SE540856C2

SE540856C2 - System and Method for Remote-Controlled Installation of Software in Motor Vehicles

Info

Publication number: SE540856C2
Application number: SE1550835A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Strååt Fredrik; Zamani Sebastian; Flemmer Henrik; Nilsson Tommy; Johansson Björn; Larsson Anders
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2015-06-17
Filing date: 2015-06-17
Publication date: 2018-12-04
Also published as: DE102016006701B4; SE1550835A1; DE102016006701A1

Abstract

Installation of software in a motor vehicle (110) is remote-controlled from a central service node (120) with access to a database (130) containing software components. The central service node (120) is configured to receive a data message (DM) from the motor vehicle (110); and in response thereto select a specific software component (SWC) from the first database (130). The specific software component (SWC) is selected based on the contents of the data message (DM), and the specific software component (SWC) is to be applied in a processing unit in the motor vehicle (110). The specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle (110). The data message (DM) contains at least one operation parameter describing at least one aspect of how the motor vehicle (110) has been operated during a well-defined period.

Description

System and Method for Remote-Controlled Installation of Software in Motor Vehicles THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART The present invention relates generally to the adjustment of a motor vehicle’s characteristics after that the vehicle has been put into operation. More particularly the invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding method. The invention also relates to a computer program product and a computer readable medium.

In today’s motor vehicles a relatively large amount of functionality is implemented based on software. Further, it is reasonable to assume that the proportion of software-implemented functionality will increase in the future. For example, it can be expected that various services will be offered, which will allow adjusting of an existing vehicle’s behavior, its characteristics and/or performance depending on the driver’s or the owner’s requests at various points in time.

DE 10 2012 001 047 describes a method for updating an infotainment system in a motor vehicle by a software update package sent out from a server.

US 2004/0093264 shows an Eco-Driving diagnostic system capable of quantitatively comprehending fuel consumption with respect to each event and environmental-load emissions owing to the fuel consumption. Here, sensor information is sent from the vehicle to a center via a radio communication network. Based thereon, fuel consumption owing to the vehicle’s driving and environmental-load emissions are calculated; and on the further basis thereon, advices are created to promote Eco-Driving to the driver via for example a mobile phone or terminal.

US 6,181 ,994 discloses a solution for loading an advanced diagnostics program into a vehicle on demand with results being sent back to a diagnostic center. Thus, an onboard computer can obtain problem diagnostics information and data while on the road.

US 2011/0307336 reveals a method for updating software components of a motor vehicle via a service facility outside the vehicle. Before updating a particular software component, the driver receives an offer from the service facility, and the updating is enabled only if the driver accepts the offer. Identification data and vehicle configuration information are sent repeatedly to the service facility without the involvement and/or notification of the driver.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRIOR ART Thus, various solutions are known for informing a driver and effect remote installing of software in a motor vehicle in response to various events experienced by the vehicle. However, there is yet no solution that provides installation of tailor-made software for improving the driving performance efficiency of a particular motor vehicle in a specific manner SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the above problem, and thus offer a solution capable of modifying the driving performance of a given motor vehicle aiming at rendering future operation of this vehicle more efficient in at least one way.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by the initially described system, wherein the data message from the motor vehicle received in the central service node contains at least one operation parameter describing at least one aspect of how the motor vehicle has been operated during a well-defined period. The specific software component selected in response to the data message is configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle, which, in turn, will influence a driving performance of the motor vehicle.

This system is advantageous because it enables adaption of the vehicle’s driving characteristics in such a manner that it for example matches a typical route profile for the vehicle, a particular driver’s way of driving and/or the driver’s wish to improve a certain attribute of the vehicle’s performance.

According to one preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the specific software component contains an amount of program code configured to be installed and executed in the processing unit in the motor vehicle. In other words, the specific software component constitutes the actual software that will accomplish the adjusted driving performance. This is beneficial since thereby also functionality that has been developed after manufacturing a vehicle can be implemented in this vehicle.

According to another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the specific software component contains key data configured to unlock an amount of program code already residing in a memory unit of the motor vehicle. After unlocking the program code by the key data, the program code is configured to be installed and executed in the processing unit in the motor vehicle, thus adjusting the driving performance of the vehicle. This is advantageous, since it enables convenient installing of relatively large amounts of software also when the vehicle only has access to a data connection with highly limited bandwidth.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the at least one operation parameter describes: temperature values registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle, pressure levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle, fluid levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle, accelerometry data reflecting accelerations and/or decelerations experienced by the motor vehicle and/or parts thereof, route data designating a geographic path along which the motor vehicle has travelled and/or slope data reflecting a respective steepness of any ascends and/or descends experienced by the motor vehicle. Consequently, a wide range of attributes can be provided as a basis for selecting how the driving performance shall be adjusted.

According to still another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the system includes a second database containing vehicle configuration data for the motor vehicle. Moreover, the central service node is configured to: retrieve the vehicle configuration data in respect of the motor vehicle from the second database, and select the specific software component on the further basis of the retrieved vehicle configuration data. This allows an adequate selection of software while only requiring a moderate transfer of data from the vehicle.

According to another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the data message, as such, also contains vehicle configuration data in respect of the motor vehicle; and the central service node is configured to select the specific software component on the further basis of the vehicle configuration data included in the data message. This is advantageous because thereby vehicles can be modified/upgraded independently without informing the central service node, and still adequate updating software can be selected by the central service node.

According to a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the specific software component is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a fuel consumption of the motor vehicle is expected to be reduced given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message. Hence, the overall fuel usage can be economized. Of course, as a further consequence, the consumption of any additives to a catalytic exhaust cleaning process (e.g. AdBlue) can also be reduced.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the specific software component is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a torque characteristics of an engine in the motor vehicle is adapted aiming at matching the requirements of an expected future use of the motor vehicle given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message. Consequently, for example increased torque can be achieved in order to improve the vehicle’s ability to handle uphill slopes and make overtakings, or the torque can be decreased to save fuel.

According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by the method described initially, wherein the data message received from the motor vehicle contains at least one operation parameter that describes at least one aspect of how the motor vehicle has been operated during a well-defined period. The specific software component sent from the central service node is configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle that influences a driving performance of the motor vehicle. The advantages of this method, as well as the preferred embodiments thereof, are apparent from the discussion above with reference to the proposed system.

According to a further aspect of the invention the object is achieved by a computer program product, which is loadable into the memory of a computer, and includes software for performing the steps of the above proposed method when executed on a computer.

According to another aspect of the invention the object is achieved by a computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is make a computer perform the method proposed above when the program is loaded into the computer.

Further advantages, beneficial features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows an overview of a system according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates, by means of a flow diagram, the general method according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IN-VENTION Initially, we refer to Figure 1 which shows a system for remotecontrolled installation of software in a motor vehicle 110. The system includes a central service node 120 and a first database 130.

The first database 130, in turn, contains software components SWC which are configured to be applied in a processing unit in the motor vehicle 110, and thus cause at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle 110 to be adjusted in such a manner that it influences a driving performance of the motor vehicle 110. For example, applying a software component SWC from the first database 130 in at least one processing unit in the motor vehicle 110 may result in an increase/decrease of the engine torque, reprogramming of its gearbox, enabling and/or modification of a driving assistance function.

The central service node 120 has a primary interface 125 towards at least one network 140, which, in turn, has a secondary interface 145 configured to communicate wirelessly with a data communication unit 1 13 in the motor vehicle 1 10.

The central service node 120 is configured to receive a data message DM from the motor vehicle 110 via the secondary interface 145, the at least one network 140 and the primary interface 125. In response to a received data message DM, the central service node 120 is further configured to select a specific software component SWC from the first database 130. The specific software component SWC is selected based on the contents of the received data message DM, and the specific software component SWC is to be applied in a processing unit in the motor vehicle 110. More precisely, the data message DM contains at least one operation parameter describing at least one aspect of how the motor vehicle 110 has been operated during a well-defined period, say a foregoing month, week, hour; or when completing a particular route.

The specific software component SWC is configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle 110, which at least one parameter influences the motor vehicle’s 110 driving performance.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the specific software component SWC is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that the fuel consumption for the motor vehicle 110 is expected to be reduced given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message DM.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the specific software component SWC is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that the engine’s torque characteristics is adapted aiming at matching the requirements of an expected future use of the motor vehicle 110 given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message DM. In other words, the specific software component SWC may cause an increased torque if it is estimated that this would be useful for example to facilitate overtakings; or the specific software component SWC may cause a reduced torque to economize the fuel consumption (e.g. in the form of diesel, gasoline, or electricity). Moreover, as a further result thereof, the necessary amounts of any additives to the catalytic exhaust cleaning process (e.g. Ad-Blue) can likewise be reduced.

In any case the specific software component SWC itself may contain an amount of program code configured to be installed and executed in the processing unit in the motor vehicle 110. Alternatively, the specific software component SWC may include key data (e.g. in the form of a string of characters) that is configured to unlock an amount of program code residing in a memory unit 115 of the motor vehicle 11 0 in an encrypted, or by other means protected, format. Then, after having been unlocked by the key data, the program code in the memory unit 115 is configured to be installed and executed in the processing unit in the motor vehicle 110, and thus accomplish the intended adjustment of the motor vehicle’s 110 driving performance.

In order to constitute a relevant basis for selecting the specific software component SWC, the data message DM preferably contains at least one drive-train related parameter of the motor vehicle 110 and/or other information reflecting how the motor vehicle 110 has been operated recently. Thus, the at least one operation parameter included in the data message DM may describe: temperature values registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle 110; pressure levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle 110; fluid levels registered in at least one drivetrain related component in the motor vehicle 110; accelerometry data reflecting accelerations and/or decelerations experienced by the motor vehicle 110 and/or parts thereof; route data designating a geographic path along which the motor vehicle 110 has travelled and/or slope data reflecting a respective steepness of any ascends and/or descends experienced by the motor vehicle 110.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system also includes a second database 150 that contains vehicle configuration data VCD for each vehicle in a fleet of vehicles including the motor vehicle 110. Additionally, in connection with receiving a data message DM from a particular motor vehicle 110, the central service node 120 is configured to: retrieve the vehicle configuration data VDC in respect of this motor vehicle 110 from the second database 150; and select the specific software component SWC on the further basis of the retrieved vehicle configuration data VDC.

Alternatively, or as a complement thereto, the data message DM may contain vehicle configuration data VCD in respect of the motor vehicle 110. In such a case, the central service node 120 is configured to select the specific software component SWC on the further basis of the vehicle configuration data VCD in the data message DM. Naturally, according to the invention, it is also possible that one part of the vehicle configuration data VCD is received via the data message DM, and another part of the vehicle configuration data VCD is retrieved from the second database 150.

Preferably, the central service node 120 includes, or is in communicative connection with a memory unit storing a computer program product, which contains software for making the central service node 120 execute the above-described actions when the computer program product is run in the central service node 120.

In order to sum up, and with reference to the flow diagram in Figure 2, we will now describe the general method according to the invention.

In a first step 210, it is checked whether or not a data message DM has been received from a motor vehicle 110 in the central service node 120. If so, a step 220 follows; and otherwise, the procedure loops back and stays in step 210. It is presumed that the data message DM has been sent to the central service node 120 over at least one network 140 and a wireless interface 145. The data message DM contains at least one operation parameter that describes one or more aspects of how the motor vehicle 110 has been operated during a well-defined period.

In step 220, in response to the data message DM, the central service node 120 selects a specific software component SWC, which is deemed to be suitable for the motor vehicle based on the contents of the data message DM. The specific software component SWC is retrieved from the database 130.

Then, in a step 230, the central service node 120 sends the specific software component SWC to a data communication unit 113 in the motor vehicle 110. Analogous to the data message DM, the specific software component SWC is transmitted over the at least one network and the wireless interface 145. The specific software component SWC is configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle 110, which influences a driving performance of the motor vehicle 110. Preferably, upon receipt of the specific software component SWC in the motor vehicle 110, a message is caused to be presented (e.g. optically and/or acoustically) to a driver of the motor vehicle 1 10 asking for the driver’s authorization before any measures are taken that result in that software is actually installed in the motor vehicle 110.

Thereafter, the procedure ends with respect to this pair of data message and specific software component. In practice, however, the central service node 120 of course continues to wait for any new data messages DM from the motor vehicle 110 as well as any other motor vehicle associated with the service provided by the central service node 120.

All of the process steps, as well as any sub-sequence of steps, described with reference to Figure 2 above may be controlled by means of a programmed computer apparatus. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings comprise a computer apparatus and processes performed in a computer apparatus, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process according to the invention. The program may either be a part of an operating system, or be a separate application. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a DVD (Digital Video/ Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM, an EP-ROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. When the program is embodied in a signal which may be conveyed directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

The term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. Flowever, the term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for remote-controlled installation of software in a motor vehicle (110) , the system comprising: a central service node (120); a first database (130) containing software components; and a primary interface (125) towards at least one network (140), which at least one network (140), in turn, has a secondary interface (145) configured to communicate wirelessly with a data communication unit (113) in the motor vehicle (110), and the central service node (120) being configured to receive a data message (DM) from the motor vehicle (110); and in response thereto select a specific software component (SWC) from the first database (130), the specific software component (SWC) being selected based on the received data message (DM) and the specific software component (SWC) is to be applied in a processing unit in the motor vehicle (110), the data message (DM) received from the motor vehicle (110) containing at least one operation parameter describing at least one aspect of how the motor vehicle (110) has been operated during a well-defined period, and the specific software component (SWC) being configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle (110) influencing a driving performance of the motor vehicle (110) , characterized in that the specific software component (SWC) comprises key data configured to unlock an amount of program code residing in a memory unit (1 15) of the motor vehicle (110) ; wherein the program code after having been unlocked by the key data, is configured to be installed and executed in the processing unit in the motor vehicle (110), and wherein the data message (DM) further comprises vehicle configuration data (VCD) in respect of the motor vehicle (110), and the central service node (120) is configured to select the specific software component (SWC) on the further basis of the vehicle configuration data (VCD) in the data message (DM).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operation parameter describes at least one of: temperature values registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle (1 10), pressure levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle (1 10), fluid levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle (110), accelerometry data reflecting accelerations and/or decelerations experienced by the motor vehicle (110), and/or parts thereof, route data designating a geographic path along which the motor vehicle (110) has travelled, and slope data reflecting a respective steepness of any ascends and/or descends experienced by the motor vehicle (110) .

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second database (150) containing vehicle configuration data (VCD) for the motor vehicle (110), and the central service node (120) is configured to: retrieve the vehicle configuration data (VDC) in respect of the motor vehicle (110) from the second database (150), and select the specific software component (SWC) on the further basis of the retrieved vehicle configuration data (VDC).

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s (110) driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a fuel consumption of the motor vehicle (110) is expected to be reduced given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message (DM).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s (110) driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a consumption of at least one additive to a catalytic exhaust cleaning process in the motor vehicle (110) is expected to be reduced given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message (DM).

6. The system according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s (110) driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a torque characteristics of an engine in the motor vehicle (110) is adapted aiming at matching the requirements of an expected future use of the motor vehicle (110) given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message (DM).

7. A method of remote-controlling installation of software in a motor vehicle (110), the method comprising: receiving a data message (DM) from the motor vehicle (110) in a central service node (120) over at least one network (140) and a wireless interface (145); and in response thereto selecting a specific software component (SWC) from a first database (130); and sending the specific software component (SWC) to a data communication unit (113) in the motor vehicle (110) over the at least one network (140) and the wireless interface (145), the data message (DM) received from the motor vehicle (110) containing at least one operation parameter describing at least one aspect of how the motor vehicle (110) has been operated during a well-defined period, and the specific software component (SWC) being configured to cause adjustment of at least one parameter of a drive train in the motor vehicle (110) influencing a driving performance of the motor vehicle (110), characterized by the specific software component (SWC) comprises key data configured to unlock an amount of program code residing in a memory unit (115) of the motor vehicle (1 15); wherein the program code after having been unlocked by the key data, is configured to be installed and executed in the processing unit in the motor vehicle (110), and wherein the data message (DM) further comprises vehicle configuration data (VCD) in respect of the motor vehicle (110), and the method further comprises selecting the specific software component (SWC) on the further basis of the vehicle configuration data (VCD) in the data message (DM).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the at least one operation parameter describes at least one of: temperature values registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle (1 10), pressure levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle (1 10), fluid levels registered in at least one drive-train related component in the motor vehicle (110), accelerometry data reflecting accelerations and/or decelerations experienced by the motor vehicle (110), and/or parts thereof, route data designating a geographic path along which the motor vehicle (110) has travelled, and slope data reflecting a respective steepness of any ascends and/or descends experienced by the motor vehicle (110).

9. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 8, further comprising: retrieving vehicle configuration data (VCD) in respect of the motor vehicle (110) from a second database (150), and selecting the specific software component (SWC) on the further basis of the retrieved vehicle configuration data (VCD).

10. The method according to any one of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s (110) driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a fuel consumption of the motor vehicle (110) is expected to be reduced given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message (DM).

11. The method according to any one of the claims 7 to 10, wherein the specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s (110) driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a consumption of at least one additive to a catalytic exhaust cleaning process in the motor vehicle (110) is expected to be reduced given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message (DM).

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the specific software component (SWC) is configured to cause the at least one parameter of the motor vehicle’s (110) driving performance to be adjusted in such a manner that a torque characteristics of an engine in the motor vehicle (110) is adapted aiming at matching the requirements of an expected future use of the motor vehicle (110) given that it is operated analogous to what is reflected by the received data message (DM).

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising: prompting, via user interface in the motor vehicle (110), a user to accept adjustment of the at least one parameter of the drive train in the motor vehicle (110) before applying the specific software component (SWC) in the processing unit in the motor vehicle (110) , and causing resulting installation of software only in response to an acceptance from the user.

14. A computer program product loadable into the memory of at least one computer, comprising software for performing the steps of the method according to any of the claims 7 to 13 when executed on the at least one computer.

15. A computer readable medium, having a program recorded thereon, where the program is to make at least one computer perform the steps of any of the claims 7 to 13.