Upgrade apparatus and its method for home network system

An upgrade apparatus for a home network system which is installed in the home network system communicating with at least one sub-device and including a first storage unit in which at least one protected program has been installed, comprising:

• a connection means connected to an external server, for transmitting upgrade information stored in a second storage unit separated from the first storage unit to the external server, and receiving upgrade data containing a new upgrade file and upgrade information from the external server;
• a control means for storing the new upgrade information, deciding whether the upgrade file relates to the sub-device or protected program, and transmitting the upgrade file to the sub-device or storing the upgrade file in the second storage unit according to the decision result;
• and
• an upgrade means for upgrading the protected program corresponding to the upgrade file.

An upgrade method for a home network system communicating with at least one sub-device and including a first storage unit in which at least one protected program has been installed, comprising the steps of:

• accessing an external server;
• transmitting upgrade information stored in a second storage unit separated from the first storage unit to the external server;
• receiving upgrade data containing new upgrade information and a new upgrade file from the external server;
• storing the new upgrade information;
• deciding whether the upgrade file relates to the sub-device or protected program;
• transmitting the upgrade file to the sub-device or storing the upgrade file in the second storage unit according to the decision result;
• and
• upgrading the protected program corresponding to the upgrade file stored in the second storage unit.

A program storage medium for storing a computer readable program which is provided to a home network system communicating with at least one sub-device and including a first storage unit in which at least one protected program has been installed, and which comprises the steps of:

• accessing an external server;
• transmitting upgrade information stored in a second storage unit separated from the first storage unit to the external server;
• receiving upgrade data containing new upgrade information and a new upgrade file from the external server;
• storing the new upgrade information;
• deciding whether the upgrade file relates to the sub-device or protected program;
• transmitting the upgrade file to the sub-device or storing the upgrade file in the second storage unit according to the decision result;
• and
• upgrading the protected program corresponding to the upgrade file stored in the second storage unit.