Control program downloading method for replacing control program in digital broadcast receiving apparatus with new control program sent from digital broadcast transmitting apparatus

• US 6,470,496 B1
• Filed: 08/02/1999
• Issued: 10/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Company Limited (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Sugimoto, Keishi, Kato, Naoe
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): Booker, Kelvin
• Application Number:
  US09/366,017
• Time in Patent Office: 1,177 Days
• Field of Search: 717/11, 717/174, 717/168, 717/173, 717/178, 709/220-222, 710/8-14, 713/1, 348/14.12, 348/14.13, 455/3.01, 455/39, 455/91, 725/63, 725/132, 725/140, 725/152
• US Class Current: 717/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/65 Updates security arrangements therefor G06F21/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/91 broadcasting computer programmes
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/25 Arrangements for updating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4332 by placing content in organized collections, e.g. local EPG data repository interfaces, Database management systems or updating for information retrieval G06F16/23; details of retrieval of video data and associated meta data in video database G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4349 by extracting from data carousels, e.g. extraction of software modules from a DVB carousel
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/8173 End-user applications, e.g. Web browser, game

Abstract

To provide a control program downloading method that is used by a digital broadcast receiving apparatus equipped with a storing device which stores an update program and a non-update program that compose a control program. Under control of the update program, a new update program is received and written over data stored in a part of an area in the storing device where the non-update program has been stored. At the same time, a part of a new non-update program is received and written over data stored in another part of the area in the storing device where the non-update program has been stored. Once the new update program has been completely written into the storing device, under control of the new update program, the reception and writing of the part of the new non-update program is continued.

Claims

1. A control program downloading method that is used by a program receiving apparatus equipped with a storing device which stores in advance a control program made up of an update program used for download of a new control program and a non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program, the new control program being made up of a new update program and a new non-update program, the control program downloading method comprising:

a first controlling step for executing the update program stored in the storing device to receive the new update program and write the received new update program over the non-update program stored in a first area in the storing device; and

a second controlling step for executing, once the first controlling step has finished writing the new update program into the storing device, the new update program to receive the new non-update program and write the received new non-update program over data stored in a second area in the storing device aside from an area where the new update program that is currently being used is stored,

wherein the new update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a first identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein the new non-update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a second identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein in the first controlling step, if the first identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the received division is judged as belonging to the new update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the first area based on a serial number appended to the received division, and

wherein in the second controlling step, if the second identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the received division is judged as belonging to the new non-update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the second area based on a serial number appended to the received division.

2. A control program downloading method that is used by a digital broadcast receiving apparatus equipped with a storing device which stores in advance a control program made up of an update program used for download of a new control program and a non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program, the new control program being made up of a new update program and a new non-update program, the control program downloading method comprising:

a judging step for repeatedly judging whether writing of the new update program has been completed, having a first controlling step operate until completion of the writing of the new update program, and having a second controlling step operate after the completion of the writing of the new update program;

the first controlling step for executing the update program stored in the storing device to receive the new update program and write the received new update program over data stored in a first area in the storing device that is a part of an area where the non-update program has been stored, and, at the same time, receive a first non-update program which is a part of the new non-update program and write the received first non-update program over data stored in a second area, aside from the first area, that is a part of the area where the non-update program has been stored; and

the second controlling step for executing the new update program written in the storing device to take over reception and writing of the first non-update program and, at the same time, receive a second non-update program which is a part of the new non-update program other than the first non-update program and write the received second non-update program over data stored in a third area in the storing device aside from the second area and an area where the new update program which is currently being used is stored.

3. The control program downloading method of claim 2,

wherein when it is judged in the judging step that the writing of the new update program has been completed, the second controlling step copies the new update program written in the first area to an area in the storing device where the update program has been stored, and executes the copied new update program.

4. The control program downloading method of claim 3,

wherein the new update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a first identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein the first non-update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a second identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein the second non-update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a third identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein in the first controlling step, if the first identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the received division is judged as belonging to the new update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the first area based on a serial number appended to the received division, while if the second identifier is appended to the received division, the received division is judged as belonging to the first non-update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the second area based on a serial number appended to the received division, and

wherein in the second controlling step, if the third identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the received division is judged as belonging to the second non-update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the third area based on a serial number appended to the received division.

5. The control program downloading method of claim 4,

wherein the digital broadcast receiving apparatus is further equipped with a temporary storing device used in the first controlling step and the second controlling step to receive and write the new control program, and

wherein in each of the first controlling step and the second controlling step, data of the new control program is received and stored into the temporary storing device in units of divisions, and when a predetermined number of divisions are stored in the temporary storing device, the predetermined number of divisions are transferred from the temporary storing device to the storing device.

6. The control program downloading method of claim 5,

wherein the data of the new control program received in each of the first controlling step and the second controlling step has been compressed, and

wherein the first controlling step and the second controlling step each decompress the data in the temporary storing device before transferring the data to the storing device.

7. The control program downloading method of claim 5,

wherein the data of the new control program received in each of the first controlling step and the second controlling step has seen compressed in units of predetermined size, each of the units being accompanied by a start address at which the unit is to be written into the storing device and a precompressed data size of the unit,

wherein the first controlling step and the second controlling step each transfer each unit stored in the temporary storing device to an area in the storing device which is found using a start address and a precompressed data size appended to the unit, and

wherein the control program downloading method further comprises

a decompressing step for decompressing the unit in the storing device.

8. The control program downloading method of claim 5,

wherein each serial number is made up of a group number and a sequence number, the group number being one of numbers serially given to groups that compose each of the new update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program, while the sequence number being one of numbers serially given to sequences that compose a group specified by the group number,

wherein each division includes a sequence, and

wherein in each of the first controlling step and the second controlling step, the data of the new control program is stored into the temporary storing device in units of sequences, and when at least one group is stored in the temporary storing device, each of the groups is transferred from the temporary storing device to the storing device.

9. The control program downloading method of claim 8,

wherein the data of the new control program received in each of the first controlling step and the second controlling step has been compressed in units of groups, and

wherein the first controlling step and the second controlling step each decompress each of the groups stored in the temporary storing device before transferring each of the groups to the storing device.

10. The control program downloading method of claim 8,

wherein the data of the new controlling program received in each of the first controlling step and the second controlling step has been compressed in units of groups which are each accompanied by a start address at which the group is to be written into the storing device and a precompressed data size of the group, and

wherein the first controlling step and the second controlling step each transfer each of the groups stored in the temporary storing device to an area in the storing device which is found using a start address and a precompressed data size appended to the group, and

wherein the control program downloading method further comprises

a decompressing step for decompressing the group in the storing device.

11. The control program downloading method of claim 3,

wherein the storing device holds data even when power is off,

wherein the digital broadcast receiving apparatus is further equipped with a status holding device for holding, even when power is off, a status value showing one out of:

a first status which begins when the download of the new control program is started and ends when it is judged in the judging step that the writing of the new update program has been completed;

a second status which begins after it is judged in the judging step that the writing of the new update program has been completed and ends when the new update program is copied;

a third status which begins after the new update program is copied and ends when the download of the new control program is completed; and

a normal status other than the first status, the second status, and the third status, and

wherein the control program downloading method further comprises

a continuing step for continuing, if the download of the new control program is suspended halfway, the download based on the status value held in the status holding device.

12. A control program downloading method that is used by a digital broadcast receiving apparatus to download a transmitted control program of the digital broadcast receiving apparatus,

the control program being made up of subprograms of different types which are each divided into divisions and are repeatedly transmitted in a predetermined sequence in units of divisions, each of the divisions being accompanied by a current identifier specifying a type of a subprogram that the division belongs to,

the control program downloading method comprising:

a receiving step for receiving the subprograms in units of divisions;

a judging step for judging, with reference to a current identifier appended to a received division, whether the received division belongs to a priority subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded, a concurrency subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram, or a subprogram which is neither the priority subprogram nor the concurrency subprogram; and

a downloading step for downloading the received division which is judged as belonging to any of the priority subprogram and the concurrency subprogram.

13. The control program downloading method of claim 12,

wherein each of the divisions is further accompanied by a start identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which is to be downloaded first among the subprograms that make up the control program, a start sub identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the subprogram shown by the start identifier, a next identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded after a subprogram which the division belongs to, and a next sub identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the subprogram shown by the next identifier,

wherein the judging step includes:

an identifier extracting substep for extracting a start identifier and a start sub identifier from a given division received in the receiving step;

an identifier storing substep for initially storing the extracted start identifier and start sub identifier into an identifier storing device equipped in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, respectively as a priority subprogram identifier and a concurrency subprogram identifier; and

an updating substep for replacing, when all divisions of the priority subprogram have been downloaded in the downloading step, the priority subprogram identifier and the concurrency subprogram identifier in the identifier storing device respectively with a next identifier and a next sub identifier appended to any of the divisions of the priority subprogram, and

wherein in the judging step, when the current identifier appended to the received division matches the priority subprogram identifier in the identifier storing device, the received division is judged as belonging to the priority subprogram, while when the current identifier appended to the received division matches the concurrency subprogram identifier in the identifier storing device, the received division is judged as belonging to the concurrency subprogram.

14. A control program transmitting method for transmitting a control program of a program receiving apparatus, comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program made up of an update program to be used in the program receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the program receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a dividing step for dividing each of the update program and the non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier and a second identifier respectively to each division of the update program and each division of the non-update program; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier and the second identifier is appended.

15. A control program transmitting method for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a separating step for separating the non-update program into a first non-update program whose data size is no smaller than the update program and a second non-update program other than the first non-update program;

a dividing step for dividing each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier to each division of the update program, a second identifier to each division of the first non-update program, and a third identifier to each division of the second non-update program; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended.

16. The control program transmitting method of claim 15,

wherein the transmitting step repeatedly transmits, in sequence, all divisions of the update program, a part of all divisions of the first non-update program, all divisions of the second non-update program, and a remaining part of the divisions of the first non-update program, and

wherein a period for transferring the part of the divisions of the first non-update program transmitted after the divisions of the update program is no less than a reboot period in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus.

17. The control program transmitting method of claim 15,

wherein in sequential transmission of every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended, the transmitting step temporarily suspends the transmission before a data size of consecutively transmitted divisions exceeds a data capacity of a reception buffer equipped in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus, and resumes the transmission after a lapse of a period necessary for transferring the divisions consecutively stored in the reception buffer to a control program storing device equipped in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus.

18. The control program transmitting method of claim 17,

wherein the transmitting step transmits dummy data during suspension of the transmission.

19. The control program transmitting method of claim 17,

wherein the transmitting step repeatedly transmits, in sequence, all divisions of the update program, all divisions of the first non-update program, and all divisions of the second non-update program.

20. A control program transmitting method for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

a control program acquiring step for acquiring the control program which is made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a data size acquiring step for acquiring a data size obtained by subtracting a size of an area prepared in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for an increase of codes associated with download of the non-update program, from a data size of the update program;

a separating step for separating the non-update program into a first non-update program whose data size is no smaller than the data size acquired in the data size acquiring step and a second non-update program other than the first non-update program;

a dividing step for dividing each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier to each division of the update program, a second identifier to each division of the first non-update program, and a third identifier to each division of the second non-update program; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended.

21. The control program transmitting method of claim 20,

wherein the dividing step compresses each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program in units of predetermined size.

22. The control program transmitting method of claim 21,

wherein the dividing step adds, to each of the units, a precompressed data size of the unit and a start address at which the unit is to be downloaded into a storing device equipped in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for storing the control program.

23. The control program transmitting method of claim 20,

wherein the dividing step first divides each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into groups and then divides each of the groups into sequences,

wherein each serial number is made up of a group number serially appended to each of the groups and a sequence number serially appended to each of the sequences, and

wherein each of the divisions includes a sequence.

24. The control program transmitting method of claim 23,

wherein the dividing step compresses each of the groups before dividing each of the groups into the sequences.

25. The control program transmitting method of claim 24,

wherein the dividing step adds, to each of the groups, a precompressed data size of the group and a start address at which the group is to be downloaded into a storing device equipped in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for storing the control program.

26. A control program transmitting method for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program which is made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a separating step for separating a first portion from the non-update program, combining the first portion with the update program to form a first control program whose data size is approximately 1/M of the control program, separating a second portion whose data size is equal to the first control program from the non-update program aside from the first portion, setting the second portion as a second control program, and dividing the non-update program aside from the first portion and the second portion by approximately (M−

2) into third to Mth control programs, where M is an even number no less than 4;

a dividing step for dividing each of the first control program, the second control program, and the third to Mth control programs into divisions of similar size;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier and a second identifier respectively to each division of the first control program and each division of the second control program, evenly sorting the third to Mth control programs into a first program group and a second program group, and appending a third identifier and a fourth identifier respectively to each division of the first program group and each division of the second program group; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, when every division with any of the first identifier and the third identifier is grouped as a first set and every division with any of the second identifier and the fourth identifier is grouped as a second set, the first set and the second set alternately in units of divisions.

27. A control program transmitting method for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program made up of subprograms of different types;

a dividing step for dividing each of the subprograms into divisions;

an appending step for appending, to each of the divisions, a current identifier specifying a type of a subprogram which the division belongs to, priority information showing a priority subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded, and concurrency information showing a concurrency subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which the current identifier, the priority information, and the concurrency information is appended.

28. The control program transmitting method of claim 27,

wherein the priority information includes a start identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram to be downloaded first among the subprograms and a next identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded after the subprogram which the division belongs to, and

wherein the concurrency information includes a start sub identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the subprogram shown by the start identifier and a next sub identifier showing a current identifier of a subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the subprogram shown by the next identifier.

29. A computer-readable storing medium storing any of an old control program and a new control program of a program receiving apparatus,

the program receiving apparatus being equipped with a storing device which stores the old control program in advance,

the old control program being made up of an old update program used for download of the new control program and an old non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program,

the new control program being made up of a new update program used for the download of the new control program and a new non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program,

the computer-readable storing medium, when implemented in a computer enables an installation of the new control program with an efficient allocation of the storage area of the storing device relative to writing over the old control program,

the old control program and the new control program comprising:

a first controlling step for executing the old update program stored in the storing device to receive the new update program and write the received new update program over the old non-update program stored in a first area in the storing device; and

a second controlling step for executing, once the first controlling step has finished writing the new update program into the storing device, the new update program to receive the new non-update program and write the received new non-update program over data stored in a second area in the storing device aside from an area where the new update program that is currently being used is stored,

wherein the new update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a first identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein the new non-update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a second identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein in the first controlling step, if the first identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the received division is judged as belonging to the new update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the first area based on a serial number appended to the received division, and

wherein in the second controlling step, if the second identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the received division is judged as belonging to the new non-update program and a location where the received division is to be written is specified within the second area based on a serial number appended to the received division.

30. A computer-readable storing medium storing any of an old control program and a new control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus,

the digital broadcast receiving apparatus being equipped with a storing device which stores the old control program in advance,

the old control program being made up of an old update program used for download of the new control program and an old non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program,

the new control program being made up of a new update program used for the download of the new control program and a new non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program,

the computer-readable storing medium, when implemented in a computer enables an installation of the new control program with an efficient allocation of the storage area of the storing device relative to writing over the old control program,

the old control program and the new control program comprising:

a judging step for repeatedly judging whether writing of the new update program has been completed, having a first controlling step operate until completion of the writing of the new update program, and having a second controlling step operate after the completion of the writing of the new update program;

the first controlling step for executing the old update program stored in the storing device to receive the new update program and write the received new update program over data stored in a first area in the storing device that is a part of an area where the old non-update program has been stored, and, at the same time, receive a first non-update program which is a part of the new non-update program and write the received first non-update program over data stored in a second area, aside from the first area, that is a part of the area where the old non-update program has been stored; and

the second controlling step for executing the new update program written in the storing device to take over reception and writing of the first non-update program and, at the same time, receive a second non-update program which is a part of the new non-update program other than the first non-update program and write the received second non-update program over data stored in a third area in the storing device aside from the second area and an area where the new update program which is currently being used is stored.

31. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus that is to download the control program transmitted to the digital broadcast receiving apparatus,

the control program being made up of a subprograms of different types which are each divided into divisions and are repeatedly transmitted in a predetermined sequence in units of divisions, each of the divisions being accompanied by a current identifier specifying to a type of a subprogram which the division belongs to,

the digital broadcast receiving apparatus will implement the execution of the control program to prioritize the downloading of divisions of the subprograms,

the control program comprising:

a receiving step for receiving the subprograms in units of divisions;

a judging step for judging, with reference to a current identifier appended to a received division, whether the received division belongs to a priority subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded, a concurrency subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram, or a subprogram which is neither the priority subprogram nor the concurrency subprogram; and

a downloading step for downloading the received division which is judged as belonging to any of the priority subprogram and the concurrency subprogram.

32. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program transmission program for transmitting a control program of a program receiving apparatus, the program receiving apparatus will implement the execution and installation of the control program by the control program transmission program, the control program transmission program comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program made up of an update program to be used in the program receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the program receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a dividing step for dividing each of the update program and the non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier and a second identifier respectively to each division of the update program and each division of the non-update program; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier and the second identifier is appended.

33. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program transmission program for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus will implement the execution and installation of the control program by the control program transmission program, the control program transmission program comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a separating step for separating the non-update program into a first non-update program whose data size is no smaller than the update program and a second non-update program other than the first non-update program;

a dividing step for dividing each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier to each division of the update program, a second identifier to each division of the first non-update program, and a third identifier to each division of the second non-update program; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended.

34. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program transmission program for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus will implement the execution and installation of the control program by the control program transmission program, the control program transmission program comprising:

a control program acquiring step for acquiring the control program which is made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a data size acquiring step for acquiring a data size obtained by subtracting a size of an area prepared in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for an increase of codes associated with download of the non-update program, from a data size of the update program;

a separating step for separating the non-update program into a first non-update program whose data size is no smaller than the data size acquired in the data size acquiring step and a second non-update program other than the first non-update program;

a dividing step for dividing each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier to each division of the update program, a second identifier to each division of the first non-update program, and a third identifier to each division of the second non-update program; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended.

35. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program transmission program for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus will implement the execution and installation of the control program by the control program transmission program, the control program transmission program comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program which is made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

a separating step for separating a first portion from the non-update program, combining the first portion with the update program to form a first control program whose data size is approximately 1/M of the control program, separating a second portion whose data size is equal to the first control program from the non-update program aside from the first portion, setting the second portion as a second control program, and dividing the non-update program aside from the first portion and the second portion by approximately (M−

2) into third to Mth control programs, where M is an even number no less than 4;

a dividing step for dividing each of the first control program, the second control program, and the third to Mth control programs into divisions of similar size;

an identifier appending step for appending a first identifier and a second identifier respectively to each division of the first control program and each division of the second control program, evenly sorting the third to Mth control programs into a first program group and a second program group, and appending a third identifier and a fourth identifier respectively to each division of the first program group and each division of the second program group; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, when every division with any of the first identifier and the third identifier is grouped as a first set and every division with any of the second identifier and the fourth identifier is grouped as a second set, the first set and the second set alternately in units of divisions.

36. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program transmission program for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus will implement the execution and installation of the control program by the control program transmission program, the control program transmission program comprising:

an acquiring step for acquiring the control program made up of subprograms of different types;

a dividing step for dividing each of the subprograms into divisions;

an appending step for appending, to each of the divisions, a current identifier specifying a type of a subprogram which the division belongs to, priority information showing a priority subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded, and concurrency information showing a concurrency subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram; and

a transmitting step for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which the current identifier, the priority information, and the concurrency information is appended.

37. A computer-readable storing medium storing a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, the digital broadcast receiving apparatus will implement the execution of the control program to prioritize the downloading of divisions of the subprograms, the control program being characterized in that:

the control program is made up of subprograms of different types which are each divided into divisions; and

each of the divisions is accompanied by a current identifier specifying a type of a subprogram which the division belongs to, priority information showing a priority subprogram that is given priority for being downloaded, and concurrency information showing a concurrency subprogram that can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram.

38. A control program downloading apparatus, comprising:

storing means for storing in advance a control program made up of an update program used for download of a new control program and a non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program, the new control program being made up of a new update program and a new non-update program;

first controlling means for executing the update program stored in the storing means to receive the new update program and write the received new update program over the non-update program stored in a first area in the storing means; and

second controlling means for executing, once the first controlling means has finished writing the new update program into the storing means, the new update program to receive the new non-update program and write the received new non-update program over data stored in a second area in the storing means aside from an area where the new update program that is currently being used is stored,

wherein the new update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a first identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein the new non-update program is divided into divisions which are each accompanied by a second identifier and a serial number, and is received in units of divisions,

wherein if the first identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the first controlling means judges the received division as belonging to the new update program, and specifies a location where the received division is to be written within the first area based on a serial number appended to the received division, and

wherein if the second identifier is appended to a received division of the new control program, the second controlling means judges the received division as belonging to the new non-update program, and specifies a location where the received division is to be written within the second area based on a serial number appended to the received division.

39. A computer program downloading apparatus, comprising:

storing means for storing in advance a control program made up of an update program used for download of a new control program and a non-update program used for processing other than the download of the new control program, the new control program being made up of a new update program and a new non-update program;

judging means for repeatedly judging whether writing of the new update program has been completed, having first controlling means operate until completion of the writing of the new update program, and having second controlling means operate after the completion of the writing of the new update program;

the first controlling means for executing the update program stored in the storing means to receive the new update program and write the received new update program over data stored in a first area in the storing means that is a part of an area where the on-update program has been stored, and, at the same time, receive a first non-update program which is a part of the new non-update program and write the received first non-update program over data stored in a second area, aside from the first area, that is a part of the area where the non-update program has been stored; and

the second controlling means for executing the new update program written in the storing means to take over reception and writing of the first non-update program and, at the same time, receive a second non-update program which is a part of the new non-update program other than the first non-update program and write the received second non-update program over data stored in a third area in the storing means aside from the second area and an area where the new update program which is currently being used is stored.

40. A control program downloading apparatus for downloading a transmitted control program of the control program downloading apparatus,

the control program being made up of subprograms of different types which are each divided into divisions and are repeatedly transmitted in a predetermined sequence in units of divisions, each of the divisions being accompanied by a current identifier that specifies a type of a subprogram which the division belongs to,

the control program downloading apparatus comprising:

receiving means for receiving the subprograms in units of divisions;

judging means for judging, with reference to a current identifier appended to a received division, whether the received division belongs to a priority subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded, a concurrency subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram, or a subprogram which is neither the priority subprogram nor the concurrency subprogram; and

downloading means for downloading the received division which is judged as belonging to any of the priority subprogram and the concurrency subprogram.

41. A control program transmitting apparatus for transmitting a control program of a program receiving apparatus, comprising:

acquiring means for acquiring the control program made up of an update program to be used in the program receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the program receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

dividing means for dividing each of the update program and the non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

identifier appending means for appending a first identifier and a second identifier respectively to each division of the update program and each division of the non-update program; and

transmitting means for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier and the second identifier is appended.

42. A control program transmitting apparatus for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

acquiring means for acquiring the control program made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

separating means for separating the non-update program into a first non-update program whose data size is no smaller than the update program and a second non-update program other than the first non-update program;

dividing means for dividing each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

identifier appending means for appending a first identifier to each division of the update program, a second identifier to each division of the first non-update program, and a third identifier to each division of the second non-update program; and

transmitting means for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended.

43. A control program transmitting apparatus for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

control program acquiring means for acquiring the control program which is made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

data size acquiring means for acquiring a data size obtained by subtracting a size of an area prepared in the digital Broadcast receiving apparatus for an increase of codes associated with download of the non-update program, from a data size of the update program;

separating means for separating the non-update program into a first non-update program whose data size is no smaller than the data size acquired by the data size acquiring means and a second non-update program other than the first non-update program;

dividing means for dividing each of the update program, the first non-update program, and the second non-update program into divisions which are each accompanied by a serial number;

identifier appending means for appending a first identifier to each division of the update program, a second identifier to each division of the first non-update program, and a third identifier to each division of the second non-update program; and

transmitting means for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which any of the first identifier, the second identifier, and the third identifier is appended.

44. A control program transmitting apparatus for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

acquiring means for acquiring the control program which is made up of an update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for download of the control program and a non-update program to be used in the digital broadcast receiving apparatus for processing other than the download of the control program;

separating means for separating a first portion from the non-update program, combining the first portion with the update program to form a first control program whose data size is approximately 1/M of the control program, separating a second portion whose data size is equal to the first control program from the non-update program aside from the first portion, setting the second portion as a second control program, and dividing the non-update program aside from the first portion and the second portion by approximately (M−

2) into third to Mth control programs, where M is an even number no less than 4;

dividing means for dividing each of the first control program, the second control program, and the third to Mth control programs into divisions of similar size;

identifier appending means for appending a first identifier and a second identifier respectively to each division of the first control program and each division of the second control program, evenly sorting the third to Mth control programs into a first program group and a second program group, and appending a third identifier and a fourth identifier respectively to each division of the first program group and each division of the second program group; and

transmitting means for repeatedly transmitting, when every division with any of the first identifier and the third identifier is grouped as a first set and every division with any of the second identifier and the fourth identifier is grouped as second set, the first set and the second set alternately in units of divisions.

45. A control program transmitting apparatus for transmitting a control program of a digital broadcast receiving apparatus, comprising:

acquiring means for acquiring the control program made up of subprograms of different types;

dividing means for dividing each of the subprograms into divisions;

appending means for appending, to each of the divisions, a current identifier specifying a type of a subprogram which the division belongs to, priority information showing a priority subprogram which is given priority for being downloaded, and concurrency information showing a concurrency subprogram which can be downloaded concurrently with the priority subprogram; and

transmitting means for repeatedly transmitting, in sequence, every division to which the current identifier, the priority information, and the concurrency information is appended.