JP2004044537A - Data change system for vehicular electronic controller, data changeable vehicular electronic controller, client computer, and server computer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data changeable system for an ECU capable of instantaneously obtaining traveling compatible data through communication and simply writing the data into the vehicular ECU. <P>SOLUTION: This data changeable system for the ECU comprises the vehicular ECU(10) capable of writing change data in a nonvolatile status; an ECU maker-side server computer (20) storing the written data; and a client computer (30) on the side of concerned persons in charge of commercial vehicles, which downloads the data from the server computer and transmits and writes them to the ECU. The change data is the running compatible data suited to the running status of a vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
A data change system for a vehicle electronic control device capable of changing existing data already written in the vehicle electronic control device to another data obtained using the Internet or the like, and data changeable for the system. The present invention relates to a vehicular electronic control device, a client computer and a server computer.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A large number of vehicle electronic control devices (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “ECUs”) are used in vehicles such as current automobiles and motorcycles. A typical one is an engine ECU that controls the ignition timing and fuel injection amount of the engine. In addition, there are various ECUs such as an ECU for an automatic transmission (AT), an ECU for an antilock brake system (ABS), and an ECU for wheel control.
By the way, the data written in these ECUs is created in accordance with the specifications of each vehicle, and then the improvement is repeated by repeating the conformity test with the actual vehicle. Finally, data determined by the ECU maker or a vehicle maker incorporating the ECU to be optimal is written into the ECU, and a vehicle or the like equipped with the ECU is put on the market.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the usage status of the same vehicle is various. For example, the use environment of a vehicle differs depending on the place of sale, the place of use, and the like. In addition, the manner of driving varies greatly depending on the vehicle user, and further, the manner of use of the vehicle varies depending on the use of the vehicle. For this reason, even if the ECU maker, vehicle maker, and the like consider these factors to the utmost, and determine the optimal ECU writing data according to the characteristics of the vehicle, the data is not necessarily the best match for the vehicle user. Not necessarily. Therefore, even if there is no problem in normal traveling, it is actually difficult to satisfy the vehicle user sufficiently in sensitivity.
It is also difficult to individually set the data content of the mass-produced ECU according to the preference of the vehicle user. Moreover, it has not been possible to change the data written in the ECU according to the user's preference or the like after the vehicle is once on the market.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a data change system of an ECU that can appropriately change data already written in an ECU according to a driving situation, an ECU that can change data, and a client. It is intended to provide a computer and a server computer.
JP-A-2002-138895 discloses a communication system for data to be written into an engine ECU. However, the system disclosed in this publication rewrites data already written in the ECU so as to match the characteristics of the spare parts. Therefore, it is merely performed to maintain the original traveling performance of the vehicle, and does not attempt to change the traveling performance at all according to the traveling state of the vehicle. Therefore, a fundamental idea and a configuration are different from those of the present invention described below.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, the present inventor has conducted intensive research to solve this problem, and as a result of repeated trial and error, as a result of writing data related to the traveling performance of the vehicle already written in the ECU by data acquired by communication, The inventors came up with an idea of updating or adding, and completed the present invention.
(Vehicle electronic control device data change system: Claim 1)
That is, a data change system of a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) according to the present invention includes a device-side receiving unit that can receive at least data, and a device-side storage that stores data acquired via the device-side receiving unit in a nonvolatile state. Means for controlling the running performance of the vehicle, the electronic control unit being mounted on the vehicle or a component device of the vehicle, and transmitting change data for changing running adaptation data suitable for the running condition of the vehicle. A server computer having a server-side transmitting means for performing the change data transmitted from the server-side transmitting means to the device-side storage means, the data change system of the vehicle electronic control device, further comprising: A client-side receiving means for receiving the change data from a server-side transmitting means, and transmitting the change data received by the client-side receiving means to the device side And client-side transmitting means for transmitting the signal unit, characterized in that it comprises a client computer having a client-side writing means for writing the modified data transmitted from the client side transmission means to the device side storage means.
[0006]
According to the system of the present invention, when a vehicle user or the like (a person involved in the market) wants to change the write data written in the existing vehicle ECU according to the driving situation, the driving adaptation data adapted to the driving situation And the data can be simply written to the vehicle ECU.
As a result, matching of the vehicle ECU with the driving situation can be easily performed for each vehicle user or the like, and the satisfaction of the vehicle user or the like can be further improved.
[0007]
At this time, data can be exchanged between the server computer and the client computer by direct delivery or mailing via a recording medium such as a CD, DVD, FD (floppy disk), or flash memory. Therefore, they need not necessarily be connected to a communication line. However, if they are connected via a communication line such as the Internet or online, regardless of whether they are wired or wireless, data transmission and reception can be performed easily, at low cost, and quickly. Therefore, it is preferable that the server-side transmitting means and the client-side receiving means include communication means (claim 2).
[0008]
Further, in the present invention, the management system of the server computer does not matter, but it is preferable that the server computer is under the management of the supplier of the vehicle electronic control device because the change data is easily provided. is there. (Claim 3). Needless to say, the client computer is located on the market related side of the vehicle electronic control device.
[0009]
(Vehicle electronic control device capable of changing data: Claim 8)
The present invention can be understood not only as the ECU data change system described above, but also as an ECU based on its use.
That is, the present invention has a device or a component device of a vehicle, which has a device-side receiving means capable of receiving at least data and a device-side storage means for storing data acquired via the device-side receiving means in a nonvolatile state. A server computer having a server-side transmitting unit that transmits change data that changes running adaptation data that is adapted to the running condition of the vehicle, wherein the server computer includes A client-side receiving means for receiving the change data from the server-side transmitting means; a client-side transmitting means for transmitting the change data received by the client-side receiving means to the device-side receiving means; and A client-side writing unit for writing the transmitted change data into the device-side storage unit And that the change data transmitted from the server-side transmission means can be written to the device-side storage means by the data change system of the vehicle electronic control apparatus comprising: May be.
[0010]
(Client computer: Claim 9)
The present invention can also be understood as a client computer on the premise of using the data change system of the ECU.
That is, the present invention provides a server computer having a server-side transmitting means for transmitting change data for changing traveling adaptation data adapted to a traveling state of a vehicle, and an apparatus for storing the change data transmitted from the server-side transmitting means. A client computer provided between the vehicle electronic control device having side storage means and a client side writing means for writing the change data from the server side transmission means to the device side storage means; and You may understand.
In this case, since the client computer performs writing by the client-side writing means, there is no need for the ECU itself to perform writing, and the configuration of the ECU can be simplified.
[0011]
(Server computer: Claim 10)
The present invention can also be understood as a server computer on the premise of using the data change system of the ECU.
That is, the present invention transmits, to the vehicle electronic control device having the device-side storage means for storing the received data, change data for changing the traveling adaptation data suitable for the traveling condition of the vehicle, and transmits the change data to the device-side storage means. The server computer may include a server-side transmitting unit that transmits the change data to a client computer to be written.
In this case, since the server computer transmits the change data, the client computer does not need to store unnecessary data, and the system can be simplified.
[0012]
By the way, regardless of how the present invention is grasped, the server computer and / or the client computer may include a first transmission / reception restricting unit for restricting transmission / reception of data from the server-side transmitting unit to the client-side receiving unit. It is preferable to have (claim 4).
For example, a person who can access a server computer of an ECU maker or the like (supplier side of the ECU) must be a person involved in the market of the ECU supplied from the ECU maker or the like through a regular route. This is because it is a problem in terms of security and the like that an unrelated one accesses the server computer to acquire data. Therefore, for example, the transmission and reception of data between the server computer on the supplier side of the ECU and the client computer on the market participant side is regulated by the first transmission and reception regulating means.
[0013]
In many cases, a supplier of an ECU supplies a plurality of types of ECUs. In such a case, it is necessary to properly download data conforming to the ECU owned or managed by the market participants from the server computer on the supplier side to the client computers on the market participants side. . In view of this, the first transmission / reception restricting means may be configured to restrict access right only to traveling adaptation data that matches the ECU of the market related party.
Further, it is preferable that the client computer and / or the ECU include a second transmission / reception restricting unit that restricts transmission and reception of data from the client-side transmitting unit to the device-side receiving unit (claim 5).
[0014]
For example, when a market member of the ECU is a dealer or the like, the ECU often owns or manages a plurality of types of ECUs. In such a case, the ECU whose write data is to be changed must correspond to the travel adaptation data that can be written therein. Therefore, the transmission / reception of data that can be written to the ECU is restricted by the second transmission / reception restricting means between the ECU and the client computer. As a result, occurrence of a problem caused by erroneously writing non-compliant data to the ECU is prevented.
[0015]
In addition, these control means are performed by, for example, authentication or confirmation of a password, a password, a code, and the like. Further, the first transmission / reception restricting means is usually provided on the server computer side, and the second transmission / reception restricting means is usually provided on the ECU side.
Further, it is preferable that the server computer includes a travel adaptation data totaling unit that aggregates the travel adaptation data requested to be transmitted from the client computer (claim 6).
[0016]
Even if a large number of traveling adaptation data are prepared in consideration of all traveling situations, only a small number of types of data are actually downloaded from the server computer to the client computer. Also, depending on the type of vehicle, the location of market participants, age, gender, and the like, the type of data to be downloaded may tend to be biased. Therefore, by summing up or managing the traveling adaptation data requested to be transmitted by the traveling adaptation data totaling means, it is possible to form very useful market information when the ECU and the vehicle are developed in the future.
For example, based on the market information obtained by the running adaptation data aggregation means, if an ECU based on the running adaptation data required by many market participants is developed in the future, it is not necessary to change the write data. It is possible to provide ECUs and vehicles that are satisfied by more market participants. In addition, based on such market information, it is possible to provide more suitable driving adaptation data that matches the needs of the market-related persons according to the request.
[0017]
By the way, such provision of the traveling adaptation data requires not only the development and creation costs of the data but also the maintenance and management costs of the server computer. Therefore, it is difficult to provide all such useful information for free.
Therefore, it is preferable that the server computer includes a charging unit that charges when transmitting the travel adaptation data requested to be transmitted by the client computer.
[0018]
The charging means may charge for transmission of all the driving adaptation data, but it is more preferable to provide free of charge data such as correction or improvement of existing data (for example, bug correction of program data). Incidentally, the charged fee is collected by a credit card, bank transfer, prepaid payment, or the like.
The vehicle ECU referred to in the present invention is, for example, an engine ECU or an AT ECU. However, the type of the ECU is not particularly limited as long as safety is ensured and the traveling property of the vehicle can be changed.
[0019]
In the present invention, “suppliers” and “market participants” are in a relative relationship, and their targets are not fixed. For example, the supplier may be an ECU maker, a vehicle maker that assembles the ECU to the vehicle, or an assembly maker that assembles the ECU to a component device (eg, engine, AT, etc.) of the vehicle, and a subsidiary, an affiliated company, or a management contractor of those manufacturers. In the case of a business successor or the like on the vehicle maker side, market participants include vehicle dealers, repair / maintenance companies, and the like, in addition to vehicle users. However, the supplier may be considered as a dealer, a repair / maintenance company or the like, and the market-related person may be considered as a vehicle user. In short, the one that manages the server computer is the supplier, and the one that manages the client computer is the market participant.
[0020]
Each storage means includes a recording medium such as a hard disk, a CD, a DVD, and an FD (floppy disk) in addition to a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and the like. However, in the case of the device-side storage means, since it is often required to be non-volatile and to have high responsiveness and mountability (compactness), an EEPROM or a flash memory is preferable. On the other hand, the server-side storage means is preferably a hard disk capable of storing a large amount of data corresponding to various models and easily updating data.
[0021]
The ECU, the server computer, and the client computer usually all have basic functions as a computer. That is, it naturally includes a CPU as an arithmetic processing unit, a ROM storing various programs such as a basic program, and the like. Further, in the case of the present invention, when the ECU, the server computer, and the client computer can communicate with each other, the communication means includes a communication interface such as a LAN card and a communication path such as a communication cable. The communication in the present invention may be wireless communication or wired communication.
[0022]
The communication between the server computer and the client computer may be performed on a dedicated online basis, but by using the Internet communication network, it is possible to reduce the cost at home and abroad as well as domestically. Data can be transmitted and received. The communication between the client computer and the ECU may be performed via a general-purpose communication path such as RS232C, or a dedicated communication path may be separately provided. Further, the input / output terminal of the ECU may be used as a communication terminal. A general-purpose communication cable or the like may be used for the terminal via a separate adapter or the like.
[0023]
The client computer according to the present invention is not limited to a single computer such as a personal computer, but may be composed of a series of multiple computers under the control of market participants. For example, the client-side receiving means connected to the server-side transmitting means is provided in a host computer on the market side, and the client-side transmitting means connected to the device-side receiving means of the vehicle ECU is connected to the host computer via a LAN. It may be provided in each computer (personal computer) connected by the above.
The running adaptation data referred to in the present invention is not limited to simple numerical information (control data) such as map information and parameter information, but also includes a control program for operating the ECU. Then, the traveling adaptation data may include a correction program for correcting a bug or the like of the control program.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to embodiments.
FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic diagram of a data change system S (hereinafter, simply referred to as “system S”) of an ECU according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The system S includes an engine ECU 10 for controlling an engine mounted on a commercially available motorcycle (vehicle), a server computer 20 provided in an ECU maker (ECU supplier) for mass-producing the engine ECU 10, and a user of the motorcycle. Alternatively, it comprises a client computer 30 provided in a commercial vehicle related person (a market related person) as a dealer thereof, and an Internet network I that enables communication between the server computer 20 and the client computer 30.
[0025]
The engine ECU 10 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs a basic function as a computer. Further, map information (data) such as the ignition timing of the engine, the fuel injection amount, and the like are written in a non-volatile, electrically rewritable EEPROM (device-side storage means). When the motorcycle is shipped from the manufacturer, standard data (default data) is written in the EEPROM. The engine ECU 10 naturally has input / output terminals for input / output with the outside, and some of the input / output terminals are communication terminals and are connected to a communication interface (I / F). Signals can be transmitted / received to / from the outside via this, and this is used when writing data to the EEPROM. Thus, the device-side receiving means is configured.
[0026]
The server computer 20 is connected to a hard disk (HDD: server-side storage unit) storing various traveling adaptation data groups (data A, data B, data C...) Developed by the ECU maker, and the Internet I. A communication I / F (server-side transmission means) for transmitting and receiving data, and a basic configuration as a computer such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Note that reading of each data from the HDD is performed by a reading program stored in the ROM and the CPU (server-side reading means).
[0027]
The client computer 30 is a personal computer provided on the side of a person involved in a commercial vehicle. Specifically, a first communication I / F (client-side receiving unit) for transmitting and receiving data by connecting to the Internet I, a basic configuration as a computer such as a CPU, a ROM and a RAM, and a connection to the engine ECU 10 And a second communication I / F (client-side transmitting means) for transmitting and receiving data. The data writing to the EEPROM of the engine ECU 10 is performed by a writing program stored in the ROM and the CPU (client-side writing means).
[0028]
Further, the server computer 20 includes an authentication unit (first transmission / reception restriction unit) using a password and an authentication code for restricting an access right for each traveling adaptation data group stored in the HDD. Thus, in order for the client computer 30 to download certain data (for example, data A) from the server computer 20, a password registered in advance and an authentication code such as a product number set for each engine ECU 10 are input and transmitted. Is required. This authentication means is performed by the CPU executing an authentication program stored in the HDD or the like.
[0029]
The engine ECU 10 also includes an authentication unit (second transmission / reception restriction unit) for restricting access authority. As a result, the running adaptation data downloaded from the server computer 20 of the ECU maker can be written only to the engine ECU 10 manufactured by the ECU maker, and only the running adaptation data corresponding to the engine ECU 10 can be written. It has become. Note that this authentication means can be performed by causing the engine ECU 10 to make a comparison between the code stored in the ROM and the data code transmitted from the client computer 30 by the CPU.
[0030]
Next, a description will be given of the travel adaptation data group stored in the server computer 20 and transmission / reception and writing of the travel adaptation data with reference to FIG.
In the server computer 20, an updated version of the program data and a large number of map data of the engine are stored as a traveling adaptation data group. A large number of map data are prepared in which each set value is slightly changed according to the place of use of the motorcycle, the season of use, the history of the user, the purpose of use, and the like.
A person involved in a commercial vehicle of a motorcycle accesses the server computer 20 from the client computer 30 that manages it, and requests transmission of desired program data or map data. At this time, the authentication information (for example, the product number) and the password relating to the vehicle ECU 10 whose write data is to be rewritten are transmitted at the same time. When the server computer 20 confirms the authentication, the desired program data and map data are downloaded to the client computer 30.
[0031]
At this time, the server computer 20 charges for downloading the travel adaptation data. That is, a fee is calculated according to the download amount, and the calculated amount is transmitted to the client computer 30. At the same time, download is restricted by a person who is not a contracted person and who cannot collect charges (charging means).
Further, the server computer 20 is configured to provide information relating to the motorcycle information (format, place of use, use mode, purpose, etc.) and personal information of the commercial vehicle related person beforehand when the commercial vehicle related person accesses from the client computer 30. Request the provision of information and memorize the contents. When the map data and the like are normally downloaded by the client computer 30, the server computer 20 stores the format (part number) of the target engine ECU 10, the type of the downloaded data, and the like. Then, the server computer 20 correlates the information on the traveling suitability data obtained in this way with the information on the persons involved in the commercial vehicle and sums them up (traveling suitability data summing means). Note that the ECU maker appropriately checks the aggregated data and uses the data in future ECU development.
[0032]
Next, the person in charge of the commercial vehicle writes the downloaded new map data and the like from the client computer 30 to the engine ECU 10. Thus, the write data in the engine ECU 10 is updated to map data or the like corresponding to a desired driving situation.
In the above-described embodiment, the system is configured to directly transfer data from one server computer to one client computer. However, any number of computers that transfer data may intervene between them.
Further, in the above embodiment, the number of server computers is one, but a plurality of server computers may be responsible for a part of the entire data and send them out.
Further, in the above embodiment, the number of client computers is one. However, a plurality of client computers may take charge of a part of the entire data, receive the data, and write the data in the ECU.
Further, in the above embodiment, one client computer writes data to one ECU, but one client computer may write data to a plurality of ECUs.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a vehicle user or the like can easily acquire travel adaptation data and write the data into the vehicle ECU. As a result, matching of the vehicle ECU with the driving situation is performed for each vehicle user or the like, and the satisfaction of the vehicle user or the like is further improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an entire data changing system for a vehicle ECU according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an example showing the type, transmission / reception, writing, and the like of travel adaptation data in the system.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Engine ECU (Vehicle ECU)
Reference Signs List 20 server computer 30 client computer I internet network SECU data change system

Claims (10)

The vehicle includes at least a device-side receiving unit capable of receiving data and a device-side storage unit that stores data acquired via the device-side receiving unit in a nonvolatile state, and is mounted on a vehicle or a component device of the vehicle. A vehicle electronic control device for controlling the traveling performance of the vehicle,
A server computer having server-side transmission means for transmitting change data for changing the travel adaptation data adapted to the travel situation of the vehicle,
A data change system of a vehicle electronic control device that writes the change data transmitted from the server-side transmission unit to the device-side storage unit,
A client-side receiving means for receiving the change data from the server-side transmitting means; a client-side transmitting means for transmitting the change data received by the client-side receiving means to the device-side receiving means; And a client-side writing means for writing the change data transmitted from the means into the device-side storage means. 2. The data changing system according to claim 1, wherein said server-side transmitting means and said client-side receiving means comprise communication means. The data change system for a vehicle electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the server computer is under control of a supplier of the vehicle electronic control device. The data of the electronic control unit for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the server computer and / or the client computer includes a first transmission / reception restriction unit that restricts transmission / reception of data from the server-side transmission unit to the client-side reception unit. Change system. 5. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the client computer and / or the vehicle electronic control device includes a second transmission / reception restriction unit that restricts transmission and reception of data from the client-side transmission unit to the device-side reception unit. Data change system for electronic control unit. The data change system of the electronic control unit for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the server computer includes a running adaptation data totaling unit that aggregates the running adaptation data requested to be transmitted from the client computer. 3. The data changing system for a vehicle electronic control device according to claim 1, wherein the server computer includes a charging unit that charges when transmitting the travel adaptation data requested to be transmitted from the client computer. The vehicle includes at least a device-side receiving unit capable of receiving data and a device-side storage unit that stores data acquired via the device-side receiving unit in a nonvolatile state, and is mounted on a vehicle or a component device of the vehicle. An electronic control unit for a vehicle that controls the traveling performance of a vehicle,
A server computer having server-side transmitting means for transmitting change data for changing travel adaptation data adapted to the traveling state of the vehicle; a client-side receiving means for receiving the change data from the server-side transmitting means; Client-side transmitting means for transmitting the change data received by the receiving means to the device-side receiving means; client-side writing means for writing the change data transmitted from the client-side transmitting means to the device-side storage means; And a client computer having the data storage system, wherein the change data transmitted from the server-side transmission unit can be written to the device-side storage unit by a data change system of the vehicle electronic control unit. apparatus. A vehicle having a server computer having server-side transmitting means for transmitting change data for changing travel adaptation data adapted to the traveling state of the vehicle, and a vehicle having a device-side storage means for storing the change data transmitted from the server-side transmitting means Provided between the electronic control unit for
A client computer comprising: a client-side writing unit that writes the change data from the server-side transmitting unit to the device-side storage unit. To a client computer which transmits change data for changing the traveling adaptation data adapted to the traveling condition of the vehicle to the vehicle electronic control device having the device side storage means for storing the received data, and writes the data in the device side storage means. hand,
A server computer having server-side transmitting means for transmitting the change data.

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