Upgrading device

Abstract

A processor of an upgrade device executes a predetermined presentation upon detecting that a vehicle enters a specific area, thereby notifying a passenger of the vehicle of the presentation by a notification device. The predetermined presentation represents characteristics of the vehicle after upgrading, and the upgrading is to update at least a part of data and programs related to control of the vehicle; and after notifying the presentation, transmitting upgrade information indicating the content of the upgrade to the vehicle through the communication device, thereby causing the vehicle to perform the upgrade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an upgrading device for upgrading vehicle software. Background Art

[0002] For example, a control gain changing device for changing the control gain of a vehicle control device is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, a control gain is transmitted from a portable gain changer to a gain changing device installed in the vehicle via wireless communication, and the characteristics of a drive system of the vehicle are changed based on the received control gain.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-328981 Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues However, the operation of changing the characteristics of the vehicle, that is, the operation of upgrading the vehicle software, as described in Patent Document 1 lacks entertainment, and it is difficult to imagine how the characteristics of the vehicle will change after the upgrade, so there is little motivation to perform the upgrade.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an upgrade device that can increase motivation for upgrading.

[0006] Technical Solution In order to solve the above problems, an upgrade device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A vehicle detection device, which detects a vehicle entering a specific area, wherein the specific area is a specific area that the vehicle can enter; Control devices; notification device; and a communication device for establishing communication between the control device and the vehicle, The control device has: one or more processors; and one or more memories connected to the processor, The processor performs the following processing: performing a predetermined demonstration based on detection of the vehicle entering the specific area, thereby notifying the demonstration to the passengers of the vehicle through the notification device, the predetermined demonstration indicating the characteristics of the vehicle after the upgrade, the upgrade being an update of at least a part of the data and programs related to the control of the vehicle; and After the demonstration is notified, upgrade information indicating the content of the upgrade is transmitted to the vehicle through the communication device, so that the vehicle executes the upgrade.

[0007] Technical Effects According to the present invention, the motivation for upgrading can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a simplified block diagram showing the structure of the upgrade device according to this embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an upgrade list indicating selectable upgrades.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a parameter list indicating changeable parameters.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the upgrade processing unit.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the vehicle control unit.

[0013] Explanation of symbols 1Upgrade device 10 Vehicles 20Specific structures 22Vehicle detection device 24 communication devices 28 Notification device 32 Control Devices 80 Specific areas 90 Display Device 92 speakers 100 processors 102 Memory DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples for easy understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, for elements having substantially the same function and structure, repeated descriptions are omitted by marking the same symbols, and illustrations of elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

[0015] Figure 1 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the structure of the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment. The upgrade device 1 implements an upgrade for updating at least a portion of data and programs related to the control of the vehicle 10. Hereinafter, such an upgrade of the vehicle 10 is sometimes referred to as simply an upgrade. When the vehicle 10 is upgraded, the control content related to driving is changed, thereby changing the characteristics of the vehicle 10.

[0016] The vehicle 10 is a vehicle that is controlled at least in relation to driving by dedicated software. It should be noted that the software here is not limited to a program, and may also include data used by the program. The vehicle 10 is, for example, an electric vehicle having an electric generator as a driving source. It should be noted that the vehicle 10 may be a hybrid electric vehicle having an electric generator and an engine as driving sources, or an engine vehicle having an engine as a driving source.

[0017] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle communication device 50 , a storage device 52 , a navigation device 54 , and a vehicle control device 56 .

[0018] The vehicle communication device 50 can establish communication with a communication device outside the vehicle 10 via a communication network such as the Internet. The storage device 52 is composed of a nonvolatile storage element. It should be noted that the nonvolatile storage element may also include a nonvolatile storage element such as a flash memory that can be electrically read and written.

[0019] The navigation device 54 can determine the position of the vehicle 10 using the GPS (Global Positioning System). The navigation device 54 can derive the driving route of the vehicle 10 based on the map information, the destination information, the position information of the vehicle 10, and the like. The navigation device 54 has a display device that can display various information such as the map information, the position information of the vehicle 10, and the driving route information. The navigation device 54 has a speaker that can guide information such as route changes on the driving route by voice. The navigation device 54 has an input device such as a touch panel configured on the screen of the display device.

[0020] The vehicle control device 56 includes a vehicle processor 60 as one or more processors and a vehicle memory 62 as one or more memories connected to the vehicle processor 60. The vehicle memory 62 includes a ROM storing programs and the like and a RAM as a work area. The vehicle processor 60 cooperates with the programs stored in the vehicle memory 62 to control the entire vehicle 10. In addition, the vehicle processor 60 functions as a vehicle control unit 70 by executing the programs. The vehicle control unit 70 performs at least various processes related to the driving of the vehicle 10.

[0021] In the upgrade device 1, as described later, it is designed to be able to upgrade the vehicle 10 at a time desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be changed at a time desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10. In addition, in the upgrade device 1, as described later, it is designed to be able to upgrade the content desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be changed to the content desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10. In addition, in the upgrade device 1, before performing the upgrade, a predetermined demonstration showing the characteristics of the upgraded vehicle is performed. The predetermined demonstration will be described in detail later. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can experience the demonstration, so the motivation for upgrading can be increased.

[0022] The upgrade device 1 includes a specific structure 20 , a vehicle detection device 22 , a communication device 24 , a storage device 26 , a notification device 28 , an input device 30 , and a control device 32 .

[0023] In the upgrade device 1, a specific area 80 that the vehicle 10 can enter is set. The specific area 80 can be set to any location such as a service station where the vehicle battery can be charged, a tourist spot in each region, various event venues, etc., and the vehicle battery supplies power to the electric generator of the vehicle 10. The specific area 80 has at least a width that the vehicle 10 can enter and park. The specific area 80 may not be divided by structures such as fences. The specific area 80 may also be set according to the range in which the vehicle detection device 22 described later can detect the vehicle 10.

[0024] The vehicle detection device 22 is configured to detect that the vehicle 10 has entered the specific area 80. The vehicle detection device 22 may detect the entry of the vehicle 10 in a non-contact manner, for example, by infrared rays or the like. In addition, the vehicle detection device 22 may include, for example, a physical gate provided at the entrance of the specific area 80, and a passenger of the vehicle 10 who reaches the gate in a closed state may open the gate and detect the entry of the vehicle 10 by performing a predetermined operation on the vehicle detection device 22.

[0025] The specific structure 20 is set in the specific area 80. The specific structure 20 is set up in a manner to surround the vehicle 10 entering the specific area 80. For example, the specific structure 20 can also be formed into a tunnel shape through which the vehicle 10 can pass. It should be noted that the specific structure 20 is not limited to a tunnel shape, and for example, it can also be formed into a frame shape such as an automatic car washing machine set up in a service station. In addition, the specific structure 20 is not limited to a method of being set up in a manner to surround the vehicle 10, and for example, it can also be set on the side of the vehicle 10 parked in the specific area 80 like a gate device of a toll parking lot.

[0026] The communication device 24 can transmit signals and information to the control device 32 described later. The communication device 24 can establish communication between the control device 32 and the vehicle communication device 50 of the vehicle 10. The storage device 26 is composed of a non-volatile storage element. It should be noted that the non-volatile storage element may also include a non-volatile storage element such as a flash memory that can be electrically read and written.

[0027] The notification device 28 includes a display device 90 and a speaker 92. The display device 90 and the speaker 92 are provided in the specific structure 20, for example.

[0028] More specifically, when the specific structure 20 is installed so as to surround the vehicle 10, the display device 90 is provided at a position of the specific structure 20 facing the inner surface of the vehicle 10, and the passenger of the vehicle 10 can visually check the position of the screen of the display device 90 from the interior of the vehicle 10. In addition, when the specific structure 20 is provided on the side of the vehicle 10, the display device 90 may be provided at a position on the side of the vehicle 10, and the passenger of the vehicle 10 can visually check the position of the screen of the display device 90 from the interior of the vehicle 10. The display device 90 visually notifies the passenger of the vehicle 10 of various images and information.

[0029] The speaker 92 is provided at a position outside the vehicle 10 entering the specific area 80 and at a position where passengers of the vehicle 10 can hear the sound of the speaker 92 from inside the vehicle 10. The speaker 92 auditorily notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 of various sounds.

[0030] The input device 30 is, for example, a touch panel disposed on the upper surface of at least a portion of the screen of the display device 90. It should be noted that the input device 30 is not limited to a touch panel, and may also be a physical switch, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The input device 30 receives various input operations performed by passengers of the vehicle 10, etc.

[0031] The control device 32 includes one or more processors 100 and one or more memories 102 connected to the processors 100. The memories 102 include a ROM storing programs and a RAM as a work area. The processor 100 cooperates with the programs stored in the memory 102 and functions as an upgrade processing unit 110.

[0032] Here, when the passenger of the vehicle 10 wishes to upgrade the vehicle 10 using the upgrade device 1 , the passenger moves the vehicle 10 to the specific area 80 and stops the vehicle 10 in the specific area 80 .

[0033] The upgrade processing unit 110 performs a predetermined demonstration showing the characteristics of the upgraded vehicle 10 before the vehicle 10 is upgraded, upon detecting that the vehicle 10 has entered the specific area 80, and notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 of the demonstration through the notification device 28. The predetermined demonstration will be described in detail later.

[0034] The upgrade processing unit 110 transmits upgrade information indicating the content of the upgrade to the vehicle 10 through the communication device 24 at any time after the demonstration notification, so that the vehicle 10 executes the upgrade based on the upgrade information. The upgrade is executed in the specific area 80. After the upgrade is completed, the passengers of the vehicle 10 make the vehicle 10 exit the specific area 80.

[0035] Here, most of the upgrade information for changing the characteristics of the vehicle 10 is a collection of data indicating the setting values ​​of various parameters indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the capacity of the upgrade information is smaller than that of the information when reprogramming the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1, the time taken to transmit the upgrade information to the vehicle 10 and execute the upgrade of the vehicle 10 can be shortened compared to the time taken when reprogramming.

[0036] Furthermore, in the upgrade device 1, a plurality of upgrade options of different characteristics of the vehicle 10 may be prepared. In the upgrade device 1, a demonstration and upgrade information are also prepared for each upgrade option. The plurality of upgrade options and the upgrade demonstration and upgrade information of each of the plurality of upgrade options are stored in the storage device 26.

[0037] The upgrade processing unit 110 performs processing for causing a passenger of the vehicle 10 to select an upgrade from a plurality of upgrade candidates before the vehicle 10 is upgraded, based on detection that the vehicle 10 has entered the specific area 80 .

[0038] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing an example of an upgrade list indicating upgrades that can be selected. The upgrade list is displayed at a position close to the driver's seat of the vehicle 10 in the screen displayed by the display device 90. It should be noted that since the screen displayed by the display device 90 is wide, Figure 2 The frame representing the screen is omitted. In addition, the upgrade list can also be displayed on the navigation device 54. Figure 2 In the example, candidates for upgrade include upgrade "A", upgrade "B", and upgrade "C".

[0039] In the upgrade "A", the driving mode showing the characteristics of the vehicle 10 is "sofa mode". In the sofa mode, the characteristics that can reduce the burden during long-distance high-speed driving are set, for example, including characteristics set in a manner to reduce driving noise and characteristics that suppress vibration of the vehicle 10. More specifically, in the sofa mode, for example, the driving noise is reduced by lowering the carrier frequency of the inverter control of the electric generator compared to other driving modes. In addition, in the sofa mode, for example, the vibration is suppressed by increasing the hydraulic pressure of the shock absorber compared to other driving modes.

[0040] In the upgrade "B", the driving mode is "Energy Saving Mode". In the Energy Saving Mode, the characteristics are focused on power consumption. More specifically, in the Energy Saving Mode, for example, compared with other driving modes, the upper limit of the voltage and the upper limit of the torque of the inverter control of the motor generator are limited to suppress power consumption.

[0041] In the upgrade "C", the driving mode is "sports mode". In the sports mode, the characteristics are speed-oriented. More specifically, in the sports mode, for example, the upper limit of the torque is increased compared to other driving modes, thereby easily generating a higher speed and acceleration.

[0042] It should be noted that the number of upgrade candidates is not limited to the number shown in the example, but may be any number. In addition, the upgrade candidates are not limited to the content shown in the example, but may be any content. For example, an upgrade of a driving mode such as a "engine reproduction mode of the ○○ era" that reproduces the driving feeling of an engine of the ○○ era may be prepared as a candidate.

[0043] The passenger of the vehicle 10 can select an upgrade by clicking any of the images of the selection buttons showing "Select" corresponding to each upgrade. The input device 30 such as a touch panel receives input instructing the selection of such an upgrade.

[0044] In addition, the upgrade list may be displayed on the screen of the display device of the navigation device 54. In this method, the upgrade processing unit 110 transmits information indicating the upgrade list to the vehicle 10 via the communication device 24. The vehicle control unit 70 displays the upgrade list on the screen of the display device of the navigation device 54 based on the received information indicating the upgrade list. If the vehicle control unit 70 obtains an input indicating the selection of the upgrade via the input device of the navigation device 54, the vehicle control unit 70 transmits information indicating the selection of the upgrade to the control device 32 via the vehicle communication device 50.

[0045] Next, the above-mentioned scheduled demonstration will be described. The scheduled demonstration is, for example, an image that visually displays the environment such as scenery and landscape outside the vehicle when the vehicle 10 is running, including an image of the characteristics of the imagined vehicle 10. In addition, the scheduled demonstration is an auditory representation of the driving sound of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is running and the sound of the environment outside the vehicle, including the characteristics of the imagined vehicle 10. It should be noted that it is preferred that both the image and the sound are notified as the scheduled demonstration, but only one of the image and the sound may be notified as the scheduled demonstration.

[0046] For example, when the mode is upgraded to the sofa mode, a video with a calm atmosphere or video with suppressed video shaking can be notified, and the sound of driving sound reduced compared to other driving modes can be notified.

[0047] For example, when the vehicle is switched to the energy-saving mode, an image of a leisurely driving in a refreshing forest may be displayed, and a natural and rich ambient sound may be displayed compared to other driving modes.

[0048] For example, when the vehicle is upgraded to the sports mode, a video of the vehicle driving briskly on a mountain pass may be notified, and the vehicle may be notified with a louder driving sound than in other driving modes.

[0049] It should be noted that the specific contents of the demonstration are not limited to the exemplified contents, and may be set to any contents of the characteristics of the upgraded vehicle 10 that can be imagined.

[0050] The upgrade processing unit 110 notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 by displaying an image showing the predetermined demonstration on the display device 90 of the notification device 28 , and notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 by causing the speaker 92 of the notification device 28 to emit a sound showing the predetermined demonstration.

[0051] It should be noted that the navigation device 54 of the vehicle 10 may be made to function as a notification device for notifying the demonstration, and the video demonstration may be notified through the display device of the navigation device 54, and the sound demonstration may be notified through the speaker of the navigation device 54. In this embodiment, the upgrade processing unit 110 transmits demonstration information indicating the demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade to the vehicle 10 through the communication device 24. The vehicle control unit 70 causes the navigation device 54 to function as a notification device based on the received demonstration information.

[0052] After notifying the demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade, the upgrade processing unit 110 transmits upgrade information corresponding to the selected upgrade to the vehicle 10. Thus, the selected upgrade is executed in the vehicle 10. As a result, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 are changed to the characteristics indicated by the driving mode of the selected upgrade.

[0053] It should be noted that, here, a method of selecting an upgrade from a plurality of upgrade candidates is described. However, it is also possible to prepare only one upgrade without selecting the upgrade, and the upgrade processing unit 110 may notify the demonstration corresponding to the one upgrade upon detecting that the vehicle 10 has entered the specific area 80. In this method, it is also possible to send upgrade information corresponding to the one upgrade to the vehicle 10 automatically or after any confirmation is made after the notification of the demonstration without selecting the upgrade, and the vehicle 10 may execute the one upgrade.

[0054] In addition, after selecting an upgrade from a plurality of upgrade candidates, the upgrade processing unit 110 may allow a passenger of the vehicle 10 to change at least a portion of the parameters representing the characteristics of the vehicle 10 determined by the selected upgrade. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, changing the parameters representing the characteristics of the vehicle 10 determined by the upgrade may be referred to as detailed settings.

[0055] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a parameter list indicating changeable parameters. The parameter list is displayed at a position close to the driver's seat of the vehicle 10 in the screen displayed by the display device 90. It should be noted that since the screen displayed by the display device 90 is wide, Figure 3 The frame representing the screen is omitted. In addition, a parameter list may be displayed on the navigation device 54.

[0056] Figure 3 An example of a parameter list corresponding to the upgrade "A" in which the driving mode is the sofa mode is shown. Figure 3 In the example of , the parameters that can be changed include "horsepower", "torque", and "sound". For each parameter, a standard value representing the characteristics of the vehicle 10 in the selected driving mode is set as an initial value. The initial value of the parameter is set to a different value according to the content of each upgrade, that is, each driving mode. That is, in the detailed setting based on the parameter list, the parameter can be fine-tuned from the initial value according to the preference of the passenger of the vehicle 10.

[0057] It should be noted that the types of parameters that can be changed are not limited to the types shown in the examples, and can be any parameters related to the content of the selected upgrade. In addition, the parameters that can be changed, that is, the parameter list, can also be different for each upgrade.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, in the parameter list, for each parameter, a value before change, a change button indicating "up", a change button indicating "down", and a value after change are shown. The value before change of each parameter indicates, for example, an initial value of the parameter.

[0059] When a passenger of the vehicle 10 clicks a change button indicating "up", the value of the parameter corresponding to the change button increases, and the increased value is displayed as the changed value of the parameter. When a passenger of the vehicle 10 clicks a change button indicating "down", the value of the parameter corresponding to the change button decreases, and the decreased value is displayed as the changed value of the parameter.

[0060] In addition, by clicking the "up" or "down" change button, the changed content can be displayed as a "message".

[0061] Furthermore, when the “up” or “down” change button is clicked, the upgrade processing unit 110 executes a demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade and reflecting the parameter changes made by the passenger of the vehicle 10 , and notifies the demonstration via the notification device 28 .

[0062] For example, if the upgrade of the sofa mode is selected and the demonstration of the sofa mode is notified through the notification device 28, the passenger of the vehicle 10 feels the demonstration of the sofa mode. As a result of feeling the demonstration, the passenger of the vehicle 10 feels that the "sound" is louder than he imagined. In this case, the passenger of the vehicle 10 clicks the "down" change button of the "sound" parameter.

[0063] Then, the upgrade processing unit 110 reduces the parameter of the sound in the sofa mode by one level. More specifically, the upgrade processing unit 110 reduces the carrier frequency by a predetermined value from the initial value in the sofa mode. Then, the upgrade processing unit 110 performs a demonstration after the parameter of the sound is reduced and notifies the demonstration through the notification device 28. Thus, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can feel and confirm the demonstration in which the parameter of the sound is reduced by one level.

[0064] When the passenger of the vehicle 10 agrees with the characteristics of the vehicle 10 through the experience demonstration, he / she clicks the confirmation button indicating "Confirmation". Then, the content of the upgrade is confirmed, and the upgrade processing unit 110 transmits upgrade information corresponding to the selected upgrade and reflecting the parameter change made by the passenger of the vehicle 10 to the vehicle 10. As a result, the selected upgrade and the update reflecting the parameter change made by the passenger of the vehicle 10 are executed in the vehicle 10. As a result, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 are changed to the characteristics indicated by the driving mode of the selected upgrade and reflecting the parameter change made by the passenger of the vehicle 10.

[0065] In this way, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can adjust the characteristics of the vehicle 10 in detail to the characteristics that suit their preferences.

[0066] In addition, when the characteristics of the vehicle 10 are different from the desired upgrade content after experiencing the demonstration, the passenger of the vehicle 10 clicks the return button showing "return". Then, the upgrade processing unit 110 displays the upgrade list again, and the passenger of the vehicle 10 can reselect the upgrade. It should be noted that when the return button showing "return" is clicked, it is also possible to return to the previous state of clicking "down" or "up".

[0067] In addition, the parameter list may be displayed on the display device of the navigation device 54 in the same manner as the upgrade list. In addition, the function of changing the detailed setting of the parameter may be omitted.

[0068] In addition, the upgrade processing unit 110 may also obtain information indicating the age of the driver among the passengers of the vehicle 10. In this manner, the upgrade processing unit 110 may also modify the initial values ​​of the various parameters in the selected upgraded driving mode according to the acquired age. For example, in a case where the acquired age belongs to the young class and the upgrade of the sofa mode is selected, the upgrade processing unit 110 may also reduce the initial value of the parameter of "sound" in the sofa mode according to the acquired age. In addition, for example, in a case where the acquired age belongs to the old class and the upgrade of the sofa mode is selected, the upgrade processing unit 110 may also increase the initial value of the parameter of "sound" in the sofa mode according to the acquired age.

[0069] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the operation of the upgrade processing unit 110. The upgrade processing unit 110 determines whether a vehicle is detected (S10). When the vehicle 10 is detected by the vehicle detection device 22 ("Yes" in S10), the upgrade processing unit 110 performs the processing after step S11. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is not detected ("No" in S10), the upgrade processing unit 110 waits until the vehicle 10 is detected.

[0070] In step S11, first, the upgrade processing unit 110 presents upgrade candidates to passengers of the vehicle 10 (S11). Figure 2 The upgrade list shown is displayed on the screen of the display device 90. Thus, the passenger of the vehicle 10 can select an upgrade.

[0071] The upgrade processing unit 110 determines whether an input indicating the selection of the upgrade is obtained through the input device 30 such as a touch panel on the screen of the display device 90 (S12). If the input indicating the selection of the upgrade is not obtained ("No" in S12), the upgrade processing unit 110 waits until the input indicating the selection of the upgrade is obtained. It should be noted that, if the input indicating the selection of the upgrade is not obtained even after a predetermined time has passed, the upgrade processing unit 110 may forcibly select an arbitrary upgrade.

[0072] When an input indicating selection of an upgrade is acquired (Yes in S12 ), the upgrade processing unit 110 temporarily sets the contents of the selected upgrade as the contents of the upgrade to be executed ( S13 ).

[0073] The upgrade processing unit 110 performs a demonstration corresponding to the temporarily set upgrade content and makes a notification through the notification device 28 ( S14 ).

[0074] The upgrade processing unit 110 notifies the user of the demonstration and accepts the detailed settings (S15). Figure 3 The parameter list shown is displayed on the screen of the display device 90. Thus, the passenger of the vehicle 10 can change the parameters determined according to the selected upgrade.

[0075] The upgrade processing unit 110 determines whether an input for changing the detailed setting of the parameter is obtained through the input device 30 such as a touch panel on the screen of the display device 90 (S16). For example, when a change button of "up" or "down" in the parameter list is clicked, the upgrade processing unit 110 may determine that the input of the detailed setting is obtained.

[0076] When it is determined that the input of the detailed setting is obtained ("Yes" in S16), the upgrade processing unit 110 reflects the change of the parameter based on the input of the detailed setting (S17), and updates the temporary setting of the content of the upgrade to be executed (S13). Thus, the upgrade processing unit 110 executes the demonstration corresponding to the updated content of the upgrade, notifies the demonstration through the notification device 28 (S14), and repeats the processing after step S15.

[0077] In addition, in step S16, when it is determined that the input of the detailed setting is not obtained ("No" in S16), the upgrade processing unit 110 determines whether the input of the instruction to reselect the upgrade is obtained (S18). For example, the upgrade processing unit 110 may determine that the input of the instruction to reselect is obtained when the return button showing "Return" in the parameter list is clicked.

[0078] When it is determined that an input instructing reselection has been obtained (YES in S18 ), the upgrade processing unit 110 displays the upgrade list on the screen of the display device 90 , presents upgrade candidates to the passenger of the vehicle 10 ( S11 ), and repeats the processing after step S12 .

[0079] If it is determined in step S18 that the input indicating reselection is not obtained (No in S18), the upgrade processing unit 110 determines whether the input indicating the completion of selection is obtained (S19). For example, the upgrade processing unit 110 may determine that the input indicating the completion of selection is obtained when a button indicating "OK" in the parameter list is clicked.

[0080] When it is determined that the input indicating the completion of the selection has not been acquired (No in S19 ), the upgrade processing unit 110 repeats the processing in step S16 and thereafter.

[0081] When it is determined that an input indicating that the selection is completed is obtained ("Yes" in S19), the upgrade processing unit 110 determines the content of the latest upgrade temporarily set in step S13 as the content of the upgrade to be executed, and determines the upgrade information based on the determined content of the upgrade (S20). The upgrade processing unit 110 transmits the determined upgrade information to the vehicle 10 via the communication device 24 (S21), and ends a series of processes.

[0082] Figure 5 2 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the operation of the vehicle control unit 70. The vehicle control unit 70 determines whether the upgrade information is received from the control device 32 via the communication device 24 (S30). When the vehicle control unit 70 receives the upgrade information transmitted from the control device 32 via the communication device 24 ("Yes" in S30), the vehicle control unit 70 performs the processing after step S31. On the other hand, when the upgrade information is not received ("No" in S30), the vehicle control unit 70 waits until the upgrade information is received.

[0083] When the upgrade information is received (Yes in S30), the vehicle control unit 70 temporarily sets the vehicle 10 to the non-ready state (S31). The vehicle control unit 70 stores various information indicating the current characteristics of the vehicle 10 as restoration information in the storage device 52 (S32). The restoration information is stored so that the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be restored to the characteristics before the upgrade is performed, for example, when an error is found after the upgrade is performed.

[0084] The vehicle control unit 70 starts the upgrade according to the received upgrade information (S33). The vehicle control unit 70 determines whether the upgrade is completed (S34). If it is determined that the upgrade is not completed (No in S34), the vehicle control unit 70 waits until the upgrade is completed.

[0085] If it is determined that the upgrade is completed (Yes in S34), the vehicle control unit 70 returns the vehicle 10 to the ready state (S35). The vehicle control unit 70 notifies the completion of the upgrade (S36) through the display device of the navigation device 54, for example, and ends the series of processes.

[0086] As described above, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, a predetermined demonstration showing the characteristics of the upgraded vehicle 10 is performed in response to detection of the vehicle 10 entering the specific area 80, and the demonstration is notified to the passengers of the vehicle 10 through the notification device 28. In the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, after the notification of the demonstration, the upgrade information showing the contents of the upgrade is transmitted to the vehicle 10 through the communication device 24, and the vehicle 10 is caused to perform the upgrade.

[0087] Thus, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can experience the characteristics of the upgraded vehicle 10 through the demonstration before the upgrade. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the motivation for upgrading can be increased by experiencing the elements of the attraction such as the demonstration.

[0088] In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, by performing a demonstration, it is possible to make the passengers of the vehicle 10 feel like wanting to experience the demonstration. As a result, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the motivation of the passengers of the vehicle 10 to go to the specific area 80. As a result, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the motivation to upgrade.

[0089] In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of this embodiment, for example, by setting the specific area 80 as a tourist spot, in other words, by arranging the vehicle detection device 22, the notification device 28, etc. at the tourist spot, it is possible to combine elements of experience such as sightseeing with the upgrade. As a result, in the upgrade device 1 of this embodiment, the motivation for upgrading can be increased.

[0090] In the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 can be upgraded by the passengers of the vehicle 10 going to the specific area 80. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the vehicle 10 can be upgraded at a timing desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10, and the degree of freedom of the upgrade can be increased.

[0091] In addition, the upgrade device 1 of this embodiment is configured to allow the passenger of the vehicle 10 to select an upgrade from a plurality of upgrade options. Thus, the upgrade device 1 of this embodiment can perform upgrades of the content desired by the passenger of the vehicle 10, and the degree of freedom of the upgrade can be increased.

[0092] In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, before the upgrade is executed, a demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade is executed to notify the passengers of the vehicle 10. Thus, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can confirm whether the upgrade is as desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10 before the upgrade is executed. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be set to the characteristics desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10.

[0093] In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, it is configured that at least a part of the parameters indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 determined by the selected upgrade can be changed by the passengers of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform an upgrade of the content desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10, and the degree of freedom of the upgrade can be further increased.

[0094] In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, before the upgrade is executed, a demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade and after the parameters are changed is executed, and the demonstration is notified to the passengers of the vehicle 10. Thus, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the passengers of the vehicle 10 can confirm whether the parameter changes are as desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10 before the upgrade is executed. Therefore, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be set to the characteristics desired by the passengers of the vehicle 10.

[0095] In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, a specific structure 20 is provided so as to surround the vehicle 10 entering the specific area 80. In addition, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the notification device 28 includes a display device 90. The display device 90 is provided at a position of the specific structure 20 facing the inner surface of the vehicle 10, and the passenger of the vehicle 10 can visually confirm the screen of the display device 90 from the interior of the vehicle 10, and visually notify the display indicating the demonstration. As a result, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the effect of the demonstration can be improved, and as a result, the motivation for upgrading can be improved.

[0096] In the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the notification device 28 includes a speaker 92. The speaker 92 is provided at a position outside the vehicle 10 that has entered the specific area 80 and at a position where passengers of the vehicle 10 can hear the sound of the speaker 92 from the interior of the vehicle 10, and the speaker 92 auditorily notifies the passengers of the demonstration. Thus, in the upgrade device 1 of the present embodiment, the effect of the demonstration can be improved, and as a result, the motivation for upgrading can be improved.

[0097] The embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can obviously think of various variations or modifications within the scope of the claims, and should know that these variations or modifications also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0098] For example, the upgrade information in the above embodiment may include validity period information, which is information indicating the period during which the upgrade functions effectively from the time when the upgrade is executed. In this mode, after the validity period indicated by the validity period information has passed, when the vehicle 10 becomes unready, the vehicle control unit 70 restores the characteristics of the vehicle 10 to the characteristics before the upgrade is executed based on the restoration information. In this mode, since the upgrade has a validity period, the execution of the upgrade itself can include an element of interest, and the degree of freedom of the upgrade can be increased.

Claims

1. An upgrading device, characterized in that: have: A vehicle detection device, which detects a vehicle entering a specific area, wherein the specific area is a specific area that the vehicle can enter; Control devices; Notification device; as well as a communication device for establishing communication between the control device and the vehicle, The control device has: one or more processors; and one or more memories connected to the processor, The processor performs the following processing: performing a predetermined demonstration in response to detection of the vehicle entering the specific area, thereby notifying a passenger of the vehicle of the demonstration through the notification device, the predetermined demonstration indicating characteristics of the vehicle after an upgrade, the upgrade being an update of at least a portion of data and programs related to control of the vehicle; as well as After the demonstration is notified, upgrade information indicating the content of the upgrade is transmitted to the vehicle through the communication device, so that the vehicle executes the upgrade.

2. The upgrading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Prepare multiple upgrade options for different characteristics of the vehicle, preparing the demonstration and the upgrade information for each of the upgrade options, The processor performs processing including causing an occupant of the vehicle to select one of the upgrades from a plurality of the upgrades, In the process of notifying the demonstration, the processor notifies the demonstration through the notification means by executing the demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade, In the process of transmitting the upgrade information, the processor transmits the upgrade information corresponding to the selected upgrade, thereby executing the selected upgrade in the vehicle.

3. The upgrading device according to claim 2, characterized in that: the processor executing a process that enables a passenger of the vehicle to change the parameter, the parameter being at least a part of the parameters representing the characteristics of the vehicle determined by the selected upgrade, In the process of notifying the demonstration, the processor notifies the demonstration through the notification device by executing the demonstration corresponding to the selected upgrade and reflecting the change made to the parameter by the passenger of the vehicle, In the process of sending the upgrade information, the processor sends the upgrade information corresponding to the selected upgrade and reflecting the changes made to the parameters by the passengers of the vehicle, and executes the selected upgrade in the vehicle that reflects the changes made to the parameters by the passengers of the vehicle.

4. The upgrading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upgrade device further includes a specific structure that is set up in a manner to surround the vehicle that enters the specific area. The notification device includes a display device, which is arranged on the inner surface of the specific structure facing the vehicle and at a position where the passengers of the vehicle can visually confirm the screen from the interior of the vehicle, and the display device visually notifies the display representing the demonstration.

5. The upgrading device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The notification device includes a speaker provided outside the vehicle entering the specific area and at a position where a passenger of the vehicle can hear the sound from inside the vehicle, the speaker audibly notifying a sound representing the demonstration.

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