JP3932547B2 - Broadcast receiving apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a broadcast receiving apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a broadcast receiving apparatus and method that can easily add or change the function of each unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital broadcasting has been started in which audio signals and image signals are digitized and broadcast via a satellite (BS (Broadcasting Satellite)). In this digital broadcasting, not only image signals and audio signals but also various data can be transmitted by digitizing signals to be transmitted and multiplexing the signals.
[0003]
By the way, in this field, the search for what services can be provided continues, and it is highly likely that new forms of services will be started in the future. Therefore, when a new service is started and a new function for receiving the service is added, it is necessary to add or change the program of the broadcast receiving apparatus.
[0004]
Therefore, in order to perform such additions, various proposals have been made to download a new program and upgrade an existing program via a digital broadcast wave.
[0005]
When a program is upgraded via a digital broadcast wave, the broadcast receiving apparatus acquires a transport stream from the received digital broadcast wave, and identifies the version by identifying the packet ID of each packet constituting the transport stream. The program for uploading is extracted. Then, the extracted program is written in a storage unit of a predetermined microcomputer.
[0006]
Also, when upgrading with the extracted program, prepare multiple programs with similar functions in the storage unit, and even if writing fails for some reason, it does not write and operates normally Various recovery methods have been proposed so that normal processing can be executed using the program to be executed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, as described above, if the program of one microcomputer is upgraded, such as a microcomputer that controls a demultiplexer that extracts a predetermined packet, the process can be easily executed. However, when upgrading the programs of each of a plurality of microcomputers at the same time, there is a problem that the processing becomes very complicated.
[0008]
In addition, when one of the operations is performed by the user while rewriting the programs of a plurality of microcomputers and the rewriting is interrupted, the program of one microcomputer is upgraded, and the programs of other microcomputers are There is a risk that the old version will remain.
[0009]
If the microcomputer executes various processes independently based on its own program, there is no problem, but if multiple microcomputers execute the process in cooperation, the version of each program However, there is a problem that various troubles occur, such as being unable to display an image due to the difference.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and can easily change or add the functions of a plurality of microcomputers provided in a broadcast receiving apparatus.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores a plurality of versions of a first program used by a first microcomputer, and a plurality of versions of a second that are used by a second microcomputer. And a second storage means for storing the program, wherein the first microcomputer has a version specified by the flag among the plurality of versions of the first program stored by the first storage means. 1 program is started and a flag setting is notified to the second microcomputer, and the second microcomputer is configured to store the second storage means based on the flag setting notified from the first microcomputer. The second program of a predetermined version among the plurality of versions of the second program stored by The characterized in that it started.
[0012]
A version of the first program different from the first program stored in the first storage means and a version of the second program different from the second program stored in the second storage means, Acquisition means for acquiring via a broadcast wave can be further provided.
[0013]
The first microcomputer rewrites the oldest version of the first program stored in the first storage means using the first program acquired by the acquisition means, and the second microcomputer Using the second program acquired by the acquiring means, the oldest version of the second program stored in the second storage means can be rewritten.
[0014]
When the first microcomputer rewrites the oldest version of the first program and the second microcomputer rewrites the oldest version of the second program, the first microcomputer broadcasts next. When the receiving device is activated, the flag setting can be changed so that the latest version of the first program and the second program are activated.
[0015]
The broadcast receiving method of the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention includes a first storage step for storing a plurality of versions of the first program used by the first microcomputer, and a plurality of the plurality of versions used by the second microcomputer. A second storage step of storing a version of the second program, and by a flag of a plurality of versions of the first program stored by the first microcomputer by the processing of the first storage step The first version of the designated program is started, and the flag setting is notified to the second microcomputer. Based on the flag setting notified from the first microcomputer by the second microcomputer. A plurality of versions stored in the second storage step. Wherein the one of the programs, given version second program is started.
[0016]
In the broadcast receiving apparatus and the broadcast receiving method of the present invention, a plurality of versions of the first program used by the first microcomputer are stored, and a plurality of versions of the second program used by the second microcomputer are stored. The program is memorized. The first microcomputer starts the version of the first program specified by the flag among the plurality of versions of the first program, and notifies the second microcomputer of the setting of the flag. The Further, the second microcomputer activates a predetermined version of the second program among the plurality of versions of the second program based on the setting of the flag notified from the first microcomputer. .
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a television receiver to which the present invention is applied.
[0018]
A reception signal of a digital broadcast wave received by an antenna (not shown) is supplied to the digital tuner 1, and after a predetermined signal is selected, demodulation processing, error correction processing, and the like are performed, and a transport stream (TS ) To the demultiplexer 2.
[0019]
The demultiplexer 2 identifies the data stored in each packet based on the PID (packet ID) described in the header of the transport packet constituting the transport stream supplied from the digital tuner 1.
[0020]
The demultiplexer 2 outputs, for example, PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) or ES (Elementary Stream) video data to the video decoder 3 and audio data to the audio decoder 4 based on an instruction from the microcomputer 5. .
[0021]
Further, when the demultiplexer 2 obtains an upgrade program 71 that upgrades (expands the function of) a program of a microcomputer arranged in each part of the television receiver, the demultiplexer 2 supplies it to the microcomputer 5. .
[0022]
When the video data is supplied from the demultiplexer 2, the video decoder 3 decompresses the video data in the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 2 format, and converts the video signal obtained by performing digital-analog conversion or the like. It is displayed on a display unit such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). On the other hand, when audio data is supplied from the demultiplexer 2, the audio decoder 4 expands the data and causes the speaker to output the obtained audio signal.
[0023]
The microcomputer 5 is activated by a boot program stored in the flash memory 7 which is a nonvolatile memory. The microcomputer 5 reads the latest version of the program stored in the flash memory 7 and develops it in an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 6 to execute various processes.
[0024]
The flash memory 7 basically comprises four areas, a fixed program area 31, a variable program area A32, a variable program area B33, and a data area 34. In the fixed program area 31, the microcomputer 5 is provided. A boot program used when starting is stored.
[0025]
In addition, in the variable program area A32 and the variable program area B33, predetermined versions of programs that are used by the main microcomputer 5 and have basically the same functions are stored. Unlike the boot program stored in the fixed program area 31, the program stored in the variable program area A32 and the variable program area B33 is appropriately rewritten by the upgrade program transmitted by the digital broadcast wave. .
[0026]
In this way, by preparing a plurality of programs having the same function, even if writing by the upgrade program for some reason fails, using a program that does not write and operates normally, Normal processing can be performed.
[0027]
In the data area 34, for example, information on the channel that was selected when the power was turned off, and when the recording reservation is set, various types of user information such as the recording reservation information are stored. . In the data area 34, as will be described in detail later, the microcomputer 9 connected via the parallel bus 8 and the microcomputer 11 or the microcomputer 14 connected via the serial bus 13 are connected. On the other hand, an activation flag for designating a program to be activated is stored.
[0028]
The microcomputer 5 controls the overall operation of the television receiver, for example, packet extraction by the demultiplexer 2 based on the latest version of the program developed in the SDRAM 6 (hereinafter, the microcomputer 5 is appropriately changed). The microcomputer 9 will be described as the sub-microcomputer A9, the microcomputer 11 will be described as the sub-microcomputer B11, and the microcomputer 14 will be described as the sub-microcomputer C14. 11B and the sub-microcomputer 14C are collectively referred to as sub-microcomputers A to C as appropriate, when it is not necessary to distinguish each of 11B and the sub-microcomputer 14C).
[0029]
Similar to the main microcomputer 5 (microcomputer 5), the sub-microcomputer A9 (microcomputer 9) has a flash memory 10 composed of four areas, a fixed program area 41 to a data area 44, and a variable program area A42, And the program memorize | stored in the area | region instruct | indicated by the main microcomputer 5 among variable program area | region B43 is started, and various processes are performed.
[0030]
Similarly to the sub-microcomputer A9, the sub-microcomputer B11 and the sub-microcomputer C14 each have a flash memory 12 and a flash memory 15 each having four areas, and are stored in the area designated by the main microcomputer 5. The program is started and various processes are executed.
[0031]
The sub-microcomputers A to C are microcomputers that control processing units that handle digital data such as an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 interface (not shown) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
[0032]
The variable program area A42 and variable program area B43 of the flash memory 10, the variable program area A52 and variable program area B53 of the flash memory 12, and the variable program area of the flash memory 15 that are respectively managed by the sub-microcomputers A to C. The program stored in A62 and variable program area B63 is appropriately rewritten by the upgrade program 71 transmitted via the digital broadcast wave, similarly to the program stored in the flash memory 7.
[0033]
Therefore, when the upgrade program 71 is supplied from the demultiplexer 2, the main microcomputer 5 acquires the upgrade program for itself contained in the upgrade program 71, and acquires it as the variable program area A 32 and the variable program. The area B33 is stored in an area where an older version of the program is stored, and the corresponding upgrade program is transferred to and stored in the sub-microcomputers A to C.
[0034]
In the example of FIG. 1, the version upgrade program 71-1 rewrites the older version program stored in the variable program area B <b> 33 and upgrades the version. In addition, the program stored in the variable program area B43 of the flash memory 10, the program stored in the variable program area B53 of the flash memory 12, and the program stored in the variable program area B63 of the flash memory 14 are versioned. The programs are rewritten by the up programs 71-2 to 71-4, and the version is upgraded.
[0035]
That is, “M71-1” of the upgrade program 71 shown in FIG. 1 represents the upgrade program for the main microcomputer 5, and “A71-2” represents the upgrade program for the sub-microcomputer A9. . “B71-3” represents an upgrade program for the sub-microcomputer B11, and “C71-4” represents an upgrade program for the sub-microcomputer C14.
[0036]
In the television receiver shown in FIG. 1, the microcomputer 16 is provided in a small power block that consumes less power. The microcomputer 16 is basically a microcomputer that performs analog control such as deflection of a display unit or scanning by an electron gun (hereinafter, the microcomputer 16 is appropriately referred to as a TV microcomputer 16).
[0037]
Usually, the program upgrade as described above is executed in a standby (power off) state in which various operations are not performed by the user.
[0038]
The main microcomputer 5 confirms the time at which the upgrade program for its own set is transmitted by using an SDTT (Software Download Trigger Table) which is multiplexed with other data and transmitted. When the main microcomputer 5 determines that the predetermined time or more is available until the time when the download of the upgrade program is started, the main microcomputer 5 requests the TV microcomputer 16 to start itself when that time arrives. However, the power supply itself turns off. In this case, as with the main microcomputer 5, the sub-microcomputers A to C also turn off their own power.
[0039]
Generally, a microcomputer that handles digital data, such as the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputers A to C, consumes more power than a microcomputer that controls analog signals. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed by turning off the power of the microcomputers other than the TV microcomputer 16 until the download is started in this manner.
[0040]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the concept of version upgrade by the version upgrade program.
[0041]
Time t ₁ When the user operates the remote controller to instruct power-off (power-off), the next time power-on is instructed (time t ₂ Until the television receiver is in a standby state. As described above, the download of the upgrade program is performed in a standby state in which various operations are not performed by the user. _Three Only will be in an internally activated state.
[0042]
For example, period T ₁ When the main microcomputer 5 has a version 2 program (when the old program version is the version 2 among the programs stored in the variable program area A32 and the variable program area B33), the period T _Three As a result of the download executed in step 1, the program is rewritten to version 4, for example.
[0043]
And time t ₂ When the power-on is instructed by the user, the subsequent period T _Five In step 4, a version 4 program is started.
[0044]
Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the above-described SDTT is transmitted at a predetermined cycle such as an interval of 10 minutes. The main microcomputer 5 refers to the contents of the SDTT and confirms the transmission time of the upgrade program for its own set (the television receiver shown in FIG. 1).
[0045]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information described in the SDTT.
[0046]
For example, the SDTT includes the name of the television receiver to be downloaded (download target), the version of the target program (target version), the version of the program that can be acquired by downloading (new version), and 2 days The download start time of minutes is described.
[0047]
When the main microcomputer 5 refers to such SDTT, the download target is its own set, and the target version corresponds to the version of the older program among the programs stored in the flash memory 7, The program is downloaded based on the described start time.
[0048]
In the example of FIG. 3, the download target is “PONY HD700”, the target version is “prior to version 2”, and the new version is “version 4”. The “download time” is, for example, “10 minutes from 12:05 am on August 14, 2001”.
[0049]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the upgrade program. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the upgrade program is transmitted in a cycle of 2 hours.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of identical upgrade programs are acquired in one download, and the upgrade can be performed more reliably. In the example of FIG. 4, the upgrade programs 81 to 83 are acquired by one download.
[0051]
The upgrade programs 81 to 83 are composed of DII (Download Information Indication) and DDB (Download Date Block). This DDB is the upgrade program itself, and DII is information representing the size of the DDB, the number of modules, the time required for downloading, and the like.
[0052]
The main microcomputer 5 refers to DII and writes a program, transfers a program to each sub-microcomputer, and the like.
[0053]
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the main microcomputer program (M) and the sub-microcomputer programs (A to C) constituting the DDB may be composed of one module or a plurality of modules. The main microcomputer 5 can transfer the programs of the sub-microcomputers A to C in the state of the module when the DDB is composed of a plurality of modules. However, when the DDB is composed of one module, the entire DDB is transferred to the SDRAM 6 or the like. Must be expanded and divided into individual modules.
[0054]
In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, the DDB module configuration is described without distinction, and the number of upgrade programs acquired by one download is described as one.
[0055]
Next, the operation of the television receiver in FIG. 1 will be described.
[0056]
First, a startup process of the main microcomputer 5 that is executed in response to a power-on instruction from a user will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
[0057]
When activation (power-on) is instructed by the user, the main microcomputer 5 performs activation processing using a boot program stored in the fixed program area 31 of the flash memory 7 in step S1. Specifically, the main microcomputer 5 performs initialization of various parameters, initialization of peripheral hardware, and the like.
[0058]
After performing the initialization process, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S2 and refers to the startup flag to be managed, and the area where the latest version of the program is stored in the variable program area A32 and the variable program area B33. Is identified.
[0059]
In step S3, the main microcomputer 5 reads the latest version of the program from the area specified in step S2. When the main microcomputer 5 expands the read program in the SDRAM 6 in step S4 and expands all the data, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S5 and activates it.
[0060]
In step S6, the main microcomputer 5 notifies the sub microcomputers A to C of the setting of the activation flag. That is, not only the program activated by the main microcomputer 5 but also the programs activated by the sub-microcomputers A to C are designated by the activation flag. As will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the sub-microcomputers A to C start the program stored in the designated area in response to the notification from the main microcomputer 5.
[0061]
In step S7, the main microcomputer 5 initializes various parameters based on the program activated in the SDRAM 6, and when the initialization is completed, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S8 and performs normal processing, that is, the demultiplexer 2. Execute the process to control.
[0062]
Next, the startup process of the sub-microcomputer A9 that is executed corresponding to the process of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same processing is also executed in the sub-microcomputer B11 and the sub-microcomputer C14.
[0063]
In step S21, when the activation is instructed by the user, the sub-microcomputer A9 performs the activation process by the boot program stored in the fixed program area 41 of the flash memory 10, proceeds to step S22, and from the main microcomputer 5, It is determined whether the start flag setting has been notified.
[0064]
The sub-microcomputer A9 waits until it is determined in step S22 that the activation flag setting has been notified. If it is determined that the activation flag setting has been notified, the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S23 and stores the program stored in the area designated by the activation flag. Start up.
[0065]
The sub-microcomputer A9 initializes each parameter in step S24, and then proceeds to step S25 to perform normal processing, that is, control of an HDD (not shown).
[0066]
Normally, since the startup flag is set so that the latest version of the program is started in any microcomputer, the latest program for the main microcomputer 5 and the latest for each sub-microcomputer are obtained by the above processing. The program is started.
[0067]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the activation process described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0068]
In FIG. 7, the state of the television receiver, the operation of the main microcomputer 5, the operation of the sub microcomputer A9, the operation of the sub microcomputer B11, and the operation of the sub microcomputer C14 are shown from the top. The horizontal axis represents time.
[0069]
Time t ₁₁ When the power-on is instructed by the user, the television receiver that has been in a standby state (power-off) until then is in a power-on state, and various processes as described above are performed in each microcomputer.
[0070]
For example, period T ₁₁ In FIG. 5, the main microcomputer 5 performs start-up processing based on the boot program (step S1 in FIG. 5), and similarly, the period T _{twenty one} , Period T ₃₁ , Period T ₄₁ In FIG. 6, the sub-microcomputers A to C perform the start-up process based on the boot program (step S21 in FIG. 6).
[0071]
When the activation by the boot program is completed, the main microcomputer 5 reads the latest main microcomputer program from the flash memory 7 based on the setting of the activation flag (step S3 in FIG. 6), and the period T ₁₂ In FIG. 6, it is activated (processing in step S5 in FIG. 6).
[0072]
In the example of FIG. 7, “Area A” is designated by setting the activation flag. In addition, a version 3 program is stored in the area A (variable program area A32) of the flash memory 7, and a version 2 program is stored in the area B (variable program area B33).
[0073]
Therefore, the main microcomputer 5 determines the period T based on the setting of the activation flag. ₁₂ , The version 3 program stored in the area A (variable program area A32) is started.
[0074]
On the other hand, each of the sub-microcomputers A to C is activated by the boot program, and then the period T _{twenty two} , Period T ₃₂ , Period T ₄₂ Then, the process waits until the main microcomputer 5 requests activation.
[0075]
The sub-microcomputer A9 is notified of the setting of the activation flag (setting A) from the main microcomputer 5 and when the activation is requested, the period T _{twenty three} Then, the version 5 program stored in the area A (variable program area A42) of the flash memory 10 is started. In this example, the flash memory 10 stores the version 5 program in the area A (variable program area A42) and the version 4 program in the area B (variable program area B43).
[0076]
Similarly, when the sub microcomputer B11 is notified of the setting of the activation flag from the main microcomputer 5, the period T ₃₃ , The version 3 program stored in the area A (variable program area A52) of the flash memory 12 is started. In this example, the flash memory 12 stores the version 3 program in the area A (variable program area A52) and the version 2 program in the area B (variable program area B53).
[0077]
Similarly, when the sub-microcomputer C14 is notified of the setting of the activation flag from the main microcomputer 5, the period T ₄₃ Then, the version 7 program stored in the area A (variable program area A62) of the flash memory 15 is started. In this example, the flash memory 15 stores a version 7 program in the area A (variable program area A62) and a version 6 program in the area B (variable program area B63).
[0078]
Through the above processing, the main microcomputer 5 thereafter executes various processes according to the version 3 main microcomputer program, and the sub microcomputer A9 executes various processes according to the version 5 sub microcomputer A9 program. To do. The sub-microcomputer B11 executes various processes according to the program for the version 3 sub-microcomputer B11, and the sub-microcomputer C14 executes various processes according to the program for the version 7 sub-microcomputer C14.
[0079]
That is, each microcomputer executes various processes according to the latest version of the program that each microcomputer has.
[0080]
Next, processing of the television receiver that downloads the upgrade program will be described.
[0081]
First, the processing of the main microcomputer 5 that sets a timer based on SDTT will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0082]
In step S41, the main microcomputer 5 acquires the SDTT supplied from the demultiplexer 2.
[0083]
In step S42, the main microcomputer 5 refers to the information described in the SDTT, the download target is its own set, and the version of the program to be downloaded is stored in the flash memory 7, for example. When it is determined that it corresponds to the version of the main microcomputer program, the TV microcomputer 16 is notified of the download start time, and is requested to start when the time comes.
[0084]
When no operation is performed by the user (when power-off is instructed by the user), the main microcomputer 5 enters a standby state (power-off) in step S43. As described above, the power consumption can be suppressed by putting the main microcomputer 5 in the standby state until the download of the upgrade program is started.
[0085]
Next, the processing of the TV microcomputer 16 for starting the main microcomputer 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0086]
In step S51, the TV microcomputer 16 sets a timer based on an instruction from the main microcomputer 5.
[0087]
In step S52, the TV microcomputer 16 determines whether or not it is time to start downloading the upgrade program (whether or not it is time set by the main microcomputer 5). Wait until it is judged.
[0088]
If the TV microcomputer 16 determines in step S52 that it is time to start downloading the upgrade program, the TV microcomputer 16 proceeds to step S53 and requests the main microcomputer 5 to start. Thereafter, the main microcomputer 5 downloads the upgrade program.
[0089]
Next, processing of the main microcomputer 5 that rewrites a program that has already been stored by the downloaded upgrade program will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11. This process is executed, for example, at a timing when activation is requested from the TV microcomputer 16.
[0090]
The processing from step S61 to step S65 is the same as the processing from step S1 to step S5 described with reference to FIG. That is, after the main microcomputer 5 is activated by the boot program in step S61, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S62 and specifies the memory area in which the latest program is stored based on the setting of the activation flag. Then, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S63, and reads the latest version of the program from the area.
[0091]
In step S64, the main microcomputer 5 expands the read program in the SDRAM 6, and when the expansion is completed, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S65 and activates it.
[0092]
In step S66, the main microcomputer 5 inquires of the TV microcomputer 16 about the cause of activation, and proceeds to step S67, where the cause is the time when the download of the upgrade program is started. Determine whether.
[0093]
For example, when the user is instructed to record a predetermined program and the activation is requested because the start time of the program is reached, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S68 and performs normal processing, that is, Then, the process of recording the set program is executed, and the process is terminated.
[0094]
On the other hand, if the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S67 that the activation request from the TV microcomputer 16 is due to the start of downloading the upgrade program, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S69 and acquires the upgrade program. Prepare to download. For example, the main microcomputer 5 controls the demultiplexer 2 to tune to the channel through which the upgrade program is transmitted.
[0095]
In step S70, the main microcomputer 5 determines whether or not the upgrade program has been supplied from the demultiplexer 2, and waits until it is determined that the upgrade program has been supplied.
[0096]
If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S70 that the upgrade program has been supplied from the demultiplexer 2, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S71 and checks the data for errors.
[0097]
For example, the main microcomputer 5 checks whether or not a plurality of programs targeting the same microcomputer are included, checks using a checksum or CRC, and whether or not an error is detected in step S72. Determine whether. In step S72, when the main microcomputer 5 determines that an error in the upgrade program has been detected, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S73, performs a predetermined error process, and ends the process.
[0098]
On the other hand, if the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S72 that no error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S74, and the program (module shown in FIG. 4) transmitted from the demultiplexer 2 is stored in the main microcomputer 5. It is determined whether or not the program is a program for upgrading the program, that is, whether or not the program has been transmitted to itself. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when all the microcomputer upgrade programs are composed of one module, the main microcomputer 5 divides it into individual modules, and the divided modules are for itself. It is determined whether or not.
[0099]
When the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S74 that the upgrade program for itself has been transmitted, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S75 and determines whether the currently activated program is a program read from the variable program area A32. Determine.
[0100]
When the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S75 that the program currently expanded in the SDRAM 6 is not a program read from the variable program area A32 (a program read from the variable program area B33), the variable program area B33. Since the program stored in the variable program area A32 is an older version than the program stored in step S76, the process proceeds to step S76, and the acquired upgrade program is written in the variable program area A32.
[0101]
On the other hand, if the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S75 that the program currently expanded in the SDRAM 6 is a program read from the variable program area A32, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S77, and the acquired upgrade program is changed to the variable program. Write to area B33.
[0102]
In step S78, the main microcomputer 5 determines whether or not the writing of the upgrade program has ended normally. If the main microcomputer 5 determines that the writing of the upgrade program has not ended normally, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S73 and performs error processing. End. If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S78 that the writing of the upgrade program has been completed normally, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S79 and updates the version information of the program.
[0103]
If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S80 whether or not the last data constituting the upgrade program has been transmitted from the demultiplexer 2, and determines that the last data has not yet been transmitted, the main microcomputer 5 performs step S70. Return to, and repeat the subsequent processing. If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S80 that the last data has been transmitted, the main microcomputer 5 ends the process.
[0104]
On the other hand, when the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S74 that the transmitted upgrade program is not a program for itself, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S81 and transfers the program to the target sub-microcomputer. For example, when the upgrade program 71-2 shown in FIG. 1 is supplied, the main microcomputer 5 transfers it to the sub-microcomputer A9 in step S81.
[0105]
In step S80, the main microcomputer 5 determines whether or not the last data has been transmitted. If it is determined that the last data has been transmitted, the main microcomputer 5 ends the process.
[0106]
Next, processing of the main microcomputer 5 for setting the activation flag will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is executed after the rewriting process as described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 is performed, for example.
[0107]
In step S91, the main microcomputer 5 determines whether or not it has been notified from all the sub-microcomputers that the program rewriting has been completed. That is, as will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13, after the program is rewritten (upgraded) using the upgrade program transferred from the main microcomputer 5, each sub-microcomputer has finished rewriting. This is notified to the main microcomputer 5.
[0108]
If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S91 that the rewriting has not been completed from all the sub-microcomputers, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S92 and determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S92 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the main microcomputer 5 returns to step S91, repeats the subsequent processing, and ends the process if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. Let That is, the processing is terminated without changing the setting of the activation flag.
[0109]
On the other hand, when the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S91 that all the sub-microcomputers have notified that the rewriting has been completed, the process proceeds to step S93. Next, all the sub-microcomputers perform rewriting (version upgrade). It is determined whether or not the process is normally completed. For example, when rewriting is interrupted by the user and one of the sub microcomputers notifies that the rewriting has not been performed normally, the main microcomputer 5 determines that all the sub microcomputers are normal in step S93. It is determined that the rewriting could not be completed, and the process is terminated without changing the flag setting.
[0110]
Accordingly, even if one of the sub-microcomputers A to C cannot be rewritten normally, the activation flag is not rewritten. The program to be activated is specified based on the setting of the activation flag similar to that at the time of activation.
[0111]
If the main microcomputer 9 determines in step S93 that all the sub-microcomputers have been notified that rewriting has been completed normally, the main microcomputer 9 proceeds to step S94 and rewrites the setting of the activation flag. Thus, the next time activation is instructed, the program is activated based on the rewritten activation flag setting.
[0112]
Next, processing of the sub-microcomputer A9 that rewrites its own program based on the upgrade program transferred from the main microcomputer 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same processing is also executed in the sub-microcomputer B11 and the sub-microcomputer C14.
[0113]
The processes in steps S101 to S103 are the same as the processes in steps S21 to S23 described with reference to FIG. That is, the sub-microcomputer A9 is activated by the boot program stored in the fixed program area 41 of the flash memory 10 in step S101, proceeds to step S102, and determines whether the activation flag has been notified.
[0114]
The sub-microcomputer A9 waits until it is determined in step S102 that the setting of the activation flag has been notified. If it is determined that notification has been received, the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S103 and stores the program stored in the area specified by the activation flag. It starts by.
[0115]
In step S104, the sub-microcomputer A9 determines whether or not the upgrade program has been transferred from the main microcomputer 5, and waits until it is determined that it has been transferred.
[0116]
If the sub-microcomputer A9 determines in step S104 that the upgrade program has been transferred, the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S105 and performs an error check on the upgrade program. Specifically, the sub-microcomputer A9 performs an error check of the upgrade program using a checksum or CRC, and determines whether or not an error has been detected in step S106.
[0117]
If the sub-microcomputer A9 determines in step S106 that an error in the transferred upgrade program has been detected, the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S107 and notifies the main microcomputer 5 that rewriting has not been performed normally. For example, the sub-microcomputer A9 transfers a flag that sets that the rewriting could not be performed normally to the main microcomputer 5. Thereafter, the process is terminated.
[0118]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the sub-microcomputer A9 has not detected an error in the transferred upgrade program, the process proceeds to step S108, and the currently activated program is the variable program area A42. It is determined whether the program is read from the program.
[0119]
If the sub-microcomputer A9 determines in step S108 that the currently activated program is not a program read from the variable program area A42 (a program read from the variable program area B43), the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S109 and acquires it. The upgrade program is written in the variable program area A42. Thereby, the program stored in the variable program area A42 is upgraded.
[0120]
On the other hand, if the sub-microcomputer A9 determines in step S108 that the currently activated program is a program read from the variable program area A42, the process proceeds to step S110, and the acquired upgrade program is stored in the variable program area B43. Write.
[0121]
In step S111, the sub-microcomputer A9 determines whether or not the writing of the upgrade program has ended normally. If the sub-microcomputer A9 determines that the writing has not ended normally, the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S107 and can perform writing normally. The main microcomputer 5 is notified of the absence, and the process is terminated.
[0122]
If the sub-microcomputer A9 determines in step S111 that the writing of the upgrade program has been completed normally, the sub-microcomputer A9 proceeds to step S112 and notifies the main microcomputer 5 that the writing has been completed normally. That is, the sub-microcomputer A9 transmits to the main microcomputer 5 a flag that sets that the writing has been normally completed.
[0123]
Through the above processing, an older version of the programs stored in the variable program area A42 and the variable program area B43 is upgraded by the upgrade program transmitted via the digital broadcast wave.
[0124]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the rewriting process described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.
[0125]
In the example of FIG. 14, from the top, the state of the television receiver, the operation of the main microcomputer 5, the operation of the sub-microcomputer A9, the operation of the sub-microcomputer B11, and the operation of the sub-microcomputer C14 are represented. The horizontal axis represents time.
[0126]
For example, time t _{twenty one} , When the activation is requested by the TV microcomputer 16, the period up to that time (period T ₅₁ ), The television receiver in the standby state is in a state of executing download internally, and various processes are performed in each microcomputer.
[0127]
First, period T ₆₁ In FIG. 7, the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputers A to C perform start-up processing similar to that described with reference to FIG.
[0128]
For example, the main microcomputer 5 has a period T ₇₁ , After starting with the boot program, the version 3 program stored in the variable program area A32 is read based on the setting of the start flag (setting A), ₇₂ (Step S65 in FIG. 10). In the example of FIG. 14, the version 3 program is stored in the area A (variable program area A32) of the flash memory 7, and the version 2 program is stored in the area B (variable program area B33). ing.
[0129]
The main microcomputer 5 has a period T ₇₃ Then, the setting of the activation flag is notified to each sub-microcomputer, and the activation of the program is requested.
[0130]
On the other hand, the sub-microcomputer A9 has a period T ₉₁ In the period T ₉₂ Then, the process waits until the start flag setting is notified. In this example, since the activation flag instructs to activate the program stored in the area A (variable program area 42A), the sub-microcomputer A9 is in the period T ₉₃ Then, the version 5 program stored in the variable program area 42A of the flash memory 10 is started.
[0131]
Similarly, the sub-microcomputer B11 has a period T. ₁₀₁ In response to the start of the program stored in the area A (variable program area 52A) by the start flag, the period T ₁₀₃ Then, the version 3 program stored in the variable program area 52A of the flash memory 12 is started.
[0132]
Further, the sub-microcomputer C14 is similarly set to the period T. ₁₂₁ In response to an instruction to start the program stored in the area A (variable program area 62A) by the start flag after that, the period T _{one two Three} Then, the version 7 program stored in the variable program area 62A of the flash memory 15 is started.
[0133]
When the main microcomputer 5 receives the upgrade program 71 from the demultiplexer 2, the main microcomputer 5 receives the period T ₇₄ In FIG. 11, the upgrade program 71-1 is written in an area opposite to the area where the currently activated program is stored (an area where an older version of the program is stored). Step S76 or step S77). In this example, the version 2 program stored in the variable program area B33 is rewritten to the version 4 program.
[0134]
In the example of FIG. 14, the main microcomputer 5 has a period T ₇₅ , The upgrade program 71-2 for the sub-microcomputer A9 included in the upgrade program 71 and the upgrade program 71-4 for the sub-microcomputer C14 are checked and transmitted to each microcomputer (step of FIG. 11). Processing in S81).
[0135]
When the upgrade program 71-2 is transmitted from the main microcomputer 5, the sub-microcomputer A9 receives the period T ₉₄ In, it is written in the variable program area B43 in which the older version of the program is stored. In this example, the version 4 program is upgraded to the version 6 program by the version upgrade program 71-2.
[0136]
The sub-microcomputer A9, when the version upgrade by the version upgrade program 71-2 is completed normally, ₉₅ Then, this is notified to the main microcomputer 5.
[0137]
Similarly, when the sub-microcomputer C14 receives the upgrade program 71-4 from the main microcomputer 5, the period T ₁₂₄ In, it is written in the variable program area B63 in which the older version of the program is stored. In this example, the version 6 program is upgraded to the version 8 program by the version upgrade program 71-4, and then the period T ₁₂₅ The main microcomputer 5 is notified that the version upgrade has been completed normally.
[0138]
In the example of FIG. 14, it is assumed that the program of the sub-microcomputer B11 could not be upgraded by the upgrade program 71 due to a communication error or the like. The up program 72 is used. As described above, a plurality of identical upgrade programs are transmitted so that the upgrade can be performed more reliably.
[0139]
That is, when the main microcomputer 5 acquires the upgrade program 72, the main microcomputer 5 ₇₆ Then, the check is performed and the upgrade program 72-3 is transmitted to the sub-microcomputer B11.
[0140]
The sub-microcomputer B11, when the upgrade program 72-3 is transmitted from the main microcomputer 5, transmits the period T ₁₀₄ In, it is written in the variable program area B53 in which the older version of the program is stored. In this example, the version 2 program is upgraded to the version 4 program by the version upgrade program 72-3. Sub-microcomputer B11 then has a period T ₁₀₅ , The main microcomputer 5 is notified that the version upgrade has been completed normally.
[0141]
When the main microcomputer 5 receives a notification from all the sub-microcomputers that the program upgrade has been successfully completed, ₇₇ Then, the setting of the start flag is changed. In the example of FIG. 14, in all flash memories, the program stored in the area B (variable program area B33, variable program area B43, variable program area B53, variable program area B63) is the area A (variable). Since the program is rewritten to a newer one than the program stored in the program area A32, the variable program area A42, the variable program area A52, and the variable program area A62), the main microcomputer 5 sets the start flag to “setting B”. Rewrite to
[0142]
As a result, when activation is instructed next, the programs stored in the area B (variable program area B33, variable program area B43, variable program area B53, variable program area B63) are respectively activated. If the activated program can execute various processes in conjunction with each other, the area specified by the activation flag may be different for each microcomputer. For example, it is assumed that the start flag is set to specify the area A (variable program area A32) for the main microcomputer 5 and the area B (variable program area B43) to the sub microcomputer A9. You can also.
[0143]
When the main microcomputer 5 changes the setting of the activation flag, the period T ₇₈ , The power supply control circuit (not shown) is notified that the writing has been completed, and the supply of power is stopped.
[0144]
Thereby, the period T ₅₃ In this case, the television receiver is in a standby state in which no operation is performed.
[0145]
And time t _{twenty two} When the power-on is instructed by the user, the television receiver that has been in the standby state until that time is in the power-on state, and each microcomputer starts the same processing as described with reference to FIG. Is done.
[0146]
That is, the period T ₇₉ , The main microcomputer 5 performs a startup process based on the boot program, and similarly, the period T ₉₆ , Period T ₁₀₆ , And period T ₁₂₆ In FIG. 4, the sub-microcomputers A to C each perform start-up processing based on the boot program.
[0147]
In the main microcomputer 5, when startup by the boot program is completed, the latest version of the program, that is, the version 4 program written in the variable program area B33 is read from the flash memory 7, and the period T ₈₀ It is started with.
[0148]
Then, the main microcomputer 5 notifies the setting of the activation flag to each sub-microcomputer, and thereafter executes various processes based on the version 4 program read from the variable program area B33.
[0149]
When the sub-microcomputers A to C are notified of the setting of the activation flag from the main microcomputer 5, the period T ₉₈ , Period T ₁₀₈ , And period T ₁₂₈ Then, the latest version of the program rewritten by the version upgrade program is started. In the example of FIG. 14, the version 6 program is activated by the sub-microcomputer A9, the version 4 program is activated by the sub-microcomputer B11, and the version 8 program is activated by the sub-microcomputer C14. Thereafter, various processes are performed by each microcomputer.
[0150]
As a result of the above processing, the downloaded version-up program is stored in the area where the old version of the program is stored out of the two variable program areas, so even if the writing fails The program in the area in which the new version of the program that is not executed is stored can still be used as an effective program.
[0151]
In addition, since the setting of the start flag is changed when the program upgrade of all the sub-microcomputers is completed, each microcomputer performs processing in cooperation with the rewritten program version mismatch. It is possible to suppress the situation where it becomes impossible. For example, when the setting of the activation flag is changed even though the program of one of the microcomputers has not been upgraded, the activated program is activated by starting the program based on the setting of the activation flag. , It may be a version that cannot perform various processes in cooperation.
[0152]
In the above, processing such as downloading the upgrade program and rewriting the program is executed in the standby state. However, while the power is on, the processing is performed while controlling the output of video and audio. May be executed. In this case, since each microcomputer is in the activated state, the timer setting process (for example, the process described with reference to FIG. 8) performed based on the SDTT is omitted.
[0153]
Furthermore, although the flash memory 7 is provided with the variable program area A32 and the variable program area B33, a larger number of areas may be provided. In this case, each area may be distinguished by designating by an address, or each program may be managed by a file. The program may be managed by a directory structure. The same applies to the other flash memories (flash memories 10, 12, and 15).
[0154]
In the above description, the microcomputer 5 that controls the demultiplexer 2 manages the programs of other microcomputers. However, the processing of the microcomputer 5 as described above is executed by the other microcomputers. Also good. For example, the processing of the microcomputer 5 as described above may be executed by the microcomputer 9 or the microcomputer 16.
[0155]
Although the case where the present invention is applied to a television receiver has been described, the above processing can also be applied to the case of upgrading the program of an STB (Set Top Box) microcomputer. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to devices that handle BS (Broadcasting Satellite) digital broadcasting, but also to devices that handle CS (Communications Satellite) digital broadcasting and terrestrial digital broadcasting.
[0156]
【The invention's effect】
According to the broadcast receiving apparatus and the broadcast receiving method of the present invention, a plurality of versions of the first program used by the first microcomputer are stored, and a plurality of versions of the second programs used by the second microcomputer are stored. Memorize the program. The first microcomputer activates the version of the first program specified by the flag among the plurality of versions of the first program and notifies the second microcomputer of the setting of the flag. Furthermore, the second microcomputer starts a predetermined version of the second program among the plurality of versions of the second program based on the setting of the flag notified from the first microcomputer. Therefore, the functions of the plurality of microcomputers provided in the broadcast receiving apparatus can be easily changed or added, and normal operations can be executed according to the started program.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a television receiver to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a concept of downloading a version upgrade program
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the SDTT in FIG. 2;
4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the upgrade program in FIG. 2; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of a sub-microcomputer A in FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of activation processing.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining another process of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the TV microcomputer of FIG. 1;
10 is a flowchart illustrating still another process of the main microcomputer of FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart following FIG. 10 for explaining still another process of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1;
12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1; FIG.
13 is a flowchart illustrating another process of sub-microcomputer A in FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of download processing;
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Demultiplexer, 5 Microcomputer, 6 SDRAM, 7 Flash memory, 9 Microcomputer, 10 Flash memory, 11 Microcomputer, 12 Flash memory, 14 Microcomputer, 15 Flash memory

Claims (5)

In a broadcast receiving apparatus having at least a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer,
First storage means for storing a plurality of versions of the first program used by the first microcomputer;
Second storage means for storing a plurality of versions of the second program used by the second microcomputer;
The first microcomputer starts the version of the first program specified by a flag among the plurality of versions of the first program stored in the first storage unit, and the flag Is notified to the second microcomputer,
The second microcomputer has a plurality of versions of the second program stored in the second storage unit based on the setting of the flag notified from the first microcomputer. A broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein a second version of the second program is activated. The first program with a version different from the first program stored in the first storage means and the version with a version different from the second program stored in the second storage means The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising acquisition means for acquiring the second program via a broadcast wave. The first microcomputer rewrites the oldest version of the first program stored in the first storage unit using the first program acquired by the acquisition unit,
The second storage means rewrites the oldest version of the second program stored in the second storage means by using the second program acquired by the acquisition means. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 2. The first microcomputer rewrites the oldest version of the first program,
When the second version of the second program is rewritten by the second microcomputer,
The first microcomputer changes the setting of the flag so that the latest version of the first program and the second program are activated when the broadcast receiving apparatus is activated next time. The broadcast receiving apparatus according to claim 3. In a broadcast receiving method of a broadcast receiving apparatus having at least a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer,
A first storage step of storing a plurality of versions of the first program used by the first microcomputer;
A second storage step of storing a plurality of versions of the second program used by the second microcomputer;
The first microcomputer activates the version of the first program specified by the flag among the plurality of versions of the first program stored by the processing of the first storage step. , The setting of the flag is notified to the second microcomputer,
Of the plurality of versions of the second program stored by the processing of the second storage step based on the setting of the flag notified from the first microcomputer by the second microcomputer A broadcast receiving method, wherein a predetermined version of the second program is activated.

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