WO2006003538A1 - Procede de mise a niveau logicielle d'un appareil - Google Patents

Procede de mise a niveau logicielle d'un appareil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006003538A1
WO2006003538A1 PCT/IB2005/051971 IB2005051971W WO2006003538A1 WO 2006003538 A1 WO2006003538 A1 WO 2006003538A1 IB 2005051971 W IB2005051971 W IB 2005051971W WO 2006003538 A1 WO2006003538 A1 WO 2006003538A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
data
software
upgrading
upgrade server
upgrade
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/051971
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Hendrik Geertjo Tillema
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2006003538A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006003538A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F8/00—Arrangements for software engineering
    • G06F8/60—Software deployment
    • G06F8/65—Updates

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of upgrading software of an apparatus.
  • the invention further relates to an apparatus comprising a first memory for storing upgradeable software.
  • the invention relates to a medium having stored thereon such computer programme product as well
  • Japanese patent application JP2002- 132368 discloses a method for upgrading the firmware of a printer. A user is notified of the availability of updated firmware. Next, he pays for software and receives a secret number. Subsequently, the number is provided to an authorization means comprised by a remote server. When the number is correct, data for upgrading the firmware from the remote server can be properly downloaded. This method takes a lot of steps and requires the issue of a number from a remote location, upon which the secret number has to be sent away again to a server, usually owned by the party to whom the payment has been made and has issued the secret number. Also, for every upgrade, another secret number has to be acquired.
  • the invention provides in a first aspect a method of upgrading software of an apparatus, comprising the steps of: providing identification data stored in the apparatus, the identification data identifying the apparatus; communicating the identification data to an upgrade server; receiving data for upgrading the software in response to the communication of the identification data; and upgrading the software of the apparatus.
  • the identification data stored in the apparatus identifies the apparatus for which the data is intended and/or a user who has paid, this does not have to be obtained from the manufacturer every time again an upgrade of the software is available. This saves time and money.
  • the data is provided to the apparatus via a further apparatus. It may not always be desirable to have the apparatus establish direct contact with the upgrade server. Furthermore, the apparatus should have dedicated communication circuitry on board for communicating with the upgrade server. This may not be desirable as well, from a cost and/or weight point of view.
  • the first problem is solved. The second issue may be solved in this way as well; when the upgrade server should be communicated with via a complex protocol, but communication between the apparatus and the further apparatus can be established with a simple link, it may be advantageous to use the further apparatus as an intermediary.
  • the method further comprises the steps of: writing the data on a medium readable by the apparatus, the writing step being controlled by the further apparatus; and providing the medium to the apparatus.
  • the transfer of data to the apparatus can be controlled in a very strict way. This solves a lot of security issues and probably also lift some security concerns that may live with consumers. Furthermore, when the apparatus is designed to read said media, for example a DVD+RW recorder, very little additional hardware is necessary to implement the invention.
  • the ID is provided to a screen connected to the apparatus and the ID is communicated to the upgrade server via a further apparatus connected to the upgrade server via the first network connection.
  • the advantage of this embodiment is that it can be implemented easily. There is no need for providing any communication between the apparatus and the further apparatus. Also, the ID can be easily displayed on the screen; this is easy to implement in a menu structure.
  • the upgrade server keeps a history of past software upgrades.
  • the advantage of this embodiment is that a provider of the data for upgrading the software and/or a manufacturer of the apparatus can keep track of what kind of software updates each individual user is. Furthermore, it can also be checked what data is necessary for a specific software upgrade. When a user has not upgraded the software for quite a while, it might be necessary to download additional data to properly install the newest software upgrade.
  • the invention provides in a second aspect an apparatus comprising: a first memory for storing upgradeable software; a second memory for storing identification data identifying the apparatus; a first communication unit for communicating the identification data to an upgrade server; a second communication unit for receiving, in response to communicating the identification data, data for upgrading the software from the upgrade server; and a processing unit conceived to upgrade the software using the data.
  • the first communication unit and the second communication are one and the same.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention
  • Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention connected to an upgrade server
  • Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention with a further apparatus connected to an upgrade server.
  • Figure 1 shows a consumer electronics system 100 comprising a video recorder 110 as an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, a TV-set 150 and a control device 160.
  • the video recorder 110 is arranged to receive and record streams of audio-visual data and interactive applications associated with those streams of audio-visual data carried by a signal 170.
  • the video recorder 110 comprises a receiver 120 for receiving the signal 170, a de-multiplexer 122, a video processor 124, a central processing unit like a micro-processor 126 for controlling components comprised by the video recorder 110, a harddisk drive 128 as a storage device harddisk drive, a programme code memory 130, a user command receiver 132 for receiving signal from the control device 160 and a central bus 134 for connecting components comprised by the video recorder 110.
  • the video recorder further comprises a network interface unit 140 for connecting to a network like the internet or a LAN.
  • the network interface unit 140 may be embodied as an analogue modem, an ISDN, DSL or cable modem or a UTP/ethernet network interface.
  • the receiver 120 is arranged to tune in to a broadcast (audio or video) channel and derive data of that broadcast channel from the signal 170.
  • the signal 170 can be received by any known method; cable, terrestrial; satellite, broadband network connection or any other method of distributing audiovisual data.
  • the signal 170 can even be derived from the output of another consumer electronics apparatus.
  • the receiver 120 outputs a baseband signal that carries at least one stream of audiovisual data.
  • the de-multiplexer 122 is arranged to de-multiplex audiovisual data from other data that may be comprised in the baseband signal outputted by the receiver 120.
  • the video processor 124 is arranged to render audiovisual data outputted by the de ⁇ multiplexer 122 in a way that is can be rendered by the TV-set 150.
  • the output can be provided in various analogue formats as SECAM and PAL or digital formats.
  • the programme code memory 130 enables the microprocessor 126 to execute the method according to the invention.
  • the programme code memory 130 may be embodied as a Flash EEPROM, a ROM, an optical disk or any other type of data carrying medium.
  • the data stored in the programme code memory is considered to be an operating system of the video recorder 110.
  • the storage device may also be embodied as an optical disk drive like a DVD or Blu-Ray drive and is adapted to store content that is received by either the receiver 120 or the network interface unit 140 for future reproduction on the TV-set 150 or for further dissemination via the network interface unit 140.
  • the content may be processed prior to storage.
  • the video recorder 110 connects via the network interface unit 140 to an upgrade server 220 over a network 210 - preferably the internet - and transmits a unique ID of the video recorder 110 to the upgrade server 220 comprising a storage medium 222 having stored thereon various groups of data for upgrading firmware of various types of video recorders.
  • the upgrade server 220 determines the type number of the video recorder 110 and also the firmware that has already been installed on the video recorder 110, either at the manufacturing site or at a previous firmware upgrade using the method according to the invention.
  • the upgrade server sends the data for upgrading the operating system to the video recorder 110.
  • the installed operating system determines what parts of the firmware need to be upgraded. This is done by the micro-processor 126, instructed by means of computer executable instructions comprised by the installed operating system. Finally, the firmware is upgraded using the downloaded data.
  • Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the invention.
  • the unique ID of the video recorder 110 is displayed on the television set 150, at a request of the user inputted via the control device 160 ( Figure 1). Subsequently, the user inputs this ID in a personal computer 310 and sends it via a first connection 320 over the network 210 to the upgrade server via a second connection 320.
  • the upgrade server 220 determines the appropriate firmware to send and in return for a payment, the upgrade server 220 sends the data for upgrading the firmware of the video recorder 110 to the personal computer 310.
  • the downloaded data is firstly stored on a harddisk drive (not shown) and subsequently stored on a medium like a removable data carrier (like for example, but not limited to an optical disc (Compact Disc®) or a solid state memory (Flash)), in this embodiment a DVD+RW disc 350, using a DVD+RW writer station 312 in the personal computer 310.
  • the medium is an SD card or another solid state memory card.
  • the DVD+RW disc is inserted in an optical drive unit 302 comprised by the video recorder 110 and read by the video recorder 110.
  • the DVD+RW has data on it recognized by the operating system of the video recorder, recognizing it as data for updating the firmware. Subsequently, the firmware is upgraded as discussed before.
  • the intermediate storage on the harddisk drive 128 can be skipped.
  • the data for the firmware upgrade are sent from the personal computer 310 to the video recorder 110 over an electronic connection 360 like for example, but not limited to, FireWire (IEEEl 394), USB, any variant of IEEE 802.11, IrDa or Bluetooth.
  • an electronic connection 360 like for example, but not limited to, FireWire (IEEEl 394), USB, any variant of IEEE 802.11, IrDa or Bluetooth.
  • the ID can be sent via the personal computer 310 using proprietary firmware provided by the manufacturer of the video recorder 110 (running on the operating system of the personal computer 310), by downloading via a web browser programme like Opera, or by e-mail using well-known e-mail programmes like ELM, Lotus Notes and Eudora mail.
  • the data for updating the operating system may be received by e-mail as well, as an attachment.
  • the attachment Upon receipt of the e-mail, the attachment is detached and burned on a DVD+RW disc using standard software.
  • the ID is sent over the same connection as the data for upgrading the firmware.
  • both are sent over separate channels.
  • the ID is sent to the upgrade server 220 over a telephone line using a modem and the data for upgrading the operating system is sent to the personal computer over a broadband internet connection.
  • the upgrade server 220 was determined automatically by the upgrade server 220 by means of the ID of the video recorder 110.
  • a user is provided with a lot of choices of features.
  • the upgrade server Upon sending the ID data to the upgrade server, the upgrade server provides the user the choices of features to upgrade the firmware of the video recorder 110.
  • the upgrade server 220 Having chosen the features to upgrade the video recorder 110 with, the upgrade server 220 provides the user with a bill on a screen, either the TV-set 150 when the embodiment of Figure 2 has been is implemented or a computer monitor (not shown) connected to the personal computer 310 when the embodiment of Figure 3 is implemented.
  • the data for upgrading the firmware of the video recorder 110 is available for either downloading or sending, the latter preferably by e-mail.
  • the ID data does also comprise key data for encrypting and decrypting the data for upgrading.
  • key data for encrypting and decrypting the data for upgrading.
  • the invention relates to the following: with rapid development of consumer electronics, consumer electronics devices are obsolete in a short amount of time. On the other side, they are usually made according to specs to last at least ten years.
  • the invention provides a method to do so.
  • a device owner becomes a unique number from the device, sends it to the manufacturer, chooses on or more software update for newly available features on the device, pays for the software and subsequently downloads the software.
  • the software is put on a medium like a Compact Disc ® or a Flash card, which is put in the device for upgrading the internal software.
  • the software may either be an operating system or dedicated firmware.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Stored Programmes (AREA)

Abstract

Avec l'évolution rapide de l'électronique grand public, les appareils électroniques grand public deviennent vite dépassés. Par ailleurs, les appareils électroniques sont généralement conçus pour ne durer qu'une dizaine d'années. C'est pourquoi, il est nécessaire de mettre à niveau les appareil obsolètes. L'invention concerne un procédé destiné à la mise à niveau des appareils obsolètes. Dans un mode de réalisation, le propriétaire d'un appareil utilise un numéro unique de l'appareil, qu'il transmet au fabricant. Le propriétaire sélectionne une ou plusieurs mises à jour logicielles pour obtenir les nouvelles caractéristiques sur l'appareil, paie le logiciel, puis télécharge le logiciel. Ensuite, le logiciel est enregistré sur un support, tel qu'un disque compact ou une carte flash, qui est introduit dans l'appareil pour mettre à jour le logiciel interne. Le logiciel peut être un système d'exploitation ou un micrologiciel spécialisé.
PCT/IB2005/051971 2004-06-29 2005-06-15 Procede de mise a niveau logicielle d'un appareil WO2006003538A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP04103029 2004-06-29
EP04103029.7 2004-06-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006003538A1 true WO2006003538A1 (fr) 2006-01-12

Family

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PCT/IB2005/051971 WO2006003538A1 (fr) 2004-06-29 2005-06-15 Procede de mise a niveau logicielle d'un appareil

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006003538A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1887464A1 (fr) * 2006-08-09 2008-02-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Appareil d'affichage, appareil de traitement d'images, et procédé pour la mise à jour de son programme de contrôle
WO2008026139A2 (fr) * 2006-08-29 2008-03-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Procédé et dispositif servant à optimiser un logiciel dans un produit de consommation
WO2008049060A2 (fr) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-24 Toby Klusmeyer Système, procédé et dispositif pour mettre à jour un équipement électronique programmable à partir d'un service de déploiement via l'internet ou un support de communications
JP2011528217A (ja) * 2008-07-14 2011-11-10 ソニー株式会社 Ｔｖインターネットアダプタを使用したｔｖソフトウェアのアップグレード
US8239274B2 (en) 2007-01-11 2012-08-07 Microsoft Corporation Purchasing of individual features of a software product
CN105530542A (zh) * 2014-09-28 2016-04-27 深圳Tcl数字技术有限公司 模块电视升级的方法及模块电视

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0811942A2 (fr) * 1996-06-07 1997-12-10 Cyber Media, Incorporated Mise à jour automatique de produits logiciels divers dans des systèmes ordinateurs à clients multiples
US6035423A (en) * 1997-12-31 2000-03-07 Network Associates, Inc. Method and system for providing automated updating and upgrading of antivirus applications using a computer network
US20020080931A1 (en) * 2000-06-20 2002-06-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Method for changing function of electronic device, customer center, dealer system and user system
US20030167473A1 (en) * 1994-05-04 2003-09-04 Starsight Telecast Incorporated Television system with downloadable features

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030167473A1 (en) * 1994-05-04 2003-09-04 Starsight Telecast Incorporated Television system with downloadable features
EP0811942A2 (fr) * 1996-06-07 1997-12-10 Cyber Media, Incorporated Mise à jour automatique de produits logiciels divers dans des systèmes ordinateurs à clients multiples
US6035423A (en) * 1997-12-31 2000-03-07 Network Associates, Inc. Method and system for providing automated updating and upgrading of antivirus applications using a computer network
US20020080931A1 (en) * 2000-06-20 2002-06-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Method for changing function of electronic device, customer center, dealer system and user system

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1887464A1 (fr) * 2006-08-09 2008-02-13 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Appareil d'affichage, appareil de traitement d'images, et procédé pour la mise à jour de son programme de contrôle
US8330861B2 (en) 2006-08-09 2012-12-11 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Display apparatus, image processing apparatus and method for upgrading control program thereof
WO2008026139A2 (fr) * 2006-08-29 2008-03-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Procédé et dispositif servant à optimiser un logiciel dans un produit de consommation
WO2008026139A3 (fr) * 2006-08-29 2008-05-08 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Procédé et dispositif servant à optimiser un logiciel dans un produit de consommation
US8826259B2 (en) 2006-08-29 2014-09-02 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method and device for upgrading software in a consumer product
WO2008049060A2 (fr) * 2006-10-18 2008-04-24 Toby Klusmeyer Système, procédé et dispositif pour mettre à jour un équipement électronique programmable à partir d'un service de déploiement via l'internet ou un support de communications
WO2008049060A3 (fr) * 2006-10-18 2008-11-27 Toby Klusmeyer Système, procédé et dispositif pour mettre à jour un équipement électronique programmable à partir d'un service de déploiement via l'internet ou un support de communications
US8239274B2 (en) 2007-01-11 2012-08-07 Microsoft Corporation Purchasing of individual features of a software product
JP2011528217A (ja) * 2008-07-14 2011-11-10 ソニー株式会社 Ｔｖインターネットアダプタを使用したｔｖソフトウェアのアップグレード
CN105530542A (zh) * 2014-09-28 2016-04-27 深圳Tcl数字技术有限公司 模块电视升级的方法及模块电视

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