Upgrading Non-Volatile Storage Via an Encoded Video Signal

• US 20100157153A1
• Filed: 11/20/2009
• Published: 06/24/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
• Inventors: Roletter, Gerald, Plotnick, Bruce, Li, Yan
• Application Number:
  US12/623,104
• Publication Number:
  US 20100157153A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/467
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4122 additional display device, e.g. video projector digital output for controlling a plurality of local displays G06F3/1423
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4586 Content update operation triggered locally, e.g. by comparing the version of software modules in a DVB carousel to the version stored locally deployment, distribution, installation, update of software G06F8/65; error detection or correction of the data by redundancy during software upgrading G06F11/1433; arrangements for updating broadcast information or broadcast-related information H04H60/25
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8166 involving executable data, e.g. software arrangements for executing specific programs G06F9/44; broadcasting computer programmes in broadcast systems H04H20/91; involving the movement of software or configuration parameters H04L67/34

Abstract

Systems for generating and transmitting a video stream that is encoded with program data such that when decoded can be executed to update non-volatile storage within a video based electronic device. Typically video based electronic devices are controlled by processors running software stored in writable, non-volatile storage. It is often desirable or necessary to update the software after the device has been shipped from a factory in order to correct a software failure discovered after shipment or to incorporate a new set of features. As many video based electronic devices have no common interface available to connect a computer, there is no ability to receive a software update. However, most video based electronic devices can be connected to a video source. Therefore, systems that allow a video based electronic device to receive, decode, and execute program data that is encoded within a video stream are presented. A method for encoding program code into a video stream is also presented.

Claims

1. A video based software code updating system, comprising:

a video signal source; and

a video based electronic device;

wherein the video signal source is configured to transmit a software code encoded within a video stream to the video based electronic device, and

wherein the video based electronic device is configured to detect and decode the software code from within the video stream.

2. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video based electronic device comprises a decoder, a frame buffer, a processor, and a memory.

3. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video based electronic device comprises a video and an audio component.

4. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the software code is encoded within a picture component of the video signal.

5. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the software code is encoded within a luminance component of the video signal.

6. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the software code is encoded within a chrominance component of the video signal.

7. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the software code is encoded within a RGB component of the video signal.

8. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the software code is encoded within a vertical blanking component of the video signal.

9. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the software code is encoded within a closed caption component of the video signal.

10. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video signal source comprises an electronic device configured to display video.

11. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video signal source comprises a video broadcast source.

12. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video based electronic device communicates with the video signal source utilizing a global communications network.

13. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video stream includes an error correction scheme.

14. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the encoded software code is encrypted with the video based electronic device decrypting the encrypted encoded software code.

15. The video based software code updating system of claim 1, wherein the video stream includes human readable information.

16. The video based software code updating system of claim 15, wherein the human readable information includes a user interface control.

17. A video based software code updating method, comprising:

generating a video stream that is encoded with software code; and

transmitting the video stream to a video based electronic device.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the software code includes human readable information when displayed on a video based electronic device.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the software code is encrypted.

20. A video based software code updating method, comprising:

receiving a video stream that is encoded with software code;

recognizing that the video signal is encoded with software code;

decoding such software code from the video stream;

storing the decoded software code in memory;

executing the stored software code; and

performing the functions associated with the software code.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the software code includes human readable information when displayed on a video based electronic device.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising, when the software code is encrypted, decrypting the software code.