Method for distributing software update data, AVP system, parking lot, computer program, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for distributing software update data for updating software of an AVP motor vehicle located in a parking lot and performing an AVP process in the parking lot, comprising the following steps: ascertaining an update time required for the software update by an infrastructure-side AVP system of the parking lot, software update data is distributed by the infrastructure-side AVP system to the AVP motor vehicle based on the required update time. The invention also relates to an AVP system for a parking lot, to a parking lot, to a computer program and to a machine-readable storage medium.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for distributing software update data, which is used to update the software of an AVP motor vehicle located in a parking lot and performing an AVP process in the parking lot. The present invention also relates to an AVP system for a parking lot, a parking lot, a computer program and a machine-readable storage medium. Technical Field

[0002] The published patent application DE 10 2009 045 711 A1 discloses the transmission of data to a vehicle and the charging of the vehicle.

[0003] The published document DE 10 2015 204 363 A1 discloses a method for operating a server. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a concept for distributing software update data for updating the software of AVP motor vehicles which are located in a parking garage and carry out AVP procedures in the parking garage.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of further developments.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a method for distributing software update data for updating software of an AVP motor vehicle located in a parking lot and performing an AVP procedure in the parking lot is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0007] The AVP system on the parking lot infrastructure side obtains the update time required for the software update.

[0008] The infrastructure-side AVP system distributes software update data to the AVP vehicles based on the required update time.

[0009] According to a second aspect, there is provided an AVP system for a parking lot, which is configured to perform all steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0010] According to a third aspect, there is provided a parking lot, comprising the AVP system according to the second aspect.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, in particular by an AVP system according to the second aspect, cause the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program according to the fourth aspect.

[0013] The present invention is based on and includes the following recognition: the above-mentioned object is solved by determining how long a software update takes via an infrastructure-side AVP system of a parking lot. Based on the determination result, the software update data is distributed from the infrastructure-side AVP system to the AVP motor vehicle.

[0014] It is therefore advantageously possible to determine whether there is sufficient time at all to carry out a software update during an AVP process.

[0015] Thus, a situation such as the following can be effectively avoided: a software update is started, during which the AVP procedure is terminated, so that, for example, the update has to be interrupted.

[0016] If necessary, the software update is performed during the AVP process, which results in the following technical advantages, for example: the software can be updated during a time when the user does not usually need the AVP vehicle.

[0017] Therefore, the time that the AVP vehicle spends in the parking lot can be effectively used for possible software updates.

[0018] The distribution of software update data is related to the required update time, resulting in technical advantages such as the following: software update data will not be distributed in vain to AVP motor vehicles, for example because the AVP process has ended early but the software update is still running. In this case, distributing software update data will waste unnecessary resources.

[0019] This results in, in particular, the technical advantage that software update data can be distributed efficiently.

[0020] A parking lot in the sense of this specification can also be referred to as a parking area or parking space and is used as a parking area for motor vehicles. Thus, a parking lot, for example, forms a continuous area with a plurality of parking spaces (for private parking lots) or a plurality of parking spaces (for public parking lots). A parking lot is, for example, a parking building or, for example, a parking garage. A parking building can, for example, include an underground garage.

[0021] A parking lot in the sense of this specification includes in particular a driveway, an entrance and an exit.

[0022] The abbreviation AVP stands for "Automated Valet Parking" and can be translated into German as "automatischer Parkservice". Within the scope of the AVP process, a motor vehicle is guided, for example, by an infrastructure-side AVP system, for example, from a delivery location to a parking location, is parked at the parking location and, for example, after expiration of the parking time or in response to a retrieval request, is unloaded and guided to a retrieval location. The AVP process begins at the delivery location. The AVP process ends at the retrieval location.

[0023] A motor vehicle in the sense of this specification is an AVP motor vehicle, even if this is not explicitly stated. Such a motor vehicle is configured to perform an AVP procedure.

[0024] If the motor vehicle is driven within an AVP process, this is at least highly automated driving. The expression "at least highly automated" includes the following expressions: highly automated, fully automated and autonomous.

[0025] According to the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt), highly automated driving corresponds to automation level 3.

[0026] According to BASt's definition, fully automated driving corresponds to automation level 4.

[0027] According to SAE (J3016), autonomous driving is equivalent to Automation Level 5, where SAE refers to the "Society of Automotive Engineers".

[0028] A further elaboration of the AVP procedure is described, for example, in ISO 23374-2.

[0029] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the infrastructure-side AVP system checks, based on the required update time, whether there is sufficient time during the AVP process for performing the software update, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the check result.

[0030] This results in the technical advantage that software update data can be distributed efficiently, for example, as long as the software update data is not distributed at all if the time available during the AVP procedure is not greater than the required update time.

[0031] Thus, for example, it is determined that if insufficient time is available during the AVP procedure to perform a software update, no software update data are distributed.

[0032] In one specific embodiment of the method, it is provided that a retrieval time or a parking duration for the AVP motor vehicle is received by the infrastructure-side AVP system, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the retrieval time or the parking duration.

[0033] This results in the following technical advantage, for example, that software update data can be distributed efficiently. Thus, for example, it is possible to effectively prevent the start of a software update whose end is after the pick-up time or after the parking period, so that in this case the software update must be interrupted, which may be disadvantageous for the update process.

[0034] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the infrastructure-side AVP system asks a terminal device, in particular a terminal device of a driver of an AVP motor vehicle, whether a software update requiring a necessary update time is desired, wherein the software update data is distributed based on a response to the query received by the infrastructure-side AVP system.

[0035] This results in the technical advantage that, for example, it can be effectively confirmed that the distribution of software update data is clearly desired. This allows, for example, the person carrying the terminal to decide whether he wants to perform a software update despite or because of the necessary update time of the software update. The terminal is, for example, a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone.

[0036] The terminal device can be carried by the driver of the motor vehicle, for example. Therefore, the driver can answer the inquiry of the infrastructure-side AVP system when using his terminal device.

[0037] In one specific embodiment of the method, it is provided that if at least one further service is to be performed on the infrastructure side for the AVP motor vehicle in addition to the software update, a service time required for performing the at least one further service is determined by the infrastructure-side AVP system, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the required service time.

[0038] This results in the technical advantage that, for example, software update data can be distributed efficiently, provided that the time required for one or more further services to be performed on the AVP motor vehicle is taken into account according to this embodiment.

[0039] A further service within the meaning of this specification is, for example, one of the following services: interior cleaning, washing, drive battery charging, tire pressure check, tire change, repair.

[0040] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that determining the time required for the software update includes determining a first update time and determining a second update time, wherein the first update time indicates the time required for such a software update: in which the software update data is distributed to the AVP motor vehicle via a wireless network established in the parking lot, and the second update time indicates the time required for such a software update: in which the software update data is distributed to the AVP motor vehicle by wire, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the first update time and the second update time.

[0041] This results in the following technical advantage, for example, that software update data can be distributed efficiently. According to this embodiment, it is thus provided that, on the one hand, it is determined how long it takes to distribute the software update data wirelessly. On the other hand, it is determined how long it takes to distribute the software update data wiredly. Thus, for example, if the first update time is less than or equal to the second update time, it can be determined or decided that the software update data is distributed wirelessly. Conversely, for example, if the second update time is less than or equal to the first update time, it can be determined or decided that the software update data is distributed wiredly.

[0042] A wireless network in the sense of this specification is, for example, one of the following wireless networks: a WLAN network, a mobile wireless network, such as an LTE network.

[0043] Wired distribution means, for example, that the update data are distributed via a wired communication interface, in particular an Ethernet communication interface.

[0044] In one specific embodiment of the method, it is provided that the first update time is determined based on the wireless coverage of the wireless network in the parking lot.

[0045] This results in the technical advantage, for example, that the first update time can be determined efficiently.

[0046] According to this embodiment, it is therefore provided that the wireless coverage is taken into account when determining the first update time. This makes it possible, for example, to efficiently determine how long it takes to send the software update data to the motor vehicle via the wireless network.

[0047] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that the infrastructure-side AVP system determines a wireless update position included in the parking lot for the AVP motor vehicle based on the wireless coverage, at which the wireless coverage has a maximum value, wherein the first update time is determined based on the determined wireless update position.

[0048] This results in the technical advantage, for example, that correspondingly short update times are achieved for wireless distribution of software update data.

[0049] The maximum value is, for example, a local maximum value or, for example, a global maximum value.

[0050] In one specific embodiment of the method, it is provided that the infrastructure-side AVP system ascertains the availability of at least one wired communication interface included in the parking garage for the wired distribution of software update data, wherein the second update time is ascertained based on the respective availability.

[0051] This results in the technical advantage, for example, that the second update time can be determined efficiently.

[0052] For example, it may be possible that the distribution of software update data via a wired communication interface is faster than the wireless distribution of software update data. However, if the wired communication interface is currently unavailable, for example because other AVP vehicles are acquiring software update data by wire, then the wired distribution of software update data will take longer than the wireless transmission, because in this case it is necessary to wait until the wired communication interface is available again.

[0053] The ascertainment of the first update time and / or the ascertainment of the second update time is carried out in particular based on a current position of the AVP motor vehicle or based on a parking position assigned to the AVP motor vehicle within the scope of the AVP process.

[0054] In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that if it is determined that software update data is to be distributed to an AVP motor vehicle by the infrastructure-side AVP system, the infrastructure-side AVP system obtains an update location included in the parking lot for the AVP motor vehicle, and the AVP motor vehicle is to drive to the update location at least highly automatically within the scope of the AVP process, wherein the software update data is distributed to the AVP motor vehicle after the AVP motor vehicle arrives at the update location.

[0055] This results in, for example, the following technical advantages: software update data can be distributed efficiently. The update location is, for example, a parking location assigned to an AVP motor vehicle within the scope of an AVP process. The update location is, for example, a wireless update location. The update location is, for example, a location in a parking lot where a wired communication interface is available. The update location is, for example, the location of a charging station for charging the drive battery of an electric motor vehicle. Therefore, if the AVP motor vehicle is an electric motor vehicle (which can be arranged in this way according to one embodiment), the motor vehicle can be charged and the software updated at the same time.

[0056] In one specific embodiment of the method, it is provided that the AVP process includes the AVP motor vehicle being driven at least highly automatically from a parking position assigned within the scope of the AVP process to an updated position, in particular back again at least highly automatically.

[0057] This results in the technical advantage, for example, that the update position is available again to other vehicles after a software update.

[0058] Explanations made in connection with the AVP system apply analogously to the method, and vice versa.

[0059] The AVP system is, for example, programmed to execute a computer program.

[0060] The method is, for example, a computer-implemented method.

[0061] The method is performed, for example, by means of an infrastructure-side AVP system.

[0062] The infrastructure-side AVP system may also be referred to as the AVP infrastructure system.

[0063] The method steps are in particular performed by the infrastructure-side AVP system, even if this is not explicitly stated.

[0064] The expression "at least one" means "one or more".

[0065] According to one specific embodiment of the method, the update time can be determined by the infrastructure-side AVP system via or with the aid of the AVP vehicle. Thus, the update time can be determined in particular by the infrastructure-side AVP system using or with the aid of the AVP vehicle.

[0066] This results in the technical advantage that, for example, the update time can be determined efficiently.

[0067] For example, the infrastructure-side AVP system sends a query to the remote server regarding the size of the update data and / or the predicted duration of the software update, wherein the infrastructure-side AVP system obtains the update time based on the remote server's answer.

[0068] The answer includes, for example, information about the size of the update data and / or the estimated duration of the software update.

[0069] The remote server is, for example, an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) server or an AVP automobile manufacturer's server.

[0070] For example, the infrastructure-side AVP system identifies the communication specification of the AVP vehicle. For example, the infrastructure-side AVP system sends a query about the communication specification to the remote server, so that the infrastructure-side AVP system identifies the communication specification when answering accordingly.

[0071] The communication specifications include, for example, the maximum possible data transmission rate between the AVP vehicle and the communication partner (eg, the infrastructure-side AVP system).

[0072] For example, the infrastructure-side AVP system obtains the update time based on the communication specifications and / or based on the remote server's response to a query regarding the update data size and / or the predicted duration of the software update.

[0073] The remote server can access the database described below.

[0074] The embodiments and implementations described here can be combined with one another in any desired manner, even if not explicitly stated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] The present invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of preferred embodiments.

[0076] Figure 1 is a flow chart of the method according to the first aspect,

[0077] Figure 2 It is an AVP system for parking lots.

[0078] Figure 3 It's a parking lot.

[0079] Figure 4 is a machine-readable storage medium,

[0080] Figure 5 It's a parking lot.

[0081] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Parking lot and

[0082] Figure 7 is another flow chart of the method according to the first aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for distributing software update data for updating software of an AVP motor vehicle located in a parking lot and executing an AVP process in the parking lot is shown, the method comprising the following steps:

[0084] The parking lot infrastructure side AVP system obtains the update time required for the 101 software update.

[0085] The software update data is distributed 103 by the infrastructure-side AVP system to the AVP vehicles based on a required update time.

[0086] Figure 2 An AVP system 201 for a parking lot is shown, which is configured to perform all steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0087] Figure 3 A parking lot 301 is shown, comprising Figure 2 AVP system 201.

[0088] Figure 4 A machine-readable storage medium 401 is shown, on which a computer program 403 is stored. The computer program 403 comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0089] Figure 5 A parking lot 501 is shown, comprising an AVP system 503 according to the second aspect.

[0090] In parking lot 501 there is a motor vehicle 505 which is an AVP motor vehicle and is executing an AVP procedure.

[0091] The AVP system 503 performs the individual method steps of the method according to the first aspect and thereby distributes software update data to the motor vehicle 505 , for example, in order to update the software of the AVP motor vehicle 505 .

[0092] For example, software update data is already stored within the AVP system 503 .

[0093] However, the software update data may also be requested by the AVP system 503 from a remote database, such as a database of an OEM.

[0094] This is Figure 6 exemplarily shown in Figure 6 The database is marked with reference numeral 601.

[0095] Figure 7 Another flow chart of the method according to the first aspect is shown. The method starts at block 701 and ends at block 703.

[0096] According to step 705 , the infrastructure-side AVP system determines whether software update data for updating the software for the AVP vehicle exists. If not, the method ends.

[0097] If so, the infrastructure-side AVP system determines whether software update is needed according to function block 707. If not, the method ends.

[0098] If necessary, the infrastructure-side AVP system checks whether there is enough time for software update within the AVP process range according to function block 709. To this end, the infrastructure-side AVP system obtains the update time required for the software update. If the time is not enough, the method ends.

[0099] If the time is sufficient, the infrastructure-side AVP system distributes the software update data to the AVP vehicle according to function block 711. The software is then updated on the vehicle side using the software update data.

[0100] The method ends after the software update data is distributed.

[0101] In summary, the concepts described herein are based, inter alia, on the fact that a software update procedure is to be performed during an AVP procedure.

[0102] The advantage resulting from this is in particular that no additional time is required for the end customer to update the software, since the software update is carried out during the downtime.

[0103] The advantage resulting from this is in particular that there is a stable and safety-monitored communication link with the AVP motor vehicle, since such a communication link is in particular a basic condition for the AVP process.

[0104] The resulting advantage is in particular that access to the AVP vehicle / entry to the AVP vehicle is possible via the AVP infrastructure system, since such access is in particular a basic condition for the AVP process.

[0105] The advantage resulting from this is in particular that there is a regular exchange with the OEM operator / AVP operator, since such an exchange is in particular a basic condition for the AVP process.

[0106] The advantages resulting from this are, for example, the presence of specialist personnel or their short-term availability under contract.

[0107] Preferably there is a service contract between the OEM and the AVP provider.

[0108] The concept is based in particular on the fact that the AVP infrastructure system checks whether a software update is available for the corresponding AVP motor vehicle.

[0109] This is performed, for example, by querying a (OEM) database, for example by querying a further (independent) database.

[0110] For example, the AVP infrastructure system may access its own database which is regularly matched with the (OEM) database.

[0111] The query as to whether a software update is present can be performed, for example, using a plurality of variants, which can also be combined with one another.

[0112] In one embodiment, it is (always) known in the AVP vehicle and / or in the database whether a software update exists. For this purpose, for example, this is checked regularly between the AVP vehicle and the database.

[0113] In such an embodiment, the existence of the software update is known, for example, before the AVP procedure is started or even before the AVP procedure is requested / booked, ie already before the motor vehicle arrives at the parking garage.

[0114] In one embodiment, the software status is checked by the AVP infrastructure system. This embodiment can also be combined with the previous embodiment before arrival or on site.

[0115] In the next step, for example, it is checked whether there is enough time to perform the software update during the AVP process. Usually, the retrieval time is described in the AVP process. Thus, it can be determined from the software update time and the parking time whether the software update can be performed in time.

[0116] If the pickup time (parking duration) is unknown, the driver can be asked about the software update and the time required. For example, the following question: "Do you want the software to be updated in the next period of time?"

[0117] With regard to the required / available time, other services, such as charging, may also be considered. In the event of insufficient time, the driver will / can indicate priorities, for example, with regard to services and software updates.

[0118] In an optional step, it is checked whether the software update is timely and, for example, necessary. Thus, for example, it is checked whether it is an optional software update or a software update with a lower priority.

[0119] If a software update is to be performed, it is initiated, for example, by / via the AVP infrastructure system, ie by the infrastructure-side AVP system.

[0120] In one specific embodiment, the software is updated at the parking location of the AVP vehicle.

[0121] In one specific embodiment, the software is updated at the update location. In this case, the AVP vehicle is guided to the update location by the AVP infrastructure system, for example.

[0122] In this embodiment, the software is updated wirelessly and the software update data is distributed wirelessly.

[0123] In one embodiment, the software is updated by wire, i.e. the software update data is distributed by wire, i.e. via wires. This is performed, for example, at the update location by means of service personnel, who are available, for example, due to the AVP service and have undergone additional training. The access authorization is available, for example, due to the AVP process.

[0124] When there is an error / problem, the AVP infrastructure system is used to ask for help from a service person, for example. The service person can, when there is a problem, for example, try to solve the problem remotely and / or on-site.

Claims

1. A method for distributing software update data for updating software of an AVP vehicle (505) located in a parking lot (301) and executing an AVP procedure in the parking lot (301), the method comprising the following steps: The infrastructure-side AVP system (201) of the parking lot (301) obtains (101) the update time required for the software update. Software update data is distributed (103) by the infrastructure-side AVP system (201) to the AVP vehicles (505) based on the required update time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: An infrastructure-side AVP system (201) checks whether there is enough time for performing software update during the AVP process based on the required update time, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the result of the check.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A pickup time or parking duration for an AVP vehicle (505) is received by an infrastructure-side AVP system (201), wherein software update data is distributed based on the pickup time or parking duration.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: An infrastructure-side AVP system (201) asks a terminal device, in particular a terminal device of a driver of an AVP vehicle (505), whether a software update requiring a necessary update time is desired, wherein software update data is distributed based on a response to the query received by the infrastructure-side AVP system (201).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: If at least one further service is to be performed on the infrastructure side for the AVP vehicle (505) in addition to the software update, the infrastructure-side AVP system (201) determines a service time required for performing the at least one further service, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the required service time.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Obtaining the update time required for a software update includes obtaining a first update time and obtaining a second update time, wherein the first update time indicates the time required for such a software update: in which the software update data is distributed to the AVP motor vehicle (505) via a wireless network established in the parking lot (301), and the second update time indicates the time required for such a software update: in which the software update data is distributed to the AVP motor vehicle (505) by wire, wherein the software update data is distributed based on the first update time and the second update time.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: A first update time is obtained based on the wireless coverage of the wireless network in the parking lot (301).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The infrastructure-side AVP system (201) obtains a wireless update position included in the parking lot (301) for the AVP vehicle (505) based on the wireless coverage, at which the wireless coverage has a maximum value, wherein a first update time is obtained based on the obtained wireless update position.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The infrastructure-side AVP system (201) determines the availability of at least one wired communication interface included in the parking lot (301) for the wired distribution of software update data, wherein a second update time is determined based on the respective availability.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: If it is determined that the software update data is to be distributed from the infrastructure-side AVP system (201) to the AVP motor vehicle (505), the infrastructure-side AVP system (201) obtains an update location included in the parking lot (301) for the AVP motor vehicle (505), and the AVP motor vehicle (505) should drive to the update location at least highly automatically within the scope of the AVP process, wherein the software update data is distributed to the AVP motor vehicle (505) after the AVP motor vehicle (505) arrives at the update location.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The AVP process includes that the AVP motor vehicle (505) is to be driven at least highly automatically from a parking position assigned within the scope of the AVP process to the updated position, and in particular is to be driven back at least highly automatically.

12. An AVP system (201) for a parking lot (301), the AVP system being configured to perform all steps of the method according to one of the preceding claims.

13. A parking lot (301) comprising the AVP system (201) according to claim 12.

14. Computer program (403) comprising instructions which, when a computer executes the computer program (403), cause the computer to perform the method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A machine-readable storage medium (401) on which a computer program (403) according to claim 14 is stored.

Images