Storage rewriting system for vehicle controller

Abstract

A memory rewriting system for a vehicle controller is provided. The system comprises a vehicle controller 10 and an external rewriting device 11. A vehicle controller comprises a rewritable memory 16 storing first security data. The first security data is used to determine whether rewriting to the rewritable memory is permitted. The rewriting device transfers new security data to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller deletes the first security data and writes the new security data into the rewritable memory. Rewriting the new security data is performed by a program-stored in a non-rewritable memory 18. Thus, the security data that is used to determine whether rewriting to the rewitable memory is permitted is rewritten with the new security data. Therefore, if the existing security data stored in the vehicle controller is invalidated, the security feature of the vehicle can be recovered. The vehicle may include an anti-theft system 81. In this case, rewriting to the rewritable memory is permitted if the anti-theft system permits an operation as to the vehicle.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a memory rewriting system for rewriting data stored in a memory of a vehicle controller by means of another data transmitted from an external rewriting device. Background technique [0002] Vehicles are subjected to various types of control by an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU"). Such controls include engine-related controls for air-fuel ratio, fuel injection quantity, and emissions; and body-related controls for power windows, air bags, and ABS. The ECU provides various types of control over the vehicle according to current conditions detected by various sensors installed on the vehicle and the driving state of the vehicle. [0003] On the other hand, the vehicle may include an anti-theft system. Generally speaking, the anti-theft system electronically checks whether the ignition key used by the driver to start the engine is genuine. If it is determined that the key is genuine, the anti-the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, the security feature is not released, and the rewriting device cannot rewrite the data stored in the ROM

[0012] However, the key used to release the security feature is conventionally stored in a non-rewritable area of ​​the ROM in the ECU, so that it is impossible to change the key with a rewriting device after the vehicle has been shipped

Thus, if the key is accidentally compromised to the user or another third party without authorization, rewriting means other than authorized ones can rewrite the key in the ROM, thereby violating the security feature

[0013] On the other hand, if the vehicle includes an anti-theft system, and if the program used to operate the anti-theft system is rewritten, the anti-theft system will be disabled

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