Software download control system, apparatus and method
First Claim
1. In a broadcast system for distributing content data, a method for updating operational code in a module in operative communication with a receiver, said method comprising:
- storing in a first memory a first version of an application program, said first memory being in said module;
storing in a second memory said first version of said application program, said second memory being in said module;
transmitting an updated version of said application program to said receiver;
storing said updated version of said application program in a third memory in said receiver;
erasing said first memory;
transferring said updated version from said third memory to said first memory;
resetting said module of said receiver; and
if said updated version of said application program is invalid, loading said first version of the application program from said second memory to a RAM (random access memory) for running the application program.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for downloading software updates for receivers of broadcast content data distribution has multiple memories for storing the updated version of code as well as a backup copy of the prior version of code. Code is replaced with an updated version when the updated version passes a series of checks. Thereafter the updated version is designated the current version. Thereafter the backup version is changed. The method updates operational code without interrupting the execution of regular receiver functionality, such as the playing of audio and/or video. The system provides for updating operational code in option cards.
104 Citations
56 Claims
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1. In a broadcast system for distributing content data, a method for updating operational code in a module in operative communication with a receiver, said method comprising:
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storing in a first memory a first version of an application program, said first memory being in said module; storing in a second memory said first version of said application program, said second memory being in said module; transmitting an updated version of said application program to said receiver; storing said updated version of said application program in a third memory in said receiver; erasing said first memory; transferring said updated version from said third memory to said first memory; resetting said module of said receiver; and if said updated version of said application program is invalid, loading said first version of the application program from said second memory to a RAM (random access memory) for running the application program. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. In a digital content data processor configured to receive a compressed multiplexed data transport stream and configured to output content data, an operational code update apparatus comprising:
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an option card interface; an update control module configured to receive and route operational code updates; a first memory configured to store a current version of an operational code application; a second memory configured to store a backup current version of the operational code application; a third memory configured to store an option card update of an operational code application to be executed by an option card; a fourth memory for a loading code; an input buffer; an output buffer; said option card interface, said update control module, said first memory, said second memory, said third memory, said fourth memory, said input buffer and said output buffer all being in operational communication; said update control module being configured to validate that a download of an operational code update is accurate, and when the download is accurate being further configured to erase said first memory and to store the download in said first memory, and being further configured to load said update in a RAM (random access memory), and being further configured to validate that the operational code update is functional, and, when said operational code update is validated as functional, being further configured to erase said second memory and store said operational code update in said second memory as a backup and being further configured such that if either said first validation that the download is accurate or said second validation that the update is functional fails, to load the current version stored in said second memory to the RAM; said update control module being further configured such that when a service interrupt occurs after said first memory is erased, upon re-initiation of service, the RAM is reloaded with the current version of the operational code application from said second memory; and said update control module being further configured to forward a download of the option card update to said third memory and being further configured to load the option card update to said option card interface from said third memory. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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45. An option card for a digital content data processor configured to receive compressed multiplexed data transmission streams and to output content data, said option card comprising:
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an input buffer; an output buffer; a first flash memory; a second flash memory; a RAM; a first memory; a second memory; a third memory; said input buffer, output buffer, first flash memory, second flash memory, RAM, first memory, second memory, and third memory all being in operative communication with each other and with an interface for an option card slot; said option card being configured to load the RAM from said first memory upon power up, to erase said first memory and store an update in said first memory when an update is received, when a service interruption occurs during a download, to reload the RAM from said second memory. - View Dependent Claims (46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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Specification