Software distribution method and software distribution system

Abstract

To efficiently distribute software to multiple vehicles.SOLUTION: In a software distribution method for distributing software to a vehicle by performing wireless communication between a plurality of vehicles and a communication device, a distribution management device identifies a target vehicle among a plurality of vehicles that are targets of a distribution process for distributing software, determines a priority of the distribution process for each target vehicle by mapping the relative positions of each target vehicle and the communication device, executes the distribution process to the target vehicles according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, designates a vehicle that is closer to the communication device than the target vehicle as a relay vehicle, and transmits the software from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, research and development has been conducted to contribute to energy efficiency in order to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that determines priorities based on the vehicle usage status, etc., in a system that downloads update programs to vehicles equipped with an on-board control device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-005894 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology for distributing software to vehicles, when there are a large number of vehicles to which the software is to be distributed, communication congestion occurs, and the software distribution takes a long time. If the time required for software distribution increases, the vehicle must be kept running for a long time, which is undesirable from the viewpoint of energy efficiency.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by efficiently distributing software to multiple vehicles, which in turn contributes to energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a software distribution method for distributing software to multiple vehicles by performing wireless communication between the vehicles and a communication device, wherein a distribution management device identifies target vehicles among the multiple vehicles that are to be the subject of a distribution process for distributing the software, determines a priority of the distribution process for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, executes the distribution process to the target vehicles according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, a vehicle that is closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is designated as a relay vehicle, and transmits the software from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a software distribution system that distributes software to multiple vehicles by controlling a distribution management device to cause wireless communication between the vehicles and a communication device, wherein the distribution management device identifies target vehicles among the multiple vehicles that are the targets of a distribution process to distribute the software, determines a priority of the distribution process for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, executes the distribution process to the target vehicles according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, sets a vehicle that is closer to the communication device than the target vehicle as a relay vehicle, and transmits the software from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a distribution process for distributing software from a communication device to multiple vehicles can be efficiently executed based on the positions of the communication device and the vehicles, thereby achieving energy efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a software distribution system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of mapping. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the software distribution system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [1. Software distribution system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a software distribution system 1. As shown in FIG. The software distribution system 1 is a system that updates software that operates devices mounted on a vehicle 5 using the wireless communication function of the vehicle 5. Here, updating software refers to the process of replacing software executed by a processor with a newer version of the software, and specific aspects of this may include adding, deleting, or overwriting the software. Software updates may also include processes of deleting part or all of the software executed by the processor, installing new software, and deleting, adding, and overwriting data used when the software is executed. In the following description, software includes programs executed by the processor and data that is referenced, generated, updated, deleted, etc., in connection with the programs, and includes firmware.

[0012] The software distribution system 1 is capable of executing software updates for multiple vehicles 5. Although FIG. 1 shows vehicles 5A and 5B, there is no limit to the number of vehicles 5 that can be processed by the software distribution system 1. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between individual vehicles 5 including vehicles 5A and 5B, they will be referred to as vehicles 5. The vehicles 5 may be four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles, or other vehicles, and may also be large vehicles, commercial vehicles, work vehicles, or the like.

[0013] The software distribution system 1 includes a communication device 3 that performs wireless communication 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 performing wireless communication 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, etc.

[0014] The communication device 3 can perform wireless communication with multiple vehicles 5. The communication device 3 also performs communication with the management server 2 through the communication network NW. This function allows the management server 2 to perform data communication with the vehicles 5 via the communication device 3, as will be described later.

[0015] The vehicle 5 performs wireless communication with the communication device 3 using cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like. The vehicle 5 can also perform wireless communication with other vehicles 5. For example, the vehicle 5B may perform communication with the communication device 3, or may perform communication with the vehicle 5A.

[0016] The data used to update the software of the vehicle 5 is called update data D1. The update data D1 includes at least one of a program and data, such as a new version of a program, data to be added, data specifying a program or data to be deleted, and data related to equipment to be updated. The process of delivering the update data D1 to the vehicle 5 is called a delivery process. Updating the software of the vehicle 5 includes the delivery process and an update process that updates the software of the vehicle 5 based on the update data D1 delivered to the vehicle 5 by the delivery process.

[0017] In the software distribution system 1, update data D1 is distributed to a vehicle 5 via a communication network NW and a communication device 3 from a management server 2. In this case, the update data D1 may be distributed directly from the communication device 3 to the vehicle 5, or the update data D1 distributed from the communication device 3 to the vehicle 5 may be further distributed to another vehicle 5. For example, update data D1 for updating the software of vehicle 5B may be distributed from vehicle 5A to vehicle 5B.

[0018] The management server 2 is a computer communicatively connected to the vehicles 5 via a 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. The management server 2 also performs processes such as acquiring information necessary to determine the priority from the vehicles 5. The management server 2 is realized, for example, by one or more servers arranged on a network such as the Internet, or by a cloud server.

[0019] The software distribution system 1 may include a charging station 4. The charging station 4 includes a device that charges a driving battery 55 (FIG. 2) mounted on the vehicle 5. In the software distribution system 1, a vehicle 5 being charged by the charging station 4 can communicate with other vehicles 5 and the management server 2.

[0020] [2. Management Server Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a memory 23, and a server communication unit 29.

[0021] The memory 23 is a non-volatile storage device configured from a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage 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 incentive information 28.

[0022] The server communication unit 29 executes data communication via the communication network NW under the control of the CPU 20. The server communication unit 29 is a communication interface that executes wired communication using a LAN, WAN, public line network, etc. via an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, for example, and includes a transmitter and a receiver. The server communication unit 29 may also be a wireless communication interface that includes an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver.

[0023] The CPU 20 manages software updates of the vehicle 5 by reading and executing a control program 24 stored in the memory 23. This management function is referred to as an update management unit 21.

[0024] The update management unit 21 communicates with a plurality of vehicles 5 via the communication network NW and the communication device 3, and acquires information regarding the location information of the vehicles 5, the versions of software that the vehicles 5 have, etc. The update management unit 21 maps the relative relationship between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3, and creates map data 25. The map data 25 created by the update management unit 21 is stored in the memory 23. Details of the map data 25 will be described later.

[0025] The update management unit 21 determines the priority of executing the distribution process for each of the multiple vehicles 5 based on the map data 25. The update management unit 21 generates priority data 26 indicating the determined priority and stores it in the memory 23.

[0026] The update management unit 21 executes a distribution process in accordance with the priority data 26. In 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. In addition, in the distribution process, the update management unit 21 can cause the vehicle 5 to transmit the update data D1 transmitted from the communication device 3 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 that relays the update data D1. In addition, in the distribution process, if any vehicle 5 already has the update data D1, the management server 2 causes the vehicle 5 to transmit the update data D1 to the other vehicle 5. In this case, the vehicle 5 that transmits the update data D1 functions as a relay vehicle.

[0027] After the distribution process is executed, the update management unit 21 generates incentive information 28 in association with the vehicle 5 that was involved in the distribution process as a relay vehicle. The incentive information 28 is information indicating that an incentive will be given to the owner or user of the vehicle 5. The incentive is, for example, a discount on the charge for charging the vehicle 5 at the charging station 4.

[0028] [3. Vehicle configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle 5. As shown in FIG. The vehicle 5 includes an in-vehicle device 60. The in-vehicle device 60 includes a CPU 61 and a memory 64, and performs processing related to software updates in the vehicle 5.

[0029] The in-vehicle 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 device 70 that are provided in the vehicle 5. The display device 51 includes a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, and displays characters and images. The input device 52 accepts operations by an occupant of the vehicle 5. For example, the display device 51 is a liquid crystal display installed on the dashboard of the vehicle 5, and the input device 52 is a touch screen superimposed on the display surface of the display device 51.

[0030] The vehicle communication unit 53 is a wireless communication interface that includes an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver and performs wireless communication with the communication device 3 and other vehicles 5 under the control of the in-vehicle device 60. For example, the vehicle communication unit 53 may be configured to perform communication in accordance with a wireless communication method such as cellular communication, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle communication unit 53 may perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with a wireless communication interface mounted on another vehicle 5 according to a communication standard such as DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) or C-V2X (Cellular-V2X). The vehicle communication unit 53 may perform wireless communication with the communication device 3 using wide-area wireless communication or short-range wireless communication.

[0031] The GNSS 54 determines the position of the vehicle 5 by receiving radio signals transmitted from satellites.

[0032] The vehicle control device 70 is a device that controls devices mounted on the vehicle 5. Devices that are the target of control by the vehicle control device 70 include, for example, an internal combustion engine or motor that is the drive source of the vehicle 5, a brake device, a steering device, lighting devices, an autonomous driving device, a driving assistance device, and a car navigation device. Although one vehicle control device 70 is illustrated in FIG. 2 , the vehicle 5 may be provided with a vehicle control device 70 for each device that is the target of control, and the number of vehicle control devices 70 is not limited. Furthermore, each vehicle control device 70 may be configured to match the device that is the target of control by the vehicle control device 70.

[0033] The vehicle control device 70 has a processor 71. The processor 71 is composed of a CPU, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), etc., and is a so-called ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The processor 71 monitors and controls the devices to be controlled by executing a control program 72. When executing the control program 72, the processor 71 refers to control data 73 prepared for controlling the devices.

[0034] 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 is the driving source of the vehicle 5. The driving battery 55 also supplies power to each part of the vehicle 5, including the on-board device 60. This allows the vehicle 5 to supply power from the driving battery 55 to each part, including the on-board device 60, to operate them even when the vehicle 5 is not running.

[0035] 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 with power supplied from the charging station 4. The in-vehicle device 60 can detect the remaining amount of power in the driving battery 55 and the charging state, including whether the driving battery 55 is being charged by the charging device 56.

[0036] The memory 64 included in the in-vehicle device 60 is a non-volatile storage device configured from 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.

[0037] The CPU 61 reads and executes the control program 65 to perform processing related to updating the software of the vehicle control device 70. When a distribution process is executed in the software distribution system 1, the CPU 61 generates update information for the vehicle 5 in response to a request from the communication device 3 and transmits the update information to the communication device 3. The update information includes identification information for the vehicle 5 and information about the programs and data that are the subject of the distribution process and update process in the vehicle 5. For example, the information about the programs and data that are the subject of the distribution process and update process includes the type, version, and last update date and time of the control program 72 and control data 73 that the vehicle 5 has.

[0038] In the distribution process, the CPU 61 receives 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, and updates the control program 72 and the control data 73.

[0039] Furthermore, in the distribution process, if the CPU 61 receives an instruction to transmit the update data D1 stored in the memory 64 to another vehicle 5, the CPU 61 transmits the update data D1 in accordance with the received instruction.

[0040] [4. Mapping example] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of mapping performed by the update management unit 21. As shown in FIG. Vehicles 5 that can communicate with the management server 2 are arranged on the map M, with the position P of the communication device 3 at the center. In the example of FIG. 3, four vehicles 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are arranged on the map M.

[0041] Map M is, for example, a two-dimensional map that indicates the relative positions of each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3. The update management unit 21 acquires position information from vehicles 5 that can communicate with the management server 2, and maps the positions of each vehicle 5 with position P as the center. The update management unit 21 determines the priority of the distribution process for multiple vehicles 5 based on map M. For example, the update management unit 21 determines the priority in order of distance from position P. In this case, in the example of FIG. 3, vehicle 5D has the highest priority, followed by vehicle 5C, vehicle 5B, and vehicle 5A in that order.

[0042] The update management unit 21 may determine the vehicle 5 to be used as a relay vehicle based on the map M. For example, when performing distribution processing on vehicle 5D, communication can be performed under better communication conditions by using vehicles 5A and 5B as relay vehicles rather than having vehicle 5D communicate directly with the communication device 3. Similarly, when performing distribution processing on vehicle 5C, software can be distributed under better communication conditions by using vehicle 5A as a relay vehicle.

[0043] The update management unit 21 may also determine the vehicles 5 that are the targets of the distribution process based on the software version of each vehicle 5. The software version refers to, for example, the version of the programs and data stored in the vehicle 5. The software version is included in the update information that the vehicle 5 transmits to the management server 2. For example, the update management unit 21 may determine the priority by giving priority to vehicles 5 with older software versions. The update management unit 21 may also exclude vehicles 5 that do not require software updates from the targets of the distribution process.

[0044] The map M is not limited to a two-dimensional mapping as shown in Fig. 3. For example, the map M may be one-dimensional data that maps the distance between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3.

[0045] The map M may also be data that maps the vehicles 5 using indicators other than distance and position. Alternatively, the map M may be one-dimensional data that maps the communication state between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3. The communication state may be, for example, the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the vehicle 5 for a wireless signal used for communication between the communication device 3 and the vehicle 5.

[0046] [5. Operation of the software distribution system] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the software distribution system 1. Steps S1 to S12 in Fig. 4 are executed by the update management unit 21. The operation in Fig. 4 is an example of the software distribution method of the present disclosure.

[0047] The management server 2 searches for vehicles 5 that can communicate with the management server 2 (step S1), and requests the vehicles 5 that can communicate to transmit update information (step S2). The management server 2 acquires the update information transmitted by the vehicles 5 in response to the request in step S2 (step S3).

[0048] The management server 2 further acquires at least one of the location information and reception strength of each vehicle 5 with which it can communicate (step S4). The management server 2 also acquires the remaining battery charge and charge state 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 acquires the information transmitted by the vehicles 5 in response to this request.

[0049] 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 of the relative position between 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.

[0050] The management server 2 identifies the target vehicles to be subjected to the distribution process based on the update information acquired in step S3 (step S7). That is, the management server 2 identifies the vehicles 5 that can communicate with the management server 2 and have the software version that requires updating as target vehicles.

[0051] Based on the mapping result of step S6, the management server 2 determines the priority of the multiple vehicles 5 that have been determined as target vehicles (step S8). For example, the management server 2 determines the priority of the vehicles 5 in descending order of distance from the communication device 3. Alternatively, for example, the management server 2 determines the priority of the vehicles 5 in descending order of the poorest communication conditions with the communication device 3. Note that vehicles 5 that have not been determined as target vehicles in step S7 are not subject to the distribution process, and are therefore not subject to the processing of step S8.

[0052] The management server 2 modifies the priorities determined in step S8 based on the remaining battery charge and charging state of each vehicle 5 for which a priority has been determined (step S9). For example, the management server 2 may assign a higher priority to a vehicle 5 with a low remaining battery charge than the priorities of other vehicles 5. Specifically, the management server 2 modifies the priority of a vehicle 5 whose remaining battery charge is lower than a preset threshold to the highest priority among all target vehicles. At this time, if there are multiple vehicles 5 whose remaining battery charge is lower than the threshold, the management server 2 determines the priorities of the vehicles 5 in order of lowest remaining battery charge. Furthermore, in step S9, the management server 2 may exclude a vehicle 5 whose driving battery 55 is being charged from the target vehicles, or may modify the priority of a vehicle 5 that is being charged to the lowest priority among all target vehicles.

[0053] The management server 2 identifies a vehicle 5 to be used as a relay vehicle in the distribution process (step S10). For example, the management server 2 identifies a vehicle 5 to be used as a relay vehicle when performing distribution processing for a vehicle 5 far from the communication device 3, based on the mapping result of step S6 or the location information acquired in step S4. Here, the management server 2 may preferentially identify a vehicle 5 being charged at the charging station 4 as a relay vehicle. The relay vehicle remains running while the distribution processing is being performed. A vehicle 5 being charged at the charging station 4 is preferable because there is no concern that operating as a relay vehicle will result in excessive consumption of the driving battery 55.

[0054] 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 multiple vehicles 5 in parallel.

[0055] The management server 2 generates incentive information 28 relating to the vehicle 5 used as a relay vehicle in the distribution process, and stores the information in the memory 23.

[0056] The software distribution system 1 can efficiently execute software update processing for multiple vehicles 5. This is particularly suitable when multiple vehicles 5 update software through communication via the communication device 3 and when a larger number of vehicles 5 are connected to the communication device 3 than the number of communication devices 3. For example, when multiple vehicles 5 individually perform software update communication via the communication device 3, communication traffic between the vehicles 5 and the communication device 3 and between the communication device 3 and the communication network NW increases rapidly, resulting in a tight communication bandwidth. This raises concerns that it may take a long time for each vehicle 5 to download the update data D1. The vehicle 5 operates using energy from its internal combustion engine and drive battery 55, which are its driving source, from the start to completion of downloading the update data D1 and during the update process for updating the control program 72 and the like based on the update data D1. Therefore, the long time required for downloading the update data D1 and the update process poses a problem of poor energy efficiency. Furthermore, the long time required for multiple vehicles 5 to download the update data D1 and the update process may significantly deteriorate the energy efficiency of the software distribution system 1 as a whole.

[0057] For example, multiple vehicles 5 may be placed in an environment where communication is not possible for a relatively long period of time. Specifically, this may occur when multiple vehicles 5 are transported by sea on a ship or when multiple vehicles 5 are stored in an underground parking lot, etc. In such cases, when the vehicles 5 move to an environment where communication is possible, the multiple vehicles 5 begin communication via fewer communication devices 3 than the vehicles 5, raising concerns about the situation described above. By applying the software distribution system 1 to this case, the priority of distribution processing for multiple vehicles 5 can be determined based on the relative relationship between each vehicle 5 and the communication device 3, and distribution processing can be performed according to the priority, thereby avoiding sudden changes in communication traffic between the communication devices 3 and the communication network NW. This shortens the time required to download update data D1 to each vehicle 5, shortening the time the vehicle 5 is running for downloading update data D1 and performing update processing, significantly improving overall energy efficiency.

[0058] 6. Other Embodiments The above embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0059] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the update management unit 21 included in the management server 2 maps the relative relationships between the vehicles 5 and the communication devices 3 and performs processing to determine priorities, but this is just one example. The specific arrangement of the functional unit corresponding to the update management unit 21 can be changed as appropriate. For example, any one of the vehicles 5, the communication devices 3, a computer connected to the communication devices 3, or another device may be configured to execute the functions of the update management unit 21 and function as a distribution management device.

[0060] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing the configurations of the management server 2 and the vehicle 5 in separate sections to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations shown in these figures. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be executed by a single hardware unit or multiple hardware units. Furthermore, the processing shown in FIG. 4 may be executed by a single program or multiple programs.

[0061] [7. Configurations Supported by the Above-mentioned Embodiments] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0062] (Configuration 1) A software distribution method for distributing software to multiple vehicles by performing wireless communication between the vehicles and a communication device, wherein a distribution management device identifies target vehicles among the multiple vehicles that are the target of a distribution process for distributing the software, determines a priority of the distribution process for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, executes the distribution process to the target vehicles according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, a vehicle that is closer to the communication device than the target vehicle is designated as a relay vehicle, and transmits the software from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle. According to the software distribution method of configuration 1, the priority of distribution processing to multiple vehicles can be appropriately determined based on the relative relationship between the vehicles and the communication devices, and distribution processing can be performed. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden increase in communication traffic due to distribution processing, efficiently perform distribution processing to multiple vehicles, and improve the efficiency of energy consumption.

[0063] (Configuration 2) The software distribution method according to configuration 1, wherein for each of the target vehicles, a priority of the distribution process is determined so as to give priority to a target vehicle that is farther from the communication device. According to the software distribution method of configuration 2, by giving priority to vehicles that are farther away from the communication device in the distribution process, the distribution process to a plurality of vehicles can be completed more efficiently.

[0064] (Configuration 3) The software distribution method according to configuration 1, wherein for each of the target vehicles, the priority of the distribution process is determined so as to give priority to a target vehicle having a poor communication state with the communication device. According to the software distribution method of configuration 3, by giving priority to a vehicle having a poor communication state with the communication device in the distribution process, the distribution process to a plurality of vehicles can be completed more efficiently.

[0065] (Configuration 4) A software distribution method according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, in which, for each of the target vehicles, the priority of the distribution process is determined so as to give priority to the target vehicle with the lowest remaining battery charge. According to the software distribution method of configuration 4, by executing distribution processing preferentially for target vehicles with low remaining battery power, it is possible to prevent target vehicles from running out of battery power due to distribution processing.

[0066] (Configuration 5) A software distribution method according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the target vehicle is equipped with a battery, and the priority of the distribution process is determined so as to give priority to the target vehicle whose battery is not being charged over the target vehicle whose battery is being charged. According to the software distribution method of configuration 5, by giving priority to target vehicles whose batteries are not charged, it is possible to prevent target vehicles from running out of battery power due to distribution processing.

[0067] (Configuration 6) A software distribution method described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the distribution management device generates incentive information indicating that an incentive will be granted to the relay vehicle in accordance with the execution status of the distribution process via the relay vehicle. According to the software distribution method of configuration 6, incentives are given to owners and users of relay vehicles, which encourages the use of some vehicles as relay vehicles in the distribution process, thereby achieving even greater efficiency in energy consumption.

[0068] (Configuration 7) A software distribution system that distributes software to multiple vehicles by controlling a distribution management device to perform wireless communication between the vehicles and a communication device, wherein the distribution management device identifies target vehicles among the multiple vehicles that are the target of a distribution process to distribute the software, determines a priority of the distribution process for each target vehicle by mapping the relative relationship between each target vehicle and the communication device, executes the distribution process to the target vehicles according to the priority of the distribution process, and in the distribution process, designates a vehicle that is closer to the communication device than the target vehicle as a relay vehicle, and transmits the software from the relay vehicle to the target vehicle. According to the software distribution system of configuration 7, the priority of distribution processing to multiple vehicles can be appropriately determined based on the relative relationship between the vehicles and the communication devices, and distribution processing can be performed. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden increase in communication traffic due to distribution processing, efficiently perform distribution processing to multiple vehicles, and improve the efficiency of energy consumption.

[0069] (Configuration 8) The software distribution system according to configuration 7, further comprising a charging unit capable of charging a battery mounted on the relay vehicle. According to the software distribution system of configuration 8, it is possible to charge the relay vehicle during the distribution process, which eliminates concerns about battery consumption in vehicles functioning as relay vehicles and allows for more proactive use of relay vehicles, thereby achieving even greater energy efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 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...map data, 26...priority data, 28...incentive 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.

Claims

1. 1. A software distribution method for distributing software to a plurality of vehicles by performing wireless communication between the vehicles and a communication device, comprising: By the distribution management device, Identifying a target vehicle that is a target of a distribution process for distributing the software among the plurality of vehicles; determining a priority of the distribution process for each of the target vehicles by mapping a relative relationship between each of the target vehicles and the communication device; execute the distribution process to the target vehicle in accordance with the priority of the distribution process; In the software distribution method, 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 in the distribution process.

2. The software distribution method according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution process priority is determined for each of the target vehicles such that a target vehicle that is farther from the communication device is given priority.

3. The software distribution method according to claim 1 , further comprising determining a priority of the distribution process for each of the target vehicles such that a target vehicle having a poor communication state with the communication device is given priority.

4. The software distribution method according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution process priority is determined for each of the target vehicles such that priority is given to a target vehicle with a battery having a low remaining charge.

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

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

7. A software distribution system that distributes software to a plurality of vehicles by causing a communication device to perform wireless communication with the vehicles under the control of a distribution management device, The distribution management device Identifying a target vehicle that is a target of a distribution process for distributing the software among the plurality of vehicles; determining a priority of the distribution process for each of the target vehicles by mapping a relative relationship between each of the target vehicles and the communication device; execute the distribution process to the target vehicle in accordance with the priority of the distribution process; In the software distribution system, 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 in the distribution process.

8. 8. The software distribution system according to claim 7, further comprising a charging unit capable of charging a battery mounted in the relay vehicle.

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