JP2010170304A - Management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To execute update processing of a program of a microprocessor to be updated without enabling use of all functions, with respect to a device having a plurality of microprocessors. <P>SOLUTION: A management device for managing a system including a plurality of control devices each of which executes a program, includes a means for instructing a first control device to execute program update processing and a means for instructing a second control device to execute the alternative processing of processing to be executed by the first control device which becomes inexecutable when the first control device executes the program update processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a software program update process for an apparatus having a plurality of CPUs.

  In-vehicle devices equipped with car navigation systems have recently been improved in performance. The vehicle-mounted device has a plurality of functions such as playback of media such as DVD and CD, reception and playback of digital TV radio waves, in addition to the car navigation system. As the performance of the vehicle-mounted device increases, there is an increasing demand for an increase in the CPU processing speed and an increase in the capacity of the memory for storing the software program.

  High performance of the vehicle-mounted device means that the capacity of the software program is increased, that is, the software program is complicated. As software programs become more complex, the number of product evaluation man-hours for confirming hidden defects and software program quality increases. However, no matter how rigorous testing is performed, defects may occur after being marketed as a product. As a method for correcting such a problem that was not predicted before sales, upgrading a software program, etc. without bothering the user, for example, a manufacturer (for example, a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle device) There is a method of downloading from the manufacturer's center server.

  Such a method is a program update method adopted not only by the vehicle-mounted device but also by a mobile phone or the like. In this case, for example, the vehicle-mounted device does not bother the user by downloading the update program periodically or triggered by the notification of the update program from the center server. However, when installing the update program, there is a problem that all functions of the vehicle-mounted device are stopped.

JP 2006-39813 A JP 2005-92708 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for executing a program update process of a microprocessor to be updated without disabling all functions in an apparatus including a plurality of microprocessors.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, a management device that manages a system including a plurality of control devices each executing a program,
Means for instructing the first control device to execute the program update process;
Means for instructing the second control device to execute an alternative process to be executed by the first control device, which becomes impossible to execute when the first control device executes the program update process.

  According to the present invention, the substitution process by the second control device is performed even during the execution of the program update process of the first control device. Therefore, even when the program update process of the first control device is executed, the process is continuously performed.

The first control device of the present invention is a display control device of a device for displaying video and images,
The second control device is a sound source control device of a device that outputs a sound source,
The management device
Means for instructing the display control device to stop displaying video and images;
Means for invalidating an operation input to the display control device;
It may be configured to further comprise means for converting the character information to be displayed on the video and image display device into sound and instructing the sound source control device to output the converted sound. With such a configuration, even when the video and image cannot be displayed on the device that displays the video and the image by the program update process of the display control device, the content to be displayed can be acquired as sound.

The first device of the present invention is a sound source control device that controls a device that outputs a sound source,
The second device is a display control device that controls a device that displays video and images.
The management device
Means for instructing the sound source control device to stop outputting the sound source from the device that outputs the sound source;
Means for invalidating operation input to the sound source control device;
It may be configured to further comprise means for converting the sound to be output from the device that outputs the sound source into characters and instructing the display control device to display the image and the image on the device. With this configuration, even if a device that outputs a sound source by the program update process of the sound source control device cannot output a sound source, the content to be output can be acquired as character information.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the apparatus provided with a some microprocessor, the technique which performs the program update process of the microprocessor of an update object can be provided, without all functions becoming unusable.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the vehicle equipment which mounts a car navigation system. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the switch of a touchscreen display. It is an example of a management table. It is a figure which shows the example of the sequence at the time of the program update process of a display unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the sequence of the process which converts character information into an audio | voice. It is a figure which shows the example of the sequence at the time of the program update process of an amplifier unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the sequence at the time of the program update process of a navigation unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the sequence at the time of the program update process of a DVD unit. It is a figure which shows the example of the sequence at the time of the program update process of CD unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration of the following embodiment is an exemplification, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the vehicle-mounted device A1 on which the car navigation system is mounted. The vehicle-mounted device A1 includes a master unit 1 and a slave unit. The slave unit includes a navigation unit 2 that executes a navigation program, an amplifier unit 3 that controls the output of a speaker 9, a display unit 4 that controls a touch panel display 8, a DVD that controls playback of a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and the like.
The unit 5 includes a digital TV unit 6 that controls to receive digital TV radio waves and outputs them to a display, a CD unit 7 that controls playback of a CD (Compact Disk), and the like. These units are generally an ECU (Electronic Control).
ol Unit). These units have programs for realizing each function. The unit shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the vehicle-mounted device A1 actually includes a unit (ECU) having other functions. The vehicle-mounted device A1 may be realized as an apparatus in which each unit is integrated, or each unit is a separate apparatus, and each unit is connected by a cable, and may be another system. The devices included in the vehicle-mounted device A1 may be provided in the same vehicle and connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

  Since the vehicle-mounted device A includes a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) unlike a mobile phone or the like, it takes time to execute program updates of all ECUs at once. In addition, while updating the program of one ECU, the functions of other EUCs are stopped, so that the period during which the vehicle-mounted device A cannot be used is extended for a long time, which is inconvenient for the user. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted device A includes a master unit that manages the program update process of each ECU.

  The master unit 1 is a unit that manages the program update process of the slave unit. The master unit 1 includes a wireless communication interface 11, a RAM 12, a ROM 13, and a CPU 15. The wireless communication interface 11 is an interface that performs wireless communication with the center server 100 of the manufacturer of the vehicle-mounted device A1 or the manufacturer of the vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted device A1 is mounted. In addition, the master unit 1 includes an interface (not shown) that receives a remote operation signal from a remote controller or the like by a user.

  The master unit 1 downloads an update program for each unit from the center server 100 and stores it in the RAM 12. The master unit 1 receives the program update request from each unit, periodically at a predetermined time, or when the power is turned on for the first time after downloading the update program from the center server 100. Distribute the update program to each unit. However, the master unit 1 does not distribute the update program to all units at the same time, but distributes the update program to each unit in order to avoid a state in which all the units cannot be used.

  In addition, the master unit 1 stores an operation screen (for example, a menu screen) and a message screen (for example, an error notification message) of the vehicle-mounted device A1 in the RAM 12. The master unit 1 performs a process of analyzing which switch among the switches displayed on the touch panel display 8 is pressed from the operation input position information to the touch panel display 8 and the information on the operation screen stored in the RAM 12. Do.

  When the process performed by the unit is switched to another process, the master unit 1 records the process before switching in the RAM 12. For example, if the navigation unit 2 interrupts the route guidance to the destination while the DVD unit 5 is playing a DVD, the master unit 1 is that the DVD unit 5 is performing the DVD playback processing. Then, the playback position of the DVD at the time when the process is switched is recorded. By recording the process immediately before the current process, for example, when the route guidance process to the destination of the navigation unit 2 is completed, the master unit 1 performs the DVD playback process immediately before the route guidance process. It is possible to resume from the playback position of the DVD. Such a process immediately before the process currently performed by the master unit 1 is referred to as “last mode”.

The navigation unit 2 is a unit that executes a navigation program serving as the center of the car navigation system. In addition to the microprocessor (ECU), the navigation unit 2 includes a GPS receiver that receives a signal from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, an antenna for communicating with the center server 100, a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System). : Road traffic information communication system) It is provided with an interface for connection with each receiver for receiving information (none is shown). The navigation unit 2 holds a huge amount of road map information as a database in any of a hard disk, a DVD ROM disk, a CD ROM disk, etc. (different depending on the product, not shown), and reads it out as necessary.

  The navigation unit 2 retrieves information from GPS satellites and VICS centers and road map information, processing for identifying the current position of the vehicle, route guidance processing such as calculation of the route to the destination and the time required, and neighboring store information The search process to be executed is executed. The results of these processes are displayed on the touch panel display 8 or output from the speaker 9 to notify the user. When the navigation unit 2 performs the program update process, the process for specifying the current position executed by the navigation unit 2 and the destination guidance process are stopped. That is, the voice output instruction from the navigation unit 2 to the amplifier unit 3 and the screen display instruction to the display unit 4 are stopped.

  The amplifier unit 3 performs processing for controlling the output of the sound source from the speaker 9. The amplifier unit 3 accepts a sound source output instruction from a unit that executes a program including a sound source output process, such as the master unit 1, the navigation unit 2, the DVD unit 5, the digital television unit 6, and the CD unit 7, and outputs it from the speaker 9. . In addition, the amplifier unit 3 receives a volume adjustment operation instruction (instruction input from a volume adjustment switch, a remote controller, or the like) from the user, and performs a process of adjusting the volume. When the amplifier unit 3 updates the program, the sound source output process and the like executed by the amplifier unit 3 are stopped, so that no sound source output from the vehicle-mounted device A1 is possible.

  The display unit 4 controls display of video and images on the touch panel display 8. The touch panel display 8 is a device that combines a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and a position input device such as a touch pad. The touch panel display 8 detects a voltage change or a capacitance change of the position input device, and specifies a contact position (pressed position) by the user.

The display unit 4 accepts video and image display instructions from a unit that executes a program including video and image display processing, such as the master unit 1, the navigation unit 2, the DVD unit 5, and the digital television unit 6, and the touch panel display 8 Output to.
The display unit 4 performs a process of analyzing the operation input by the user from the input position of the user to the touch panel display 8 and the displayed image. The result of the analysis process is transmitted to the master unit 1. When the program of the display unit 4 is updated, the display process of the touch panel display 8 executed by the display unit 4, the reception of the operation input to the touch panel display 8, the analysis process, and the like are stopped.

  The DVD unit 5 performs control such as DVD playback. The DVD unit 5 includes a DVD drive that accommodates a DVD in addition to a microprocessor (ECU). The DVD unit 5 reads and reproduces data recorded on the DVD set in the DVD drive. At this time, the video is transmitted to the display unit 4 and displayed on the touch panel display 8. The sound source is transmitted to the amplifier unit 3 and output from the speaker 9. The DVD unit 5 receives an operation input (fast forward, rewind, etc.) related to reproduction of a DVD (from a remote controller, a touch panel display, etc.) by a user.

  The digital television unit 6 performs control for viewing digital terrestrial broadcasting. In addition to the microprocessor (ECU), the digital television unit 6 includes an interface connected to an antenna that receives terrestrial digital broadcast radio waves, and a tuner for terrestrial digital broadcast (none of which is shown). The digital television unit 6 decodes the received terrestrial digital broadcast radio wave into video, sound source, and data broadcast. The video and data broadcast are transmitted to the display unit 4 and displayed on the touch panel display 8. The sound source is transmitted to the amplifier unit 3 and output from the speaker 9. The digital television unit 6 accepts an operation input (broadcast station selection, data broadcast display or non-display selection) by a user (from a remote controller, a touch panel display, or the like). During the program update process of the digital television unit 6, it is impossible to receive terrestrial digital broadcast radio waves or view terrestrial digital broadcasts.

  The CD unit 7 executes a program for reproducing the sound source data recorded on the CD disk. The CD unit 7 includes a CD drive (not shown) for storing a CD disk in addition to a microprocessor (ECU). The CD unit 7 reads and reproduces sound source data from a CD disc set in the CD drive. The sound source is transmitted to the amplifier unit 3 and output from the speaker 9. The CD unit 7 receives an operation input (music selection, etc.) by a user (from a remote controller, a touch panel display, etc.). During the program update process of the CD unit 7, the CD disc cannot be reproduced.

  Note that the processing performed by each unit described above is an example, and the processing performed by each unit differs depending on the product specifications. The above-mentioned unit is an example, and the vehicle-mounted device A1 adopts a short-range wireless communication standard such as a radio unit that receives radio, a hard disk audio unit, BLUETOOTH (registered trademark), and a mobile phone, etc. A unit that performs communication can be mounted.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement example of switches of the touch panel display 8. The touch panel display 8 can display a switch for operating each unit of the vehicle-mounted device A1 on the display screen. Hereinafter, such a switch displayed on the display screen of the touch panel display 8 is referred to as a “switch on the touch panel”. The touch panel display 8 includes an operation switch around the display screen. For example, a knob that adjusts the volume, a “current position display” switch that displays the current position of the vehicle on the map when pressed, a “MENU” switch that displays the menu screen when pressed, and a DVD or CD track Or a switch for returning (“Track ▲”, “Track ▼” in FIG. 2) or the like. Although these switches are arranged around the touch panel display 8, they are not connected to the display unit 4, but are connected to the master unit 1 or a unit related to each switch. For example, the “current position display” switch is connected to the navigation unit 2. Hereinafter, such a switch provided around the touch display 8 is referred to as a “hard switch”.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a management table in which restrictions associated with execution of program update processing of each unit stored in the RAM 12 by the master unit 1 are associated with processing switching sequences performed by the master unit 1 at that time. The management table is created in advance by the manufacturer of the vehicle-mounted device A1.

  For example, when the program update process of the navigation unit 2 is executed, there is a restriction that navigation functions such as route guidance to the destination and current position display are stopped. In consideration of this restriction, when the program update process of the navigation unit 2 is executed, the sequence S3 is executed.

  Details of the sequence executed when the program update process of each unit is executed will be described later.

<< Program update process for display unit >>
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence S1 during the program update process of the display unit 4. The master unit 1 downloads the update program for the display unit 4 from the center server 100 and holds it in the RAM 12.

  The master unit 1 confirms with the user whether or not to perform the program update process for the display unit 4. For example, the touch panel display 8 is instructed to display a message “The update program for the display unit has been downloaded. Do you want to install it now?” And switches “Yes” and “No”. When the user selects “Yes”, when the user selects “Yes”, the display unit 4 downloads its own update program from the master unit 1. When the user selects “No”, the program update processing of the display unit 4 is not started, and the user is again confirmed after a certain time has elapsed (for example, when the vehicle-mounted device A1 is activated next time).

  During the program update process of the display unit 4, the display on the touch panel display 8 is stopped (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the master unit 1 notifies the user that display on the touch panel display 8 is not performed during the program update of the display unit 4 before starting the program update process of the display unit 4 (OP1). For example, the master unit 1 instructs the touch panel display 8 to display a message “The display cannot be displayed while the program is being updated.” And a confirmation switch.

  When the start of the program update process of the display unit 4 is confirmed by the user, the master unit 1 instructs the display unit 4 to stop the display on the touch panel display 8. When pressed, the master unit 1 invalidates a hard switch (for example, “current position display”) that requires display processing on the touch panel display 8 (OP2). Thereafter, the master unit 1 instructs the display unit 4 to start the program update process (OP3).

The master unit 1 determines whether or not the navigation unit 2 is in operation (OP4). When the navigation unit 2 is in operation (OP4: Yes), the touch panel display 8 cannot display the screen, so the character information to be displayed on the touch panel display is converted into sound and output. Instruct unit 2 (OP5).

  FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow up to conversion of character information to speech performed in OP5. In OP5, the master unit 1 executes the sequence S1 shown in FIG. 4B.

  The navigation unit 2 periodically acquires the latitude and longitude of the current position (traveling point) of the vehicle-mounted device A1 from the GPS. The navigation unit 2 searches the database for information related to the travel point of the vehicle-mounted device A1 based on the latitude and longitude acquired from the GPS. The information regarding the travel point of the vehicle-mounted device A1 is, for example, a touch panel while the navigation unit 2 is in operation, such as an address, a national road number and a prefectural road number, an intersection name, and a building name corresponding to a landmark corresponding to the latitude and longitude of the travel point. This is information to be displayed on the display 8. When the information regarding the travel point of the vehicle-mounted device A1 obtained as a result of the search is different from the information displayed on the touch panel display 8 at that time, the navigation unit 2 changes the display on the touch panel display 8 (display unit 4). Instruct.

  The master unit 1 checks whether there is a change in screen display on the touch panel display 8 (OP5a). For example, detecting that the navigation unit 2 has instructed the display unit 4 to display a screen, the master unit 1 confirms a change in the screen display on the touch panel display 8.

  When there is a change in the screen display on the touch panel display 8 (OP5a: Yes), the master unit 1 acquires information related to the travel point from the navigation unit 2 (OP5b). The master unit 1 converts the acquired information (character information) relating to the travel point into sound and outputs it from the amplifier unit 3 (OP5c). For example, when the display of the current position (address) of the touch panel display 8 should be changed with the change of the travel point, instead of the screen display, “Currently passing near 2 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo” Is output. Furthermore, when outputting information on the travel point by voice, the distance to the destination, the time required for the destination, surrounding landmarks, and the like may be output by voice. Thereafter, the process returns to OP5a again.

  Returning to FIG. 4A, if the route guidance process to the destination is not in progress (OP4: No), the process proceeds to OP6. At this time, for example, when the DVD unit 5 is in operation and a DVD is being reproduced, the display on the touch panel display 8 is not performed, but the reproduction may be continued and only the sound may be output. .

  After the process of OP5 is completed and when the navigation unit 2 is not operating (OP4: No), the master unit 1 determines whether the program update process of the display unit 4 has been completed (OP6). .

  When the program update process of the display unit 4 is not completed (OP6: No), the master unit 1 outputs the progress status of the program update process of the display unit 4 to the user by voice (OP7). The progress of the program update process may be notified to the user as the remaining time until the update process is completed. In this case, the master unit 1 determines from the total data amount (existing value) updated by the update program and the data amount (existing value) that the microprocessor of the display unit 4 can delete and write to the memory per second. The time required for the program update process is calculated, and the elapsed time from the start is subtracted from the calculated time to derive the remaining time until the update is completed. Alternatively, the master unit 1 periodically receives notification of the updated data amount from the display unit 4, and each time the total data amount (existing value) updated by the update program and the microprocessor are transferred to the memory per second. From the amount of data that can be deleted and written (existing value), the time required to complete the update may be calculated as the remaining time. When the master unit 1 calculates the remaining time until the completion of the update, the master unit 1 generates audio data and instructs the amplifier unit 3 to output from the speaker 9. For example, a voice such as “Update will be completed in one minute” is output to the user. Thereafter, the process returns to OP6 again.

  When the program update process is completed (OP6: Yes), the touch panel display 8 can display images and images, so that the master unit 1 starts the display process for the display unit 4. Instruct. At the same time, the master unit 1 activates a hard switch (for example, “current position display”) that requires display processing on the touch panel display 8 when pressed (OP8).

<< Program update processing of amplifier unit >>
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence S2 during the program update process of the amplifier unit 3. The master unit 1 downloads the update program for the amplifier unit 3 from the center server 100 and holds it in the RAM 12.

  The master unit 1 confirms with the user whether or not to perform the program update process of the amplifier unit 3. For example, the touch panel display 8 is instructed to display a message “Amplifier update program has been downloaded. Do you want to install it now?” And “Yes” and “No” switches. When the user selects “Yes”, the amplifier unit 3 downloads its own update program from the master unit 1. When the user selects “No”, the program update process of the amplifier unit 3 is not started, and the user is confirmed again after a certain period of time (for example, when the vehicle-mounted device A1 is activated next time).

  During the program update process of the amplifier unit 3, the output of the sound source from the speaker 9 is stopped (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the master unit 1 notifies the user that the sound source is not output during the program update of the amplifier unit 3 before starting the program update process of the amplifier unit 3 (OP11). For example, the master unit 1 instructs the touch panel display 8 to display a message “A voice cannot be output during program update.” And a confirmation switch.

  When the start of the program update process of the amplifier unit 3 is confirmed by the user, the master unit 1 instructs the amplifier unit 3 to stop outputting the sound source from the speaker 9. When pressed, the master unit 1 invalidates a switch and a hard switch (for example, a volume control knob) on the touch panel display 8 that require output of a sound source from the speaker 9 (OP12). Thereafter, the master unit 1 instructs the amplifier unit 3 to start the program update process (OP13).

The master unit 1 activates the navigation unit 2 and switches the display on the touch panel display 8 to the output from the navigation unit 2 (OP14). The master unit 1 determines whether or not voice guidance is generated during the route guidance processing to the destination by the navigation unit 2 (OP15). When voice guidance occurs (OP15: Yes), since the voice of route guidance cannot be output from the speaker 9, the voice to be output is converted into text and displayed on the touch panel display 8 (OP16). For example, voice is converted into text by executing voice recognition from voice data stored in the RAM 12 by a voice recognition engine (not shown) or the like. Alternatively, character data corresponding to the voice data may be stored in the RAM 12 in advance. When displaying on the touch panel display 8, the textual contents of the voice guidance may be blinked to alert the user.

  If voice guidance does not occur (OP15: No), the process proceeds to OP17. After the navigation unit 2 texts the voice guidance of the guidance process to the destination and if no voice guidance occurs, the master unit 1 determines whether or not the program update process of the amplifier unit 3 has been completed. (OP17).

  When the program update process of the amplifier unit 3 is not completed (OP17: No), the master unit 1 displays the progress status of the program update process of the amplifier unit 3 on the touch panel display (OP18). The progress status of the program update process may be notified to the user as the remaining time until the update process is completed, for example, in the same manner as the process OP7 of the program update process of the display unit 4. For example, a message such as “Update will be completed in one minute” and a bar indicating the progress of the data amount to be updated are displayed for the user. Thereafter, the process returns to OP15 again.

When the program update process is completed (OP17: Yes), the sound source can be output from the speaker 9, so the master unit 1 instructs the amplifier unit 3 to start the sound source output process. To do. At the same time, the master unit 1 validates the switch and the hard switch on the touch panel display 8 regarding the output of the sound source (OP19). At this time, the amplifier unit 3 does not output the sound source immediately after the completion of the update, but outputs it after the connection with the unit serving as the sound source is established and the sound source is ready for output. This is because it is not possible to know what data remains on the output line of the amplifier unit 3 immediately after the completion of the update, thereby preventing output of extra sound. For example, when the amplifier unit 3 outputs the sound source of the CD unit 7, the amplifier unit 3 returns a connection request response to the connection request from the CD unit 7, whereby the connection between the CD unit 7 and the amplifier unit 3 is established. Establish. After the connection is established, the amplifier unit 3 starts outputting the sound source from the speaker 9.

  In OP14, when the update process of the amplifier unit 3 is started, the display on the touch panel display 8 is switched to the output of the navigation unit 2. Alternatively, when the DVD unit 5 is playing a DVD or when the digital TV unit 6 is outputting, the audio output may be displayed on the touch panel display 8 as subtitles. Alternatively, only audio output may be stopped and video without sound may be output as it is.

<< Program update process of Navi unit >>
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence S3 during the program update process of the navigation unit 2. The master unit 1 downloads the update program for the navigation unit 2 from the center server 100 and holds it in the RAM 12.

  The master unit 1 confirms with the user whether or not to perform the program update process of the navigation unit 2. For example, the touch panel display 8 is instructed to display a message “The update program for the navigation unit has been downloaded. Do you want to install it now?” And switches “Yes” and “No”. When the user selects “Yes”, the navigation unit 2 downloads its own update program from the master unit 1. When the user selects “No”, the program update process of the navigation unit 2 is not started, and is confirmed again with the user after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, when the vehicle-mounted device A1 is activated next time).

  During the program update process of the navigation unit 2, the navigation function cannot be used (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the master unit 1 notifies the user that the navigation function cannot be used during the program update of the navigation unit 2 before starting the program update process of the navigation unit 2 (OP21). For example, the master unit 1 instructs the touch panel display 8 to display a message “A navigation function cannot be used during program update” and a confirmation switch.

  When the user confirms the start of the program update process of the navigation unit 2, the master unit 1 determines whether or not the navigation function of the navigation unit 2 is in operation (OP22). When the navigation function of the navigation unit 2 is in operation (OP22: Yes), the master unit 1 instructs the navigation unit 2 to stop the navigation function (OP23).

As an alternative to the navigation unit 2, the master unit 1 switches the output of the touch panel display 8 and the speaker 9 to the output of the DVD unit 5 or the digital television unit 6 (OP24). At this time, for example, the priority order is determined in the order of the DVD unit 5 and the digital television unit 6, and when the DVD unit 5 includes a DVD, the output is switched to the output of the DVD unit 5, and the DVD unit 5 includes the DVD. If not, the output is switched to the output of the digital TV unit 6.

  In OP22, when the navigation function of the navigation unit 2 is not in operation (OP22: No), the process proceeds to OP25.

  The master unit 1 invalidates the switches on the touch panel display 8 and the hard switches (for example, the “current position display” switch) related to the navigation function (OP25). Thereafter, the master unit 1 instructs the navigation unit 2 to start the program update process (OP26).

  When the program update process of the navigation unit 2 is completed, the master unit 1 enables the switch and the hard switch on the touch panel display 8 regarding the navigation function (OP27).

  The master unit 1 displays to the user whether or not to return to the last mode (OP28). In OP28, since the output of the DVD unit 5 or the digital television unit 6 is selected, the last mode is the process of the navigation unit 2 that is the process immediately before. Accordingly, the master unit 1 displays, for example, a message “Navi unit program update processing completed. Are you returning to navigation?” And “Yes” and “No” switches on the touch panel display 8.

  When the last mode, that is, switching to the output of the navigation unit 2 is selected (OP28: Yes), the master unit 1 determines whether or not the navigation unit 2 resumes from the destination guidance processing ( OP29). When the process is resumed from the destination guidance process (OP29: Yes), the navigation unit 2 is instructed to re-search the route from the current vehicle point to the destination (OP30). Thereafter, the navigation unit 2 performs destination guidance processing.

  In OP28, when the mode does not return to the last mode, that is, when the output of the navigation unit 2 is not selected (OP28: No), and in OP29, when the destination guidance process is not resumed (OP29: No), the process Ends.

  The update program of the navigation unit 2 is a large amount of data. Therefore, the navigation unit 2 stores the update program in the hard disk, and reads out the process from the hard disk and performs the process when performing the program update process. At the next activation of the vehicle-mounted device A1, the navigation unit 2 may copy the loading of the update program, that is, the update program in the hard disk to the RAM. In such a case, in OP21, for example, a message such as “Loading will be executed at the next start-up” is displayed together with the update start notification.

  In OP24, when the output is switched from the output of the navigation unit 2 to the DVD unit 5 or the digital television unit 6, the last mode may be used. For example, when a DVD is played back by the DVD unit 5 before switching to the output of the navigation unit 2, the output may be switched to the output of the DVD unit 5.

  In OP26, along with the program update process of the navigation unit 2, the progress status of the program update process may be output to the touch panel display 8. In this case, the progress status of the program update process is output to a location that does not hinder the output display of the DVD unit 5 or the digital television unit 6 (for example, the lower part of the screen).

<< Program update process of DVD unit >>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence S4 during the program update process of the DVD unit 5. The master unit 1 downloads the update program for the DVD unit 5 from the center server 100 and holds it in the RAM 12.

  The master unit 1 confirms with the user whether or not to perform the program update process for the DVD unit 5. For example, the touch panel display 8 is instructed to display a message “DVD unit update program has been downloaded. Do you want to install it now?” And “Yes” and “No” switches. When the user selects “Yes”, the DVD unit 5 downloads its own update program from the master unit 1. When the user selects “No”, the program update process of the DVD unit 5 is not started, and the user is confirmed again after a certain period of time (for example, when the on-vehicle device A1 is activated next time).

  During the program update process of the DVD unit 5, a process for operating the DVD such as playing a DVD cannot be performed (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the master unit 1 notifies the user that the DVD cannot be reproduced during the program update of the DVD unit 5 before starting the program update process of the DVD unit 5 (OP41). For example, the master unit 1 instructs the touch panel display 8 to display a message “DVD cannot be played during program update” and a confirmation switch.

  When the start of the program update process of the DVD unit 5 is confirmed by the user, the master unit 1 determines whether or not the DVD unit 5 is reproducing a DVD (OP42). When the DVD unit 5 is reproducing a DVD (OP42: Yes), the master unit 1 instructs the DVD unit 5 to stop reproducing the DVD (OP43).

  As an alternative to the DVD unit 5, the master unit 1 switches the output of the touch panel display 8 and the speaker 9 to the output of the navigation unit 2 or the digital television unit 6 (OP44). At this time, for example, the priority order is determined in the order of the digital TV unit 6 and the navigation unit 2, and when the digital TV unit 6 can receive radio waves of terrestrial digital broadcasting, the output is switched to the output of the digital TV unit 6. When the television unit 6 cannot receive the radio wave of the terrestrial digital broadcast, the output is switched to the output of the navigation unit 2.

  In OP42, when the DVD unit 5 is not reproducing a DVD (OP42: No), the process proceeds to OP45.

  The master unit 1 invalidates the switches on the touch panel display 8 and the hard switches (for example, the switches “Track ▲” and “Track ▼”) related to the DVD unit 5 (OP45). Thereafter, the master unit 1 instructs the DVD unit 5 to start the program update process (OP46).

  When the program update process for the DVD unit 5 is completed, the master unit 1 enables the switches and hard switches on the touch panel display 8 for the DVD unit 5 (OP47).

  If the DVD unit 5 is reproducing a DVD in OP42, the master unit 1 displays to the user whether or not to return to the last mode (OP48). The last mode in this case is the process of the DVD unit 5 which is the previous process. Accordingly, the master unit 1 displays on the touch panel display 8, for example, the message “DVD unit program update processing has been completed. Do you want to resume DVD playback?” And “Yes” and “No” switches. indicate.

  When the last mode, that is, switching to the output of the DVD unit 5 is selected (OP48: Yes), the master unit 1 instructs the DVD unit 5 to resume the reproduction of the DVD (OP49). At this time, the master unit 1 instructs the DVD playback from the playback position where the DVD playback was stopped in OP43.

  If the last mode is not returned in OP48, that is, if the output of the DVD unit 5 is not selected (OP48: No), the process ends.

  In OP44, when the output is switched from the output of the DVD unit 5 to the navigation unit 2 or the digital television unit 6, the last mode may be used. For example, when the digital television unit 6 is viewing digital terrestrial broadcasting before playing a DVD of the DVD unit 5, the output may be switched to the output of the digital television unit 6.

  In OP46, the progress of the program update process may be output to the touch panel display 8 along with the program update process of the DVD unit 5. In this case, the progress status of the program update process is output to a location that does not hinder the output display of the navigation unit 2 or the digital television unit 6 (for example, the lower part of the screen).

  Similarly to the DVD unit 5, the digital TV unit 6 also needs output processing from the touch panel display 8 and the speaker 9. That is, the digital television unit 6 is also a unit that outputs video and audio. Therefore, the program update process of the digital TV unit 6 can be realized by replacing the DVD unit 5 in the sequence S4 with the digital TV unit 6.

<< Program update process of CD unit 7 >>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence S5 during the program update process of the CD unit 7. The master unit 1 downloads the update program for the CD unit 7 from the center server 100 and holds it in the RAM 12.

  The master unit 1 confirms with the user whether or not to perform the program update process for the CD unit 7. For example, the touch panel display 8 is instructed to display a message “A CD unit update program has been downloaded. Do you want to install it now?” And “Yes” and “No” switches. When the user selects “Yes”, the CD unit 7 downloads its own update program from the master unit 1. When the user selects “No”, the program update process of the CD unit 7 is not started, and the user is again confirmed after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, when the vehicle-mounted device A1 is activated next time).

  During the program update process of the CD unit 7, the process of operating the CD, such as playing a CD disk, cannot be performed (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the master unit 1 notifies the user that the CD cannot be reproduced during the program update of the CD unit 7 before starting the program update process of the CD unit 7 (OP51). For example, the master unit 1 instructs the touch panel display 8 to display a message that “CD cannot be played during program update” and a confirmation switch.

  When the start of the program update process of the CD unit 7 is confirmed by the user, the master unit 1 determines whether or not the CD unit 7 is reproducing a CD (OP52). When the CD unit 7 is reproducing a CD (OP52: Yes), the master unit 1 instructs the CD unit 7 to stop reproducing the CD (OP53).

  As an alternative to the CD unit 7, the master unit 1 switches the output of the speaker 9 to the output of another audio unit (radio unit, hard disk audio unit, etc., not shown) (OP54).

  In OP52, when the CD unit 7 is not reproducing a CD (OP52: No), the process proceeds to OP55.

  The master unit 1 invalidates the switches on the touch panel display 8 and the hard switches (for example, the switches “Track ▲” and “Track ▼”) relating to the CD unit 7 (OP55). Thereafter, the master unit 1 instructs the CD unit 7 to start the program update process (OP56).

  When the program update process for the CD unit 7 is completed, the master unit 1 enables the switches and hard switches on the touch panel display 8 for the CD unit 7 (OP57).

  If the CD unit 7 is playing a CD in OP52, the master unit 1 displays to the user whether or not to return to the last mode (OP58). The last mode in this case is the process of the CD unit 7 which is the previous process. Accordingly, the master unit 1 displays, for example, a message “CD unit program update processing completed. Do you want to resume CD playback?” And “Yes” and “No” switches on the touch panel display 8. indicate.

  When the last mode, that is, switching to the output of the CD unit 7 is selected (OP58: Yes), the master unit 1 instructs the CD unit 7 to resume CD playback (OP59). At this time, the master unit 1 instructs the CD playback from the playback position where the CD playback was stopped in OP53.

  If the last mode is not returned in OP58, that is, if the output of the CD unit 7 is not selected (OP58: No), the process ends.

  In OP54, when switching the output from the output of the CD unit 7 to another audio unit, the last mode may be used. For example, if the radio unit listens to the FM broadcast before playing the CD of the CD unit 7, the output may be switched to the radio broadcast of the radio unit.

  In OP56, the progress of the program update process may be output to the touch panel display 8 along with the program update process of the CD unit 7. In this case, the progress status of the program update process is output to a location that does not hinder the output display of the navigation unit 2 or the digital television unit 6 (for example, the lower part of the screen).

  Other audio units (radio unit, hard disk audio unit, etc.) that require output processing from the speaker 9 are also units that output audio. Therefore, the program update process of other audio units can be realized by replacing the CD unit 7 in the sequence S5.

<< Program update processing of other units >>
As another unit, the master unit 1 can also manage program update processing of a unit connected to a single unit other than the vehicle-mounted device A1 such as a mobile phone or a unit related to a vehicle.

  As an example of a unit connected to a single unit other than the vehicle-mounted device A1 such as a mobile phone, for example, there is a Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit. For example, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit is wirelessly connected to a mobile phone and outputs a mobile phone call from the speaker 9 to realize hands-free operation. When updating the program of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) unit, the master unit 1 instructs the Bluetooth unit to disconnect the wireless connection with the mobile phone. After the connection between the Bluetooth unit and the mobile phone is disconnected, the Bluetooth unit starts the program update process. When the program update process for the Bluetooth unit is completed, the master unit 1 instructs the Bluetooth unit to reconnect to the mobile phone.

  As an example of the unit related to the vehicle, for example, there is a unit that obtains illumination information from the vehicle. In the case of performing the program update process for such a unit related to the vehicle, there is no limited process in the vehicle-mounted device A1 in which the car navigation system is mounted. However, if the program update process is performed during operation, it is very dangerous. Therefore, only when the master unit 1 can surely confirm the stop of the vehicle (for example, when the accessory power supply of the vehicle is detected to be off), the program update processing of the unit related to the vehicle is executed.

<Effect>
In the first embodiment, the master unit 1 manages the program update process of each unit and performs the program update process for each unit. The master unit 1 causes another unit to execute an alternative process of the process that is stopped by the program update process of one unit. This makes it possible to use the functions of the vehicle-mounted device A1 by utilizing other units without stopping all functions during the program update process of one unit.

<Modification>
In 1st Embodiment, onboard equipment A1 was provided with the master unit 1 as an apparatus which manages the program update process of each unit. Instead of this, for example, the navigation unit 2 may perform processing of the master unit 1. Further, not only the navigation unit 2 but also a unit having an interface that communicates with the center server 100 can perform processing of the master unit 1.

  When the master unit 1 or the unit itself that performs the processing of the master unit 1 performs the program update processing, one of the slave units may take over the processing of the master unit 1. For example, an alternative unit of the master unit 1 is determined in advance, and the alternative unit takes over the processing of the master unit 1 when performing the program update processing of the master unit 1 or a unit that performs processing of the master unit 1. When the program update process of the master unit 1 or the unit that performs the process of the master unit 1 is completed, the process as the master unit 1 is taken over from the alternative unit to the master unit 1 or the alternative unit of the master unit 1. The handover of the processing of the master unit 1 can be realized by, for example, passing a copy of the management table shown in FIG. By doing in this way, it is also possible to perform the program update process of the master unit 1 itself.

When program updates of a plurality of units occur, the master unit 1 instructs to update the programs one by one without simultaneously updating the programs. For example, the master unit 1 gives priority to each slave unit in the order of the display unit 4, the amplifier unit 3, the navigation unit 2, the DVD unit 5, the digital television unit 6, and the CD unit 7. After confirming that the program update process of the display unit 4 is completed (confirming that the sequence S1 of FIG. 4A is completed), the master unit 1 starts the program update process of the amplifier unit 3. In this way, by performing the unit program update process one by one, it is possible to continue providing functions to the user.

1 Master unit 2 Navi unit 3 Amplifier unit 4 Display unit 5 DVD unit 6 Digital TV unit 7 CD unit 8 Touch panel display 9 Speaker 11 Wireless communication interface 12 RAM
13 ROM
15 CPU
100 Center server A1 Onboard equipment

Claims (9)

A management device for managing a system including a plurality of control devices each executing a program,
Means for instructing the first control device to execute the program update process;
Management comprising: means for instructing the second control device to execute an alternative process to be executed by the first control device, which becomes impossible to execute when the first control device executes the program update process. apparatus. The first control device is a display control device of a device that displays video and images,
The second control device is a sound source control device of a device that outputs a sound source,
The management device
Means for instructing the display control device to stop displaying video and images;
Means for invalidating an operation input to the display control device;
The management device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for converting character information to be displayed on the video and image display device into sound, and instructing the sound source control device to output the converted sound. Means for calculating the progress of the program update process;
The management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for instructing the sound source control apparatus to output a progress status of the program update process by voice. The first device is a sound source control device that controls a device that outputs a sound source,
The second device is a display control device that controls a device that displays video and images.
The management device
Means for instructing the sound source control device to stop outputting the sound source from the device that outputs the sound source;
Means for invalidating an operation input to the sound source control device;
The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit that converts voice to be output from the apparatus that outputs the sound source into characters and instructs the display control apparatus to display the video and the image on the apparatus. The first control device is one of control devices that execute one program including a process of displaying data on a display device that displays video and images.
The second control device is a control device that executes another program including a process of displaying data on the display device,
In the case of the program update process of the first control device, the management device displays the data from the second control device in place of the data from the first control device. The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for instructing the apparatus. The management device further includes means for instructing the display device to display data from the first control device when the program update processing of the first control device is completed. The management device described. The first control device is a navigation control device that provides route guidance to a destination,
If the navigation control device is executing route guidance to the destination before executing the program update processing of the navigation control device, the management device, from the point where the program update processing is completed, The management apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for instructing the navigation control apparatus to perform a re-search for a route to a destination. The first control device is one of control devices that execute one program including processing for outputting sound source data to a device that outputs sound sources,
The second control device is a control device that executes another program including a process of outputting sound source data to a device that outputs the sound source,
When the first control device executes the program update process, the management device outputs voice data from the second control device instead of voice data from the first control device. The management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for instructing the apparatus that outputs the sound. The management device further includes means for instructing the device that outputs the sound to output the sound data from the first control device when the program update process of the first control device is completed. The management device according to claim 5 provided.

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