Patent ID: 6209127
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A download method applied to a loader program used in a terminal device which includes: a memory having n areas that store a total of m software modules, wherein m.gtoreq.n.gtoreq.2, two loader programs being respectively stored in two different areas of the n areas; a reception unit for receiving a new set of software modules to which a set of software modules stored in any of the n areas is to be upgraded, wherein the reception unit receives the new set of software modules together with target area information indicating the area into which the new set of software modules is to be written; and an execution unit for executing one of the loader programs, the download method comprising:an identification step of identifying the area which stores the set of software modules corresponding to the received new set of software modules, as a target area wherein the identification step includes a first recognition substep of recognizing the target area information accompanying the received new set of software modules, and;a judgment step of judging whether the target area is an area that stores the loader program which is currently active wherein the judgment step includes:a second recognition substep of recognizing the area that stores the currently active loader program, after the target area information is recognized and a judgment substep of judging whether the area indicated by the target area information recognized in the first recognition substep is the area recognized in the second recognition substep;a write step of writing the received new set of software modules into the target area to upgrade the set of software modules in the target area, if the target area is an area other than the area that stores the currently active loader program; and,an activation step performed by the execution unit for activating, if the target area is the area that stores the currently active loader program, the other inactive loader program.