JP5275105B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a software update function.

  Conventionally, various functions are realized in various electronic devices by executing software stored in advance in a memory. Some of such electronic devices have a function of acquiring update data and updating to new software for reasons such as software defect correction and function expansion.

  An electronic device having such a software update function downloads, for example, difference data of new and old versions of software, executes a predetermined update engine, and updates software for each unit area (block) with the difference data. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  By the way, an electronic device stores software in an inexpensive and large-capacity nonvolatile memory (for example, a NAND flash memory), and when actually executing the software, the volatile memory (for example, SDRAM (for example, SDRAM)) that reads and writes at high speed Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)) is often executed.

  In this case, the electronic device can perform so-called background update in which the software in the nonvolatile memory is updated during normal operation by the software in the volatile memory. After that, the electronic device copies all the blocks of the updated software to the volatile memory during the restart process in order to reflect the function of the updated software on the nonvolatile memory in the actual operation of the electronic device. It was.

JP 2007-219883 A

  However, when the background update process is interrupted due to the power being turned off or the like, the software stored in the nonvolatile memory is in an incompletely updated state. When the electronic device is activated again in this state, even if the incomplete software is copied to the volatile memory, it cannot be executed normally. Therefore, in order to start up the electronic device in a usable state, it is necessary to restart the software update process on the nonvolatile memory and copy it to the volatile memory after the update is completed. However, since rewriting of a nonvolatile memory such as a NAND flash memory takes time, the user has to wait for use.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can shorten the time required for restart after software update is interrupted.

  The electronic device according to the present invention is stored in the nonvolatile first storage unit for storing the program code, the volatile second storage unit for storing the program code to be executed, and the first storage unit. And updating the program code stored in the first storage unit based on the update information data stored in the third storage unit and a third storage unit storing update information data for updating the program code An update unit, a control unit that copies part or all of the program code stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit, and executes the program code stored in the second storage unit; When the update by the update unit is interrupted, the control unit restores the program code before the update from the updated program code in the first storage unit before restarting the update. , Characterized by storing into the second storage unit.

  The first storage unit may include a plurality of blocks for storing the program code, and the control unit may restore only the program code of the block having the updated program code in the first storage unit. preferable.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the electronic device according to the present invention further includes a communication unit that receives update information data stored in the third storage unit.

  In addition, when the update unit updates the program code stored in the first storage unit, the update unit generates reverse difference data for restoring the program code before the update from the updated program code, It is preferable that the 3 storage unit further stores the reverse difference data.

  The communication unit receives reverse difference data for restoring the block before update from the updated block together with the update information data, and the third storage unit further stores the reverse difference data. Is preferred.

  The update information data is preferably integrated with the reverse difference data.

  Further, the electronic device according to the present invention restores the program code before update from the updated program code and stores it in the second storage unit upon restart after the update by the update unit is interrupted. It is preferable that the information processing apparatus further includes a reception unit that receives a selection input of whether to copy to the second storage unit after completing the update by the update unit.

  According to the present invention, the time required for restart after software update is interrupted can be shortened.

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the mobile telephone which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the update system of the software which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy process of the program code from NAND to SDRAM which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the background update process in NAND which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the copy process to SDRAM at the time of restarting, after the background update which concerns on embodiment of this invention is interrupted. It is a flowchart which shows the process of MPU which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone 1 will be described as an example of an electronic device. The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various electronic devices such as a navigation device and a personal computer in addition to PHS (Personal Handyphone System) and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone 1 (electronic device) according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a so-called foldable mobile phone, but the mobile phone according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sliding type in which one casing is slid in one direction from a state in which both casings are overlapped, or a rotary type in which one casing is rotated around an axis along the overlapping direction ( Turn type), or a type (straight type) in which the operation unit and the display unit are arranged in one housing and does not have a connecting unit.

  The mobile phone 1 includes an operation unit side body 2 and a display unit side body 3. The operation unit side body 2 includes an operation unit 11 and a microphone 12 into which a voice uttered by a user of the mobile phone 1 is input on the surface unit 10. The operation unit 11 includes a function setting operation button 13 for activating various functions such as various setting functions, a telephone book function, and a mail function, and an input operation button 14 for inputting numbers of telephone numbers, mail characters, and the like. , And a determination operation button 15 for performing determination and scrolling in various operations.

  The display unit side body 3 includes a display unit 21 for displaying various types of information on the surface unit 20 and a receiver 22 for outputting the voice of the other party of the call.

  Further, the upper end portion of the operation unit side body 2 and the lower end portion of the display unit side body 3 are connected via a hinge mechanism 4. In addition, the mobile phone 1 relatively rotates the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 which are connected via the hinge mechanism 4, so that the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 are rotated. The body 3 can be in an open state (open state), or the operation unit side body 2 and the display unit side body 3 can be folded (folded state).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the mobile phone 1 according to the present embodiment. The mobile phone 1 includes an MPU 30 (update unit, control unit), a power supply unit 31, a radio unit 32 (communication unit), an antenna 33, an SDRAM 34 (second storage unit), and a NAND 35 (first storage unit, first storage unit). 3 storage unit), an operation unit 11 (accepting unit), a display unit 21, and a voice control unit 36.

  The MPU 30 controls the entire mobile phone 1, and performs predetermined control on the display unit 21, the radio unit 32, the voice control unit 36, and the like, for example. Further, the MPU 30 receives input from the operation unit 11 or the like and executes various processes. When executing the process, the MPU 30 controls the SDRAM 34 and the NAND 35 to read various programs and data and write data.

  The power supply unit 31 supplies power to each unit of the mobile phone 1. Further, the power supply unit 31 changes the power supply destination in response to a predetermined operation input for switching power ON / OFF. That is, when the power is off, power is supplied only to a limited part such as the SDRAM 34.

  The radio unit 32 communicates with an external device (base station) in a predetermined use frequency band (for example, 2 GHz band, 800 MHz band, etc.). The radio unit 32 demodulates the signal received from the antenna 33, supplies the processed signal to the MPU 30, modulates the signal supplied from the MPU 30, and transmits the signal from the antenna 33 to the external device.

  The SDRAM 34 is a storage device used for work by the MPU 30 and is a volatile storage device that retains data by continuing to receive a current. Note that the cellular phone 1 continues to supply current to the SDRAM 34 by the power supply unit 31 even when the power is turned off. Thereby, for example, even when the power is once turned off at the time of restart, the data stored in the SDRAM 34 is retained (self-refresh).

  The NAND 35 is a nonvolatile storage device that statically stores software program codes and the like. Since reading and writing of data to and from the SDRAM 34 is faster than that to the NAND 35, the MPU 30 is executed by copying a part or all of the program code stored in the NAND 35 to the SDRAM 34. The software received (downloaded) by the wireless unit 32 or software update information data is stored in the NAND 35.

  The display unit 21 performs predetermined image processing according to the control of the MPU 30. Then, the processed image data is stored in the frame memory and output to the screen at a predetermined timing.

  The sound control unit 36 performs predetermined sound processing on the signal supplied from the wireless unit 32 according to the control of the MPU 30, and outputs the processed signal to the receiver 22. The receiver 22 outputs the signal supplied from the audio control unit 36 to the outside. This signal may be output from a speaker (not shown) instead of or together with the receiver 22.

  In addition, the voice control unit 36 processes the signal input from the microphone 12 according to the control of the MPU 30, and outputs the processed signal to the radio unit 32. The radio unit 32 performs predetermined processing on the signal supplied from the audio control unit 36 and outputs the processed signal from the antenna 33.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a software update system according to the present embodiment. The software used in the mobile phone 1 is subjected to new and old version management by a management server. The management server holds the program code of software and update information data for updating from the old version to the new version in the database. Then, the management server transmits the latest program code or update information data through the base station in response to a request from the mobile phone 1.

  Hereinafter, processing contents of the MPU 30 for updating the software executed on the mobile phone 1 to a new version will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a program code copy process from the NAND 35 to the SDRAM 34 according to the present embodiment. In this processing, the MPU 30 copies the program code of the execution target software to the SDRAM 34 that is a working storage device when the power of the mobile phone 1 is turned on.

  In the NAND 35, the program code is stored in units of blocks, and is sequentially copied to the SDRAM 34 in units of blocks. When the copying of all the blocks is completed, the MPU 30 executes software on the SDRAM 34 and starts using the user.

  Note that when the above-described self-refresh function is operating, the data in the SDRAM 34 is retained, so this process is omitted, and the MPU 30 can immediately execute the software on the SDRAM 34.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a background update process in the NAND 35 after receiving the update information data according to the present embodiment. This process is executed while the mobile phone 1 is used and software is executed on the SDRAM 34.

  When the MPU 30 receives difference data (update information data) for updating the old version software to the new version from the server, the MPU 30 stores the difference data in the NAND 35. Subsequently, when an updated image is generated based on the difference data and the image before update in the corresponding block of the NAND 35, the block is updated with the updated image.

  Furthermore, when updating the NAND 35 with the difference data, the MPU 30 generates and stores reverse difference data that can generate an image before update from the image after update. The reverse difference data may be generated every time the NAND 35 is updated in units of blocks, or the reverse difference data corresponding to the entire difference data may be generated at a time.

  Here, it is assumed that the update process is interrupted before the update process of the NAND 35 based on the difference data is completed because the power of the mobile phone 1 is turned off. For example, in FIG. 5, where blocks 1 to 3 are to be updated, the block 3 is interrupted without being updated. Then, the program code stored in the NAND 35 is in a state where the old and new versions are mixed, and cannot be executed by the MPU 30 as it is.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a copy process to the SDRAM 34 when the mobile phone 1 is restarted after the background update according to the present embodiment is interrupted.

  The program code stored in the NAND 35 is in a state before the block 3 is updated, and cannot be executed even if it is copied to the SDRAM 34 as it is. Therefore, the MPU 30 generates an image before update for the updated blocks (block 1 and block 2) based on the above-described reverse difference data, and stores them in the SDRAM 34. Further, the MPU 30 copies the unupdated block and the non-update target block to the SDRAM 34 as they are.

  As a result of this processing, the software before update (old version) is developed in the SDRAM 34, and the MPU 30 executes the software, whereby the use of the mobile phone 1 is started.

  Here, after restarting the update of the NAND 35, the updated data is compared with the case of copying to the SDRAM 34. The data rewriting process for the NAND 35 is very slow compared to the reading process from the NAND 35 and the rewriting process for the SDRAM 34. Therefore, since the update process of the NAND 35 takes a long time, the time required to execute the software before update using the reverse difference data is shorter than the time required to execute the updated software. Can be expected. That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time until the user can start using after the activation process is completed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing of the MPU 30 according to the present embodiment.
In step S <b> 1, the MPU 30 receives a software update notification from the management server via the wireless unit 32.

  In step S2, the MPU 30 starts background update processing for the program code of the software stored in the NAND 35 automatically in response to an instruction input from the user or in response to receiving the notification in step S1. .

  In step S3, the background update process for the NAND 35 started in step S2 is interrupted. Specifically, this is the case when the mobile phone 1 is powered off.

  In step S4, after the background update is interrupted in step S3, the mobile phone 1 is restarted.

  In step S5, the MPU 30 determines whether or not the high-speed activation is performed by the old version of software. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the selection input from the user received by the operation unit 11 is a fast start (normal start). If this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S6, and if the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S6, the MPU 30 generates a pre-update memory image for the block already updated in the NAND 35 by using the reverse difference data, and develops it in the SDRAM 34 together with the non-updated block.

  In step S7, the MPU 30 activates the function of the mobile phone 1 by executing the old version of the software expanded on the SDRAM 34 in step S6.

  In step S8, the MPU 30 resumes the background update of the NAND 35 interrupted in step S3, and updates the software stored in the NAND 35 to the new version.

  In step S9, the MPU 30 performs an update process by normal activation. Specifically, the update of the NAND 35 interrupted in step S3 is resumed, and after the update is completed, the new version of software is copied to the SDRAM 34.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the update of the NAND 35 is interrupted, it is possible to start up at high speed with the old version of the software. Therefore, the waiting time of the user can be shortened, and convenience is improved.

  Furthermore, since the fast start and the normal start can be selected, the user can use the new version of the software immediately without selecting the normal start by selecting the normal start.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate the program code before update from the reverse difference data without retaining the entire old version of the software. Therefore, a storage area to be secured in the NAND 35 can be saved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to embodiment mentioned above. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  In the above-described embodiment, the MPU 30 generates the reverse difference data in the mobile phone 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it receive and memorize | store reverse difference data with difference data with the radio | wireless part 32 from the management server.

  Moreover, difference data and reverse difference data may be integrated. That is, when the data is applied to the old version of software, a new version of software is generated, and when the data is applied to the new version of software, the old version of software is generated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the fast start and the normal start are determined according to the user's selection input, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may determine automatically according to the importance added as an attribute of the received difference data. Also, all may be activated at high speed regardless of the importance.

1 Mobile phone (electronic equipment)
11 Operation part (reception part)
21 display unit 30 MPU (update unit, control unit)
31 power supply unit 32 wireless unit (communication unit)
33 Antenna 34 SDRAM (second storage unit)
35 NAND (first storage unit, third storage unit)
36 Voice control unit

Claims (7)

A non-volatile first storage unit for storing the program code;
A volatile second storage unit for storing the program code to be executed for work;
A third storage unit for storing update information data for updating the program code stored in the first storage unit;
An update unit for updating the program code stored in the first storage unit based on the update information data stored in the third storage unit;
A control unit that copies part or all of the program code stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit and executes the program code stored in the second storage unit;
Wherein, if the update of the program code stored in the first storage unit by the updating unit is interrupted, before resuming the updating, the time of suspension for the program code stored in the first storage unit The electronic device is characterized in that the program code before update is restored from the updated program code in the first storage unit and stored in the second storage unit while maintaining the state . The first storage unit includes a plurality of blocks for storing the program code,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit restores only the program code of the block having the updated program code in the first storage unit.   The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that receives update information data stored in the third storage unit. The update unit, when updating the program code stored in the first storage unit, generates reverse difference data for restoring the program code before update from the updated program code,
The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third storage unit further stores the inverse difference data. At the time of restart after the update by the update unit is interrupted, the program code before update is restored from the updated program code and stored in the second storage unit, or the update by the update unit is completed the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising the second or copied to the storage unit, the reception unit further receives a selection input later. A non-volatile first storage unit for storing the program code;
A volatile second storage unit for storing the program code to be executed for work;
A third storage unit for storing update information data for updating the program code stored in the first storage unit;
An update unit for updating the program code stored in the first storage unit based on the update information data stored in the third storage unit;
A control unit that copies part or all of the program code stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit and executes the program code stored in the second storage unit;
When the update by the update unit is interrupted, the control unit restores the program code before update from the updated program code in the first storage unit before restarting the update, and the second storage An electronic device characterized in that it is stored in a part,
A communication unit for receiving update information data stored in the third storage unit;
The communication unit receives reverse difference data for restoring the block before update from the updated block together with the update information data,
The third storage unit, characterized electronic equipment to further store the reverse differential data. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the update information data is integrated with the reverse difference data.

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