Vehicle-to-vehicle communication device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inter-vehicle communication device for a vehicle and a control method thereof. An inter-vehicle communication device for a vehicle comprises: a communicator configured to communicate with a server and neighboring vehicles; a controller configured to store a position of the vehicle to select one or more neighboring vehicles, wherein the one or more neighboring vehicles can communicate with the vehicle locally within a reference distance from the stored position to receive a download quota from a first host vehicle among the selected one or more vehicles, and receive data as much as the received quota from the server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a control method of the vehicle, and more particularly, to a vehicle and a control method thereof that mutually stores data based on communication between vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Recent vehicles have various complex functions, and therefore, the vehicles have various software programmed therein.

[0003] In particular, upgrading of software for adding new functions and error correction are necessary, thereby increasing the inconvenience of users.

[0004] For vehicle software upgrades, users need to visit a service center in person or visit the website and check the software directly before downloading it.

[0005] In particular, for vehicle software, a new version is usually released every quarter, so users are required to upgrade frequently.

[0006] For example, a user needs to update the map data of the vehicle navigation once a quarter. In addition, the user needs to manually separate the memory installed in the vehicle to download the data to the memory, and then reinstall the memory to the vehicle each time the update is performed.

[0007] In addition, since the map data has 4 gigabytes (GB) to 5 GB, and sometimes the map data has 10 GB or more, it takes a considerable time to download the map data on the web page.

[0008] For example, as firmware over-the-air (FOTA) images become larger and larger, the communication cost of downloading data using the FOTA method increases significantly.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to maintain the download speed, a content delivery network (CDN) needs to be added, which leads to an increase in cost. Summary of the invention

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle and a control method thereof capable of conveniently downloading the latest software without requiring a user to personally visit a service center, access a web page, or use a universal serial bus (USB) to upgrade software.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle and a control method thereof capable of reducing FOTA data by using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication between a plurality of vehicles in a short-range communication network to reduce communication costs and time required to download data.

[0012] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device for a vehicle includes: a communicator configured to communicate with a server and neighboring vehicles; a controller configured to store a location of the vehicle, configured to select one or more vehicles capable of local communication within a reference distance from the stored location, configured to receive a download quota from a first host vehicle selected from the one or more vehicles, and obtain data as much as the received quota from the server.

[0014] The controller may select a vehicle having a maximum signal strength as a host vehicle among the at least one vehicle capable of local communication within a preselected distance from the stored location.

[0015] When the host vehicle is selected, the controller may divide the total download data amount by the number of vehicles (n) capable of local communication and allocate a download quota to each vehicle.

[0016] When a certain vehicle among the vehicles capable of local communication is excluded, the controller may reallocate the download quota allocated to the excluded vehicle to the remaining vehicles.

[0017] The controller may obtain, from the server, a download quota divided by the number of vehicles capable of local communication, and the controller may transmit the obtained download quota to at least one vehicle including the host vehicle.

[0018] When the host vehicle is excluded, the controller may newly select the host vehicle among the at least one remaining vehicle, receive a download quota from the newly selected host vehicle, and obtain data as much as the received quota from the server.

[0019] When the host vehicle is newly selected, the controller may receive data downloaded by the excluded vehicles and reallocate the quota by the number (n-1) of at least one remaining vehicle.

[0020] The communicator may further include: a first communication module configured to download data from the server; and a second communication module configured to perform local communication with an external vehicle.

[0021] The first communication module and the second communication module may be operated simultaneously.

[0022] The controller may send a local communication request to vehicles approaching a preselected distance zone.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a vehicle includes: storing, by a controller, a location of the vehicle; communicating, through a communicator, with a neighboring vehicle capable of local communication within a reference distance from the stored location; selecting, by the controller, one or more vehicles capable of local communication within a reference distance from the stored location; receiving, by the controller, a download quota from a first host vehicle selected from the one or more vehicles; and obtaining, by the controller, data as much as the received download quota from a server.

[0024] The selection of the host vehicle may be performed by selecting a vehicle having a maximum signal strength among at least one vehicle capable of local communication within a preselected distance from the storage location as the host vehicle.

[0025] When selecting a host vehicle, the selection of the host vehicle may be performed by dividing the total download data amount by the number of vehicles (n) capable of local communication and allocating a download quota to each vehicle.

[0026] Receiving the download quota from the host vehicle may further include, when a vehicle among the vehicles capable of local communication is excluded, reallocating the download quota allocated to the excluded vehicle to the remaining vehicles.

[0027] Receiving the download quota from the host vehicle may be performed by obtaining the download quota divided by the number of vehicles capable of local communication from the server, and transmitting the obtained download quota to at least one vehicle including the host vehicle.

[0028] Receiving the download quota from the host vehicle may further include: when the host vehicle is excluded, newly selecting the host vehicle among the at least one remaining vehicle, receiving the download quota from the newly selected host vehicle, and obtaining data as much as the received quota from the server.

[0029] Receiving the download quota from the host vehicle may further include receiving data downloaded by the excluded vehicles when the host vehicle is newly selected, and reallocating the quota by the number (n-1) of the at least one remaining vehicle.

[0030] Receiving a download quota from the host vehicle and obtaining as much data as the received quota from the server may be performed simultaneously.

[0031] Communicating with neighboring vehicles capable of local communication within a preselected distance from the storage location may also include sending a local communication request to a vehicle proximate the preselected distance area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent and easier to understand through the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1It is a view showing a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 is a view showing a communication state between a plurality of vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3 is a control block diagram showing a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 is a view showing a negotiation state between a plurality of vehicles for selecting a host vehicle among a plurality of vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an updating method of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figures 7 to 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for exchanging data between a plurality of vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 To illustrate a view of a vehicle according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a view showing the communication status between a plurality of vehicles, and Figure 3 is a control block diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0041] The vehicle 1 is a device configured to move by driving wheels to transport people or goods. The vehicle 1 may include a body having an interior and an exterior, and a chassis of the rest of the vehicle except the body, and a mechanical device for driving is installed therein.

[0042] The vehicle 1 may also include various safety equipment for the safety of the driver and passengers.

[0043] The safety equipment of the vehicle may include various safety equipment, for example, an airbag control device for the safety of a driver and passengers when the vehicle collides, and an electronic stability control (ESC) configured to maintain vehicle stability when accelerating or turning.

[0044] In addition, the vehicle 1 may further include detection devices, such as a proximity sensor configured to detect an obstacle or another vehicle placed at the rear or side of the vehicle, and a raindrop sensor configured to detect whether it is raining and the amount of rainfall.

[0045] The vehicle 1 may selectively include electronic devices such as a hands-free device, a GPS, an audio device, a Bluetooth device, a rear camera, a device for charging a terminal device, and a Qualcomm device, the installation of which provides convenience for the driver.

[0046] The vehicle 1 may further include a start button configured to input an operation command to a starter motor (not shown).

[0047] That is, when the start button is turned on, the vehicle 1 may turn on a starter motor (not shown) and drive an engine (not shown) as a power generation device through the operation of the starter motor.

[0048] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 1 can wirelessly communicate with the external server 200. That is, the vehicle 1 can download data from the external server 200 based on wireless firmware (FOTA).

[0049] The vehicle 1 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) 140 configured to control the operation of a power system, a powertrain, a drive device, a steering system, a braking system, a suspension system, a transmission device, a fuel system, various safety devices, and various sensors. The vehicle 1 may include a driver 150 configured to operate various devices based on commands of the ECU 140.

[0050] The ECU 140 may control at least one of the air conditioner, a heating wire of a seat, an interior lamp, a headlight, a display 129 , a starter motor, and a telematics terminal 160 based on a command input via the inputter 128 or a command received via the communicator 161 .

[0051] The vehicle 1 may further include a telematics terminal 160 configured to perform positioning, Internet access, remote vehicle diagnosis, event detection, traffic information, and communication services related to a home network using communication and broadcast networks. Figure 1 As shown, the telematics terminal 160 can download data based on FOTA through wireless communication with the external server 200. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the telematics terminal 160 can control wireless communications between multiple vehicles. That is, the telematics terminal 160 can directly communicate with Figure 1 The server 200 communicates with the server 200 or communicates through a base station.

[0052] In addition, the telematics terminal 160 can communicate with Figure 2 Multiple other vehicles are shown communicating wirelessly. Figure 2As shown, the telematics terminal 160 can allow wireless communication between the first vehicle 10, the second vehicle 20, the third vehicle 30, and the fourth vehicle 40 that are close to a preselected distance. Specifically, the fourth vehicle 40 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the first vehicle 10 to the third vehicle 30. Although not shown, the first vehicle 10 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the second vehicle 20 to the fourth vehicle 40. The second vehicle 20 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the first vehicle 10, the third vehicle 30, and the fourth vehicle 40. The third vehicle 30 is configured to wirelessly communicate with the first vehicle 10, the second vehicle 20, and the fourth vehicle 40. Figure 2 Wireless communication is shown between a total of four vehicles within a preselected distance (the four vehicles include stopped vehicles such as the first vehicle 10 to the third vehicle 30 and an approaching vehicle such as the fourth vehicle 40), but wireless communication between fewer or more than four vehicles may be performed.

[0053] That is, the telematics terminal 160 may perform not only communication between various types of internal electronic devices and communication with a user terminal corresponding to an external terminal, but also wireless communication with other vehicles.

[0054] At this time, the telematics terminal 160 may include a CAN communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module, a USB communication module, and a Bluetooth communication module.

[0055] In addition, the telematics terminal 160 may further include a GPS receiving module for acquiring location information from a satellite, and may further include a broadcast communication module such as TPEG and SXM, and RDS such as DMB.

[0056] In addition, by using the telematics terminal 160, the user can remotely diagnose the vehicle and access various information such as traffic and life information and emergency rescue via the wireless network. By using the telematics terminal 160, the user can send phone messages to other users, send and receive voice mails, and download audio books via the wireless network.

[0057] The telematics terminal 160 can perform various services, such as receiving news, stock investment, e-commerce, banking, hotel reservations, fax, games, and services related to vehicle accidents and thefts. Specifically, when a traffic accident occurs, the telematics terminal 160 can automatically track the location of the vehicle using GPS satellites and send information related to the traffic accident to the nearest 119 rescue unit.

[0058] The vehicle 1 may further include a power supply 170 electrically connected to a terminal, an audio device, an interior lamp, a heating wire of a seat, a headlight, an ECU, and other electronic devices to supply electric power.

[0059] The power source 170 may refer to an electrical device that supplies power to an electrical load, may correspond to a chargeable / dischargeable battery, and is charged by using power from a generator or an engine during driving.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 The control configuration of the vehicle is described in more detail.

[0061] Figure 3 is a control block diagram showing a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle 1 may include an input 128 , a display 129 , an electronic control unit (ECU) 140 , a driver 150 , a telematics terminal 160 , and a power source 170 .

[0063] The input device 128 may receive a selection of a remote service mode and a delay command for the remote service mode. The input device 128 may be configured to receive at least one software update command. Here, the input device 128 may refer to an input device, which is a computer hardware device for providing data and control signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information device. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, scanners, digital cameras, joysticks, etc.

[0064] The display 129 may display selection / release information of the remote service mode.

[0065] The display 129 may also display information related to the update notification message and output download information of the update file.

[0066] Here, the display 129 may refer to a display device, which is an output device for presenting information in a visual or tactile form. Examples of the display device include an electroluminescent (EL) display, a liquid crystal (LC) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, and the like.

[0067] The download information of the update file may include information related to the corresponding software, the update file name, the total time required for downloading, the elapsed time, the remaining time, the total size of the update file, the downloaded file size, and the remaining file size, and further include the download date. The download information may be displayed as a progress bar.

[0068] The display 129 may also display information related to stopping downloading of the update file, and display information related to re-downloading of the update file.

[0069] The ECU 140 represents a controller that is a target to be updated using FOTA. That is, when data of the ECU 140 needs to be updated, the ECU 140 may transmit a signal to the telematics terminal 160.

[0070] When the ignition is turned on, the ECU 140 may control the power supply 170 so that the power supply 170 provides power for driving the electronic devices.

[0071] When receiving an operation command signal in the remote service mode, the ECU 140 may control the operation of at least one device based on the received signal.

[0072] Based on a command input via the inputter 128 or a command received via the communicator 161, the ECU 140 may control at least one of the air conditioner, the heating wire of the seat, the interior lamp, the headlight, the display 129, the starter motor, and the telematics terminal 160, but is not limited thereto. Thus, the ECU may control automotive electronic devices included in the vehicle.

[0073] The driver 150 may drive at least one device based on a control command of the ECU 140 .

[0074] The at least one device may include a power system, a powertrain, a drive device, a steering system, a braking system, a suspension system, a transmission device, a fuel system, various safety devices, and various sensors.

[0075] In the remote service mode, the driver 150 may drive a starter motor to turn on the ignition and interior lighting, or operate a heating wire of a seat or air conditioner based on a control command of the ECU 140. Here, the driver 150 may be a solenoid for generating a controlled magnetic field.

[0076] In the standby mode, the telematics terminal 160 may receive power from the power supply 170 and communicate with at least one of the server 200 , the user terminal, and the remote controller.

[0077] The telematics terminal 160 may include a communicator 161 , a controller 162 , and a memory 163 .

[0078] Here, the communicator 161, the controller 162 and the memory 163 are well-known hardware devices. For example, the communicator 161 can be a communication device capable of transmitting analog or digital signals through a telephone, other communication lines or wirelessly. Examples of communication devices include computer modems, network interface cards (NICs), Wi-Fi devices, access points, etc. The controller 162 can be a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer that executes instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control and input / output (O / I) operations specified by the instructions. The memory 163 can refer to a storage device for storing, carrying and extracting data files and objects. Examples of storage devices include RAM, cache and hard disks, as well as optical drives and externally connected USB drives.

[0079] The communicator 161 may include a first communication module 161 a that communicates with the server 200 to receive software files and update files, and a second communication module 161 b that transmits / receives data with at least one vehicle through short-range communication.

[0080] The first communication module 161a and the second communication module 161b may be the same communication method or different communication methods.

[0081] The controller 162 may acquire information about the unit that needs to be updated from the ECU 140. Alternatively, the controller 162 itself in the telematics terminal 160 may be the unit that needs to be updated.

[0082] The controller 162 may store the parking state before the vehicle 1 is turned off. This is to identify whether the vehicle 1 is able to communicate with other vehicles within a preselected radius of the stored location.

[0083] Therefore, the controller 162 can search for other vehicles capable of performing updates through vehicles assigned to the preselected radius of the storage location, and the controller 162 can communicate with the corresponding other vehicles. For example, the controller 162 can perform inter-vehicle negotiation through the second communication module 161b.

[0084] The inter-vehicle negotiation may refer to selecting a specific vehicle as the main vehicle for updating among the vehicles. Specifically, Figure 4 2 is a schematic diagram showing communication between vehicles to select a host vehicle for updating among a plurality of vehicles located in a preselected area. A vehicle having the highest average signal may be selected as the host vehicle among participating vehicles, and the host vehicle may communicate. That is, a vehicle capable of communicating with the largest number of vehicles may be selected as the host vehicle.

[0085] For example, Figure 4 It is shown that the first vehicle 10 on which a diagonal line is drawn has the highest average signal, and thus, the first vehicle 10 is selected as a host vehicle for communication between the first vehicle 10 to the fourth vehicle 40 .

[0086] The controller 162 of the first vehicle 10 selected as the host vehicle may communicate with the second vehicle 20 and the third vehicle 30 near the selected parking location. The controller 162 of the first vehicle 10 may receive information about the fourth vehicle 40 approaching the corresponding location from the server 200, and send a wake-up request to the fourth vehicle 40, thereby starting a negotiation between the first vehicle 10 to the fourth vehicle 40.

[0087] However, in order to start negotiation between vehicles, the negotiable vehicles need to meet the corresponding trigger conditions. At this time, the trigger condition can represent the minimum condition that allows the vehicle to perform the update of a specific unit, and the trigger condition can include a threshold time condition or a location condition such as being placed in a threshold area.

[0088] Thereafter, the FOTA image may be equally distributed by the host vehicle to all vehicles participating in the negotiation in which the first vehicle 10 is the host vehicle, and all vehicles may download from the external server 200 .

[0089] At this time, the download of each vehicle from the server 200 can be performed by the first communication module 161a in the telematics terminal 160, and the downloaded data can be exchanged with the remaining part via local communication. That is, the downloaded data can be exchanged through the second communication module 161b in the telematics terminal 160.

[0090] Therefore, when in a Figure 4 When an over the air (OTA) image is divided and downloaded among the four vehicles of the first vehicle 10 to the fourth vehicle 40 shown, the first vehicle 10 to the fourth vehicle 40 may respectively download a quarter (1 / 4) of the image from the external server 200. For example, when it is specified that the first vehicle 10 downloads a first download segment occupying 1 / 4 of the entire download data from the server 200, the second vehicle 20 downloads a second download segment occupying 1 / 4 of the entire download data from the server 200, the third vehicle 30 downloads a third download segment occupying 1 / 4 of the entire download data from the server 200, and the fourth vehicle 40 downloads a fourth download segment occupying 1 / 4 of the entire download data from the server 200, the first vehicle 10 to the fourth vehicle 40 may respectively download the corresponding first to fourth download segments from the external server 200 through the first communication module 161a, and the first vehicle 10 to the fourth vehicle 40 may exchange each segment with each other.

[0091] Therefore, the first vehicle 10 can send the first download segment to the second vehicle 20 to the fourth vehicle 40. The first vehicle 10 can receive the second download segment from the second vehicle 20, the third download segment from the third vehicle 30, and the fourth download segment from the fourth vehicle 40. In the same manner, the second vehicle 20 to the fourth vehicle 40 can also obtain the download segments by exchanging the download segments with each other.

[0092] However, when a vehicle other than the host vehicle is selected during the download process ( Figure 4 When a first vehicle in the local communication network is excluded from the local communication network, the controller 162 can control the host vehicle so that the host vehicle allows the segments assigned to the excluded vehicle to be divided and downloaded to the remaining vehicles. Figure 8Its description will be described.

[0093] When the vehicle selected as the host vehicle is excluded from the local communication network during the download process, the controller 162 may select a new host vehicle through negotiation among the remaining vehicles and transmit the data downloaded so far to the newly selected host vehicle. Based on the transmission, the controller 162 may reallocate the remaining data to be downloaded. Fig. 9 Its description will be described.

[0094] The controller 162 may request an update file that has not been downloaded from the server 200 .

[0095] In addition, the controller 162 may control downloading of update files based on mobile communication standards.

[0096] For example, when the communication method is the 3G communication method, the controller 162 may store only the information of the update notification message, and when the communication method is the LTE communication method, the controller 162 may download the update file.

[0097] When the communication method is the 3G communication method, the controller 162 may identify the update file size, and when it is identified that the update file size is equal to or greater than the reference size, the controller 162 may receive and store information of the update notification message. When it is identified that the update file size is less than the reference size, the controller 162 may download the update file.

[0098] When the communication method is the LTE communication method, the controller 162 may identify the strength of the received signal, and when it is identified that the identified signal strength is equal to or greater than the reference strength, the controller 162 may download the update file. When it is identified that the identified signal strength is less than the reference strength, information of the update notification message may be received and stored.

[0099] However, the controller 162 may simultaneously perform data downloading through the first communication module 161a and data downloading through the second communication module 161b. Therefore, the controller 162 may increase the download speed of the update data of the unit.

[0100] The control unit 162 of the telematics terminal 160 may be provided in the ECU 140 .

[0101] As described above, the control unit 162 may be a processor such as a CPU or an MCU.

[0102] The memory 163 may store software for performing at least one function, and when the stored software is updated based on a command of the controller 162 , the memory 163 may store the updated software.

[0103] The memory 163 may store not only files distributed and downloaded by the host vehicle but also distributed files received through local communication.

[0104] The memory 163 may pre-store current vehicle position information for use in negotiation between vehicles, and pre-store all conditions for satisfying a trigger condition corresponding to the position information.

[0105] The memory 163 may be provided separately from the telematics terminal.

[0106] The memory 163 may also include a volatile memory such as S-RAM and D-RAM, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0107] The power supply 170 may supply power for driving each electronic device in the general mode, and the power supply 170 may supply power for driving the telematics terminal 160 in the standby mode. The power supply 170 may block power supply to all drivers in the off mode.

[0108] The server 200 can communicate with the vehicles 1 registered in advance.

[0109] The server 200 may store a software file for executing at least one function and an update file for each software, and whenever an update file is generated, the server 200 may send an update notification message to the vehicle 1. When receiving an update file providing request from the vehicle 1, the server 200 may send the update file to the vehicle 1.

[0110] When receiving a request for identifying a non-downloaded file from the vehicle 1, the server 200 may provide the vehicle with information on an update file for each software.

[0111] The server 200 may store information of the downloaded update file for each vehicle, and the server 200 may provide information on non-downloaded files to the vehicle based on the information of the downloaded update file for each vehicle.

[0112] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for updating a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0113] Specifically, Figure 5 shows the operation of exchanging data between vehicles through inter-vehicle negotiation when updating a specific unit in a single vehicle, Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating in detail the vehicle-to-vehicle communication negotiation method.

[0114] First, if Figure 5As shown, vehicle 1 can store the location of the vehicle (510). At this time, the storage of the vehicle location can be performed by sending the corresponding location to the server 200 to search for other vehicles that can communicate with the vehicle within a preselected distance from the corresponding location. Through communication with adjacent vehicles, vehicle 1 can complete the negotiation between vehicles for OTA (FOTA) communication (520 and 530). The completion of the negotiation between vehicles can represent the selection of the main vehicle configured with the specified update quota in the vehicle. The quota can be assigned to the non-main vehicle through the main vehicle, and the non-main vehicle can download the quota from the server 200. The main vehicle can download the specified quota from the server 200. Specifically, the specified quota can be downloaded through the first communication module 161 of the vehicle's telematics terminal 160.

[0115] After downloading, multiple vehicles can complete the acquisition of data by exchanging data between vehicles (550).

[0116] Specifically, Figure 6 Detailed flowchart (520 and 530) of a method in which vehicle 1 can complete inter-vehicle negotiation for OTA (FOTA) communication by communicating with neighboring vehicles. Figure 6 A control method of a vehicle between multiple vehicles is also shown. First, vehicle 1 can identify whether a trigger condition is met (600). At this time, the trigger condition can indicate whether negotiation is allowed between vehicles, and the trigger condition can include a time condition and a location condition.

[0117] When the trigger condition is met (yes in 600), vehicle 1 may start negotiation to select a host vehicle for OTA communication (610). Vehicle 1 may search for a vehicle with the maximum average signal strength and then select the vehicle as the host vehicle (620 and 630). The vehicle with the maximum average signal strength may correspond to a vehicle at a location that allows the vehicle to communicate with a maximum number of vehicles. Therefore, after the host vehicle is selected, vehicle 1 may recognize that the negotiation for OTA communication has been completed (640).

[0118] Figures 7 to 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for exchanging data between a plurality of vehicles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 An implementation involves a host vehicle being selected first to complete the data exchange. Figure 8 is an implementation involving completing data exchange when non-host vehicles are excluded. Fig. 9 is an embodiment involving completing data exchange when the host vehicle is excluded. However, Figures 7 to 9It is shown that in the case of multiple vehicles, the number of vehicles is 3 (n=3). However, this is an embodiment shown for ease of description. Therefore, when the trigger condition is met, a larger number of vehicles can obtain updated data through data exchange.

[0119] exist Figures 7 to 9 In FIG. 1 , it is assumed that a host vehicle other than vehicle 1 and vehicle 2 is preselected. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A method of selecting a host vehicle is described.

[0120] The host vehicle 700a may assign download quotas to vehicle 1 700b and vehicle 2 700c corresponding to the remaining vehicles (700). The quotas may be calculated by equally dividing the number of vehicles involved in the negotiation between the vehicles. Figure 7 In an embodiment, a quota corresponding to one-third (1 / 3) may be assigned to each vehicle.

[0121] Therefore, each vehicle can download from the server according to the quota (710). The various vehicles can exchange download segments with each other. That is, vehicle 2 can send download segments to the host vehicle and vehicle 1. The host vehicle can send download segments to vehicle 1 and vehicle 2. Vehicle 1 can send download segments to the host vehicle and vehicle 2.

[0122] The exchange of the download segments between vehicles may be performed through local communication, and thus the exchange of the download segments between vehicles may be performed through the second communication module 161 b of the telematics terminal 160 .

[0123] When the download exchange is complete, each vehicle may complete acquisition of the update data ( 720 ).

[0124] However, if Figure 8 As shown, when the host vehicle 700a designates download quotas to the remaining vehicles 700b and vehicle 2 700c (700) corresponding to the remaining measurement and each vehicle excludes the non-host vehicle 700c in the process of downloading from the server according to the quota, the host vehicle 700a can re-designate the quota of the currently excluded vehicle 2 (800). That is, the quota corresponding to one-third (1 / 3) designated to the currently excluded vehicle 2 can be designated to the remaining vehicles (host vehicle and vehicle 1), and therefore, the quota corresponding to one-sixth (1 / 6) can be further designated to the remaining vehicles (host vehicle and vehicle 1). Therefore, half (1 / 2) of the entire download data can be designated to the host vehicle and vehicle 1, respectively.

[0125] Therefore, the host vehicle 700a and vehicle 1 700b can download from the server 200 according to the quota (810). The respective vehicles can exchange download segments with each other. At this time, the exchanged download segment can be half (1 / 2) of the entire download data (the number of vehicles involved is two; n=2). That is, vehicle 1 700b can send the download segment to the host vehicle 700a. The host vehicle can send the download segment to vehicle 1 and vehicle 2. Vehicle 1 can send the download segment to the host vehicle and vehicle 2.

[0126] The exchange of the download segments between vehicles may be performed through local communication, and thus the exchange of the download segments between vehicles may be performed through the second communication module 161 b of the telematics terminal 160 .

[0127] When the download exchange is complete, each vehicle may complete acquisition of the update data (820).

[0128] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of designating a download quota when excluding a host vehicle.

[0129] Specifically, in Fig. 9 The early stages of Figure 8 In the same manner, the host vehicle 700a may assign download quotas to vehicle 1 700b and vehicle 2 700c corresponding to the remaining vehicles (700), and each vehicle may download from the server according to the quota (710).

[0130] exist Fig. 9 , it is assumed that vehicle 700c is the newly selected host vehicle. Therefore, vehicle 700a corresponding to the first host vehicle may transmit the segments downloaded so far to the next host. However, when the first host vehicle 700a is not allowed to perform local communication until the negotiation for selecting the next host vehicle 700c is completed, the first host vehicle 700a may not transmit the segments that have been downloaded.

[0131] Considering the segments that have been downloaded and transmitted from the first host vehicle 700a, the next host vehicle 700c may newly designate a quota for the remaining data (910). When the segments that have been downloaded are not transmitted from the first host vehicle 700a, half (1 / 2) of the entire download data may be designated.

[0132] Therefore, the host vehicle 700c and the vehicle 1 700b can download from the server 200 according to the quota (920). The respective vehicles can exchange download segments with each other. At this time, the exchanged download segment can be half (1 / 2) of the entire download data (the number of vehicles involved is two; n=2). That is, the vehicle 1 700b can send the download segment to the host vehicle 700c. The host vehicle 700c can send the download segment to the vehicle 1 700a.

[0133] The exchange of the download segments between vehicles may be performed through local communication, and thus the exchange of the download segments between vehicles may be performed through the second communication module 161 b of the telematics terminal 160 .

[0134] When the download exchange is complete, each vehicle may complete acquisition of the update data (930).

[0135] As is apparent from the above description, according to the vehicle and the vehicle control method, since the amount of data required for updating is distributed to neighboring vehicles and downloaded in the vehicle standby mode when the update of FOTA is remotely performed from the server, the communication cost and the time required for downloading can be reduced.

[0136] Therefore, the cost of additional CDN expansion in order to maintain the increased download speed of image data can be avoided.

[0137] In addition, users can increase download speeds by communicating between multiple vehicles, using local networks between multiple vehicles to exchange data simultaneously, and downloading data through FOTA communication networks (3G, 4G, and 5G).

[0138] Even if the vehicle is parked for a long time, the internal software can be updated. Therefore, when at least one function is executed, at least one function can be executed normally, and at least one function can be executed in an optimized state.

[0139] In addition, the quality of the terminal can be improved and user satisfaction can be improved, thereby improving user convenience and vehicle safety.

[0140] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle-to-vehicle communication device for a vehicle, comprising: a communicator configured to communicate with a server and neighboring vehicles; controller, configured as storing the location of the vehicle; selecting one or more of the neighboring vehicles, wherein the one or more vehicles are capable of locally communicating with the vehicle within a reference distance from a stored location; receiving a download quota from a first host vehicle selected from the one or more vehicles; and obtain from said server as much data as the received quota, wherein the controller selects a vehicle having the greatest signal strength among the one or more vehicles as the first host vehicle, When the first host vehicle is excluded in the downloading process, the controller newly selects a second host vehicle among the one or more vehicles and receives a download quota from the newly selected second host vehicle.

2. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, wherein: When the first host vehicle is selected, the controller divides the total amount of downloaded data by the number of the one or more vehicles capable of local communication and allocates a download quota to each of the one or more vehicles.

3. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 2, wherein: When one of the one or more vehicles is excluded, the controller reallocates the download quota allocated to the excluded vehicle to the remaining vehicles of the one or more vehicles.

4. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller obtains a download quota divided by the number of the one or more vehicles capable of local communication from the server, and transmits the obtained download quota to the one or more vehicles including the first host vehicle.

5. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 4, wherein: The controller, after receiving the download quota from the newly selected second host vehicle, obtains data from the server as much as the received quota.

6. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 5, wherein: When the second host vehicle is newly selected, the controller receives the data downloaded by the first host vehicle and reallocates the download quota by the number of remaining vehicles among the one or more vehicles.

7. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The communicator further comprises: A first communication module is configured to download data from the server; and The second communication module is configured to perform local communication with neighboring vehicles.

8. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 7, wherein: The first communication module and the second communication module are operated simultaneously.

9. The inter-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller sends a local communication request to a vehicle approaching within a reference distance.

10. A method for controlling vehicle-to-vehicle communication of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: storing, by a controller, the position of the vehicle; communicating, via the communicator, with a neighboring vehicle capable of local communication within a reference distance from the stored location; Selecting, by the controller, one or more vehicles from among the neighboring vehicles that are capable of local communication; receiving, by the controller, a download quota from a first host vehicle selected from the one or more vehicles; as well as obtaining, by the controller, from the server as much data as the received download quota, The selecting step includes the following steps: selecting a vehicle having the greatest signal strength among the one or more vehicles as a first host vehicle, Wherein, the step of receiving a download quota from the first host vehicle further comprises the following steps: When the first host vehicle is excluded during the downloading process, newly selecting a second host vehicle among the one or more vehicles; and A download quota is received from the newly selected second host vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The step of selecting said first host vehicle comprises the following steps: When the first host vehicle is selected, the total amount of downloaded data is divided by the number of the one or more vehicles, and a download quota is allocated to each of the one or more vehicles.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The step of receiving the download quota further comprises: When one of the one or more vehicles is excluded, the download quota allocated to the excluded vehicle is reallocated to the remaining vehicles of the one or more vehicles.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The step of receiving the download quota further comprises: obtaining from the server a download quota divided by the number of the one or more vehicles; and The obtained download quota is sent to the one or more vehicles including the first host vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: After receiving the download quota from the newly selected second host vehicle, the step of receiving the download quota from the first host vehicle further comprises the following steps: As much data as the download quota received from the newly selected second host vehicle is obtained from the server.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The step of receiving a download quota from said first host vehicle further comprises the steps of: receiving data downloaded by the first host vehicle when the second host vehicle is newly selected; and The download quota is reallocated by the number of at least one remaining vehicle among the one or more vehicles.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The steps of receiving downloaded data from the first host vehicle and obtaining as much data as the received quota from the server are operated simultaneously.

17. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The step of communicating with neighboring vehicles further comprises the following steps: Send a local communication request to a vehicle approaching within a reference distance.

Images