JP4062720B2 - 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 stores a first program used by a first microcomputer and a second program used by a second microcomputer in a plurality of areas, respectively. A first storage means managed by a computer; a second storage means managed by a second microcomputer and storing a second program;With reference to information transmitted at a predetermined cycle including the download start time and the version number of the program to be downloaded, the version number of the program to be downloaded is stored in the first storage means. Each corresponding to a version number of the first program, which is a version number of the program.First program and second programIncluding the functions of the first microcomputer and the second microcomputerUpgrade programBy downloading via digital broadcast wavesThe first microcomputer has a version of the second program stored in the first storage means that is greater than the version of the second program stored in the second storage means. When new, the second program stored in the first storage means is transferred to the second microcomputer, and the second microcomputer transfers the second program transferred from the first microcomputer to the second microcomputer. 2 is stored in the storage means,The stored second program is a program to be used after being activated by the boot program,The first microcomputer further includes:At the timing when the upgrade program is acquired by the acquisition means, a program stored in the area in which the first program of the oldest version among the plurality of areas of the first storage means is stored is acquired by the acquisition means. The first program and the second program included in the acquired upgrade program are rewritten by simultaneously overwriting and stored, and the rewritten first program is used as a program to be used after being started by the boot programIt is characterized by that.
[0014]
  The broadcast receiving method of the broadcast receiving apparatus of the present invention has at least a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer, and is used by a first program used by the first microcomputer and a second microcomputer. The first storage means managed by the first microcomputer for storing the second program to be stored in a plurality of areas respectively, and the second storage managed by the second microcomputer for storing the second program Storage means,With reference to information transmitted at a predetermined cycle including the download start time and the version number of the program to be downloaded, the version number of the program to be downloaded is stored in the first storage means. Each corresponding to a version number of the first program, which is a version number of the program.First program and second programIncluding the functions of the first microcomputer and the second microcomputerUpgrade programBy downloading via digital broadcast wavesA broadcast receiving method of a broadcast receiving apparatus comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring a second program in which a version of a second program stored in the first storage means is stored in the second storage means When the version is newer than the first version, the first microcomputer causes the second program stored in the first storage means to be transferred to the second microcomputer, and the second program transferred from the first microcomputer is used. Storing the program in the second storage means by the second microcomputer;The stored second program is a program to be used after being activated by the boot program,further,At the timing when the upgrade program is acquired by the acquisition means, a program stored in the area in which the first program of the oldest version among the plurality of areas of the first storage means is stored is acquired by the acquisition means. The first program and the second program included in the acquired upgrade program are rewritten by simultaneously overwriting and stored, and the rewritten first program is used as a program to be used after being started by the boot programIt is characterized by that.
[0015]
  In the broadcast receiving apparatus and method of the present invention, when the version of the second program stored in the first storage means is newer than the version of the second program stored in the second storage means, The second program stored in the first storage means is transferred to the second microcomputer by the first microcomputer, and the second program transferred from the first microcomputer by the second microcomputer. Is stored in the second storage means,The stored second program is a program to be used after being activated by the boot program.further,The program stored in the area where the oldest version of the first program among the plurality of areas of the first storage means is stored at the timing when the upgrade program is acquired is included in the upgrade program. The first program and the second program are overwritten and stored at the same time to be rewritten, and the rewritten first program is a program to be used after being activated by the boot program.
[0016]
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.
[0017]
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.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
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. .
[0020]
Further, when the demultiplexer 2 obtains an upgrade program 41 that upgrades (expands the function of) the programs of the microcomputer 5 and the microcomputer 8, the demultiplexer 2 supplies them to the microcomputer 5.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
The microcomputer 5 is activated by a boot program stored in the fixed program area 21 of the flash memory 7 which is a nonvolatile memory. Then, the microcomputer 5 reads a newer version of the programs stored in the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23 of the flash memory 7, and stores it in the SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 6. Expand and execute various processes.
[0023]
The microcomputer 5 performs overall operations of the television receiver such as packet extraction by the demultiplexer 2 or transfer of the program to the microcomputer 8 based on the program for the microcomputer 5 developed in the SDRAM 6. (Hereinafter, the microcomputer 5 will be described as the main microcomputer 5 and the microcomputer 8 will be described as the sub microcomputer 8 as appropriate).
[0024]
As will be described in detail later, a program used by the sub-microcomputer 8 is also stored in each of the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23, and the main microcomputer 5 (microcomputer 5) is activated. At this time, the sub-microcomputer 8 is inquired (confirmed) about the version of the program used by the sub-microcomputer 8.
[0025]
Based on the response from the sub-microcomputer 8, the main microcomputer 5 determines that the variable program area 22 or the variable program area 23 has a newer version of the program than the program currently used by the sub-microcomputer 8. When this happens, the latest version of the program for the sub-microcomputer 8 is transferred to the sub-microcomputer 8, and it is instructed to write it to the flash memory 10 and the latest program is requested to be activated.
[0026]
On the other hand, when the main microcomputer 5 determines that the sub-microcomputer 8 is using the latest program based on the response from the sub-microcomputer 8, the main microcomputer 5 requests activation by the program.
[0027]
Further, when the upgrade program 41 is supplied from the demultiplexer 2, the main microcomputer 5 stores the upgrade program 41 as an older version of the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23. Write to the area. In FIG. 1, “PM41A” represents a version upgrade program for upgrading the main microcomputer program, and “PS41B” represents a version upgrade program for upgrading the sub microcomputer program.
[0028]
In the example of FIG. 1, the program stored in the variable program area 22 is a newer version of the program than the program stored in the variable program area 23. In addition, the program stored in the variable program area 22 of the flash memory 7 is newer than the program stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10.
[0029]
Accordingly, when the main microcomputer 5 is activated by the boot program, the main microcomputer program 22A (PM22A) used by itself among the programs read from the variable program area 22 is expanded and activated in the SDRAM 6, and the sub-microcomputer is activated. 8 is inquired of the program version, the sub-microcomputer program 22B (PS22B) is transferred to the sub-microcomputer 8.
[0030]
Further, in the example of FIG. 1, when the upgrade program 41 is supplied, the main microcomputer 5 stores the upgrade program 41 in the variable program area 23 in which an older version of the program is stored. .
[0031]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the flash memory 7 managed by the main microcomputer 5.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 2, the flash memory 7 basically includes a fixed program area 21, a variable program area 22, a variable program area 23, and a data area 24.
[0033]
The fixed program area 21 stores a boot program 21A used when the main microcomputer 5 is activated. This boot program 21A is usually a program that cannot be rewritten by a version upgrade program transmitted by digital broadcast waves.
[0034]
In the variable program area 22, a main microcomputer program 22A used by the main microcomputer 5 and a sub microcomputer program 22B used by the sub microcomputer 8 are stored.
[0035]
Similar to the variable program area 22, the variable program area 23 stores a main microcomputer program 23A and a sub microcomputer program 23B used by the main microcomputer 5 and the sub microcomputer 8, respectively.
[0036]
Unlike the boot program 21A, the program stored in the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23 is a program that can be rewritten by a version upgrade program transmitted by a digital broadcast wave.
[0037]
In the data area 24, for example, information on the channel that was selected when the power was turned off, and when the recording reservation is set, various user information such as the recording reservation information is stored. .
[0038]
Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the sub-microcomputer 8 is activated by the boot program stored in the fixed program area 31 of the flash memory 10 when the activation is instructed. When the sub-microcomputer 8 inquires about the version of the program currently used by the sub-microcomputer 8 from the main microcomputer 5, the sub-microcomputer 8 checks the version of the program stored in the variable program area 32 and sends it to the main microcomputer 5 Notify
[0039]
When the latest version of the program (a program newer than the program stored in the variable program area 32) is transferred from the main microcomputer 5, the sub microcomputer 8 overwrites and stores the program in the variable program area 32. At the same time, the latest program that has been stored is expanded in the SDRAM 9 and various processes are executed.
[0040]
In the example of FIG. 1, the program stored in the variable program area 22 of the flash memory 7 is of a newer version than the program stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10. The sub-microcomputer program 22B read from the variable program area 22 of the flash memory 7 is transferred to the sub-microcomputer 8 and stored in the variable program area 32, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line.
[0041]
On the other hand, when the main microcomputer 5 requests activation by the program currently stored in the variable program area 32, the sub-microcomputer 8 develops it in the SDRAM 9 and executes various processes. The sub-microcomputer 8 is a microcomputer that controls a processing unit that handles digital data such as an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 interface (not shown) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
[0042]
As described above, since the programs of the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8 are stored in the same place (flash memory 7), it is possible to easily and safely use the downloaded version upgrade program. It can be upgraded.
[0043]
That is, when the programs of the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8 are stored in different locations and the rewriting is interrupted while the programs are being rewritten using the upgrade program, Although the program of the microcomputer 5 has been upgraded, the program of the sub-microcomputer 8 may remain in an old version, and the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8 cooperate to perform various processes. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience of being unable to execute.
[0044]
In the television receiver shown in FIG. 1, the microcomputer 11 is provided in a small power block with low power consumption. The microcomputer 11 is basically a microcomputer that performs analog control such as deflection of a display unit or scanning by an electron gun (hereinafter, the microcomputer 11 is appropriately referred to as a TV microcomputer 11).
[0045]
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.
[0046]
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. Then, 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 11 to start itself when that time comes. However, the power supply itself turns off. In this case, as with the main microcomputer 5, the sub-microcomputer 8 also turns off its power supply.
[0047]
In general, a microcomputer that handles digital data, such as the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8, consumes more power than a microcomputer that controls analog signals. Accordingly, power consumption can be suppressed by turning off the power of the microcomputers other than the TV microcomputer 11 until the download is started in this manner.
[0048]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the concept of version upgrade by the version upgrade program.
[0049]
Time t₁When the user operates the remote controller to instruct power-off (power-off), the next time power-on is instructed (time t₂Until 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, and therefore the download period T_ThreeOnly will be in an internally activated state.
[0050]
For example, period T₁When the main microcomputer 5 has a version 2 program (when the version of the old program among the programs stored in the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23 is version 2), the period T_ThreeAs a result of the download executed in step 1, the program is rewritten to version 4, for example.
[0051]
And time t₂When the power-on is instructed by the user, the subsequent period T_FiveIn step 4, a version 4 program is started.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 3, 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).
[0053]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information described in the SDTT.
[0054]
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.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
In the example of FIG. 4, 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”.
[0057]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the version upgrade program. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the upgrade program is transmitted in a two-hour cycle.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of identical upgrade programs are acquired in one download, and the upgrade can be performed more reliably. In the example of FIG. 5, the upgrade programs 51 to 53 are acquired by one download.
[0059]
The version upgrade programs 51 to 53 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.
[0060]
The main microcomputer 5 refers to DII and writes a program, transfers the program to the sub-microcomputer 8, and the like.
[0061]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the main microcomputer program (PM) and sub-microcomputer program (PS) constituting the DDB may consist of one module or a plurality of modules. The main microcomputer 5 can transfer the program of the sub-microcomputer 8 in the state of the module when the DDB is composed of a plurality of modules, but if the DDB is composed of one module, the entire DDB is expanded on the SDRAM 6 or the like. Need to be divided into individual modules.
[0062]
In FIG. 1, for convenience of description, the DDB module configuration is described without distinction, and the number of upgrade programs acquired by one download is described as one.
[0063]
Next, the operation of the television receiver in FIG. 1 will be described.
[0064]
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.
[0065]
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 21 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.
[0066]
The main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S2, refers to the internal flag to be managed, and identifies the area in which the latest version of the program is stored, among the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23. This internal flag describes the version of each program stored in the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23, the date and time when the program was stored, and the like.
[0067]
In step S3, the main microcomputer 5 reads the latest main microcomputer 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.
[0068]
In step S 6, the main microcomputer 5 inquires of the sub microcomputer 8 about the version of the program stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10. As will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the sub-microcomputer 8 confirms the version of the program stored in the flash memory 10 in response to an inquiry from the main microcomputer 5 and notifies the main microcomputer 5 of it. To do.
[0069]
In step S7, the main microcomputer 5 determines whether or not the version of the program has been notified from the sub-microcomputer 8, and waits until it is determined that it has been notified. If the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S7 that the version of the program has been notified, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S8, and then the program used by the sub-microcomputer 8 (for the sub-microcomputer 8 stored in the flash memory). It is determined whether or not the program is the latest.
[0070]
In step S8, the main microcomputer 5 does not have the latest program used by the sub-microcomputer 8, that is, the variable program area 22 of the flash memory 10 is changed to the variable program area 22 or the variable program area 23 of the flash memory 7. If it is determined that there is a newer version of the sub-microcomputer program than the program stored in, the process proceeds to step S9, and the sub-microcomputer program is read from the flash memory 7.
[0071]
In step S10, the main microcomputer 5 transfers the sub-microcomputer program read from the flash memory 7 to the sub-microcomputer 8, proceeds to step S11, and instructs activation by the transferred program. In the sub-microcomputer 8, the transferred program is stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10 and then expanded in the SDRAM 9 and activated.
[0072]
On the other hand, if the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S8 that the program used by the sub-microcomputer 8 is the latest program, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S12 and is currently stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10. Requests activation by a program. In the sub-microcomputer 8, the program stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10 is expanded on the SDRAM 9 and activated.
[0073]
In step S13, the main microcomputer 5 initializes various parameters on the basis of the main microcomputer program activated in the SDRAM 6, and when the initialization is completed, the process proceeds to step S14, where normal processing, that is, A process for controlling the demultiplexer 2 is executed.
[0074]
Next, the startup process of the sub-microcomputer 8 that is executed corresponding to the process of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0075]
In step S21, when the sub-microcomputer 8 is instructed to start by the user, the sub-microcomputer 8 performs a boot process by the boot program stored in the fixed program area 31 of the flash memory 10, and proceeds to step S22. It is determined whether or not there is an inquiry about the version of the program stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10.
[0076]
In step S22, the sub-microcomputer 8 waits until it is determined that there is an inquiry about the version. If it is determined that there is an inquiry, the sub-microcomputer 8 proceeds to step S23, and the version of the program stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10 is reached. Is confirmed and notified to the main microcomputer 5.
[0077]
In step S24, the sub-microcomputer 8 determines whether or not the activation by the current program, that is, the program currently stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10 is requested, and determines that the request is not requested. If so, the process proceeds to step S25, where it is determined whether or not the latest version of the program has been transferred from the main microcomputer 5.
[0078]
If it is determined in step S25 that the program has not been transferred from the main microcomputer 5, the sub-microcomputer 8 returns to step S24 and repeats the subsequent processing, while determining that the latest program has been transferred. If so, the process proceeds to step S26, and the transferred program is checked.
[0079]
For example, in step S26, the sub-microcomputer 8 checks the data size and checks the transferred sub-microcomputer program by checksum, CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check), etc., and all the data is checked. When the process proceeds to step S27, it is stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10. Therefore, the latest version of the program is saved over the existing program.
[0080]
In step S29, the sub-microcomputer 8 determines whether or not activation by the latest program stored in the flash memory 10 is instructed, and waits until it is determined that the instruction has been issued.
[0081]
If the sub-microcomputer 8 determines in step S29 that activation by the program stored in the flash memory 10 has been instructed, the sub-microcomputer 8 proceeds to step S30 and reads the program from the flash memory 10.
[0082]
On the other hand, if the sub-microcomputer 8 determines in step S24 that activation of the program currently stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10 is requested, it skips the above-described processing from step S25 to step S29. In step S30, the program stored in the flash memory 10 is read.
[0083]
In step S31, the sub-microcomputer 8 develops the program read from the flash memory 10 in the SDRAM 9, proceeds to step S32, and activates it.
[0084]
In step S33, the sub-microcomputer 8 initializes each parameter, and then proceeds to step S34 to perform normal processing, that is, control of an HDD (not shown).
[0085]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the activation process described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 8 is a process in the case where the latest version of the sub-microcomputer program is stored in the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10.
[0086]
In FIG. 8, the state of the television receiver, the operation of the main microcomputer 5 and the operation of the sub-microcomputer 8 are shown from the top. The horizontal axis represents time.
[0087]
Time t₁₁When 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.
[0088]
For example, period T₁₁, The main microcomputer 5 performs a startup process based on the boot program (the process of step S1 in FIG. 6), and similarly, the period T_{twenty one}In FIG. 7, the sub-microcomputer 8 performs start-up processing based on the boot program (step S21 in FIG. 7).
[0089]
In the main microcomputer 5, when startup by the boot program is completed, the latest main microcomputer program is read from the flash memory 7 (processing in step S 3 in FIG. 6), and the period T₁₂(Step S5 in FIG. 6).
[0090]
On the other hand, after the sub-microcomputer 8 is started by the boot program, the period T_{twenty two}Then, the main microcomputer 5 waits until the activation is instructed.
[0091]
The main microcomputer 5 has a period T₁₃In step (1), the version of the program held by the sub-microcomputer 8 is inquired and a response is received.
[0092]
In the example of FIG. 8, the area 22 (variable program area 22) of the flash memory 7 stores the version 3 main microcomputer program and the version 2 sub microcomputer program, and the area 23 (variable program area). 23) stores a version 2 main microcomputer program and a version 1 sub microcomputer program.
[0093]
In this example, the flash memory 10 managed by the sub-microcomputer 8 stores a version 2 sub-microcomputer program, and the main microcomputer 5 uses the flash memory based on the response from the sub-microcomputer 8. 10 determines that the latest sub-microcomputer program is stored. And the main microcomputer 5 has a period T₁₄, The activation of the version 2 program stored in the flash memory 10 is requested.
[0094]
On the other hand, when the sub microcomputer 8 requests the main microcomputer 5 to start the program, the sub microcomputer 8_{twenty four}The program stored in the flash memory 10 is expanded and started in the SDRAM 9, and thereafter, various processes are executed based on the version 2 sub-microcomputer program.
[0095]
FIG. 9 is another diagram illustrating a specific example of the startup process described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. 9 is a process in the case where a newer version of the program than the variable program area 32 of the flash memory 10 exists in the flash memory 7, and the sub-microcomputer program is sent to the sub-microcomputer 8. 8 is basically the same as that shown in FIG.
[0096]
That is, time t_{twenty one}When the power-on is instructed by the user, the period T₃₁, The main microcomputer 5 performs a startup process based on the boot program, and similarly, the period T₄₁Then, the sub-microcomputer 8 performs a startup process based on the boot program.
[0097]
In FIG. 9, the area 22 (variable program area 22) of the flash memory 7 stores the version 3 main microcomputer program and the version 2 sub microcomputer program, and the area 23 (variable program area 23). In this example, a version 4 main microcomputer program and a version 3 sub microcomputer program are stored. Therefore, the period T₃₂The latest main microcomputer program, that is, the version 4 main microcomputer program stored in the variable program area 23 is read and activated.
[0098]
The main microcomputer 5 has a period T₃₃In step (1), the version of the program held by the sub-microcomputer 8 is inquired and a response is received.
[0099]
As shown in the figure, the flash memory 10 managed by the sub-microcomputer 8 stores a version 2 sub-microcomputer program, and the main microcomputer 5 determines that the flash memory is based on the response from the sub-microcomputer 8. 10, it is determined that a new version of the sub-microcomputer program stored in the flash memory 7 is stored in the flash memory 7.
[0100]
And the main microcomputer 5 has a period T₃₄, The version 3 sub-microcomputer program stored in the variable program area 23 of the flash memory 7 is read out, transmitted to the sub-microcomputer 5, and requested for activation.
[0101]
The sub-microcomputer 5 has a period T₄₄, The version 3 sub-microcomputer program is received and written in the flash memory 10, and the period T₄₅In wake it up. Thereafter, the sub-microcomputer 8 executes various processes based on the version 3 sub-microcomputer program.
[0102]
As described above, the program version is inquired every time it is started, and the latest sub-microcomputer program is provided to the sub-microcomputer 8 as necessary. Various processes can be performed based on the program.
[0103]
Next, processing of the television receiver that downloads the upgrade program will be described.
[0104]
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.
[0105]
In step S41, the main microcomputer 5 acquires the SDTT supplied from the demultiplexer 2.
[0106]
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 the program corresponds to the version of the main microcomputer program, the TV microcomputer 11 is notified of the download start time, and is requested to start when the time comes.
[0107]
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.
[0108]
Next, processing of the TV microcomputer 11 that starts the main microcomputer 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0109]
In step S51, the TV microcomputer 11 sets a timer based on an instruction from the main microcomputer 5.
[0110]
In step S52, the TV microcomputer 11 determines whether or not it is time to start downloading the upgrade program (whether or not the time is set by the main microcomputer 5), and the time is reached. Wait until it is judged.
[0111]
When the TV microcomputer 11 determines in step S52 that it is time to start downloading the upgrade program, the TV microcomputer 11 proceeds to step S53 and requests the main microcomputer 5 to start. Thereafter, the main microcomputer 5 downloads the upgrade program.
[0112]
Next, processing of the main microcomputer 5 that rewrites a program that has already been stored with the downloaded upgrade program will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13. This process is executed, for example, at a timing when activation is requested from the TV microcomputer 11.
[0113]
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. Then, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S63, and reads the latest main microcomputer program from the specified area.
[0114]
In step S64, the main microcomputer 5 expands the main microcomputer program in the SDRAM 6, and when the expansion ends, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S65 and activates it.
[0115]
In step S66, the main microcomputer 5 inquires of the TV microcomputer 11 that has instructed the start about the cause of the start, and proceeds to step S67, the cause of which is the time when the download of the upgrade program starts It is determined whether or not.
[0116]
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.
[0117]
On the other hand, if the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S67 that the activation request from the TV microcomputer 11 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.
[0118]
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.
[0119]
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.
[0120]
For example, the main microcomputer 5 checks the upgrade program using a checksum or CRC, and determines in step S72 whether an error has been detected. In step S72, when the main microcomputer 5 determines that an error in the supplied upgrade program has been detected, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S73, performs a predetermined error process, and ends the process.
[0121]
On the other hand, if the main microcomputer 5 determines in step S72 that no error has been detected, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S74, determines whether or not all data of the upgrade program has been acquired, and acquires all the data. Until it is determined, the process returns to step S71, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.
[0122]
In step S74, if the main microcomputer 5 determines that all data has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S75, where the setting of the internal flag to be managed is confirmed, and the currently activated main microcomputer program is stored in the variable program area 22. It is determined whether the program is read from the program.
[0123]
If 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 22 (a program read from the variable program area 23), the variable program area 23 Since the program stored in the variable program area 22 is of 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 22.
[0124]
On the other hand, when 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 22, the main microcomputer 5 proceeds to step S77, and the acquired upgrade program is changed to the variable program. Write to area 23.
[0125]
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. On the other hand, 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, updates the version setting of the internal flag, and ends the process.
[0126]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the rewriting process described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In FIG. 14, the state of the television receiver, the operation of the main microcomputer 5, and the operation of the sub-microcomputer 8 are shown from the top. The horizontal axis represents time.
[0127]
For example, time t₃₁, When the TV microcomputer 11 requests activation, the period up to that time (period T₅₁), The television receiver in the standby state is internally in a state of executing download, and various processes are performed in each microcomputer.
[0128]
In the above-described example, only the main microcomputer 5 is activated in response to a request from the TV microcomputer 11, but as shown in FIG. 14, the sub-microcomputer 8 is also activated. Also good.
[0129]
First, period T₆₁In FIG. 8, the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8 perform a startup process similar to that described with reference to FIG.
[0130]
Period T₇₁, The main microcomputer 5 reads the version 3 main microcomputer program stored in the variable program area 22 and starts the period T.₇₂(Step S65 in FIG. 12). Period T₇₃, The version of the program for the sub-microcomputer is inquired, and since the latest version of the program is stored in the flash memory 10, the period T₇₄, The activation of the latest program is requested.
[0131]
In the example of FIG. 14, the area 22 (variable program area 22) of the flash memory 7 stores the version 3 main microcomputer program and the version 2 sub microcomputer program, and the area 23 (variable program area). 23) stores a version 2 main microcomputer program and a version 1 sub microcomputer program.
[0132]
The flash memory 10 managed by the sub-microcomputer 8 stores a version 2 sub-microcomputer program.
[0133]
The sub-microcomputer 8 responds to the request from the main microcomputer 5 and the period T₉₄Then, the version 2 sub-microcomputer program stored in the flash memory 10 is started.
[0134]
When the upgrade program 41-1 is supplied from the demultiplexer 2, the main microcomputer 5 receives the period T₇₅Then, the check is performed, and writing to the flash memory 7 is performed (the process in step S76 or step S77 in FIG. 13). In this example, the version 4 main microcomputer program and the version 3 sub microcomputer program are stored in the variable program area 23 of the flash memory 7 by the upgrade program.
[0135]
Note that information similar to the upgrade program 41-1 is supplied to the main microcomputer 5 as the upgrade program 41-2 so that the program can be written more reliably.
[0136]
When the main microcomputer 5 finishes writing the upgrade program 41-1, the main microcomputer 5 performs the period T₇₆, The power supply control circuit (not shown) is notified that the writing has been completed, and the supply of power to the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8 is stopped.
[0137]
Thereby, the period T₅₃In this case, the television receiver is in a standby state in which no operation is performed.
[0138]
As shown in FIG. 14, the time t₃₂When the power-on is instructed by the user, the television receiver that has been in the standby state until then is in the power-on state, and each microcomputer performs the same startup process as described with reference to FIG. Done.
[0139]
That is, the period T₇₇, The main microcomputer 5 performs a startup process based on the boot program, and similarly, the period T₉₅Then, the sub-microcomputer 8 performs a startup process based on the boot program.
[0140]
In the main microcomputer 5, when startup by the boot program is completed, the latest program from the flash memory 7, that is, the period T₇₅, The version 4 main microcomputer program written in the variable program area 23 is read and the period T₇₈It is started with.
[0141]
Thereafter, the main microcomputer 5 executes various processes based on the version 4 main microcomputer program read from the variable program area 23. Further, the main microcomputer 5 has a period T₇₉The sub-microcomputer program version stored in the flash memory 10 is inquired and a response is received.
[0142]
The sub-microcomputer 8 has a period T₉₇In response to the notification that the program stored in the flash memory 10 is version 2, the period T₉₈Since the version 3 sub-microcomputer program is transferred from the main microcomputer 5, it is received and stored in the flash memory 10.
[0143]
And period T₉₉The sub-microcomputer 8 develops the version 3 sub-microcomputer program stored in the flash memory 10 on the SDRAM 9 and activates it. The sub-microcomputer 8 has a period T₉₉Thereafter, various processes are executed in accordance with the version 3 sub-microcomputer program.
[0144]
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.
[0145]
In addition, since the main microcomputer program and the sub microcomputer program stored in the same area are rewritten at the same time by the downloaded version upgrade program, the main microcomputer 5 and the sub microcomputer are inconsistent due to the mismatch of the rewritten program version. It is possible to suppress the situation in which the processes cannot be performed in cooperation with each other.
[0146]
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 the main microcomputer 5 and the sub-microcomputer 8 are activated, the timer setting process (for example, the process described with reference to FIG. 9) performed based on the SDTT is omitted.
[0147]
In the above description, the transfer of the sub-microcomputer program and the download of the upgrade program are executed based on the main microcomputer program developed in the SDRAM 6. However, the sub-microcomputer program can be executed based on the boot program. Also good. Depending on the configuration of the system, it may be more efficient to execute these processes based on the boot program.
[0148]
Furthermore, although the flash memory 7 is provided with the variable program area 22 and the variable program area 23, 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.
[0149]
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 8 or the microcomputer 11.
[0150]
Further, the microcomputer 5 transfers the program only to the microcomputer 8, but the latest program may be transferred to a larger number of microcomputers.
[0151]
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.
[0152]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the broadcast receiving apparatus and method of the present invention,,The functions of each of the plurality of microcomputers provided in the broadcast receiving apparatus can be easily changed or added, and then normal operation can be executed according to the activated 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.
2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a flash memory managed by the main microcomputer of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a concept of downloading a version upgrade program
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the SDTT in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the upgrade program in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the sub-microcomputer in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of activation processing.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of another activation process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating another process of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the TV microcomputer of FIG. 1;
12 is a flowchart illustrating still another process of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1. FIG.
13 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 11 for explaining still another process of the main microcomputer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of download processing;
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Demultiplexer, 5 Microcomputer, 6 SDRAM, 7 Flash memory, 8 Microcomputer, 9 SDRAM, 10 Flash memory, 22 Variable program area, 23 Variable program area, 32 Variable program area

Claims (2)

In a broadcast receiving apparatus having at least a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer,
Managed by the first microcomputer that stores a first program used by the first microcomputer and a second program used by the second microcomputer in a plurality of areas, respectively. First storage means;
Second storage means managed by the second microcomputer and storing the second program;
With reference to information transmitted at a predetermined cycle including the download start time and the version number of the program to be downloaded, the version number of the program to be downloaded is stored in the first storage means. A function of the first microcomputer including the first program and the second program , each of which is a program having a predetermined number of versions, corresponding to the version number of the first program. Obtaining means for obtaining a version upgrade program for extending the function of the second microcomputer by downloading via a digital broadcast wave ;
When the version of the second program stored in the first storage unit is newer than the version of the second program stored in the second storage unit, the first microcomputer Transferring the second program stored in the first storage means to the second microcomputer;
The second microcomputer stores the second program transferred from the first microcomputer in the second storage means, and starts the stored second program by a boot program. As a program to be used later,
The first microcomputer further stores the oldest version of the first program in the plurality of areas of the first storage unit at the timing when the upgrade program is acquired by the acquisition unit. The first program is rewritten and rewritten by simultaneously overwriting and storing the first program and the second program included in the version upgrade program acquired by the acquisition unit. A broadcast receiving apparatus, wherein the program is a program to be used after being activated by a boot program . A first program having at least a first microcomputer and a second microcomputer, and a plurality of first programs used by the first microcomputer and a second program used by the second microcomputer. A first storage means managed by the first microcomputer, a second storage means managed by the second microcomputer for storing the second program, and a download program stored in the respective areas ; With reference to information transmitted at a predetermined cycle including the start time and the version number of the program to be downloaded, the version number of the program to be downloaded is stored in the first storage means. If it corresponds to the version number of the first program, each is predetermined Including the number of the version of the program in which the first program and the second program, via a digital broadcast wave to upgrade program to expand the capabilities of the first microcomputer function and the second microcomputer In a broadcast receiving method of a broadcast receiving device comprising an acquisition means that acquires by downloading
When the version of the second program stored in the first storage means is newer than the version of the second program stored in the second storage means, the first microcomputer Transferring the second program stored in the first storage means to the second microcomputer;
The first the transferred the have the second program from the microcomputer is stored in said second storage means by the second microcomputer, the second program that has been stored and activated by the boot program As a program to be used later,
Furthermore, the program stored in the area where the oldest version of the first program among the plurality of areas of the first storage means is stored at the timing when the upgrade program is acquired by the acquisition means. Is rewritten by simultaneously overwriting and storing the first program and the second program included in the upgrade program acquired by the acquisition means, and the rewritten first program is started by a boot program A broadcast receiving method characterized in that the program is used later .

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