Module distribution system, server, vehicle, and module distribution method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a module distribution system, a server, a vehicle, and a module distribution method. The module distribution system of the present disclosure is capable of preferentially transmitting, to a vehicle, an update module that is high in priority order for a driver of the vehicle. The module distribution system notifies the driver of the vehicle that a program corresponding to an update module that has been distributed to the vehicle from a server via a communication network, among a plurality of programs executed by at least one processor mounted on the vehicle, is capable of being updated. The module distribution system updates the program corresponding to the update module that has been distributed, with the update module that has been distributed, in accordance with a predetermined operation performed by the driver in correspondence with the notification. The module distribution system calculates, for each attribute of a plurality of attributes, a representative value of a retention time from when the update module having the attribute is distributed to when the program corresponding to the update module is updated. The module distribution system distributes the update modules to the vehicle via the communication network in a manner in which the more the update module has an attribute with a short representative value of the retention time, the more the update module is prioritized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a module distribution system, a server, a vehicle, and a module distribution method that distribute an update module of a program via a communication network. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a vehicle, sometimes, in order to control the actions of various devices mounted on the vehicle, a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) for executing each predetermined program are mounted. The program executed in the ECU can be updated by an update module distributed via a communication network. In the vehicle, the time when the update module can be distributed via the communication network is sometimes limited to the time when the state in which the power source such as an engine or a motor is turned on and the vehicle can be driven, and the like. In addition, in the vehicle, sometimes, a line with a bandwidth wide enough to be connected to the communication network cannot be used. In such a case, in order to distribute a plurality of update modules for updating each program of the programs executed in the plurality of ECUs via the communication network, a large amount of time is required. In this situation, it can lead to a decrease in convenience for the driver, such as an update module that is high in priority order for the driver of the vehicle is distributed and applied after an update module that is low in priority order.

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, a software update system is described that manages update software distributed by an update software distribution section based on a priority of software update for a control device mounted on a vehicle.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-132979 SUMMARY

[0007] In the software update system described in Patent Literature 1, the priority of software update is decided on the server side based on the functional category of the ECU that executes the software, and the like. Therefore, in the software update system described in Patent Literature 1, it is not possible to preferentially distribute an update module that is high in priority order for the driver of the vehicle to the vehicle.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a module distribution system that can preferentially distribute an update module that is high in priority order for the driver of the vehicle to the vehicle.

[0009] The module distribution system of the present disclosure includes a vehicle equipped with at least one processor that executes a plurality of programs, and a server that distributes, to the vehicle via a communication network, an update module for updating each of the plurality of programs to a new version, wherein the vehicle is provided with a notification section that notifies a driver of the vehicle that a program among the plurality of programs corresponding to a distributed update module distributed from the server can be updated, and an update section that, in accordance with a predetermined operation performed by the driver in correspondence with the notification, updates the program corresponding to the distributed update module using the distributed update module, and transmits, to the server, data indicating a retention time from when the distributed update module is distributed to when the program corresponding to the distributed update module is updated, and the server is provided with a calculation section that calculates, for each attribute of a plurality of attributes, a representative value of the retention time of the update module having the attribute, and a distribution section that distributes, to the vehicle via the communication network, the update module in a manner in which the update module having an attribute with a shorter representative value of the retention time is distributed with higher priority.

[0010] In the module distribution system of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the notification section notify the driver that the program can be updated in a case where the vehicle is in a drivable state at a current time, and the current time is included in a time period in which the drivable state of the vehicle is recorded, which time period is longer than a predetermined time.

[0011] In the module distribution system of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the notification section notify the driver that the program can be updated in a case where the vehicle is in a drivable state at a current time, and the vehicle is stopped.

[0012] In the module distribution system of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the distribution section distribute the update module having an attribute with a shorter representative value of the retention time with higher priority, or that the distribution section distribute, to the vehicle via the communication network, the update module having an attribute with a shorter representative value of the retention time using a communication line having a wider bandwidth.

[0013] The server of the present disclosure is provided with a distribution section that distributes, to a vehicle via a communication network, an update module for updating any program among a plurality of programs executed by at least one processor mounted on the vehicle, and a calculation section that receives, from the vehicle, data indicating a retention time from when the update module is distributed to when the program corresponding to the distributed update module is updated, calculates, for each attribute of a plurality of attributes, a representative value of the retention time of the update module having the attribute, and the distribution section distributes, to the vehicle via the communication network, the update module in a manner in which the update module having an attribute with a shorter representative value of the retention time is distributed with higher priority.

[0014] The vehicle of the present disclosure includes a notification unit that notifies a driver of the vehicle that a program, among a plurality of programs executed by at least one processor mounted on the vehicle, corresponding to an update module distributed from a server via a communication network can be updated, and an update unit that updates the program corresponding to the update module with the update module distributed from the server, in accordance with a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification, and transmits data indicating a retention time from when the update module is distributed to when the program corresponding to the update module is updated, to the server.

[0015] The module distribution method of the present disclosure includes notifying a driver of a vehicle that a program, among a plurality of programs executed by at least one processor mounted on the vehicle, corresponding to a distributed update module distributed to the vehicle from a server via a communication network can be updated, updating the program corresponding to the distributed update module with the distributed update module, in accordance with a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification, calculating a representative value indicating a retention time from when the distributed update module having each attribute is distributed to when the program corresponding to the distributed update module is updated, for each attribute of a plurality of attributes, and distributing update modules to the vehicle via the communication network in a manner in which the more an attribute is short in the representative value of the retention time, the more the update module of the attribute is prioritized.

[0016] According to the module distribution system of the present disclosure, it is possible to prioritize distribution of update modules to a vehicle, which are high in priority order for a driver of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a module distribution system.

[0018] Figure 2 is an action timing chart of a module distribution process in the module distribution system.

[0019] Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a server.

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of attributes of an update module.

[0021] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a representative value of a retention time for each attribute.

[0022] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of a processor possessed by a server.

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle.

[0024] Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram of an ECU possessed by a vehicle.

[0025] Figure 9is a functional block diagram of a processor that the ECU has.

[0026] (Reference Signs)

[0027] 1: module distribution system; 2: server; 241: distribution unit; 242: calculation unit; 3: vehicle; 36: processor; 361: request unit; 362: notification unit; 363: update unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, a module distribution system capable of preferentially transmitting to a vehicle an update module of a program that is high in priority order for a driver of the vehicle will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The module distribution system includes a vehicle that mounts at least one processor that executes a plurality of programs, and a server that distributes to the vehicle an update module for updating each of the plurality of programs to a new version, via a communication network. The vehicle notifies the driver of the vehicle that a program of the plurality of programs corresponding to a distributed update module distributed from the server is updatable. In addition, the vehicle updates the program corresponding to the distributed update module, using the distributed update module, in accordance with a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification, and transmits data indicating a retention time from when the distributed update module is distributed to when the program corresponding to the distributed update module is updated, to the server. The server calculates a representative value of the retention time of the distributed update module having each attribute, for each attribute. The attribute that the update module has refers to, for example, "function addition" indicating that a function is added to the program by the update, and "improvement" indicating that the program is improved by the update, and the like. The server distributes the update module to the vehicle via the communication network in such a manner that the update module having an attribute of which the representative value of the retention time is shorter is given priority.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the module distribution system.

[0030] The module distribution system 1 of the present embodiment has a server 2 and a vehicle 3. The server 2 and the vehicle 3 are communicable, for example, via a communication network 4 to which the server 2 is connected, a wireless base station 5 connected to the communication network by means of a gateway (not shown), and the like. The server 2 distributes to the vehicle 3 an update module for updating a program executed by at least one processor mounted on the vehicle 3. Note that the vehicle 3 is one of a plurality of vehicles included in the module distribution system 1. In addition, in the module distribution system 1, a plurality of wireless base stations 5 can be connected to the communication network 4.

[0031] Figure 2 is an action timing chart of a module distribution process in the module distribution system 1.

[0032] In the module distribution system 1, vehicle 3 sends a signal requesting an update of module distribution to server 2 via wireless base station 5 and communication network 4 (step S1). The signal requesting an update of module distribution includes vehicle identification information for identifying vehicle 3 and version information of each of the multiple programs executed in vehicle 3.

[0033] Server 2 responds to the update module distribution request and distributes the update module to vehicle 3 via communication network 4 and wireless base station 5 (step S2).

[0034] Vehicle 3 notifies the driver of Vehicle 3 that the program corresponding to the distributed update module among the multiple programs executed by the processor mounted on Vehicle 3 can be updated (step S3).

[0035] Vehicle 3 determines whether there is a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification (step S4). If it is determined that there is no predetermined operation (step S4: no), it returns to step S4 and repeats the determination of the predetermined operation.

[0036] If it is determined that there is a predetermined operation (step S4: yes), vehicle 3 uses the distributed update module to update the program corresponding to the distributed update module (step S5).

[0037] Next, vehicle 3 sends data indicating the retention time to the server via wireless base station 5 and communication network 4 (step S6). The retention time is the length of the period from when the update module is distributed until the program corresponding to the update module is updated.

[0038] Server 2 calculates a representative value for the retention time for each of the multiple attributes (step S7). Before returning to step S1, server 2 waits for a distribution request for the update module from vehicle 3. The retention time is the time from when the update module is distributed to vehicle 3 until the program corresponding to that update module is updated.

[0039] In the distribution of update modules in step S2, server 2 distributes update modules to vehicle 3 with priority given to update modules that have a shorter retention time representative value.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a hardware schematic of server 2.

[0041] Server 2 distributes update modules to vehicle 3 via communication network 4, prioritizing update modules that have shorter retention time values ​​among the update modules used to update multiple programs executed in vehicle 3. Therefore, server 2 includes a communication interface 21, a storage device 22, a memory 23, and a processor 24.

[0042] Communication interface 21 is an example of a communication unit, and it has interface circuitry for connecting server 2 to communication network 4. Furthermore, communication interface 21 is configured to communicate with vehicle 3 via communication network 4 and wireless base station 5. Specifically, communication interface 21 transmits data such as retention time received from vehicle 3 via wireless base station 5 and communication network 4 to processor 24. Additionally, communication interface 21 transmits update modules and other data received from processor 24 to vehicle 3 via communication network 4 and wireless base station 5.

[0043] Storage device 22 is an example of a storage unit, such as a storage device having a hard disk device or a non-volatile semiconductor memory device. Storage device 22 stores, in association with any one of the multiple programs executing in vehicle 3, an update module for updating that program and the attributes of that update module. Furthermore, storage device 22 also stores, corresponding to each of the multiple vehicles, a representative value of the retention time of the attributes of each update module.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of updating the properties of a module.

[0045] Storage device 22 stores attributes representing the characteristics of update modules stored in association with the program. For example, such attributes include "feature addition" indicating an update module that adds functionality to the program, or "improvement" indicating an update module that improves the program. Additionally, storage device 22 also stores version information of the program updated using the update modules.

[0046] exist Figure 4 In the example, update module M0011-121 is used to update program P0011 to version 1.21 and has the attribute "Improvement". Update module M0012-200 is used to update program P0012 to version 2.00 and has the attribute "Feature Addition". Update module M0013-111 is used to update program P0013 to version 1.11 and has the attribute "Improvement".

[0047] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a representative value for the retention time of each attribute.

[0048] Storage device 22 stores representative values ​​of the retention time of attributes of each update module in association with vehicle identification information of each of the multiple vehicles used to identify them. Figure 5In the examples, for vehicles with vehicle identification information V001, the representative retention time corresponding to the "Function Addition" attribute is 2:20, and the representative retention time corresponding to the "Improvement" attribute is 7:55. Additionally, for vehicles with vehicle identification information V022, the representative retention time corresponding to the "Function Addition" attribute is 12:40, and the representative retention time corresponding to the "Improvement" attribute is 8:05. It should be noted that vehicle 3 is the vehicle with vehicle identification information V001.

[0049] The memory 23 includes both volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory 23 stores various data used in the processing implemented by the processor 24, such as data indicating retention time received from the vehicle 3 via the communication interface 21. Additionally, the memory 23 also stores various application programs, such as an update module distribution program for distributing update modules to the vehicle 3.

[0050] Processor 24 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuitry. Processor 24 may also have other arithmetic circuitry such as logic units or numerical arithmetic units.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram of the processor 24 in server 2.

[0052] The processor 24 of server 2 is a functional block comprising a distribution unit 241 and a computing unit 242. These units of processor 24 are functional modules installed via programs that execute on processor 24. The computer program used to implement the functions of the units of processor 24 may also be provided in the form of a computer-readable portable recording medium such as semiconductor memory, magnetic recording medium, or optical recording medium. Alternatively, these units of processor 24 may also be installed in server 2 as independent integrated circuits, microprocessors, or firmware.

[0053] The distribution unit 241 receives a distribution request from the vehicle 3 via the communication interface 21 and the communication network 4. In response to receiving the distribution request, the distribution unit 241 distributes the update module to the vehicle 3 via the communication interface 21 and the communication network 4.

[0054] The distribution unit 241 selects an update module from the update modules stored in the storage device 22 as the distribution target. For example, the distribution unit 241 accepts a distribution request containing version information of each of the multiple programs executed in the vehicle 3. Moreover, the distribution unit 241 selects the update module stored in the update modules of the storage device 22 that has a lower version information than the version information of the program included in the distribution request as the distribution target update module.

[0055] For example, the version information contained in the distribution request received from vehicle 3 may be 1.20 for program P0011, 1.80 for program P0012, and 1.11 for program P0013. In this case, the version information of the program contained in the distribution request is lower than the version information of the program stored in storage device 22 for programs P0011 and P0012. Therefore, the distribution unit 241 selects the update module M0011-121 corresponding to program P0011 and the update module M0012-200 corresponding to program P0012 as the update modules to be distributed.

[0056] The distribution unit 241 distributes the selected update modules to the vehicle 3 via the communication interface 21 and the communication network 4. At this time, the distribution unit 241 prioritizes update modules with shorter retention time representative values ​​to the vehicle 3. In the vehicle 3 (vehicle identification information V001), the representative value of the retention time corresponding to the "function addition" attribute is 2:20, which is shorter than the representative value of the retention time corresponding to the "improvement" attribute, which is 7:55. Therefore, the distribution unit 241 prioritizes update modules with the "function addition" attribute over update modules with the "improvement" attribute to the vehicle 3.

[0057] For example, the distribution unit 241 selects update modules as distribution targets in a manner that prioritizes update modules with attributes having shorter representative values ​​for retention time. In the example above, update modules M0011-121, selected as distribution targets, have an "improvement" attribute, while update module M0012-200 has a "feature addition" attribute. The distribution unit 241 distributes the update modules to vehicle 3 in a manner that prioritizes update modules M0012-200, which has a shorter representative value for retention time for "feature addition," over update modules M0011-121, which have a longer representative value for retention time for "improvement."

[0058] Furthermore, the distribution unit 241 can also use a communication line with a wider bandwidth to distribute update modules with shorter retention time representative values ​​to the vehicle 3 via the communication network 4. In the example above, the distribution unit 241 uses a communication line of a wireless base station 5 capable of communication based on the so-called 5G (5th Generation) wireless communication standard to distribute update modules M0012-200 with shorter retention time representative values ​​that have an "additional function" attribute. On the other hand, the distribution unit 241 uses a communication line of a wireless base station 5 capable of communication based on the so-called 4G (4th Generation) wireless communication standard to distribute update modules M0011-121 with longer retention time representative values ​​that have an "improvement" attribute.

[0059] The calculation unit 242 calculates a representative value of the retention time from when an update module with a certain attribute is distributed until the program corresponding to that update module is updated, for each update module with that attribute.

[0060] The calculation unit 242 receives information from the vehicle 3, representing the retention time corresponding to the distributed update modules, via the communication interface 21 and the communication network 4. The calculation unit 242 calculates a representative value for the retention time in response to the received information, and updates the representative value of the retention time for each attribute stored in the storage device 22 using the calculated representative value. The representative value of the retention time is the average of the retention times of the distributed update modules with predetermined attributes. The representative value of the retention time can also be a statistical measure other than the mode or median. The updated representative value of the retention time is used for subsequent distribution of update modules executed by the distribution unit 241.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of vehicle 3. Vehicle 3 has an instrument display 31, a data communication module 32, and an ECU 33 (Electronic Control Unit). The instrument display 31, data communication module 32, and ECU 33 are connected via an in-vehicle network based on a standard such as a control area network (CLAN) to enable communication.

[0062] The instrument cluster display 31 is an example of a user interface device, such as an LCD display. The instrument cluster display 31 displays predetermined images to the driver in a visually recognizable manner based on signals received from the ECU 33 via the in-vehicle network. A touch panel capable of detecting touches performed by the driver is superimposed on the instrument cluster display 31. Additionally, the vehicle 3 may also include other user interface devices such as speakers (not shown).

[0063] The data communication module 32, an example of a vehicle communication unit, is a device that performs wireless communication processing based on a predetermined wireless communication standard, such as 5G or 4G. The data communication module 32 connects to the server 2, for example, by accessing a wireless base station 5, via the wireless base station 5 and the communication network 4. The data communication module 32 delivers data contained in the downlink wireless signal received from the wireless base station 5 to the ECU 33. Additionally, the data communication module 32 includes data received from the ECU 33 in an uplink wireless signal and transmits this signal to the wireless base station 5, thereby sending the data to the server 2. It should be noted that the data communication module 32 can also be installed as part of the ECU 33.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a hardware structure diagram of ECU33 in vehicle 3.

[0065] ECU 33 requests server 2 to distribute update modules for updating multiple programs executed in vehicle 3, notifies the driver that the programs can be updated using the update modules distributed from server 2, and sends the retention time of each update module to server 2. Therefore, ECU 33 has a communication interface 34, a memory 35, and a processor 36.

[0066] Communication interface 34 is another example of a vehicle communication unit, having a communication interface circuit for connecting ECU 33 to an in-vehicle network. Communication interface 34 provides received data to processor 36. Additionally, communication interface 34 outputs data provided from processor 36 to an external source.

[0067] The memory 35 is an example of a vehicle storage unit, and includes both volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory 35 stores various data used in the processing executed by the processor 36, such as distributed update modules distributed from the server 2 and the time of distribution of the distributed update modules. Additionally, the memory 35 stores the duration of the drivable state of the vehicle 3, which is recorded at the beginning of each time period. The drivable state of the vehicle 3 refers to a state where the ignition switch of the power source providing power to the vehicle 3 is turned on, such as the vehicle 3 being able to move according to the driver's operation. Furthermore, the memory 35 stores various application programs, such as programs for performing program update processing, and programs updated using distributed update modules through program update processing.

[0068] Processor 36 is an example of a vehicle control unit, having one or more processors and their peripheral circuitry. Processor 36 may also have other computational circuitry such as logic operation units, numerical operation units, or graphics processing units.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a functional block diagram of the processor 36 in ECU33.

[0070] The processor 36 of the ECU 33, as a functional block, includes a request unit 361, a notification unit 362, and an update unit 363. These units of the processor 36 are functional modules installed via a computer program stored in the memory 35 and executed on the processor 36. The computer program implementing the functions of the units of the processor 36 may also be provided as a computer-readable portable recording medium, such as a semiconductor memory, magnetic recording medium, or optical recording medium. Alternatively, these units of the processor 36 may be installed in the ECU 33 as independent integrated circuits, microprocessors, or firmware.

[0071] The request unit 361 sends a signal (request signal) requesting the distribution of the update module to the server 2 via the wireless base station 5 and the communication network 4. For example, the request unit 361 sends the request signal when the ECU 33 starts operating, coinciding with the start of use of the vehicle 3. Alternatively, the request unit 361 may refer to the duration of the drivable state of the vehicle 3 stored in the memory 35 for each time period, and send the request signal if the current time includes a time period longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 1 hour) that records the start of the drivable state of the vehicle 3.

[0072] The notification unit 362 notifies the vehicle's driver that the program among the multiple programs executed by the vehicle's processor, which corresponds to the distributed update module distributed to the vehicle from the server via the communication network, can be updated.

[0073] The notification unit 362 notifies the driver that any of the multiple programs running in the vehicle 3 can be updated by displaying an image on the instrument display 31 containing a string such as "○○ program can be updated. △△ function added through this update."

[0074] Additionally, the notification unit 362 can also notify the driver that any of the multiple programs running in the vehicle 3 can be updated by playing a sound such as "The ○○ program can be updated. This update optimizes the △△ function." through a speaker.

[0075] The notification unit 362 can also notify the driver that the program can be updated if the vehicle 3 is currently in a drivable state and the current time includes a period longer than a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) during which the vehicle 3 begins to be used. By operating the notification unit 362 in this way, the module distribution system 1 can update the program using the distributed update module while the vehicle 3 remains in a drivable state for a sufficiently long time. The notification unit 362 determines whether the current time includes a period longer than a predetermined time during which the vehicle 3's drivable state begins by referring to the duration of each drivable period of the vehicle 3 stored in the memory 35.

[0076] Furthermore, the notification unit 362 can also notify the driver that the program can be updated even when the vehicle 3 is currently drivable and stationary. By operating the notification unit 362 in this way, the module distribution system 1 can notify the driver of the vehicle 3 about program updates when the driver can reliably respond to the notification. The notification unit 362 determines whether the vehicle 3 is stationary by obtaining the vehicle 3's speed from its driving mechanism.

[0077] The update unit 363 determines whether there has been a predetermined operation performed by the driver that corresponds to a notification indicating that the program can be updated. The predetermined operation is a touch on a predetermined area of ​​the instrument display 31 (e.g., an area displaying the string "Yes"). Alternatively, the predetermined operation could be emitting a sound like "Yes". The update unit 363 determines whether there has been a predetermined operation by analyzing sound data acquired using a microphone (not shown).

[0078] When the update unit 363 determines that a predetermined operation has occurred, it updates the program corresponding to the distributed update module using the distributed update module stored in the memory 35. The program update is performed by the processor 36 executing the distributed update module. Alternatively, the program update can be performed by specifying the distributed update module and the corresponding program and executing a predetermined program update procedure.

[0079] When the program is updated using the distributed update module, the update unit 363 sends data indicating the retention time of the distributed update module to the server 2 via the communication interface 34 and the data communication module 32. The retention time is obtained by the difference between the time when the program is updated using the distributed update module (the current time) and the time when the distributed update module was distributed and stored in the memory 35.

[0080] The module distribution system 1 operates as described above, prioritizing the distribution of update modules to vehicles that have a short retention time from distribution to update. Therefore, the module distribution system 1 is able to prioritize the distribution of update modules for programs that have a high priority for the vehicle's driver.

[0081] In the modified module distribution system, vehicle 3 has ECUs (subordinate ECUs) other than ECU 33. ECU 33 requests the server 2 for the distribution of an update module to update the program executing in the subordinate ECU, and notifies the driver that the program executing in the subordinate ECU can be updated. ECU 33 updates the corresponding program in the subordinate ECU using the distributed update module, for example, by causing the subordinate ECU to execute the distributed update module, according to a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification. Furthermore, it sends the retention time of the distributed update module for updating the program executing in the subordinate ECU to the server 2. With this structure, the module distribution system can appropriately distribute update modules for programs executing in each of the multiple ECUs in the vehicle.

[0082] It is to be understood that those skilled in the art can make various changes, substitutions and modifications to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A module distribution system, comprising: A vehicle equipped with at least one processor that executes multiple programs; And a server, via a communication network, distributes update modules to the vehicle for updating each of the plurality of programs to a new version, wherein, The vehicle has the following features: The notification unit notifies the driver of the vehicle that the program in the plurality of programs corresponding to the distributed update module distributed from the server can be updated; and The update unit, based on a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification, updates the program corresponding to the distributed update module using the distributed update module, and sends data to the server indicating the retention time from the distribution of the distributed update module to the update of the program corresponding to the distributed update module. The server has the following features: The calculation unit, for each of multiple attributes, calculates a representative value of the retention time of the distributed update modules with that attribute; and The distribution unit distributes update modules to the vehicle via the communication network, prioritizing update modules with shorter representative values ​​for the retention time.

2. The module distribution system according to claim 1, wherein, If the vehicle is drivable at the current moment, and the current moment is included in a period of time that has been longer than a predetermined time and recorded the start of the vehicle's drivability, the notification unit notifies the driver that the program can be updated.

3. The module distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the vehicle is currently drivable and has stopped, the notification unit informs the driver that the program can be updated.

4. The module distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The more an update module has the attribute of a shorter representative value of the retention time, the earlier the distribution unit distributes it; or the more an update module has the attribute of a shorter representative value of the retention time, the more bandwidth the distribution unit uses to distribute it to the vehicle via the communication network.

5. A server, wherein, The server has the following features: The distribution unit distributes, via a communication network, an update module for updating any one of a plurality of programs executed by at least one processor mounted in the vehicle; as well as The computing unit receives data from the vehicle representing the retention time from when the update module is distributed until the program corresponding to the distributed update module is updated. For each of multiple attributes, it calculates a representative value of the retention time for the update module having that attribute. The distribution unit distributes update modules to the vehicle via the communication network, prioritizing update modules with shorter representative values ​​for the retention time.

6. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle has the following features: The notification unit notifies the vehicle's driver that a program among multiple programs executed by at least one processor mounted in the vehicle, corresponding to an update module distributed from a server via a communication network, can be updated; and The update unit, based on a predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification, updates the program corresponding to the update module using an update module distributed from the server, and sends data to the server indicating the retention time from the distribution of the update module to the update of the program corresponding to the update module. Specifically, for each of the multiple attributes, the server calculates a representative value of the retention time of the update module with that attribute, and distributes the update module to the vehicle via the communication network in a manner that prioritizes update modules with attributes having shorter representative values ​​of the retention time.

7. A module distribution method, wherein, The module distribution method includes: The driver of the vehicle is notified that the program among a plurality of programs executed by at least one processor mounted in the vehicle, which corresponds to the distributed update module distributed to the vehicle from the server via a communication network, can be updated. According to the predetermined operation performed by the driver corresponding to the notification, the program corresponding to the distributed update module is updated using the distributed update module; For each of the multiple attributes, calculate a representative value of the retention time from when the distributed update module with that attribute is distributed until the program corresponding to that distributed update module is updated; and Update modules are distributed to the vehicle via the communication network in a manner that prioritizes update modules with shorter representative values ​​of the retention time.

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