Electronic device, program update method, setup file generator and its method

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an electronic device, a program update method, a setup file creation device and the method thereof, and more particularly to an electronic device capable of updating a processing program and the like, a program update method, a setup file creation device and the method thereof.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In recent years, the firmware is stored in a rewritable storage means such as EEPROM, and the program contents in the EEPROM are changed from another communication device via the communication means, and the firmware version for improving the function and performance. Electronic cameras that can be upgraded are on sale.

【0003】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the conventional method of upgrading a processing program such as firmware of an electronic camera, a communication means for updating (updating) the firmware and software for communication are required for the electronic camera, and update information is transmitted. A processing program for updating, communication means, and software for communication were required on the device side such as a personal computer. In particular, as in recent years, enormous development man-hours have been required to support each of multiple types of trendy communication interfaces such as RS-232C, SCSI, USB, IEEE1394, and IrDA.

【0004】

In addition, with communication means such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), if an electronic camera that connects to a computer is set as a storage class, there is an advantage that the standard storage mode can be easily used, but recording is possible. When trying to update firmware other than the medium, there was a problem that a vendor-specific update processing program had to be developed using a unique protocol.

【0005】

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is an electronic device, a program update method, a setup file creation device, and the like, which can easily update a processing program of the electronic device via a recording medium. It is intended to provide a method.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

The invention according to claim 1 for achieving the above object is an electronic device capable of easily updating a processing program, and includes an information processing means for controlling each part of the electronic device and the information processing. A recording means for recording a part or all of the processing program of the means, which is a non-volatile recording means capable of reading and writing a part or all of the processing program based on the instruction of the information processing means, and the processing program. The information processing means includes a recording medium interface capable of reading the update program from a detachable recording medium in which the update program is recorded in advance based on the instruction of the information processing means, and the information processing means reads from the recording medium. The processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording means is updated based on the updated processing program, and control of each part of the electronic device is executed based on the updated processing program.

【0007】

According to the present invention, an information processing means for controlling each part of an electronic device and a recording means for recording a part or all of the processing program of the information processing means, which is one of the processing programs based on the instruction of the information processing means. It is possible to read the update program based on the instruction of the information processing means from the non-volatile recording means capable of reading and writing a part or the whole and the removable recording medium in which the update program of the processing program is recorded in advance. The information processing means includes a recording medium interface, updates a processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording means based on an update program read from the recording medium, and electronically based on the updated processing program. Since the control of each part of the device is executed, the processing program of the electronic device can be easily updated via the recording medium.

【0008】

Further, the invention according to claim 8 for achieving the above object is a setup file creating device for creating a setup file in which an update program for updating a processing program of an electronic device is recorded on a recording medium, and is an electronic device. It is provided with a communication means for transmitting and receiving information, and a recording means for creating a setup file on a recording medium in which identification information unique to the electronic device received via the communication means and an update program of the electronic device are recorded. It is characterized by that.

【0009】

According to the present invention, a communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from an electronic device, and a setup file in which identification information unique to the electronic device received via the communication means and an update program of the electronic device are recorded are used as a recording medium. Since the recording means for creating is provided, it is possible to easily update the processing program of the electronic device via the recording medium.

【0010】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electronic device, the program update method, the setup file creation device, and the method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

【0011】

FIG. 1 shows a state in which the electronic device according to the present invention and a personal computer are connected by communication.

【0012】

As shown in the figure, the electronic camera 10, which is a form of an electronic device, can transmit and receive information to and from the personal computer 80 via the cradle 12 and the communication cable 14. Further, the personal computer 80 is provided with a recording medium mounting unit 878 for mounting the recording medium 177, records the update program of the processing of the electronic camera 10 on the recording medium, and also records the update program of the processing of the electronic camera 10 on the recording medium, and also from the electronic camera 10 via the communication cable 14. It is possible to record the received identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 on the recording medium 177.

【0013】

Further, instead of recording the update program of the processing of the electronic camera 10 on the recording medium 177 provided in the personal computer 80, the update program is transmitted to the electronic camera 10 via the communication cable 14 and recorded in the electronic camera 10. It may be recorded on the medium 177.

【0014】

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the signal processing system of the electronic device according to the present invention.

【0015】

The image processing unit of the electronic camera 10 which is a form of an electronic device provided with an image pickup means includes an image pickup means 150 which forms an image of a subject on a light receiving surface, performs photoelectric conversion, and outputs the image signal, and an image size. An image processing means 153 that performs processing such as change, sharpness correction, contour processing, and contrast correction, and an A / D converter 154 that converts an analog image signal into digital image data are provided.

【0016】

In addition, the communication means of the electronic camera 10 that transmits and receives information such as image data, identification information unique to electronic devices, and setup files to and from other communication devices by communication transmits or transmits information such as image data on a carrier wave such as radio waves. A short-range transmission / reception means 157 for receiving, an antenna 156 for transmitting / receiving carrier waves and image data, a communication connector 162 for transmitting / receiving information such as image data to / from other communication devices via a communication cable, and an electronic camera 10. It consists of a cradle connector 163 that sends and receives information to and from other communication devices via the attached cradle.

【0017】

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes a compression / decompression means 167 for compressing or thinning out information such as image data by a method typified by JPEG or motion JPEG, and a compression / decompression means 167 for decompressing and decompressing the compressed image data and the like. OSD169, which displays various character and message data displayed on 168 together with images on-screen, and white balance processing, gamma conversion, YC conversion processing, and number of pixels for the image data obtained by imaging. A signal processing means 170 that performs conversion processing, electronic zoom processing, trimming processing, etc., a frame memory 171 that temporarily stores image data of a preview image to be displayed, a composite signal for displaying digital image data, etc. There is a D / A converter 172 that converts to.

【0018】

Further, the electronic camera 10 is provided with an input means 173 provided with a power switch, a release button, a communication button, a send button, a function switch, a cross key, a confirmation switch, a mode changeover switch, and the like, and input information by the input means 173. Information such as image data is recorded on the I / O 174, which is an interface for inputting / outputting information for display means such as LEDs, the recording medium mounting unit 178 on which the recording medium 177 is detachably mounted, and the recording medium 177. A recording medium interface 179 for reading and writing is provided. The recording medium 177 is a detachable recording medium typified by a semiconductor such as a memory card, a magnetic recording type represented by MO or the like, an optical recording type or the like.

【0019】

Further, the electronic camera 10 controls the entire electronic camera 10 and controls the sampling timing of the image data, the recording control of the image data, the graphic recognition of the image data, and the model information of the electronic camera 10 or the reading of the identification information peculiar to the device. Information processing means 180 that controls processing, communication control, control related to image and audio recording, display control, etc., and information such as various constants for adjustment that can be rewritten and stored is stored even after the power is cut off. Non-volatile memory 182 (recording means) that can continue to be processed, ROM 183 that stores the model name of the electronic camera 10, identification information unique to the electronic device such as the serial number, default operation program, each constant, etc. It is provided with RAM184, which is a high-speed read / write storage means that serves as a work area when executing a program.

【0020】

Further, the electronic camera 10 includes a calendar clock 190 that ticks the time, a power supply 191 that supplies various electric powers for driving the electronic camera 10, a power supply connector 192 that receives electric power from an external power source, and a subject at the time of imaging. A light emitting means 193 that emits light to compensate for the lack of light amount, and a light emitting control means 194 that adjusts the light emitting timing and the amount of light emitted by the light emitting means 193 are provided.

【0021】

The information processing means 180 of the electronic camera 10 and the circuits around it are connected by a bus 199, and information can be transmitted to each other at high speed.

【0022】

In addition to the terminals related to the communication connector 162, the cradle connector 163 may be provided with terminals related to the power switch, terminals related to the power connector 192, and the like. When the cradle that serves as the holding base of the electronic camera 10 is provided with a power supply function, the electronic camera 10 is mounted on the cradle to supply power to the electronic camera 10 from the cradle to supply power to the electronic camera 10. It is possible to charge the rechargeable battery provided in the operation and power source 191.

【0023】

In addition, if the cradle is provided with a function via communication, the electronic camera 10 can send and receive information to and from other communication devices via the cradle by attaching the electronic camera 10 to the cradle. It becomes.

【0024】

If the cradle is provided with a so-called power switch that switches the operation mode of the electronic camera 10 between an operating state and a non-operating state, the cradle connector 163 is provided via a terminal related to the power switch. Therefore, the user can switch the operating state of the electronic camera 10 without operating the power switch provided on the electronic camera 10.

【0025】

The imaging process of the electronic camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

【0026】

The image to be imaged is imaged on the light receiving surface of the image pickup means 150 by the lens 102, and the imaged subject image is photoelectrically converted and output to the image processing means 153. The image processing means 153 performs image processing such as correlated double sampling, amplification, and noise reduction processing on the image signal, and converts the image signal into digital data by the A / D converter 154.

【0027】

The image data converted into the digital data is transferred to the signal processing means 170 by the command of the information processing means 180, and image processing such as image white balance, gamma correction, YC conversion, zoom processing, and pixel number conversion processing is performed. Later, it is temporarily stored in a frame memory 171 such as VRAM. The frame memory 171 has a storage capacity corresponding to the number of display pixels of the display means 168 and the gradation of the color to be expressed.

【0028】

The information processing means 180 gives an instruction to sequentially transmit the image data stored in the frame memory 171 to the D / A converter 172, and displays it on the display means 168 together with information such as characters generated from the OSD 169.

【0029】

When the user presses the release button for the imaging instruction provided on the input means 173, the information processing means 180 enters the mode of capturing the subject. Then, the information processing means 180 records the image data having 12-bit gradation for each of the RGB primary colors converted into digital data by the A / D converter 154 in the RAM 184.

【0030】

When recording an image on the recording medium 177, the images stored in the RAM 184 are sequentially read out and transferred to the signal processing means 170 to perform image white balance, gamma correction, YC conversion, zoom processing, and pixel number conversion. After performing image processing such as processing to perform gradation conversion of each color, image size conversion processing, and the like, the image is transferred to the compression / decompression means 167.

【0031】

The image data that has been compressed by the compression / decompression means 167 under predetermined conditions is temporarily stored in the FILE work area of the RAM 184 for a period of time based on the instruction of the information processing means 180, and then stored in the image data for recording. After the conversion, the image data is output to the recording medium interface 179 and sequentially recorded on the recording medium 177.

【0032】

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera 10 transmits device-specific identification information such as the serial number or ID of the electronic camera 10 and image data to the personal computer 80 via the cradle 12 and the communication cable 14. Is possible.

【0033】

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the setup file creation device according to the present invention.

【0034】

According to the figure, the information transmission / reception unit (communication means) of the personal computer 80, which is a form of the setup file creation device, includes an antenna 856, a transmission / reception means 857, a communication connector 859 used as short-range wireless communication means, and a public line. A transmission / reception means 865 (including functions of a transmission means and a reception means) for a public line for transmitting / receiving information to / from a communication device or the like on a network such as the Internet via the 860 is provided.

【0035】

Further, the personal computer 80 is used with a display means 868 that displays information such as images and characters, and a display control means 869 that outputs an image signal for display to the display means 868 based on a command of the information processing means. I / O 874 that reads various information input by a person via the input means 873 and transmits it to the information processing means described later, or outputs a display command to a notification means such as an LED based on an instruction from the information processing means. It is provided.

【0036】

Further, the personal computer 80 has a recording medium mounting unit 878 to which the recording medium 877 is detachably mounted and a recording medium for recording and reading information such as image data on the recording medium 877 (same as the recording medium 177). Interface 879 is provided. The recording medium 877 is a removable recording medium similar to the recording medium 177.

【0037】

Further, in the personal computer 80, an information processing means (CPU) 880 that controls the entire personal computer 80, a ROM that records a program for operating the information processing means 880 and various constants, and an information processing means 880 execute processing. Memory 881 consisting of RAM, which is a storage means that serves as a work area for information processing, various constants related to computer processing, dial-up telephone numbers, attribute information, and URLs (Uniform) for connecting to communication devices on the network. A recording means 886 such as a hard disk for recording information such as connection information such as Resource Locators), address, and gateway information DNS (Domain Name System), and a calendar clock 890 for ticking the time are provided.

【0038】

The information processing means 880 in the personal computer 80 and each peripheral circuit including the display control means 869, I / O 874, memory 881, recording means 886, calendar clock 890, etc. are connected by a bus 899, and each of the information processing means 880 is connected by a bus 899. It is possible to control the peripheral circuits of.

【0039】

The short-distance wireless communication means is a communication means using a carrier wave of light such as radio waves, ultrasonic waves, and infrared rays. When using radio waves, it may be based on wireless communication specifications such as wireless LAN (local area network).

【0040】

In the above description, the communication device is the personal computer 80, but the object of the present invention can be achieved if the communication device is provided with a recording means, a communication means, and the like.

【0041】

When the user operates the mode switching dial provided on the electronic camera 10 to select, for example, a storage class (which may be a mode such as a still image mode), the electronic camera 10 is connected to the personal computer 80 for recording. The mode is considered to be a device. Then, the personal computer 80 can access the electronic camera 10 and read / write information to / from the recording medium 177 mounted on the electronic camera 10.

【0042】

When the user attaches the electronic camera 10 to the cradle 12, the personal computer 80 automatically detects the connection of the electronic camera 10 (using the Plug & Play function) via a communication means such as USB. Start communication of information with camera 10. Then, the personal computer 80 reads the identification information peculiar to the electronic camera 10 and the identification information peculiar to the recording medium 177, which are necessary for establishing the communication. After exchanging the information necessary for establishing communication and completing mutual authentication, communication is carried out according to the processing of the application software of the personal computer 80 thereafter. For example, the application software of the personal computer 80 automatically starts an image viewer that displays a list of images in the electronic camera 10, a setting screen for updating the processing program of the electronic camera 10, and the like.

【0043】

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a setting screen of an electronic camera displayed on the display means 868 of the personal computer 80.

【0044】

For example, when the electronic camera 10 is attached to the cradle, the image viewer is automatically activated. Then, when the user selects the camera setting function described in the menu of the image viewer, the camera setting screen 90 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display means 868 of the personal computer 80.

【0045】

As shown in the figure, the camera setting screen 90 has an opening screen setting display 92 that describes the setting / non-setting of the opening screen and the storage location and file name of the image to be displayed as the opening screen, and the copyright setting /. A wipe function for switching between multiple images during auto play, in which the copyright box 94, which displays an input box for inputting the characters of the copyright to be unset and set, and the continuous playback and viewing of images, are displayed. The autoplay wipe screen 96 for setting the settings, the OK button 98 for instructing to decide the camera settings, and the cancel button 99 for instructing to discard the camera settings are displayed.

【0046】

On the camera setting screen 90, the user can customize the processing such as the display program of the opening screen, which is the processing at the time of starting the electronic camera 10, for example. When the user instructs the update of the processing program of the electronic camera 10 on the camera setting screen 90, the personal computer 80 generates a setup file in which the update program of the electronic camera 10 is described and records it on the recording medium 177.

【0047】

FIG. 5 shows the setup file created by the personal computer 80 in the recording medium 177 and its contents.

【0048】

According to the figure, the recording medium 177 includes a root directory \ for storing various files, a directory SETUP for storing setup files, and a directory SETUP for storing images captured by the electronic camera 10. "IMAGE" is provided.

【0049】

In the directory "SETUP", there is a file "SETUP.DAT" that describes the contents to update the processing program of the electronic camera 10, and an image to be displayed as an opening screen on the display means of the electronic camera 10, for example, when the electronic camera 10 is started. The data file "OPENING.JPG" is recorded. Further, if necessary, the directory "IMAGE" for storing images and various image files "DSCF0001.JPG" may be recorded on the recording medium 177.

【0050】

In addition, as shown in the figure, after the address "0000" described in the setup file "SETUP.DAT", 2 bytes indicating that the item contains information related to the identification information unique to the computer 10. "0100" information and information "0500" indicating the size of the identification information unique to the computer 10 after the address "0002" (size information indicating that the identification information is composed of 5 bytes of data) , After the address "0004", the identification data "592D393939" (representing Y-999) unique to the electronic camera 10 obtained by the personal computer 80 from the electronic camera 10 via communication is described.

【0051】

Further, in the same manner thereafter, update information of processing programs such as an opening screen setting command, a copyright setting command, a wipe setting command, and a gamma correction command is described.

【0052】

When the electronic camera 10 starts up, it searches for the setup file "SETUP.DAT" of the recording medium 177, and when it recognizes that the setup file is recorded in the recording medium 177, the setup file and its related images and the like are displayed. The file is read and the processing program of the electronic camera 10 is updated according to the contents described in the setup file. Then, after the next startup, the processing operation is executed based on the newly updated processing program.

【0053】

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart relating to the update of the processing program of the electronic device according to the present invention.

【0054】

According to the figure, the power switch of the electronic camera 10 is turned on, the operation program is loaded from the ROM 183 or the non-volatile memory 182 and started, the opening screen or the like is displayed on the display means 168, and the starting process is completed. Then, the processing program of the information processing means 180 branches to step S100 "power ON" (hereinafter abbreviated as S100), and proceeds to the next S102 "is there a SETUP file?"

【0055】

In S102, it is determined whether or not the setup file "SETUP.DAT" is recorded on the recording medium 177. If the setup file is not recorded on the recording medium 177, it is determined that the update program of the processing program of the information processing means 180 does not exist, and S124 "normal operation" is performed without updating the processing program. It branches and executes the normal operation processing of the electronic camera 10.

【0056】

If S102 determines that the setup file exists on the recording medium 177, the processing program proceeds to the next S104 "Number of items to check SETUP file contents? Checking the opening screen".

【0057】

In S104, the information processing means 180 reads the information described in the setup file, checks the contents and the number of items, and checks the files such as the opening screen.

【0058】

FIG. 7 shows, for example, a camera customization screen 200 displayed on the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10 during S104 processing.

【0059】

As shown in the figure, the camera customization screen 200 has a customization screen display 201 that notifies the user that the update process of the camera processing program is being executed, and a setup file is recorded on the recording medium 177 to the user. Setup file display 202 to notify that the program is being used, opening screen confirmation display 203 to confirm the newly updated opening screen, and autoplay additional confirmation to confirm the newly updated autoplay additional items. Display 204, copyright confirmation display 205 for executing the newly set copyright confirmation, and execution display 206 for instructing execution / non-execution of the program update process for all items are displayed.

【0060】

The user operates the cross key or the like provided on the input means 173 to move the cursor to the items of the opening screen confirmation display 203, the auto play additional confirmation display 204, or the copyright confirmation display 205, and the input means 173. When you press the confirmation button provided in, you will be taken to various confirmation screens. For example, if the copyright item is not set (for example, if the copyright item is not described in the setup file), the copyright item that is not set does not have to be displayed, and the grayout display is displayed. May indicate that it is not available.

【0061】

Here, for example, when the user specifies the opening screen confirmation display 203, the display means 168 displays the opening confirmation screen 210 shown in FIG.

【0062】

The opening confirmation screen 210 shown in FIG. 8 includes an opening screen display 212 for notifying the contents of the currently displayed opening confirmation screen 210, a registered image 214 which is a conventionally used opening image, and newly registered images. The newly registered image 216, which is the opening image to be displayed, and the return display 218, which instructs the process of returning to the camera customization screen 200 by pressing the "BACK" button provided on the input means 173, are displayed. By referring to the opening confirmation screen 210, the user can compare and confirm the registered opening image displayed when the electronic camera 10 is started with the current settings and the newly registered opening image. It becomes.

【0063】

When the user specifies the auto play addition confirmation display 204 on the camera customization screen 200 shown in FIG. 7, the auto play confirmation screen 220 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display means 168. The auto play function is a function that displays a plurality of recorded images as if they were automatically page-turned in sequence.

【0064】

On the auto play confirmation screen 220 shown in FIG. 9, the auto play screen display 222 that notifies the contents of the currently displayed auto play confirmation screen 220, the currently displayed current image 224, and then an oblique wipe are performed. However, the next image 226 that is gradually switched and displayed and the back display 218 are displayed.

【0065】

Further, the auto play screen 228 shown in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a confirmation screen of auto play by another wipe method. The wipe method is not limited to the diagonal wipe method shown in FIG. 9, but may be a spiral wipe method as shown in FIG. 10, a wipe method in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a mosaic pattern. It may be a wipe method in which the screen is switched in a shape, or a combination thereof.

【0066】

When the user specifies the copyright confirmation display 205 on the camera customization screen 200 shown in FIG. 7, the copyright confirmation screen 230 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display means 168.

【0067】

The copyright confirmation screen 230 shown in FIG. 11 includes a copyright screen display 232 for notifying the contents of the currently displayed copyright confirmation screen 230 and a copyright display 234 for displaying the copyright registered for confirmation. And the back display 218 are displayed.

【0068】

Further, in S104 shown in FIG. 6, the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 recorded in the ROM 183 of the electronic camera 10 is read out and described in the setup file recorded in the recording medium 177, for example, after the address "0004". It may be collated with the identification information provided, and if both information do not match, it may be determined as an error.

【0069】

If the self-identification information stored in the electronic camera 10 in S104 and the information described in the setup file do not match, the processing program of the electronic camera 10 may not be updated. By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of an image file for the opening screen, etc. downloaded for a fee on the condition that it is used by only one electronic camera, by multiple other electronic cameras. Is possible.

【0070】

In addition, with the auto wipe function etc., we sell the right to use the wipe function such as wiping to the right to switch the image to be displayed, wiping diagonally to switch, swirling to switch, etc. It is also effective for the purpose of preventing unauthorized use as well as having the user use it with only one electronic camera.

【0071】

In the judgment of the next S106 "SETUP file error", as a result of the setup file check performed in the previous S104, it is judged whether or not an error has occurred due to an error in the items described. ..

【0072】

If an error has occurred, the processing program branches to S108 "error display", displays the error occurrence status on the display means 168 of the electronic camera 10, and notifies the user. When the display of the error status is completed, the processing program proceeds to S124 and executes normal operation processing.

【0073】

12 and 13 show an example of displaying an error displayed on the display means 168.

【0074】

FIG. 12 is a protection confirmation screen 240 for warning that the recording medium 177 is in the write protection state. On the protect confirmation screen 240, the customize screen display 201 and the protect confirmation display 242 are displayed.

【0075】

When erasing the setup file after updating the processing program of the electronic camera 10, the setup file cannot be erased if the recording medium 177 is set to the write protection state, so update the processing program. Instead, a warning is displayed in advance.

【0076】

Further, FIG. 13 shows the warning when the identification information unique to the electronic camera 10 recorded in the ROM 183 of the electronic camera 10 and the identification data recorded in the recording medium 177 do not match. The serial number confirmation screen 250 to be displayed on. On the serial number confirmation screen 250, the customization screen display 201 and the serial number confirmation display 252 are displayed. If it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use of the image file for the opening screen, etc. downloaded for a fee on the condition that it is used with only one electronic camera, with multiple other electronic cameras, the serial number The number confirmation display 252 is displayed to warn the user.

【0077】

If it is determined in S106 that no error has occurred in the setup file, the processing program proceeds to the next processing of S110 "Customized operation execution / non-execution selection display".

【0078】

In the S110, the display means 168 displays a display asking the user to select whether or not to update the processing program of the electronic camera 10 according to the setup file recorded in the recording medium 177.

【0079】

When the user inputs an instruction based on the selection display, the processing of the information processing means 180 proceeds to the next determination of S112 "Customization operation execution?". In S112, it is determined whether or not the instruction input by the user via the input means 173 is an instruction for executing the customized operation.

【0080】

If it is determined that the instruction input by the user is not the execution of the customized operation, the processing program branches to S124 without executing the customized operation and executes the normal operation process.

【0081】

If it is determined in S112 that the instruction input by the user or the execution of the customized operation is executed, the processing program proceeds to the next S114 "Change processing program content EEPROM setting value change (hourglass display)".

【0082】

In S114, a process of updating the processing program of the information processing means is performed according to the contents described in the setup file read from the recording medium 177. Then, the updated new processing program is recorded in the non-volatile memory 182 such as EEPROM. During that time, if it takes a certain amount of time to update the program, an hourglass or the like may be displayed on the display means 168 to notify the user that the process is in progress.

【0083】

When the update and recording of the processing program are completed in S114, the hourglass displayed on the display means 168 is erased, and the process proceeds to the next S116 SETUP file deletion process. The S116 performs a process of erasing the setup file "SETUP.DAT" and the related image file recorded on the recording medium 177. By erasing the setup file with S116, it is possible to prevent the update processing of the same program again, and if the setup file has a one-time usage right, it is illegally used multiple times. It becomes possible to prevent it.

【0084】

In the next S118 "Confirm whether to turn off the power?", The user is inquired about whether or not to restart with the processing program of the new electronic camera 10 updated as described above, and the user is used. Performs a process of waiting for an input instruction from a person.

【0085】

If the user instructs to restart the processing program (when the power is turned off), the processing program proceeds to S122 "Power off" and restarts the electronic camera 10 with the newly updated processing program (power is temporarily turned off). The process of turning it off and restarting) is started. If the user does not instruct the restart of the electronic camera 10 in S118, the processing program proceeds to S124, and the electronic camera 10 executes the normal operation processing.

【0086】

FIG. 14 shows a restart confirmation screen 260 in which the user selects whether to execute the restart immediately or later. According to the figure, the restart confirmation screen 260 has a customization screen display 201, a restart display 262 that prompts the user to restart by operating the power switch, etc., and the user continues to use the electronic camera 10 with the current processing program. After operating, press the "BACK" button to instruct to turn the power off and then on again, and then display 264 is displayed. The user can select the time to start by giving an instruction according to the contents displayed on the restart confirmation screen 260.

【0087】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, the information processing means for controlling each part of the electronic device and the recording means for recording a part or all of the processing program of the information processing means are based on the instructions of the information processing means. The update program is transmitted from a non-volatile recording means capable of reading and writing a part or all of the processing program and a detachable recording medium in which the update program of the processing program is recorded in advance based on the instruction of the information processing means. The information processing means is provided with a readable recording medium interface, and the information processing means updates the processing program recorded in the non-volatile recording means based on the update program read from the recording medium, and the updated processing Since the control of each part of the electronic device is executed based on the program, the processing program of the electronic device can be easily updated via the recording medium.

【0088】

Further, according to another form of the invention, a setup in which a communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from an electronic device, identification information unique to the electronic device received via the communication means, and an update program of the electronic device are recorded. Since it is provided with a recording means for creating a file on a recording medium, it is possible to easily update a processing program of an electronic device via the recording medium.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

The figure which shows the state which the electronic device which concerns on this invention and a personal computer are connected by communication. [Figure 2]

Block diagram of signal processing system of electronic device according to the present invention [Fig. 3]

Block diagram of the signal processing system of the setup file creation device according to the present invention [Fig. 4]

Diagram showing the setting screen of the electronic camera displayed on the display means of the personal computer [Fig. 5]

A diagram showing the setup file created by the personal computer in the recording medium and its contents. [Fig. 6]

Flowchart for updating processing program of electronic device according to the present invention [Fig. 7]

Diagram showing the camera customization screen displayed on the display means of the electronic camera [Fig. 8]

Diagram showing the opening confirmation screen displayed on the display means of the electronic camera [Fig. 9]

The figure which shows the auto play confirmation screen displayed on the display means of an electronic camera. [Fig. 10]

The figure which shows the auto play confirmation screen displayed on the display means of an electronic camera. [Fig. 11]

The figure which shows the copyright confirmation screen displayed on the display means of an electronic camera. [Fig. 12]

The figure which shows the protection confirmation screen displayed on the display means of an electronic camera. [Fig. 13]

Diagram showing the serial number confirmation screen displayed on the display means of the electronic camera [Fig. 14]

Diagram showing the restart confirmation screen displayed on the display means of the electronic camera [Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Electronic camera, 12 ... Cradle, 14 ... Communication cable, 80 ... PC, 90 ... Camera setting screen, 92 ... Opening screen setting display, 94 ... Copyright box , 96 ... Autoplay wipe screen, 98 ... OK button, 99 ... Cancel button, 150 ... Imaging means, 153 ... Image processing means, 154 ... A / D converter, 156 ... Antenna, 157 ... Transmission / reception means, 162 ... Communication connector, 163 ... Cradle connector, 168 ... Display means, 169 ... OSD, 170 ... Signal processing means, 171. .. Frame memory, 172 ... D / A converter, 173 ... Input means, 174 ... I / O, 177 ... Recording medium, 178 ... Recording medium mounting part, 179 ... Recording medium interface, 180 ... information processing means, 182 ... non-volatile memory, 183 ... ROM, 184 ... RAM, 190 ... calendar clock, 191 ... power supply, 192 ... power supply Connector, 193 ... Luminous means, 194 ... Luminous control means, 199 ... Bus, 200 ... Camera customization screen, 201 ... Customize screen display, 202 ... Setup file display, 203 .. .Opening screen confirmation display, 204 ... Autoplay additional confirmation display, 205 ... Copyright confirmation display, 206 ... Execution display, 210 ... Opening confirmation screen, 212 ... Opening screen display, 214. .. Registered image, 216 ... Newly registered image, 218 ... Back display, 220 ... Autoplay confirmation screen, 222 ... Autoplay screen display, 224 ... Current image, 226 ... Next image, 228 ... Autoplay screen, 230 ... Copyright confirmation screen, 232 ... Copyright screen display, 234 ... Copyright display, 240 ... Protect confirmation screen, 242 ... Protect Confirmation display, 250 ... Serial number confirmation screen, 252 ... Serial number confirmation display, 260 ... Restart confirmation screen, 262 ...Reboot display, 264 ... after display, 856 ... antenna, 857 ... transmission / reception means, 859 ... communication connector, 860 ... public line, 865 ... transmission / reception means, 868 ... display Means, 869 ... Display control means, 873 ... Input means, 874 ... I / O, 877 ... Recording medium, 878 ... Recording medium mounting unit, 879 ... Recording medium interface, 880 ... Information processing means, 881 ... Memory, 886 ... Recording means, 890 ... Calendar clock, 899 ... Bus