KR20230147472A - Apparatus for updating software of smart key for vehicle and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a software update device and method for a vehicle smart key. The software update device for a smart key for a vehicle of the present invention includes an OTA communication module that communicates with an OTA server and receives update information for the vehicle; TP communication module that transmits and receives data through smart key and TP communication; And a SMK unit that receives and stores software update information of the smart key among the update information from the OTA communication module, and transmits the stored software update information of the smart key through the TP communication module to update the software in the smart key. Do it as

Description

Software update device and method for vehicle smart key {APPARATUS FOR UPDATING SOFTWARE OF SMART KEY FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a software update device and method for a smart key for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a software update device for a smart key for a vehicle, and more specifically, to establish a wired or wireless communication between the vehicle's SMK unit and the smart key regarding software update information for the smart key provided from an OTA server. It relates to a software update device and method for updating the software of a vehicle smart key.

In general, methods for updating the software of vehicle devices include visiting a service center operated by the manufacturer, visiting an engineer for after-sales service, or installing the software directly by the vehicle owner.

Recently, with the development of mobile communications, standards for OTA (Over-The-Air) have been established, allowing an over-the-air transmission (OTA) method to update vehicle device software over a wireless network without having to visit a service center in person. You can upgrade using .

In addition, as the electrification of vehicles has expanded and the mass production of connected cars, in which vehicles are connected to the Internet, has increased recently, the importance of the use of electronic equipment in automobiles and the software (S/W) that supports and operates them continues to grow. In order to further improve the marketability of the vehicle and respond efficiently when quality problems occur, the software required for vehicle operation can be updated by wirelessly transmitting and updating to the customer's vehicle through the server.

The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2249222 (2021.05.06 notice, Vehicle software update device, system, and method).

Likewise, continuous S/W management ability is also becoming very important.

Meanwhile, the smart key system is a system that allows the driver to open and close the vehicle door and start the vehicle from the outside without having to insert a separate key into the vehicle's key box or perform any special operation. It is in the form of an easy-to-carry card. A smart key or FOB key is used.

For convenience, in this embodiment, the fob key is described as being the same device as the smart key.

When a driver holding a smart key (i.e. FOB key) approaches the vehicle, the vehicle (i.e. smart key system within the vehicle) communicates with the smart key (i.e. FOB key) through RF (Radio Frequency) communication (usually 315/ (using 433MHz), the lock is automatically unlocked, allowing you to open the door without inserting a separate key, and after getting into the vehicle, you can start the car without inserting the ignition key.

In other words, the smart key system is an authentication request (LF frequency: usually 125/134.2KHz) to determine the location of the smart key in the vehicle (i.e., smart key system in the vehicle), and the smart key responds to this request. This is accomplished by receiving an authentication response (RF frequency) from the vehicle.

Recently, as additional functions are added to smart key systems, software-related issues are increasing and software updates are becoming necessary.

However, in the smart key system, the smart key is a separate component, and if a software update is required, the smart key must be replaced, which causes inconvenience as well as the cost of replacing all smart keys.

The present invention was created to improve the problems described above, and the purpose of the present invention according to one aspect is to establish wired and wireless communication between the SMK unit of the vehicle and the smart key regarding the software update information of the smart key provided from the OTA server. To provide a software update device and method for a vehicle smart key that updates the smart key software.

A software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes an OTA communication module that communicates with an OTA server and receives update information for the vehicle; TP communication module that transmits and receives data through smart key and TP communication; And a SMK unit that receives and stores software update information of the smart key among the update information from the OTA communication module, and transmits the stored software update information of the smart key through the TP communication module to update the software in the smart key. Do it as

In the present invention, the SMK unit is characterized in that when new software update information is received, it performs an update by transmitting the software update information to the smart key through a TP communication module.

In the present invention, the SMK unit is characterized in that it performs preliminary communication and then updates before transmitting software update information to the smart key.

In the present invention, the SMK unit is characterized in that it transmits a test signal to the smart key through a TP communication module and then determines whether normal reception is performed and performs preliminary communication.

The present invention is characterized in that it further includes an AVN unit that outputs the update status of the smart key from the SMK unit.

In the present invention, the SMK unit outputs a smart key update event to the AVN unit when smart key software update information is received.

The present invention further includes a USB communication module that transmits and receives data to the AVN unit through USB communication with a smart key, and the SMK unit is configured to unite the AVN unit according to the software update information of the smart key when the smart key is connected through the USB communication module. It is characterized by performing a software update on the smart key by transmitting software update information to the smart key.

A software update method for a smart key for a vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention includes the steps of an OTA communication module communicating with an OTA server to receive update information for the vehicle; SMK unit receiving and storing software update information of the smart key from the OTA communication module; And a step of updating the software by transmitting software update information of the smart key stored in the SMK unit to the smart key through a TP communication module.

In the present invention, the step of updating software is characterized in that when new software update information is received, the SMK unit performs the update by transmitting software update information to the smart key through a TP communication module.

In the present invention, the step of updating software is characterized in that it further includes the step of performing preliminary communication before the SMK unit transmits software update information to the smart key.

In the present invention, the step of performing preliminary communication is characterized in that the SMK unit transmits a test signal to the smart key through a TP communication module and then determines whether the reception is normal.

In the present invention, the step of receiving and storing the software update information of the smart key further includes the step of receiving and storing the software update information of the smart key by the SMK unit and then outputting an update event of the smart key through the AVN unit. It is characterized by

The present invention is characterized in that it further includes a step of outputting the update result through the AVN unit after the SMK unit completes the software update of the smart key.

The present invention further includes the step of updating the software of the smart key through USB communication by transmitting software update information of the smart key stored to the AVN unit when the smart key is connected to the USB communication module of the AVN unit by the SMK unit. do.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a software update device and method for a smart key for a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention provide wired/wireless TP (transponder) communication or USB communication between the vehicle's SMK unit and the smart key for the smart key software update information provided from an OTA server. By establishing communication, the software of the smart key can be updated, so the software can be updated without replacing the smart key, which not only reduces costs but also improves convenience.

1 is a block diagram showing a software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating software for a smart key for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating software for a smart key for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a software update device and method for a smart key for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In this process, the thickness of lines or sizes of components shown in the drawing may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, and may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, definitions of these terms should be made based on the content throughout this specification.

1 is a block diagram showing a software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 1, the software update device for a vehicle smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention not only includes an OTA communication module 20, a TP communication module 40, and a SMK unit 30, but also an AVN unit. (60) and a USB communication module (70).

The OTA (Over The Air) communication module 20 can receive update information of the vehicle through wireless communication with the OTA server 10 and transmit the vehicle's internal communication network.

The TP communication module 40 can transmit and receive data with the smart key 50 through TP (transponder) communication.

That is, the TP communication module 40 can communicate with the LF antenna of the smart key 50 in the LF frequency band through the magnetic induction coil. Here, the magnetic induction coil may be formed on the start stop button of the smart key system.

The SMK unit 30 receives and stores the software update information of the smart key 50 among the update information from the OTA communication module 20, and transmits the stored software update information of the smart key 50 through the TP communication module 50. You can update the software on the smart key 50 by sending it.

Here, when new software update information is received, the SMK unit 40 can perform an update by transmitting the software update information to the smart key 50 through the TP communication module 40.

At this time, the SMK unit 30 may perform preliminary communication before transmitting software update information to the smart key 50 to check whether TP communication with the smart key 50 is normally performed.

That is, the SMK unit 30 transmits a test signal to the smart key 50 through the TP communication module 40, determines whether it has been received normally, and if it is received normally, transmits software update information to the smart key 50. , if it is not received normally, error processing can be performed.

The AVN unit 60 can output the update status of the smart key 50 from the SMK unit 30.

That is, when the software update information of the smart key 50 is received, the SMK unit 30 may output an update event of the smart key 50 to the AVN unit 60 so that the user recognizes the existence of update information. It is possible to recognize situations where an error occurs during software update or when the update is completed normally.

Meanwhile, the USB communication module 70 can transmit and receive data from the AVN unit 60 to the smart key 50 through USB communication.

That is, if the smart key 50 is equipped with a USB port 55 for charging or data communication, software in the smart key 50 can be updated based on USB communication.

Therefore, when the smart key 50 is connected through the USB communication module 70, the SMK unit 30 transmits software update information to the AVN unit 60 according to the software update information of the smart key 50 through USB communication. Software updates can be performed on the smart key 50.

Here, when the smart key 50 is connected to the USB communication module 70 with new software update information stored, the SMK unit 30 transmits the software update information to the AVN unit 60. It is possible to update the software of the smart key 50 through USB communication through the USB communication module 70.

Additionally, when a software update is performed, the SMK unit 30 may output an update completion status and an error processing status through the AVN unit 60.

As described above, according to the software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, TP (transponder) communication is performed between the SMK unit of the vehicle and the smart key for the software update information of the smart key provided from the OTA server. The software of the smart key can be updated by forming wired or wireless USB communication, so the software can be updated without replacing the smart key, which not only reduces costs but also improves convenience.

Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating software for a smart key for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 2, in the software update method of a vehicle smart key according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, the OTA communication module 20 communicates with the OTA server 10 to receive update information for the vehicle (S10). .

Here, the OTA (Over The Air) communication module 20 can receive update information of the vehicle through wireless communication with the OTA server 10 and transmit the vehicle's internal communication network.

After receiving the vehicle update information in step S10, the SMK unit 30 receives and stores the software update information of the smart key 50 from the OTA communication module 20 among the vehicle update information transmitted through the vehicle's internal communication network. (S20).

Here, the SMK unit 30 receives and stores the software update information of the smart key 50 and then outputs an update event of the smart key 50 through the AVN unit 60 so that the user is aware of the existence of update information. can do.

After receiving and storing the software update information in step S30, the SMK unit 30 performs an update by transmitting the software update information to the smart key through the TP communication module when new software update information is received.

At this time, before performing a software update, the SMK unit 30 performs preliminary communication with the smart key 50 (S30).

Here, in the preliminary communication, the SMK unit 30 transmits a test signal to the smart key 50 through the TP communication module 40, determines whether the signal is normally received, and if received normally, software update information is sent to the smart key 50. is transmitted, and if it is not received properly, error processing can be performed.

After performing preliminary communication in step S30, the SMK unit 30 transmits the stored software update information of the smart key 50 to the smart key 50 through the TP communication module 40 to update the software (S40).

After performing a software update of the smart key 50 in step S40, the SMK unit 30 outputs the update result through the AVN unit 60 to recognize a situation in which an error occurs during update or the update is completed normally (S50 ).

Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating software for a smart key for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 explains the process of updating the software of the smart key through USB communication as a method of updating the software of the smart key for a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, the OTA communication module 20 communicates with the OTA server 10 to receive update information about the vehicle (S100).

Here, the OTA (Over The Air) communication module 20 can receive update information of the vehicle through wireless communication with the OTA server 10 and transmit the vehicle's internal communication network.

After receiving the vehicle update information in step S10, the SMK unit 30 receives and stores the software update information of the smart key 50 from the OTA communication module 20 among the vehicle update information transmitted through the vehicle's internal communication network. (S110).

Here, the SMK unit 30 receives and stores the software update information of the smart key 50 and then outputs an update event of the smart key 50 through the AVN unit 60 so that the user is aware of the existence of update information. can do.

After receiving and storing the software update information in step S110, the SMK unit 30 determines whether the smart key 50 is connected to the USB communication module 70 of the AVN unit 60 when new software update information is received. (S120).

When the smart key 50 is connected to the USB communication module 70 in step S120, the SMK unit 30 transmits the software update information of the smart key 50 stored to the AVN unit 60 (S130).

In step S130, when the AVN unit 60 receives the software update information of the smart key 50, it performs the update by transmitting the software update information to the smart key 50 through USB communication through the USB communication module 70 (S140) ).

After performing the software update in step S140, the SMK unit 30 outputs the update completion status and error processing status through the AVN unit 60 (S150).

As described above, according to the software update method of the smart key for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, TP (transponder) communication or TP (transponder) communication is performed between the SMK unit of the vehicle and the smart key for the software update information of the smart key provided from the OTA server. The software of the smart key can be updated by forming wired or wireless USB communication, so the software can be updated without replacing the smart key, which not only reduces costs but also improves convenience.

Implementations described herein may be implemented, for example, as a method or process, device, software program, data stream, or signal. Although discussed only in the context of a single form of implementation (eg, only as a method), implementations of the features discussed may also be implemented in other forms (eg, devices or programs). The device may be implemented with appropriate hardware, software, firmware, etc. The method may be implemented in a device such as a processor, which generally refers to a processing device that includes a computer, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or programmable logic device. Processors also include communication devices such as computers, cell phones, portable/personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) and other devices that facilitate communication of information between end-users.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. You will understand.

Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the claims below.

10: OTA server 20: OTA communication module
30: SMK unit 40: TP communication module
50: Smart key 55: USB port
60: AVN unit 70: USB communication module

Claims (14)

An OTA communication module that communicates with the OTA server to receive vehicle update information;
TP communication module that transmits and receives data through smart key and TP communication; and
A SMK unit that receives and stores software update information of the smart key among the update information from the OTA communication module, and transmits the stored software update information of the smart key through the TP communication module to update software in the smart key; A software update device for a vehicle smart key, comprising:
The software update device of claim 1, wherein the SMK unit performs an update by transmitting software update information to the smart key through the TP communication module when new software update information is received. .
The software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the SMK unit performs preliminary communication before transmitting software update information to the smart key and then performs the update.
The software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the SMK unit transmits a test signal to the smart key through the TP communication module, determines whether the reception is normal, and performs preliminary communication.
The software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising an AVN unit that outputs an update status of the smart key from the SMK unit.
The software update device for a smart key for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the SMK unit outputs an update event of the smart key to the AVN unit when software update information of the smart key is received.
The method of claim 1, further comprising a USB communication module for transmitting and receiving data to the AVN unit through USB communication with the smart key,
When the smart key is connected through the USB communication module, the SMK unit transmits software update information to the AVN unit according to the software update information of the smart key to update the software on the smart key. A software update device for vehicle smart keys.
A step of the OTA communication module communicating with the OTA server to receive update information of the vehicle;
SMK unit receiving and storing software update information of the smart key from the OTA communication module; and
A software update method for a smart key for a vehicle comprising: transmitting software update information of the smart key stored in the SMK unit to the smart key through a TP communication module to update the software.
The method of claim 8, wherein in the step of updating the software, the SMK unit performs the update by transmitting the software update information to the smart key through the TP communication module when new software update information is received. How to update the software of your car smart key.
The software of claim 8, wherein the step of updating the software further includes performing preliminary communication before the SMK unit transmits the software update information to the smart key. How to update.
The software of claim 10, wherein the performing of the preliminary communication includes determining whether normal reception is performed after the SMK unit transmits a test signal to the smart key through the TP communication module. How to update.
The method of claim 8, wherein the step of receiving and storing the software update information of the smart key includes receiving and storing the software update information of the smart key by the SMK unit and then sending an update event of the smart key through the AVN unit. A software update method for a smart key for a vehicle, further comprising: outputting.
The method of claim 8, further comprising outputting an update result through an AVN unit after the SMK unit completes the software update of the smart key.
The method of claim 8, wherein when the smart key is connected to the USB communication module of the AVN unit, the SMK unit transmits the software update information of the smart key stored to the AVN unit to update the software of the smart key through USB communication. A method of updating software for a smart key for a vehicle, further comprising:

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