Software distribution method and software distribution system

Abstract

The invention provides a software distribution method and a software distribution system. The purpose of the present invention is to efficiently distribute software to a plurality of vehicles. A software distribution method in which a plurality of vehicles perform wireless communication with a communication device and distributes software to the vehicles, in which a distribution management device performs: a process for specifying a target vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that is a target of a distribution process for distributing the software; the priority of the distribution processing is determined for each of the target vehicles by mapping the relative relationship between each of the target vehicles and the communication device, and the distribution processing is performed on the target vehicles in accordance with the priority of the distribution processing. The vehicle closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is set as a relay vehicle, and the software is transmitted from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a software distribution method and a software distribution system. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development efforts to improve energy efficiency have been underway to ensure that more people have access to appropriate, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for downloading program updates to vehicles equipped with an onboard control device, whereby priority is determined based on, for example, vehicle usage conditions.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-005894 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the technology of distributing software to vehicles, when there are multiple vehicles to be distributed, there are problems such as communication congestion and time-consuming software distribution. If the time required for software distribution increases, the vehicle must be kept running for a long time, which is not preferable from the perspective of energy efficiency.

[0008] The present application aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by efficiently distributing software to multiple vehicles and thereby contributing to energy efficiency.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a software distribution method, which is a software distribution method for distributing software to multiple vehicles by performing wireless communication with a communication device, wherein the following processing is performed by a distribution management device: a target vehicle among the multiple vehicles is determined to be the subject of a distribution process for distributing the software, a priority of the distribution process is determined for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, the distribution process is performed on the target vehicle according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, the vehicle closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is set as a relay vehicle, and the software is sent from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a software distribution system that distributes software to a plurality of vehicles by causing them to wirelessly communicate with a communication device under the control of a distribution management device.

[0012] The distribution management device performs the following processing:

[0013] determining a target vehicle among the plurality of vehicles to be the target of a distribution process for distributing the software,

[0014] By mapping the relative relationship between each of the target vehicles and the communication device, the priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles.

[0015] The distribution process to the target vehicle is executed according to the priority of the distribution process. In the distribution process, a vehicle closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is used as a relay vehicle, and the software is transmitted from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a distribution process of software from a communication device to a plurality of vehicles can be efficiently executed based on the positions of the communication device and the vehicles, thereby achieving energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a software distribution system.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a mapping example.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the software distribution system.

[0022] Description of Reference Numerals

[0023] 1…software distribution system; 2…management server (distribution management device); 3…communication device; 4…charging station (charging unit); 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D…vehicle; 20…CPU; 21…update management unit; 23…memory; 24…control program; 25…mapping data; 26…priority data; 28…reward information; 29…server communication unit; 52…input device; 53…vehicle communication unit; 54…GNSS; 55…driving battery; 56…charging device; 60…on-board device; 61…CPU; 64…memory; 65…control program; 70…vehicle control device; 71…processor; 72…control program; 73…control data; D1…update data; NW…communication network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] [1. Structure of the software distribution system]

[0026] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of the software distribution system 1 .

[0027] Software distribution system 1 utilizes the wireless communication capabilities of vehicle 5 to update the software that operates devices installed in vehicle 5. Software updating refers to replacing software executed by a processor with a newer version of the software. This can be done by adding, deleting, or overwriting the software. Software updating also includes deleting part or all of the software executed by the processor, installing new software, and deleting, adding, or overwriting data used during software execution. In the following description, software includes programs executed by the processor and data referenced, generated, updated, deleted, and so on in association with the programs, including firmware.

[0028] The software distribution system 1 can execute software updates for a plurality of vehicles 5. Figure 1 , there is no limit to the number of vehicles 5 that can be processed by the software distribution system 1. When a single vehicle 5, including vehicles 5A and 5B, is not distinguished, it is referred to as vehicle 5. Vehicle 5 may be any of a four-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or other vehicles, and may be a large vehicle, a commercial vehicle, or a work vehicle.

[0029] The software distribution system 1 includes a communication device 3 for wirelessly communicating with a vehicle 5. The communication device 3 is a device such as a cellular communication base station, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point, or a Wi-Fi router. The communication device 3 is capable of wirelessly communicating with multiple vehicles 5. The communication device 3 is connected to a communication network NW via a wired communication line or a wireless communication line. The specific form of the communication network NW is not limited. The communication network NW may include, for example, a cellular communication network, the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a public line network, a provider device, a dedicated line, a base station, and the like.

[0030] The communication device 3 can wirelessly communicate with a plurality of vehicles 5. The communication device 3 also communicates with the management server 2 via the communication network NW. With this function, the management server 2 can perform data communication with the vehicles 5 via the communication device 3 as described later.

[0031] Vehicle 5 communicates with communication device 3 using wireless communication methods such as cellular communication, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth (registered trademark). Vehicle 5 can also communicate with other vehicles 5. For example, vehicle 5B can communicate with communication device 3 as well as with vehicle 5A.

[0032] The data used to update the software of vehicle 5 is referred to as update data D1. Update data D1 includes at least one of a program and data, such as a new version of a program, additional data, data specifying programs or data to be deleted, and data related to devices to be updated. Furthermore, the process of distributing update data D1 to vehicle 5 is referred to as distribution processing. Updating the software of vehicle 5 includes both distribution processing and update processing, which updates the software of vehicle 5 based on the update data D1 distributed to vehicle 5 by the distribution processing.

[0033] The software distribution system 1 uses a management server 2 as a path for distributing update data D1 to vehicles 5 via a communication network NW and a communication device 3. In this case, there are cases where update data D1 is distributed directly from the communication device 3 to the vehicle 5, and there are cases where update data D1 distributed from the communication device 3 to the vehicle 5 is further distributed to other vehicles 5. For example, update data D1 for updating the software of vehicle 5B may be distributed from vehicle 5A to vehicle 5B.

[0034] The management server 2 is a computer communicably connected to the vehicles 5 via the communication network NW. The management server 2 manages the process of updating the software of the vehicles 5. For example, when updating the software of multiple vehicles 5, the management server 2 determines the priority of each of the multiple vehicles 5. Furthermore, the management server 2 performs processes such as obtaining information necessary for determining the priority from the vehicles 5. The management server 2 is implemented, for example, as one or more servers located on a network such as the Internet, or as a cloud server.

[0035] The software distribution system 1 may also include a charging station 4. The charging station 4 includes a battery 55 ( Figure 2 In the software distribution system 1, a vehicle 5 being charged by a charging station 4 can communicate with other vehicles 5 and the management server 2.

[0036] [2. Management Server Structure]

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the management server 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 , a memory 23 , and a server communication unit 29 .

[0038] The memory 23 is a nonvolatile storage device composed of a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor memory element, and stores programs and data executed by the CPU 20. The memory 23 stores, for example, a control program 24, map data 25, priority data 26, update data D1, and bonus information 28.

[0039] The server communication unit 29 performs data communication via the communication network NW under the control of the CPU 20. The server communication unit 29 is a communication interface that performs wired communication using a LAN, WAN, or public line network, for example, via an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, and includes a transmitter and a receiver. The server communication unit 29 may also be a wireless communication interface including an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver.

[0040] The CPU 20 manages the update of the software of the vehicle 5 by reading and executing the control program 24 stored in the memory 23 . This management function is referred to as the update management unit 21 .

[0041] The update management unit 21 communicates with multiple vehicles 5 via the communication network NW and the communication device 3 to obtain information related to the location of the vehicles 5 and the versions of the software installed in the vehicles 5. The update management unit 21 maps the relative relationships between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3 to create map data 25. The map data 25 created by the update management unit 21 is stored in the memory 23. The details of the map data 25 will be described later.

[0042] The update management unit 21 determines the priority of executing the distribution process for each of the plurality of vehicles 5 based on the map data 25 . The update management unit 21 generates priority data 26 indicating the determined priority and stores the data in the memory 23 .

[0043] The update management unit 21 executes a distribution process according to the priority data 26. During the distribution process, the update data D1 stored in the memory 23 is transmitted to the vehicle 5 via the communication network NW and the communication device 3. Furthermore, during the distribution process, the update management unit 21 can cause the update data D1 transmitted from the communication device 3 to be transmitted from the vehicle 5 to another vehicle 5. In this case, the vehicle 5 that receives the update data D1 from the communication device 3 functions as a relay vehicle, relaying the update data D1. Furthermore, during the distribution process, if any vehicle 5 already has the update data D1, the management server 2 transmits the update data D1 from the vehicle 5 to the other vehicle 5. In this case, the vehicle 5 that transmits the update data D1 also functions as a relay vehicle.

[0044] After executing the distribution process, the update management unit 21 generates incentive information 28 for the vehicle 5 that participated in the distribution process as a relay vehicle. Incentive information 28 is information indicating an incentive to be given to the owner or user of vehicle 5. For example, the incentive is a discount on the cost of charging vehicle 5 at the charging station 4.

[0045] [3. Vehicle structure]

[0046] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle 5 .

[0047] The vehicle 5 includes an onboard device 60 . The onboard device 60 includes a CPU 61 and a memory 64 , and performs processing related to updating of software in the vehicle 5 .

[0048] The onboard device 60 is connected to a display device 51, an input device 52, a vehicle communication unit 53, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) 54, and a vehicle control unit 70 included in the vehicle 5. The display device 51 includes a liquid crystal display panel and an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, and displays text and images. The input device 52 receives operations from the occupants of the vehicle 5. For example, the display device 51 is a liquid crystal display installed on the instrument panel of the vehicle 5, and the input device 52 is a touch screen superimposed on the display surface of the display device 51.

[0049] The vehicle communication unit 53 has an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver, and is a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with the communication device 3 and other vehicles 5 according to the control of the vehicle-mounted device 60. For example, the vehicle communication unit 53 may also be a structure that performs communication based on wireless communication methods such as cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. In addition, for example, the vehicle communication unit 53 may also perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication based on communication standards such as DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) and C-V2X (Cellular-V2X: vehicle network communication based on cellular technology) with the wireless communication interface equipped with other vehicles 5. The vehicle communication unit 53 may also perform wireless communication based on wide-area wireless communication and narrow-area wireless communication with the communication device 3.

[0050] The GNSS 54 measures the position of the vehicle 5 by receiving wireless signals transmitted from satellites.

[0051] The vehicle control device 70 is a device that controls the devices installed in the vehicle 5. Examples of the devices to be controlled by the vehicle control device 70 include an internal combustion engine, a motor, a brake device, a steering device, a lighting device, an autonomous driving device, a driving assistance device, and a car navigation device, which are the driving sources of the vehicle 5. Figure 2 Although one vehicle control device 70 is shown in the figure, the vehicle 5 may include a vehicle control device 70 for each device to be controlled, and the number of vehicle control devices 70 is not limited. In addition, each vehicle control device 70 may be configured to match the device to be controlled by the vehicle control device 70.

[0052] The vehicle control device 70 includes a processor 71. Processor 71 is composed of a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or the like, and is a so-called ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Processor 71 monitors and controls the devices it controls by executing a control program 72. While executing control program 72, processor 71 refers to control data 73 prepared for controlling the devices.

[0053] The vehicle 5 is equipped with a driving battery 55. The driving battery 55 is a rechargeable secondary battery that supplies power to a motor (not shown) that serves as the driving source of the vehicle 5. Furthermore, the driving battery 55 supplies power to various components of the vehicle 5, including the onboard device 60. Thus, the vehicle 5 can supply power from the driving battery 55 to various components, including the onboard device 60, to operate these components even when the vehicle 5 is not traveling.

[0054] A charging device 56 is connected to the driving battery 55. When connected to the charging station 4, the charging device 56 charges the driving battery 55 using the power supplied from the charging station 4. The onboard device 60 can detect the charging status of the driving battery 55, including the remaining power of the driving battery 55 and whether the driving battery 55 is being charged by the charging device 56.

[0055] The memory 64 included in the vehicle-mounted device 60 is a nonvolatile storage device composed of a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage element, and stores programs and data executed by the CPU 61. The memory 64 stores, for example, a control program 65 and update data D1.

[0056] The CPU 61 performs processing related to updating the software of the vehicle control device 70 by reading and executing the control program 65. When executing distribution processing in the software distribution system 1, the CPU 61 generates upgrade information for the vehicle 5 in response to a request from the communication device 3 and transmits the upgrade information to the communication device 3. The upgrade information includes identification information of the vehicle 5 and information related to the programs and data subject to the distribution and update processing in the vehicle 5. For example, the information related to the programs and data subject to the distribution and update processing includes the type, version, and last update date of the control program 72 and control data 73 in the vehicle 5.

[0057] During the distribution process, the CPU 61 receives the update data D1 from the communication device 3 or the vehicle 5 and stores it in the memory 64. The CPU 61 executes the update process using the update data D1 stored in the memory 64 to update the control program 72 and the control data 73.

[0058] Furthermore, when receiving an instruction to transmit the update data D1 stored in the memory 64 to another vehicle 5 during the distribution process, the CPU 61 transmits the update data D1 in accordance with the received instruction.

[0059] [4. Mapping Example]

[0060] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing an example of mapping performed by the update management unit 21.

[0061] In the map M, the vehicle 5 that can communicate with the management server 2 is arranged with the position P of the communication device 3 as the center. Figure 3 In the example of , four vehicles 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are arranged on the map M.

[0062] The map M is, for example, a two-dimensional map showing the relative positions of each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3. The update management unit 21 obtains position information from the vehicles 5 that can communicate with the management server 2, and maps the positions of each vehicle 5 with the position P as the center. The update management unit 21 determines the priority of distribution processing for multiple vehicles 5 based on the map M. For example, the update management unit 21 determines the priority in descending order of distance from the position P. In this case, Figure 3 In the example, vehicle 5D has the highest priority, and then the priorities are determined in the order of vehicle 5C, vehicle 5B, and vehicle 5A.

[0063] The update management unit 21 can determine the vehicle 5 to be used as a relay vehicle based on the map M. For example, when distributing software to vehicle 5D, using vehicles 5A and 5B as relay vehicles enables better communication than if vehicle 5D were to communicate directly with the communication device 3. Similarly, when distributing software to vehicle 5C, using vehicle 5A as a relay vehicle enables better communication.

[0064] Furthermore, the update management unit 21 may determine the vehicles 5 to which the distribution process should be symmetrical based on the software versions of the vehicles 5. Software versions refer to, for example, the versions of programs and data stored in the vehicles 5. Software versions are included in the upgrade information sent by the vehicles 5 to the management server 2. For example, the update management unit 21 may prioritize vehicles 5 with older software versions. Furthermore, the update management unit 21 may exclude vehicles 5 that do not require software updates from the distribution process.

[0065] Map M is not limited to Figure 3 For example, the map M may be one-dimensional data in which the distances between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3 are mapped.

[0066] Alternatively, the map M may be data that maps the vehicles 5 using an indicator other than distance and position. Alternatively, the map M may be one-dimensional data that maps the communication status between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3. The communication status may be, for example, the received signal strength (RSSI) of the wireless signal used by the communication device 3 to communicate with the vehicle 5.

[0067] [5. Operation of the software distribution system]

[0068] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the software distribution system 1 . Figure 4 Steps S1 to S12 are executed by the update management unit 21 . Figure 4 The action of is an example of the software distribution method disclosed in the present invention.

[0069] The management server 2 searches for a vehicle 5 that can communicate with the management server 2 (step S1), and requests the communication vehicle 5 to transmit upgrade information (step S2). The management server 2 obtains the upgrade information transmitted by the vehicle 5 in response to the request in step S2 (step S3).

[0070] The management server 2 also obtains at least one of the location information and reception strength of each vehicle 5 with which it can communicate (step S4). Furthermore, the management server 2 obtains the remaining battery charge and charge status of each vehicle 5 with which it can communicate (step S5). In steps S4 and S5, the management server 2 requests the vehicles 5 with which it can communicate to transmit information, and obtains the information transmitted by the vehicles 5 in response to the requests.

[0071] The management server 2 performs mapping based on the position information or reception strength of the vehicles 5 acquired in step S4 (step S6). In step S6, the management server 2 performs mapping based on any one of the relative position of each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3, the distance between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3, and the reception strength of each vehicle 5.

[0072] The management server 2 determines the target vehicle to be distributed based on the update information acquired in step S3 (step S7). That is, the management server 2 sets the vehicle 5 having the software version to be updated among the vehicles 5 that can communicate with the management server 2 as the target vehicle.

[0073] Based on the mapping results of step S6, the management server 2 determines the priorities of the multiple vehicles 5 designated as target vehicles (step S8). For example, the management server 2 determines the priorities of the vehicles 5 in descending order of distance from the communication device 3. Alternatively, for example, the management server 2 determines the priorities of the vehicles 5 in descending order of communication status with the communication device 3. Furthermore, vehicles 5 not designated as target vehicles in step S7 are not subject to the distribution process and are therefore not subject to the process in step S8.

[0074] The management server 2 corrects the priority determined in step S8 based on the remaining battery charge and the charging status of each vehicle 5 whose priority is determined (step S9). For example, the management server 2 makes the priority of the vehicle 5 with less remaining battery charge higher than the priority of other vehicles 5. Specifically, the management server 2 corrects the priority of the vehicle 5 with a remaining battery charge lower than a preset threshold value to the highest priority among all target vehicles. At this time, in the case where there are multiple vehicles 5 with a remaining battery charge lower than the threshold value, the management server 2 determines the priority of the vehicles 5 in order from low to high in terms of remaining battery charge. In addition, in step S9, the management server 2 can exclude the vehicle 5 whose driving battery 55 is being charged from the target vehicles, or correct the priority of the vehicle 5 being charged to the lowest priority among all target vehicles.

[0075] The management server 2 determines the vehicle 5 to be used as a relay vehicle in the distribution process (step S10). For example, based on the mapping results of step S6 or the location information obtained in step S4, the management server 2 determines the vehicle 5 to be used as a relay vehicle when performing distribution processing on a vehicle 5 that is far from the communication device 3. Here, the management server 2 may also prioritize vehicles 5 currently being charged at the charging station 4 as relay vehicles. The relay vehicle remains powered on during the distribution process. It is preferable that the vehicle 5 being charged at the charging station 4 does not consume excessive power from its driving battery 55 due to its operation as a relay vehicle.

[0076] The management server 2 uses the relay vehicle determined in step S10 to execute the distribution process for each vehicle 5 according to the priority corrected in step S9 (step S11). Here, the management server 2 may execute the distribution process for a plurality of vehicles 5 in parallel.

[0077] The management server 2 generates incentive information 28 related to the vehicle 5 used as the relay vehicle in the distribution process (step S12 ), and stores the information in the memory 23 .

[0078] The software distribution system 1 can efficiently execute software updates for multiple vehicles 5. This is particularly advantageous when multiple vehicles 5 are updating their software via communication via the communication device 3, and when more vehicles 5 are connected to the communication device 3 than to the communication device 3. For example, when multiple vehicles 5 individually communicate for software updates via the communication device 3, the communication traffic between the vehicles 5 and the communication device 3, and between the communication device 3 and the communication network NW, increases dramatically, straining the communication bandwidth. Consequently, there is a concern that each vehicle 5 may take a long time to download the update data D1. From the start to the completion of downloading the update data D1, and during the update process of updating the control program 72 and other components based on the update data D1, the vehicles 5 operate using energy from the internal combustion engine and the drive battery 55, which serve as the driving source. Consequently, downloading and updating the update data D1 requires a long time, resulting in poor energy efficiency. Furthermore, the long time required for downloading and updating the update data D1 for a large number of vehicles 5 could significantly degrade the overall energy efficiency of the software distribution system 1.

[0079] For example, consider a situation where multiple vehicles 5 are placed in an environment where communication is impossible for a relatively long period of time. Specifically, this may be a situation where multiple vehicles 5 are transported at sea by ship, or multiple vehicles 5 are stored in an underground parking lot. In such a situation, if the vehicles 5 move to an environment where communication is possible, multiple vehicles 5 will begin communicating via fewer communication devices 3 than there are vehicles 5, so there is a concern about the situation described above. By applying the software distribution system 1 in this situation, if the priority of the distribution processing is determined for multiple vehicles 5 based on the relative relationship between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3, and the distribution processing is performed according to the priority, it is possible to avoid sudden changes in the communication traffic between the communication device 3 and the communication network NW. Therefore, the time it takes for a single vehicle 5 to download the update data D1 can be shortened, and the time it takes for the vehicle 5 to start up for downloading the update data D1 and the update processing can be shortened, which can significantly improve overall energy efficiency.

[0080] [6. Other Implementation Methods]

[0081] The above-described embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the update management unit 21 of the management server 2 is described as performing the process of mapping the relative relationship between the vehicle 5 and the communication device 3 and determining the priority. However, this is merely an example. The specific configuration of the functional unit corresponding to the update management unit 21 can be modified as appropriate. For example, any vehicle 5, communication device 3, computer connected to the communication device 3, or other device may perform the functions of the update management unit 21 and function as a distribution management device.

[0083] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The schematic diagrams showing the structures of the management server 2 and the vehicle 5 are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The application of the present invention is not limited to the structures shown in these diagrams. In addition, the processing of each component can be performed by one hardware unit or by multiple hardware units. Figure 4 The processing shown may be executed by one program or by a plurality of programs.

[0084] [7. Structures Supported by the Above-mentioned Embodiments]

[0085] The above-mentioned embodiment supports the following structure.

[0086] (Structure 1) A software distribution method, which is a software distribution method for distributing software to multiple vehicles by performing wireless communication with a communication device, wherein the following processing is performed by a distribution management device: a target vehicle among the multiple vehicles is determined to be the subject of a distribution process for distributing the software, a priority of the distribution process is determined for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, the distribution process is performed on the target vehicle according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, the vehicle closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is set as a relay vehicle, and the software is sent from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

[0087] According to the software distribution method of Structure 1, it is possible to appropriately determine the priority of distribution processing for multiple vehicles based on the relative relationship between the vehicles and the communication devices, and then perform distribution processing. This can suppress the sudden increase in communication traffic associated with distribution processing, efficiently perform distribution processing for multiple vehicles, and achieve efficient energy consumption.

[0088] (Structure 2) The software distribution method according to Structure 1, wherein the priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles so as to give priority to the target vehicle that is far away from the communication device.

[0089] According to the software distribution method of Configuration 2, by causing a vehicle that is far from the communication device to preferentially execute the distribution process, the distribution process to a plurality of vehicles can be completed more efficiently.

[0090] (Structure 3) The software distribution method according to Structure 1, wherein the priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles so as to give priority to the target vehicle having a poor communication status with the communication device.

[0091] According to the software distribution method of Configuration 3, by giving priority to executing the distribution process for a vehicle having a poor communication status with the communication device, the distribution process to a plurality of vehicles can be completed more efficiently.

[0092] (Structure 4) The software distribution method according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles so as to give priority to the target vehicle having a smaller remaining battery level.

[0093] According to the software distribution method of the fourth configuration, the distribution process is preferentially executed on the target vehicle having the less remaining battery charge, thereby preventing the battery of the target vehicle from running out during the distribution process.

[0094] (Structure 5) The software distribution method according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the target vehicle is equipped with a battery, and the priority of the distribution processing is determined in such a manner that the target vehicle whose battery is not being charged takes precedence over the target vehicle whose battery is being charged.

[0095] According to the software distribution method of the fifth configuration, by giving priority to target vehicles whose batteries are not charged, it is possible to prevent the batteries of target vehicles involved in the distribution process from running out.

[0096] (Structure 6) The software distribution method according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the distribution management device generates reward information indicating a reward to be given to the relay vehicle in accordance with an execution state of the distribution process via the relay vehicle.

[0097] According to the software distribution method of configuration 6, since incentives are given to owners and users of relay vehicles, use of some vehicles as relay vehicles in the distribution process can be encouraged, thereby achieving further efficiency in energy consumption.

[0098] (Structure 7) A software distribution system that distributes software to a plurality of vehicles by controlling a distribution management device to perform wireless communication with a communication device, wherein the distribution management device performs the following processing: determining a target vehicle among the plurality of vehicles that is the subject of a distribution process for distributing the software, determining a priority of the distribution process for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, executing the distribution process for the target vehicle according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, setting the vehicle that is closer to the communication device than the target vehicle as a relay vehicle, and sending the software from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

[0099] According to the software distribution system of Configuration 7, it is possible to appropriately determine the priority of distribution processing for multiple vehicles based on the relative relationship between the vehicles and the communication devices, and then perform distribution processing. This can suppress the sudden increase in communication traffic associated with distribution processing, efficiently perform distribution processing for multiple vehicles, and achieve efficient energy consumption.

[0100] (Structure 8) The software distribution system according to Structure 7, further comprising a charging unit capable of charging a battery mounted on the relay vehicle.

[0101] According to the software distribution system of configuration 8, the relay vehicle can be charged during the distribution process, thereby eliminating concerns about battery depletion in the vehicle functioning as the relay vehicle and enabling active use of the relay vehicle. Consequently, further energy efficiency can be achieved.

Claims

1. A software distribution method, wherein the software is distributed to a plurality of vehicles by wirelessly communicating with a communication device, wherein: The following processing is performed by the distribution management device: determining a target vehicle among the plurality of vehicles to be the target of a distribution process for distributing the software, By mapping the relative relationship between each of the target vehicles and the communication device, the priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles. executing the distribution process for the target vehicle according to the priority of the distribution process, In the distribution process, the vehicle closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is used as a relay vehicle, and the software is transmitted from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

2. The software distribution method according to claim 1, wherein: The priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles so as to give priority to the target vehicle that is farther away from the communication device.

3. The software distribution method according to claim 1, wherein: The priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles so as to give priority to the target vehicle having a poor communication status with the communication device.

4. The software distribution method according to claim 1, wherein: The priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles so as to give priority to the target vehicle having a smaller remaining amount of battery mounted thereon.

5. The software distribution method according to claim 1, wherein: The target vehicle is equipped with a battery, The priority of the distribution process is determined such that the target vehicle whose battery is not being charged takes precedence over the target vehicle whose battery is being charged.

6. The software distribution method according to claim 1, wherein: The delivery management device generates incentive information indicating that an incentive is to be given to the relay vehicle in accordance with an execution state of the delivery process via the relay vehicle.

7. A software distribution system that distributes software to a plurality of vehicles by causing them to communicate wirelessly with a communication device under the control of a distribution management device, wherein: The distribution management device performs the following processing: determining a target vehicle among the plurality of vehicles to be the target of a distribution process for distributing the software, By mapping the relative relationship between each of the target vehicles and the communication device, the priority of the distribution process is determined for each of the target vehicles. executing the distribution process for the target vehicle according to the priority of the distribution process, In the distribution process, the vehicle closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is used as a relay vehicle, and the software is transmitted from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

8. The software distribution system according to claim 7, wherein: The software distribution system includes a charging unit capable of charging a battery mounted on the relay vehicle.

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