Television and display device with a USB port for updating firmware
A method and apparatus for conveniently updating firmware within a television device or a desktop computer monitor using a USB port is described. The TV or monitor is provided with a USB port. In a first configuration, the TV or monitor acts as a USB host, and updated firmware is transferred to the TV or monitor from a USB memory device inserted into the USB port of the TV or monitor. In a second configuration, the TV or monitor is connected to a PC via a USB cable and acts as a USB client. The updated firmware is transferred to the TV or monitor from the PC which acts as a USB host.
1 . A television device having a control section, the control section comprising:
a processor;
a non-volatile memory storing program instructions used by the processor;
a universal serial bus (USB) port; and
a communication channel that connects the processor, the non-volatile memory and the USB port to each other.
2 . The television device of claim 1 , wherein the USB port is a receptacle used in a USB host.
3 . The television device of claim 2 , wherein the processor is operable to control the USB port to act as a USB host to transfer data from an external USB device inserted into the USB port to the non-volatile memory.
4 . The television device of claim 1 , wherein the USB port is a receptacle used in a USB client.
5 . A method for updating firmware in a television device, the television device comprises a control section having a processor, a non-volatile memory for storing the firmware, a universal serial bus (USB) port, and a communication channel that connects the processor, the non-volatile memory and the USB port to each other, the method comprising:
storing firmware programs in a USB memory device;
inserting the USB memory device into the USB port; and
under control of the control section of the television, transferring firmware programs stored in the USB memory device to the non-volatile memory of the television.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the control section is operable to interface with a user using on-screen display and a remote control device or buttons on the television device, the method further including:
a user initiating firmware update by issuing a command to the television using the remote control device or buttons on the television device.
7 . A method for updating firmware in a television device, the television device comprises a control section having a processor, a non-volatile memory for storing the firmware, a universal serial bus (USB) port, and a communication channel that connects the processor, the non-volatile memory and the USB port to each other, the method comprising:
storing firmware programs in a computer having a USB port and running a driver application;
connecting the computer to the television with a USB cable; and
under control of the driver application of the computer, transferring firmware programs stored in the computer to the non-volatile memory of the television.
8 . A desktop computer monitor having a control section, the control section comprising:
a processor;
a non-volatile memory storing program instructions used by the processor;
a universal serial bus (USB) port; and
a communication channel that connects the processor, the non-volatile memory and the USB port to each other.
9 . The desktop computer monitor of claim 8 , wherein the USB port is a receptacle used in a USB host.
10 . The desktop computer monitor of claim 9 , wherein the processor is operable to control the USB port to act as a USB host to transfer data from an external USB device inserted into the USB port to the non-volatile memory.
11 . The desktop computer monitor of claim 8 , wherein the USB port is a receptacle used in a USB client.
12 . A method for updating firmware in a desktop computer monitor, the desktop computer monitor comprises a control section having a processor, a non-volatile memory for storing the firmware, a universal serial bus (USB) port, and a communication channel that connects the processor, the non-volatile memory and the USB port to each other, the method comprising:
storing firmware programs in a USB memory device;
inserting the USB memory device into the USB port; and
under control of the control section of the desktop computer monitor, transferring firmware programs stored in the USB memory device to the non-volatile memory of the desktop computer monitor.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the control section is operable to interface with a user using on-screen display and a plurality of control buttons, the method further including:
a user initiating firmware update by issuing a command to the desktop computer monitor using the control buttons and on-screen display.
14 . A method for updating firmware in a desktop computer monitor, the desktop computer monitor comprises a control section having a processor, a non-volatile memory for storing the firmware, a universal serial bus (USB) port, and a communication channel that connects the processor, the non-volatile memory and the USB port to each other, the method comprising:
storing firmware programs in a computer having a USB port and running a driver application;
connecting the computer to the desktop computer monitor with a USB cable; and
under control of the driver application of the computer, transferring firmware programs stored in the computer to the non-volatile memory of the desktop computer monitor.