the first device; Transmits a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU, and the predetermined program is stored in the volatile built-in memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped. A transfer storage unit for transmitting and storing, a stop cancellation unit for transmitting a stop cancellation signal to cancel operation stop of the CPU upon completion of transmission of the program, and a memory for referring to an address when the CPU cancels reset A switching instruction unit for transmitting the switching signal for instructing switching from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory, and the reset release signal of the CPU transmitted to be stored in the volatile built-in memory An execution instruction unit for executing a predetermined program.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first device having at least a CPU, a flash memory storing an operation program for the CPU, and a serial I / F; / F is a camera system comprising a second device that uses a predetermined program downloaded part or all of the operation program via / F, the second device comprising a CPU and a volatile built-in memory A non-volatile external memory in which the CPU operation program is stored, and a memory to which the CPU refers to an address when reset is released, and the non-volatile external memory and the volatile memory by a switching signal from the first device. A first switching unit for switching between the internal memory and the first device, wherein the first device transmits a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU And a transfer storage unit that transmits and stores a predetermined program to the volatile built-in memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped, and transmits a stop cancellation signal upon completion of the transmission of the program to operate the CPU. A stop cancellation unit for canceling the stop, a switching instruction unit for transmitting the switching signal for instructing the CPU to switch the memory that refers to an address when the reset is released from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile internal memory, and An execution instruction unit that transmits a reset release signal of the CPU and executes the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory.

  According to the present invention, since the program downloaded and stored in the built-in memory is activated, there is an effect that it is not necessary to rewrite the nonvolatile external memory.

  Further, since the program is downloaded using the serial I / F, there is an effect that the number of wirings is reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system to which a program download method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. This system includes an external device 10 as a first device and a camera system 20 as a second device connected to the external device 10. The external device 10 has a flash memory 11 in which an operation program is stored.

  The camera system 20 downloads and uses a predetermined program consisting of a part or all of the operation program from the external device 10. As a first configuration, the camera system 20 has a CPU 21 and a volatile memory storing the predetermined program. A built-in memory 25, a non-volatile external memory 27 in which a control program for the CPU 21 is stored, and a memory that refers to an address at the time of reset release, an external memory 27 and a built-in memory by a switching signal (SEL signal) from the external device A first switching unit 26 that switches between the memory 25 and the memory 25 is provided. Furthermore, you may provide LCD28 as a display apparatus. The above-described built-in memory 25 is realized by a built-in RAM, for example. The external memory 27 is realized by a flash memory, for example. Further, as one form, the external device 10 is separate from the camera system 20, and the operation program and the predetermined program are camera system maintenance programs.

  In the configuration described above, the operation of the CPU 21 stops when a stop signal (HALT signal) from the external device 10 is sent to the CPU 21. While the operation of the CPU 21 is stopped, a predetermined program is transmitted from the external device 10 to the internal memory 25 to be stored. When the program transmission is completed, the operation stop of the CPU 21 is cancelled. When the CPU 21 receives the switching signal (SEL signal) from the external device 10, the CPU 21 switches the memory that refers to the address from the external memory 27 to the built-in memory 25 when the reset is released. Further, the CPU 21 receives a reset signal (RESET signal) from the external device 10 and executes the predetermined program stored in the built-in memory 25 when the reset is released.

  In addition to the first configuration described above, the camera system 20 has a first serial I / F 24 for receiving a predetermined program from the external device 10 and transmitting it to the built-in memory 25 as a second configuration. It has further.

  Further, as a third configuration, the camera system 20 communicates with the CPU 21 in addition to the first and second configurations described above, and transmits a predetermined program execution end signal and an operation OK / NG signal to the external device 10. If the reset signal (RESET signal (inverted) = 'L' level) is input from the external device 10 while the operation of the CPU 21 is stopped, the second serial I / F 23 is And a second switching unit 22 for switching so that serial communication with the external device 10 is possible. Here, in this embodiment, the CPU 21, the built-in memory 25, the first switching unit 26, the first serial I / F 24, the second serial I / F 23, and the second switching unit 22 are on the same semiconductor substrate. Is provided.

  FIG. 2 shows how the control program is read into the CPU 21 from the external memory 27 of the camera system 20 (see the dotted arrow 50), and FIG. 3 is a timing chart corresponding to the processing of FIG. In a state where the external memory 27 is selected (SEL signal (inverted) = 'H' level), when reset is released at the timing of * 10, the CPU 21 receives CS0 (inverted) and CSa (inverted) at the timing of * 11. Are set to the “L” level to read the control program from the external memory 27.

  FIG. 4 shows a state in which an operation program (here, a maintenance program) is read into the built-in memory 25 from the flash memory 11 in the external device 10 via the first serial I / F 24. FIG. 5 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. Here, a stop signal (HALT signal (inverted) = 'L' level) is input from the external device 10 to the CPU 21 of the camera system 20, the CPU 21 is stopped, and the built-in memory 25 is selected (SEL signal ( Inversion) = 'L' level). First, when the reset is released at the timing of * 1, the operation program is read from the flash memory 11 of the external device 10 and transferred to the built-in memory 25 via the first serial I / F 24 of the camera system 20. . * 2 indicates the transfer period at this time. After all the operation programs are transferred during this period, the stop signal (HALT signal (inverted) = 'H' level) is input at the timing indicated by * 3, the stop signal (HALT signal) is released, and the CPU 21 operates. Resumed.

  Next, when CS0 (inversion) and CSb (inversion) become 'L' level at the timing of * 4, the CPU 21 reads the operation program from the built-in memory 25 and executes maintenance.

  When the maintenance is completed, the CPU 21 of the camera system 20 transmits a maintenance completion notification and maintenance OK / NG to the external device 10 via the second serial I / F 23. A dotted line indicated by * 5 in FIG. 6 indicates a signal flow at this time. The external device 10 displays these pieces of information on a display device (not shown) such as an LCD. Alternatively, the user is notified by voice. Similarly, the CPU 21 displays information related to the end of maintenance and maintenance OK / NG on the LCD 28. Alternatively, the user is notified by voice.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for starting the operation program from the built-in memory according to the exchange of signals between the external device 10 and the camera system 20. In a state where the external device 10 and the camera system 20 are connected, when the external device 10 sets the RESET signal (inverted) to the “L” level (step S1), the camera system 20 starts hardware initialization. (Step S2). Next, when the external device 10 sets the HALT signal (inverted) to the 'L' level (step S3), the camera system 20 stops the CPU 21 (step S4). Next, when the external device 10 sets the SEL signal (inverted) to the 'L' level (step S5), the camera system 20 sets the first serial I / F 24 (step S6). Next, when the external device 10 sets the RESET signal (inverted) to the 'H' level (step S7), the camera system 20 cancels the hardware initialization (step S8, * 1 in FIG. 5).

  In this state, the external device 10 serially transfers the operation program (maintenance program) to the built-in memory 25 (step S9), and the camera system 20 writes the transferred operation program to the built-in memory 25 (step S10, FIG. 5). * 2). Next, when the external device 10 sets the HALT signal (inverted) to the “H” level (step S11), the HALT signal is canceled and the CPU 21 of the camera system 20 starts operating (step S12, * 3 in FIG. 5). ). As a result, the operation program of the built-in memory 25 is activated and the maintenance process is started (step S13, * 4 in FIG. 5).

  Next, the CPU 21 controls the second switching unit 22 to set the second serial I / F 23 (step S14). Next, the CPU 21 ends the maintenance process by the operation program (step S15). Next, the CPU 21 serially transfers a program execution end signal and an operation OK / NG signal to the external device 10 (step S16), and ends the process. The external device 10 receives the program execution end signal and the operation OK / NG signal via the second serial I / F 23 and displays these information on a display device (such as an LCD) (not shown) (step S17, FIG. 6 * 5). Similarly, the CPU 21 displays these information on the LCD 28. Alternatively, the user is notified by voice.

  FIG. 8 shows how the external memory 27 or the built-in memory 25 is selected according to the level of the SEL signal. That is, when the program is started from the external memory 27, the SEL signal (inverted) = 'H' level, CS0 (inverted) = 'L' level, and CSa = 'L' level are selected, and the external memory 27 is selected. On the other hand, when the program is started from the built-in memory 25, the SEL signal (inverted) = 'L' level, CS0 (inverted) = 'L' level, and CSb = 'L' level are selected, and the built-in memory 25 is selected.

  According to the first embodiment described above, since the maintenance process is performed by the program stored in the built-in memory 25, there is an effect that it is not necessary to rewrite the nonvolatile external memory 27.

  Normally, when the nonvolatile external memory 27 is rewritten, it is necessary to transmit data via a large number of external buses. However, in this embodiment, the first serial I / F 24 is used. The number of

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a camera system to which the program download method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. This camera system includes a master device 110 as a first device and a slave device 120 as a second device connected to the master device 110. The master device 110 includes at least a CPU 112, a flash memory 111 in which an operation program for the CPU 112 is stored, and a serial I / F 113.

The slave device 120 downloads and uses a predetermined program consisting of a part or all of the operation program from the master device 110 via the serial I / F 113. As a first configuration, the slave device 120 includes a CPU 121 and a volatile memory. A built-in memory 125, a non-volatile external memory 127 in which an operation program of the CPU 121 is stored, a memory that refers to an address when reset is released , and an external memory 127 and a built-in memory 125 by a switching signal (SEL signal) from the master device 110. And a first switching unit 126 that performs switching at the same time. Further, an LCD 128 as a display device may be provided. The above-described built-in memory 125 is realized by a built-in RAM, for example. The external memory 127 is realized by a flash memory, for example. Also, as one form, the master device 110 is separate from the slave device 120, the operation program is a main program including a camera system control program and an image processing program, and the predetermined program is a camera system. This is an image processing program.

In the configuration described above, the operation of the CPU 121 of the slave device 120 is stopped by a stop signal (HALT signal (inverted) = 'L' level) from the master device 110. While the operation of the CPU 121 is stopped, a predetermined program is transmitted from the master device 110 to the built-in memory 125 to be stored. When the program transmission is completed, the operation stop of the CPU 121 is canceled, and the memory to which the CPU 121 refers to the address by reset release is switched from the external memory 127 to the built-in memory 125. Then, the CPU 121 causes the predetermined program stored in the built-in memory 125 to be executed by a reset release signal (RESET signal (inverted) = 'H' level) from the master device 110.

  In addition to the first configuration described above, the slave device 120 receives a predetermined program from the master device 110 and transmits it to the built-in memory 125 as a second configuration. It has further.

  Further, as a third configuration, the slave device 120 communicates with the CPU 121 in addition to the first and second configurations described above, and transmits a predetermined program execution end signal and an operation OK / NG signal to the master device 110. When the reset signal (RESET signal (inverted) = 'L' level) is input from the slave device 110 while the operation of the CPU 121 is stopped, the second serial I / F 123 is And a second switching unit 122 for switching so that serial communication with the master device 110 is possible. In this embodiment, the CPU 121, the built-in memory 125, the first switching unit 126, the first serial I / F 124, the second serial I / F 123, and the second switching unit 122 are on the same semiconductor substrate. Is provided.

  FIG. 10 shows how the control program is read from the external memory 127 of the slave device 120 into the CPU 121 (see the dotted arrow 150), and FIG. 11 is a timing chart corresponding to the processing of FIG. In a state where the external memory 127 is selected (SEL signal (inverted) = 'H' level), when reset is released at the timing of * 110, the CPU 121 causes CS0 (inverted) and CSa (inverted) at the timing of * 111. Are set to the “L” level to read the control program from the external memory 27.

  12 shows an operation program (here, a control program and an image processing program as a main program of the camera) from the flash memory 111 in the master device 110 via the serial I / F 113 and the first serial I / F 124. Shows how it is read. FIG. 5 described above can be used as a timing chart corresponding to FIG. As described above, in this timing chart, the stop signal (HALT signal (inverted) = 'L' level) is input from the master device 110 to the CPU 121 of the slave device 120, the CPU 121 is stopped, and the master device 110 This shows a state after the switching signal (SEL signal (inverted) = 'L' level) is input and the built-in memory 125 is selected.

  First, when the reset is released at the timing of * 1 in FIG. 5, the operation program is read from the flash memory 111 of the master device 110 and transmitted to the slave device 120 via the serial I / F 113. In the slave device 120, the data is transferred to the built-in memory 125 via the first serial I / F 124. * 2 indicates the transfer period at this time. After all the operation programs are transferred during this period, the stop signal (HALT signal) is canceled at the timing indicated by * 3, and the operation of the CPU 121 is resumed.

  Next, when CS0 (inversion) and CSb (inversion) become ‘L’ level at the timing of * 4, the CPU 121 reads out an operation program from the built-in memory 125 and executes image processing.

  When the image processing is completed, the CPU 121 of the slave device 120 transmits a program execution end notification and an operation OK / NG to the master device 110 via the second serial I / F 123. A dotted line indicated by * 5 in FIG. 13 indicates a signal flow at this time. The second serial I / F 123 is also used to give an instruction when the master device 110 causes the slave device 120 to perform a predetermined process. The master device 110 receives the program execution end and operation OK / NG signals via the second serial I / F 123 and displays these information on a display device (such as an LCD) not shown. The CPU 121 displays information on the program execution end and operation OK / NG on the LCD 128. Alternatively, the user is notified by voice.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for starting an operation program from the built-in memory in accordance with transmission / reception of signals between the master device 110 and the slave device 120. When the master device 110 and the slave device 120 are connected, the master device 110 sets the reset signal (RESET signal (inverted)) to the “L” level (step S101). Initialization is started (step S102). Next, when the master device 110 sets the stop signal (HALT signal (inverted)) to the 'L' level (step S103), the slave device 120 stops the CPU 121 (step S104). Next, when the master device 110 sets the switching signal (SEL signal (inverted)) to the 'L' level (step S105), the slave device 120 sets the first serial I / F 124 (step S106). Next, when the slave device 110 sets the reset signal (RESET signal (inverted)) to the 'H' level (step S107), the slave device 110 cancels the hardware initialization (step S108, * in FIG. 5). 1).

  In this state, the master device 110 serially transfers an operation program (a control program and an image processing program as a camera main program) to the built-in memory 125 (step S109), and the slave device 120 incorporates the transferred operation program. Write to the memory 125 (step S110, * 2 in FIG. 5). Next, when the master device 110 sets the HALT signal (inverted) to the “H” level (step S111), the HALT signal is canceled and the CPU 121 of the slave device 120 starts operating (step S112, * 3 in FIG. 5). ). As a result, the operation program in the built-in memory 125 is activated and image processing is started (step S113).

  Next, the slave device 120 sets the second serial I / F 123 (step S114). Next, the slave device 120 ends the image processing by the operation program (step S115). Next, the slave device 120 serially transfers the program execution end signal and the operation OK / NG signal to the master device 110 (step S116), and ends the processing. The master device 110 receives the program execution end signal and the operation OK / NG signal and displays them (step S117, * 5 in FIG. 6). Similarly, the CPU 121 displays these pieces of information on the LCD 128. Alternatively, the user is notified by voice.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the image processing is performed by the program stored in the built-in memory 125, so that it is not necessary to rewrite the nonvolatile external memory.

  In general, when rewriting a nonvolatile external memory, it is necessary to transmit data via a large number of external buses. However, in this embodiment, since the serial I / F is used, the number of wirings is small. Become.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system to which a program download method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a control program is read from an external memory 27 of the camera system 21 into a CPU 21. 3 is a timing chart corresponding to the process of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state when an operation program is read into the built-in memory 25 from the flash memory 11 in the external device 10 via the first serial I / F 24. 5 is a timing chart corresponding to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating that a maintenance completion notification and maintenance OK / NG are transmitted to the external device 10 via the second serial I / F 23 after the maintenance is completed. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for starting an operation program from an internal memory according to transmission / reception of signals between the external apparatus 10 and the camera system 20. It is a figure which shows a mode that the external memory 27 or the internal memory 25 is selected according to the level of a SEL signal. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the camera system with which the program download method concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how a camera program is read into the CPU 121 from an external memory 127 of the camera system 200. 11 is a timing chart corresponding to the process of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state when an operation program is read from the flash memory 111 in the external device 10 into the internal memory 125 via the first serial I / F 124. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating that a program execution end notification and an operation OK / NG are transmitted to the master device 110 via the second serial I / F 123 after the end of maintenance. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for starting an operation program from a built-in memory according to transmission / reception of signals between the master device 110 and the slave device 120.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... External device (first device)
11 ... Flash memory 20 ... Camera system 21 ... CPU
22 ... 2nd switching part 23 ... 2nd serial I / F
24: First serial I / F
25 ... Volatile built-in memory 26 ... First switching unit 27 ... Non-volatile external memory

Claims (17)

Program download of a system comprising a first device having a flash memory in which an operation program is stored, and a second device using a predetermined program obtained by downloading a part or all of the operation program from the first device A device,
The second device includes:
CPU,
Volatile internal memory,
A non-volatile external memory in which the CPU control program is stored;
A first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory according to a switching signal from the first device;
With
The first device includes:
A stop instruction unit for transmitting a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU;
A transfer storage unit for transmitting and storing the predetermined program to the volatile built-in memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped;
Upon completion of transmission of the program, a stop release unit that releases a stop of operation of the CPU by transmitting a stop release signal;
A switching instruction unit that transmits the switching signal that instructs the CPU to switch a memory that refers to an address when the reset is released from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory;
An execution instruction unit that transmits a reset release signal of the CPU to execute the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory;
A program download device comprising: A first device having at least a CPU, a flash memory storing an operation program of the CPU, and a serial I / F, and a part of the operation program from the first device via the serial I / F Or a program download device for a camera system comprising a second device that uses a predetermined program that has downloaded everything,
The second device includes:
CPU,
Volatile internal memory,
A non-volatile external memory storing the operation program of the CPU;
A first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory according to a switching signal from the first device;
With
The first device includes:
A stop instruction unit for transmitting a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU;
A transfer storage unit for transmitting and storing the predetermined program to the volatile internal memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped;
Upon completion of transmission of the program, a stop release unit that releases a stop of operation of the CPU by transmitting a stop release signal;
A switching instruction unit that transmits the switching signal instructing the CPU to switch the memory that refers to an address when the reset is released from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory;
An execution instruction unit that transmits a reset release signal of the CPU to execute the predetermined program stored in the volatile internal memory;
A program download device comprising: The volatile built-in memory is a built-in RAM;
3. The program download device according to claim 1, wherein the nonvolatile external memory is a flash memory.   The second device further includes a first serial I / F that receives the predetermined program from the first device and transmits the program to the volatile built-in memory. The program download apparatus as described in any one of these. A second serial I / F that communicates with the CPU and transmits an execution end signal and an operation OK / NG signal of the predetermined program to the first device;
Second switching for switching the second serial I / F so that serial communication with the first device is possible when a reset signal is input from the first device while the operation of the CPU is stopped And
The program download device according to claim 1, further comprising:   6. The second serial I / F is used for the first device to transmit an instruction for causing the second device to perform a predetermined process. The program download device described.   The CPU, the volatile built-in memory, the first switching unit, the first serial I / F, the second serial I / F, and the second switching unit are formed on the same semiconductor substrate. The program download device according to claim 5, wherein the program download device is provided. The second device is a camera system;
The first device is an external device separate from the camera system,
The program download device according to claim 1, wherein the operation program and the predetermined program are camera system maintenance programs. The first device is a master unit of a camera system;
The second device is a slave unit of the camera system;
The operation program is a main program including a camera system control program and an image processing program,
The program download device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined program is an image processing program of a camera system.   9. The external device according to claim 8, further comprising a notification unit that receives a signal indicating the end of execution of a maintenance program and a signal indicating operation OK / NG from the camera system, and notifies each of the states of the signals. The program download device described.   9. The program download device according to claim 8, wherein the second device further includes a notification unit for notifying information on completion of maintenance program execution and operation OK / NG.   10. The master unit according to claim 9, further comprising a notification unit that receives a signal indicating completion of image processing program execution and a signal indicating operation OK / NG from the slave unit, and notifies the state of the signal. The program download device described.   10. The program download device according to claim 9, wherein the slave unit further includes a notification unit that notifies information related to completion of the image processing program execution and operation OK / NG. A first device having a flash memory in which an operation program is stored, a CPU, a volatile built-in memory, a nonvolatile external memory in which a control program for the CPU is stored, and a memory that refers to an address when reset is released Is switched between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory by a switching signal from the first device, and a part of the operation program from the first device or A program download method for a system comprising a second device that uses a predetermined program that has downloaded everything,
Stopping the operation of the CPU by a stop signal from the first device;
Sending the predetermined program from the first device to the volatile built-in memory for storage while the CPU is stopped;
Upon completion of transmission of the program, a stop release signal is transmitted to release the operation stop of the CPU;
Switching the memory to which the CPU refers to an address from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory by a switching signal from the first device;
Causing the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory to be executed by a reset release signal from the first device;
A program download method comprising: A first device having at least a CPU, a flash memory storing a CPU operation program, and a serial I / F; a CPU; a volatile built-in memory; and a nonvolatile memory storing the CPU operation program And a first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory according to a switching signal from the first device. A program download method for a camera system comprising a second device that uses a predetermined program downloaded from the first device via the serial I / F, part or all of the operation program,
Stopping the operation of the CPU by a stop signal from the first device;
Sending the predetermined program from the first device to the volatile built-in memory for storage while the CPU is stopped;
Upon completion of transmission of the program, a stop release signal is transmitted to release the operation stop of the CPU;
Switching the memory from which the CPU refers to an address from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory by the switching signal;
Causing the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory to be executed by a reset release signal from the first device;
A program download method comprising: A camera system comprising a first device having a flash memory in which an operation program is stored and a second device using a predetermined program obtained by downloading a part or all of the operation program from the first device. And
The second device includes:
CPU,
Volatile internal memory,
A non-volatile external memory in which the CPU control program is stored;
A first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory according to a switching signal from the first device;
With
The first device includes:
A stop instruction unit for transmitting a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU;
A transfer storage unit for transmitting and storing the predetermined program to the volatile built-in memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped;
Upon completion of transmission of the program, a stop release unit that releases a stop of operation of the CPU by transmitting a stop release signal;
A switching instruction unit that transmits the switching signal that instructs the CPU to switch a memory that refers to an address when the reset is released from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory;
An execution instruction unit that transmits a reset release signal of the CPU to execute the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory;
A camera system comprising: A first device having at least a CPU, a flash memory storing an operation program of the CPU, and a serial I / F, and a part of the operation program from the first device via the serial I / F Or a camera system comprising a second device that uses a predetermined program that has downloaded everything,
The second device includes:
CPU,
Volatile internal memory,
A non-volatile external memory storing the operation program of the CPU;
A first switching unit that switches between the nonvolatile external memory and the volatile built-in memory according to a switching signal from the first device;
With
The first device includes:
A stop instruction unit for transmitting a stop signal to stop the operation of the CPU;
A transfer storage unit that transmits and stores a predetermined program to the volatile internal memory while the operation of the CPU is stopped;
Upon completion of transmission of the program, a stop release unit that releases a stop of operation of the CPU by transmitting a stop release signal;
A switching instruction unit that transmits the switching signal that instructs the CPU to switch a memory that references an address when the reset is released from the nonvolatile external memory to the volatile built-in memory;
An execution instructing unit that transmits a reset release signal of the CPU to execute the predetermined program stored in the volatile built-in memory;
A camera system comprising:

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