JPH08227359A - Electronic system device incorporating one-chip microcomputer in it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide an electronic system capable of controlling a flash memory or changing a program only by rewriting a part of contents of the memory. CONSTITUTION: The electronic system 10 in which an one-chip microcomputer incorporating a memory 1 divided into plural blocks is integrated is provided with one specific block (n) set up in a prescribed block in the memory 1 and capable of storing a control program for attaining a prescribed function or specification for the system device, a specific block rewriting program stored at least in one block other than the specific block and capable of rewriting the contents of the specific block and a communication part 3 capable of accessing the memory 1 and having a serial communication function. The rewriting program writes data sent from an external device 20 and received by the communication part 3 in the specific block (n).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic system device using a one-chip microcomputer having a rewritable memory built therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent electronic devices, for example, cameras having a built-in microcomputer, control instructions and data are stored in a mask ROM.
The fix was not easy. However, JP-A-2-4763
Japanese Patent Publication No. 8 discloses an example in which the setting order of the mode switching of the camera and the omission of the modes can be set in the E ² -PROM. That is, E ² at the time of production of camera products
-Based on the contents of the PROM, based on the subsequent needs
It discloses a camera in which the user can freely change the settings.

Further, there is a case where the type of the built-in microcomputer used in the initial production of the camera product needs to be changed at a repair time or the like due to the circumstances thereafter. Japanese Patent Application No. 5-121079 discloses a system having circuit version storage means for storing a circuit version in a built-in non-volatile memory. In recent years,
A microcomputer with a built-in flash memory has also been developed. The microcomputer including this flash memory can rewrite the entire memory including the control program.

[0004]

The mask R as described above
In the conventional system using the microcomputer with built-in OM, the operation contents are already written fixedly in the ROM of the camera as a program, so that only the change of the contents within the range assumed in advance in the program can be supported. There was an operational defect. On the other hand, in a microcomputer with a built-in flash memory, all the stored programs can be rewritten at any time, so that any changes required after manufacturing can be dealt with. However, there is a problem that it takes a long time to rewrite all the stored programs. In addition, when the entire area of the memory is rewritten, a problem may occur in the reliability of the stored data.

Further, there is a problem that it is not possible to distinguish between a rewritable microcomputer in which a program is written in a flash memory and a non-rewritable microcomputer in which a program is written in a mask ROM in advance, for example. Therefore, solving these problems is pointed out as an immediate problem.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic system in which adjustment or program change can be performed only by rewriting a part of the flash memory. Even if a microcomputer that has a rewritable memory such as flash memory for adjustment or repair and a microcomputer that has a non-rewritable type of memory such as ROM are mixed in the same model, It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic system device having a configuration capable of performing desired adjustment and repair change regarding the software version of the stored program on the side.

[0007]

The present invention takes the following means in order to solve this problem and achieve the above object. That is, a method for achieving the above object by providing a one-chip microcomputer having a memory means divided into a plurality of blocks and rewriting only a part of the specific blocks of the memory means is presented. Further, a method for achieving the above object by determining whether or not this memory is a rewritable memory according to the version of the built-in CPU and then rewriting only a part of a specific block of this memory means is also presented. To do. For this reason, the one-chip microcomputer is characterized in that a version capable of identifying a rewritable memory or a ROM is stored.

More specifically, an electronic system device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer of the present invention stores, as a program, means for setting a predetermined block in the memory means and realizing a predetermined function or specification of the system device. One specific block to be stored, a specific block rewriting program stored in at least one of the blocks other than the specific block in order to rewrite the contents of the specific block, and a predetermined serial connection accessible to the memory means. And a serial communication unit having a communication function, wherein the specific block rewriting program writes the data received by the serial communication unit into the specific block. Also, in the electronic system device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer of the present invention, the memory means is a rewritable flash memory, and the specific block is a main routine of a control program that defines a function or specification of the system device. Is stored. Further, in the electronic system device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer of the present invention, the memory means stores a version for identifying whether the memory means is an electrically rewritable memory or a ROM. To do.

By taking such means, the electronic system device of the present invention has the following effects. That is, since the built-in rewritable memory is divided into a plurality of blocks and has a specific block rewriting program stored in another block in order to rewrite the contents of a predetermined specific block among them, an external device The data including the program sent from the device is received via the serial communication means, and only the contents of the specific block is rewritten according to the rewriting program. Adjustments and repair changes can be easily performed without rewriting.

Further, the main routine of the control program that defines the operation of the electronic system device is rewritable because it is stored in one specific block composed of the flash memory, and the content of the specific block, that is, the control program thereof is rewritable. Since only the main routine of (1) is rewritten to the desired program sent from the external device, the work can be easily performed in a short time.
Also, a microcomputer with a built-in flash memory and a ROM
Even if the microcomputers with built-in are mixed in the same model, they can be easily identified by checking the version.

Therefore, the "derivative mode" (that is, the software version which differs depending on the destination or the store of the electronic product) can be achieved by rewriting only a part of the specific blocks without rewriting the entire area of the flash memory. It is also possible to support the operation mode for repair and adjustment in which the functions and specifications can be easily changed on the user side such as the shop.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view conceptually showing the relationship between the configuration of the electronic system device according to the present embodiment and an external device. The illustrated microcomputer 11 incorporated in the main body of the electronic system device 10 including the one-chip microcomputer 11 according to the present invention is an external rewrite device existing outside when viewed from the main body through the external communication connector 15 of the serial line. It is connected to the device 20. An example of the external rewriting device 20 may be a personal computer as shown, which has an external input / output communication function. In addition, the external rewriting device 20 may be a writing device dedicated to this system or a desired recording device having a similar function.

Further, the electronic system device 10 and the external rewriting device 20 may be mutually connected by remote communication via a public line or a wireless line.
As shown in the figure, a flash memory 1, a CPU (central processing unit) 2 and a serial communication unit 3 are arranged in a one-chip microcomputer 11 via a bus 4 and are connected to each other so as to be accessible to each other. The CPU 2 performs predetermined control regarding transmission and reception of signal data between the communication unit 3 and the flash memory 1 via the bus 4, and
A predetermined program stored in advance in the flash memory 1 is loaded into a main storage area (not shown) in the CPU 2 and an operation according to the program sequence is executed. The flash memory 1 is divided into a plurality of blocks 1 to n as shown in the figure, and the contents of each block can be erased and rewritten. In the case of this example, the block n is called a "specific block", and a version in which a product configured by incorporating this memory, for example, an electronic product having a flash memory is shipped / sold and is different for each destination or shop. A program (hereinafter, such a program is referred to as a "derivative program") whose functions and specifications can be changed on the user side is stored in this specific block. In addition,
The specific block in the figure is set to the block number n which is the last block, but it is not always the last (n =
N: n = 1 to N) does not necessarily have to correspond to block numbers, and may be set to at least one block at a predetermined position as desired.

When changing the derivative program, a program, which is new data sent from the external device 20 via the serial communication terminal 15 of the system device 10, is received, and the specific block n is already stored. By rewriting the existing contents, the software version of the electronic system product can be changed.

Next, the actual operation of the electronic system device of the present invention will be described by taking as an example a camera which is one of the electronic products in which a microcomputer consisting of one chip is incorporated. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the camera body 10 to which the one-chip microcomputer 11 having the characteristics of the present invention is applied. The one-chip microcomputer 11 for performing the operation sequence of the camera and its series of control has the rewritable flash memory 1 composed of a plurality of blocks as described above.

As described above, the CPU 2 and the serial communication unit 3 are arranged in the microcomputer 11, and the microcomputer 11 further includes an AF circuit 12 for measuring the distance to the copy and a brightness of the subject. AE to measure the height
The circuit 13, the flash memory write control terminal 14 for detachably connecting the program transfer device 19 existing outside the camera body 10, and the device for writing the adjusting device and the ROM correction data of the camera. External communication connector 1 for detachably connecting the personal computer 20
5 and a strobe 16 for strobe charging and light emission are connected and arranged as shown in the drawing.

Flash memory write control terminal 1 described above
4 may include, for example, an "M terminal" and other terminals for 12V. The flash memory writing control terminal 14 and the external communication connector 15 may be a common connector.

In addition, the microcomputer 11 is provided with a motor driver 17 for driving various motors as shown in the drawing.
The motor ML for driving the focus lens, the motor Mz for driving the zoom lens, the motor Mw for winding and rewinding the film, the motor Ms for driving the shutter, and the magnet Mg for closing the shutter are respectively connected.

The microcomputer 11 also detects a switch SL for detecting the initial position of the focus lens, a photo interrupter PIL for detecting the unit drive amount (ie, moving position) of the focus lens, and the position of the zoom lens. A photo interrupter PIz, a photo reflector PR for detecting the perforation of the film, and a switch Ss for detecting the initial position of the shutter are connected, and each is connected to a predetermined motor as shown in the drawing.

Further, the microcomputer 11 has a power switch
18, and the first (1st.) Release SW21,
Various switches to the second (2nd.) Release SW 22 are connected. The first release SW21 and the second release SW22 constitute a two-step switch, and the first release SW2 is the first step.
The second release SW22 is turned "ON" in the first and second stages. A mode switch SW23 is further provided as a switch for switching the mode of the camera. Further, the microcomputer 11 is also connected to an LCD 25 including a liquid crystal screen for displaying information such as the number of frames of a film and a camera mode, and further a mark indicating a “derivative mode” described later.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a dedicated routine "power ON reset" S200 for performing a main initial operation of the camera. The operation will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power switch is turned on by the photographer or a battery (not shown) is put into the camera body 10 at the start of use of the product, a portion other than a specific block (block n) in the flash memory 1 of FIG. The "power ON reset" (S200) stored in is called and the board of the microcomputer 11 and other electronic elements are initialized (that is, initialized) (step S20).
1).

Next, the version of the ROM currently installed is written in the designated predetermined RAM (step S202). Then, it is checked whether the type of the CHECK terminal is the high level "H" or the low level "L" (step S203). If the type is "L", the subroutine "checker communication" described later is executed next. Is executed (step S400).

After the above steps are completed, the process jumps to a main routine (to be described later) stored in a specific block (block n) of the flash memory 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the above-mentioned subroutine "checker communication" S400.

When the synchronizing signal and the clock for serial communication are output from the microcomputer 11 to the outside of the system device (steps S401 and 402), certain data is received from the external device of the system device (step S4).
03). At this point, if there is no particular received data, this series of processing is terminated, and the processing is returned (that is, returned) to the aforementioned "power ON reset" which is a dedicated routine that has been called.

However, when certain data is received,
After determining the operation mode of the memory (step S404), if the operation mode is "read mode", the contents of the received data are decoded and the data at the designated address in the microcomputer 11 is read (step S404). S40
5). After that, the data is output to the serial line (step S406), and the process returns to the above-mentioned "power ON reset" which is a dedicated routine that was called (step S420).

On the other hand, the mode of the above memory is "write.
If it is the "e mode" (step S407), predetermined data to be confirmed is checked (step S40).
8). Then, if the check result is good, the data (for example, an executable program relating to the control of the camera) is written to the designated predetermined address (for example, the start address of the specific block) (step S40).
9). In the case of the "subroutine call mode" (step S410), the confirmation data is checked (step S408), and if the result is satisfactory, the designated subroutine is called (step S41).
2) Execute the subroutine at the specified address.

Furthermore, in the case of the "continuous communication mode" in which only communication with the outside of the system unit is performed (step S
413), and subsequently, it is determined whether or not the continuous communication mode is in progress (step S414). If it is not in the continuous communication mode, the "checker communication" is executed again (step S415), and the "checker communication" processing is executed until the CHECK terminal becomes "H" (step S416). Then, in the case of the "OFF mode" in which the continuous communication is stopped (step S417), it is determined whether or not the continuous communication mode is in progress (step S418). On the other hand, if in continuous communication mode, set the stack pointer that points to the current address to 1
The level is returned (step S419).

The routine "checker communication" as described above can be used to execute a "specific block rewriting" program to be described later and a "camera adjustment process" to be described later.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the main routine relating to the main operation of the camera which is the electronic system device of the present invention. First, the state of the power SW 18 is ON /
Whether it is OFF or not is checked, and if it is OFF, the LCD 25 of the display unit is turned off and the “standby state” is entered.
This standby state continues until it is released by turning on the power SW.

When the power SW is turned on, a subroutine "LCD ON" display processing is performed (step S30).
0). Then, the mode switching SW is checked. If this mode switching SW is ON, "mode switching" processing is performed (step S600), and the process returns to the leading step of the main routine S100.

On the other hand, the state of this mode switching SW is OF.
If F, 1st. Release SW21 ON / OFF
Is checked, and if it is ON, a "release process" (step S500) is performed, and then the process returns to the power SW check. In addition, this 1st. Even if the release SW is OFF, it returns to the power SW check.

FIG. 6 shows the subroutine "release process" S.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of 500. The operation control of this subroutine executed by the camera body will be described in detail.

When the execution shifts to the subroutine program S500, the "photometry" process for measuring the brightness of the object is first performed (step S510), and then the "distance measurement" process for measuring the distance to the object is executed. It is performed (step S520). Here, the "release process 2" is a label name simply indicating an address in order to use a so-called "derivative mode" described later. Further, in the "AE calculation" routine, the data in the flash memory for correcting the variation of the photometric value of each camera based on the above-mentioned photometric value is used to correct the photometric value to a regular photometric value (step S
530), in the "AF calculation" routine, the drive amount of the focus lens is corrected to an appropriate value for each camera by using the data in the flash memory 1 that corrects the variation in the performance of each camera (step S540).

Subsequently, 2nd. The release switch 22 is checked, and if it is OFF, it waits until it is turned ON (standby). Release switch 22 is OF
1st in F. When the release switch 21 is turned off, this process ends (steps S550 and S560).
And 2nd. When the release switch 22 is turned on, the focus lens is driven by driving the lens, the shutter is opened and the film is wound up, and the series of processing operations are ended (steps S570 to S59).
0), the process returns to the called main routine S100.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart of the subroutine "mode switching" S600. First, the mode variable M is incremented by 1 (step S61).
0). This mode variable M is initialized to zero after power is turned on. The value of the variable M is checked (step S620). The values 0, 1 and 2 of the variable M represent the types of modes as will be described later and are cyclically switched. Therefore, when M becomes 3 or more, after the variable M is initialized to zero (step S630), the process returns to the called main routine.

FIG. 7B is a correspondence table showing an example of the operation mode of the camera. In this camera example, the variable M indicating the mode is assigned an integer having three unique meanings of 0 to 2. Specifically, M-0 is the “strobe auto function”, which indicates the low-luminance automatic light emission mode. In addition, M = 1 is "strobe OFF mode", M-
2 means "self-timer mode".

It should be noted that other modes representative of other functions can be newly set depending on the model of the camera. In that case, the M value is added to this table in correspondence with the other functions, and the above-mentioned mode is set. The check logic in step S620 may be changed.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the layout of the LCD display drawing. Each of the screens 25 has seven segments for displaying the number of frames, a lightning bolt 6 indicating the strobe auto mode, an OFF mark indicating the strobe OFF mode, a clock mark 8 indicating the self-timer mode, and a "derivative mode". The star 9 that is displayed is displayed in the layout as shown. However, the asterisk 9 of the derivative mode is not displayed in normal operation, and is an optional mode used only for products in which the derivative mode, which will be described later, can be selected and changed.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the subroutine "rewrite specific block" S450. This subroutine S450 can be executed by utilizing the function of the "checker communication" S400 described above. That is, the start address of the specific block rewriting subroutine (S450) is set using the function of writing data to the address specified in the write mode of the memory (steps S407 to S409). Next, the above-mentioned "checker communication"
The subroutine "specific block rewriting" is executed using S412 in the table. When the execution of the specific block rewriting subroutine is started, first, from the serial communication terminal,
Data for rewriting the memory contents transmitted from the outside, that is,
The executable program is received and temporarily stored in the RAM in the one-chip microcomputer, for example, in the input buffer (step S452). Next, by designating a specific block n of the flash memory to be rewritten in the one-chip microcomputer, the contents of the block n are erased (step S
454), after performing the process (step S456) of writing the data temporarily stored in the RAM to the specific block, the process returns to the main routine that was called.

FIG. 10A shows the subroutine "ROM
It is a flowchart of "version setting" S202. This routine mainly performs a process of writing the ROM version identifier described in the program in a predetermined format, which will be described later, to the designated RAM address. R in this designated RAM
By transferring the OM version identifier, the RO
In order to confirm which version M is, it is also possible to read it by an external device using the above-mentioned "checker communication" S400.

FIG. 10B is a table showing an example of the ROM version management table. This management table is a correspondence table showing the old and new relationship between the contents of the flash memory and the mask ROM, and for example, F1, F2, and so on every time the program version in the flash memory is changed.
... is written and added in ascending order. As the version identifier rises, it is possible to manage whether or not there is any modification other than the specific block in this flash memory. So, for example, a "repair shop" that repairs and adjusts products
If this version is checked in, it is possible to replace the old version of the program other than in a specific block, that is, to update the program.

Further, in the case of improvement of an electronic system device which has been produced as an electronic product for a considerable period of time, if it is found that there is no problem even if a microcomputer of a mask ROM is used, a flash memory is used. It is also conceivable to switch the microcomputer including the one to the one-chip microcomputer of the mask ROM during the production. In such a case, since it is impossible for the repair shop to deal with the program change, it is necessary to judge whether the flash memory or the mask ROM is concerned and identify the version. Therefore, regarding the ROM version in the case of ROM, for example, M1, M2, ...
... and is distinguished by a different identifier so that it can be distinguished from the flash memory. In this example, considering the derivative model, the program written in a specific block is, for example, a “main routine” (FIG. 5),
"Release process" (Fig. 6) or "Mode change"
(Fig. 7) etc. Other dedicated routines "Power ON reset" and "Specific block rewriting"
Etc. are stored in blocks other than the specific block.
In particular, if a subroutine program such as "power ON reset" or "rewrite specific block" exists in a specific block, it may be erased for rewriting the program. is necessary. (Modification) Next, a specific example of a derivative mode other than the above (for example, a mode in which a program of a specific block of the flash memory is rewritten to change the function or the specification) will be shown.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a subroutine "release processing" S500 'as a modified embodiment of the derivative mode. In this example, the lens driving step S570 in the “release processing” routine S500 in FIG. 6 described above is moved to the step next to step S540, and 1st. Some steps are changed so that the lens is driven by the release, which is a modified example. (Note that since the other steps are the same as those in FIG. 6 described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.) FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a main routine S100 ′ as another modified example of the derivative mode. More specifically, this is a modified example in which a part of the flowchart of the main routine S100 of FIG. 5 is changed and some steps are changed so that “spot photometry” S700 is performed instead of performing mode switching S600. That is, when the mode switch SW is ON, spot photometry 700 is performed, and the release process 2 described above is called as a subroutine 515.
It is realized by doing.

As described above, by setting the main routine and the program corresponding to the main routine in the specific block, it becomes very easy to change the specification and add the function of the electronic system device.

FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b) are modifications of the derivative mode in which only one mode switching mode of FIG. 7 is added. That is, in the case of the added M = 3, the star mark on the LCD described above is lit and displayed, for example, "red-eye reduction mode (specifically, a mode in which the strobe pre-light is emitted before photographing to reduce the pupil of the subject). ) ”Can be changed with the addition of functions.

As described above, by setting a routine in which a program can be changed in a specific block, maintenance, such as repair adjustment and function addition, can be easily and quickly performed even on the user side. However, if the main routine exists in a specific block, the label for "mode switching" of the main routine is changed to another label such as "mode switching B", and the table shown in FIG. By changing the setting of "mode switching B" and writing in a specific block, it is possible to flexibly cope with any change of the system unit. In other words, the derivative mode operation of this electronic product can be supported without rewriting the contents of all areas of this flash memory. Further, according to each embodiment of the present invention, at the start of production of the electronic system, a microcomputer with a built-in flash memory is used, and after the reliability of the program of the product is confirmed in the market, even if the microcomputer is switched to the built-in mask ROM, the repair is performed. It has the effect of not being confused by such things as.

The device of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described herein, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The embodiment relating to the present invention is carried out as follows, and the following operational effects are obtained. That is, (1) An electronic system device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer of the present invention is an electronic system device having built-in memory means divided into a plurality of blocks, which is set in a predetermined block of the memory means. At least one specific block for storing and storing a procedure for realizing a predetermined function or specification of the apparatus as a program, and a specific block stored in at least one of the blocks other than the specific block for rewriting the content of the specific block The program includes a rewriting program and a serial communication unit that is accessible to the memory unit and has a predetermined serial communication function. The specific block rewriting program stores the data received by the serial communication unit in the specific unit. Characterized by writing in a block

Effect: The built-in rewritable memory is divided into a plurality of blocks, and has a specific block rewriting program stored in another block to rewrite the contents of a predetermined specific block among them. ,
By receiving the data including the program sent from the external device via the serial communication means and following the rewriting program, adjustment and repair of the electronic system device without rewriting all the contents of the entire area of the memory. Easy to change.

(2) The memory means is a rewritable flash memory, and the specific block stores and stores a main routine portion of a control program relating to a function or a specification of the electronic system device. The electronic system device according to (1). Effect: The main routine of the control program that regulates the operation of the electronic system device is rewritable because it is stored in one specific block composed of the flash memory, and the content of the specific block, that is, the main of the control program is rewritable. Since only the routine is rewritten with the desired data sent from the external device, the work can be performed in a short time.

(3) Built in a one-chip microcomputer, divided into a plurality of blocks, capable of storing data or control program in block units, and having a predetermined function of the electronic system among the plurality of blocks. Alternatively, a memory means having at least one specific block for storing a program for realizing the specifications, a communication means capable of accessing the memory means, and communicating with an external device of the electronic system,
An electronic system incorporating a one-chip microcomputer, comprising: writing means for writing data or a program received via the communication means to the specific block in the memory means. (4) In the electronic device in which the one-chip microcomputer described in (3) is incorporated, the memory means is a flash memory. (5) In the electronic device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (3) above, the specific block stores a main routine of a control program for controlling the function or specification of the system device. (6) In the electronic device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer according to (5), after executing a routine for performing power-on reset processing and serial communication stored in a block different from the specific block, The main routine stored in the specific block is executed.

(7) In the electronic device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (3) above, the memory means has an identification code indicating a storage version, and the writing means follows the version. , Write the data or program in the specific block. (8) In the electronic device in which the one-chip microcomputer according to (7) is incorporated, the version of the one-chip microcomputer is stored in a block different from the specific block. (9) In the electronic device in which the one-chip microcomputer according to (7) is incorporated, the version of the one-chip macro computer also stores the difference between the ROM and the electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory. (10) In the electronic device in which the one-chip microcomputer according to (3) is incorporated, the memory means has at least one block other than the specific block for rewriting the contents of the specific block. It stores the rewriting program.

(11) It is built in a one-chip microcomputer and can store data or a control program by being divided into a plurality of blocks. In addition, a predetermined function or specification of the electronic system in the plurality of blocks can be stored. Memory means having at least one specific block for storing a program to be realized; and communication means capable of accessing the specific block of the memory means and communicating with an external device of the electronic system. And wherein the data or the program is received via the communication means, and when writing the data or the program in the memory means, writing to a block other than the specific block is not performed. An electronic system with a built-in one-chip microcomputer Stem. (12) In the electronic device in which the one-chip microcomputer according to (11) is incorporated, the communication means communicates between the electronic system and the adjusting device, and when the two communicate, the predetermined function or Communicates with the program to realize the specifications. (13) In the electronic system incorporating the one-chip microcomputer according to (11), the electronic system is a camera, and the predetermined function or specification is changed by rewriting the specific block. (14) In the electronic system incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (11) above, the memory means is a flash memory.

(15) It is built in the one-chip microcomputer and is capable of storing data or a control program by being divided into a plurality of blocks, and of the plurality of blocks, a predetermined function or specification of the camera is specified. Memory means having at least one specific block for storing a program for realizing; communication means capable of accessing the memory means; communicating with an external device of the electronic system; and the communication means. A camera incorporating a one-chip microcomputer, comprising: writing means for writing data or a program received via the writing means to the specific block in the memory means. (16) In the camera incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (15) above, the memory means is a flash memory. (17) In the camera in which the one-chip microcomputer according to (15) is incorporated, the communication means communicates between the electronic system and the adjusting device, and the communication of the both means is performed by the memory means. Writing to blocks other than the specific block is prohibited. (18) In the camera incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (15) above, the memory means may be at least one block other than the specific block to rewrite the contents of the specific block. It stores the rewriting program.

(19) In the camera incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (15) above, the predetermined function or specification is a function or specification for changing the display order of the modes displayed by the camera. . (20) In the camera incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (15) above, the predetermined function or specification is a function or specification for changing the order of operations performed by the camera. (21) In the camera incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (20) above, the function or the specification changes the timing of focusing of the taking lens. (22) In the camera incorporating the one-chip microcomputer described in (15) above, a new additional operation mode can be added to the specific block.

(23) In an electronic system incorporating a one-chip microcomputer in which a control program is stored in either a mask ROM or an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, the control program has the mask ROM and Identification means for identifying which is stored in an electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, and the non-volatile memory can be accessed from outside the electronic system, and data or a program is rewritten in the memory. Rewriting means, and means for rewriting data or programs by the rewriting means only when the identification program identifies the non-volatile memory as storing the control program.
An electronic system in which a one-chip microcomputer is incorporated.

[0056]

As described above, according to the configuration of the electronic system device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer of the present invention, the built-in rewritable memory, for example, the flash memory is divided into a plurality of blocks, and a predetermined one of them is divided. Since it has a specific block rewriting program stored in another block in order to rewrite the contents of the specific block of, by rewriting the data including the program sent from the external device according to the rewriting program,
It is not necessary to rewrite all the contents of the entire area of the flash memory. For example, if a main program routine for controlling the operation of the system unit exists in a specific block, it is possible to change to a new version having a new operation function simply by changing the desired step of the main routine in the specific block. It is possible. In other words, if the electronic system product is configured as described above, the rewriting method described above is possible, and therefore any adjustment and repair change regarding the functional operation that occurs after the sale can be easily handled by the derivative mode operation. Become.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram conceptually showing the relationship between the configuration of an electronic system device of the present invention and an external device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a camera as an electronic system device of the present invention having a one-chip microcomputer.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a dedicated routine “power ON reset” for performing an initial operation of the camera.

[Fig. 4] Subroutine "Checker communication" for communication
3 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine that defines main operations of the electronic system device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a series of operations of a subroutine “release processing” of the camera.

7A is a flowchart showing a subroutine "mode switching", and FIG. 7B is a table showing an example of a correspondence table of camera operation modes.

FIG. 8 is a layout diagram showing an example of an LCD display drawing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine “specific block rewriting”.

FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a subroutine “ROM version setting”, and FIG. 10B is a table showing an example of a ROM version management table.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another subroutine “release processing” as a modified example of the derivative mode.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another main routine as a modified example of the derivative mode.

FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing another subroutine “mode switching”, and FIG. 13B is a table showing another correspondence table of camera operation modes.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 flash memory, 2 CPU, 3 serial communication unit, 4 bus, 5 frames display, 6 strobe AUTO display, 7 strobe OFF display, 8 self-timer display, 9 derivative mode display, 10 camera body, 11 microcomputer, 14 flash Memory write control terminal, 15 connector for external communication, 18 power SW, 20 personal computer, 21 1st release, 22 2nd release, 23 mode switching SW, 25 LCD.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic system device comprising a one-chip microcomputer containing a memory means divided into a plurality of blocks, which is set in a predetermined block in the memory means and has a predetermined function or specification of the system device. And a specific block rewriting program stored in at least one of the blocks other than the specific block in order to rewrite the contents of the specific block. And a serial communication unit having a predetermined serial communication function, the specific block rewriting program writing the data received by the serial communication unit into the specific block. The one-chip microcomputer Only incorporated electronic system unit. 2. The memory means is a rewritable flash memory, and the specific block stores a main routine of a control program which defines a function or a specification of the system device. An electronic system device incorporating the one-chip microcomputer according to claim 1. 3. The one-chip microcomputer according to claim 1, wherein the memory means stores a version for identifying whether the memory means is an electrically rewritable memory or a ROM. Electronic system.