Brushing method for electronic control unit

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic control unit flashing method, which belongs to the technical field of flashing upgrading and comprises the following steps: S1, establishing communication connection with a to-be-flashed electronic control unit according to first basic information of the to-be-flashed electronic control unit input by a user; s2, receiving an upgrade package file; and S3, in response to a flashing instruction, transmitting the upgrade package file received in the step S2 to the electronic control unit in communication connection established in the step S1, and flashing and upgrading the to-be-flashed electronic control unit according to the upgrade package file. The method has the beneficial effects that the communication connection is quickly established according to the basic information, input by the user, of the to-be-flashed electronic control unit, and transmission and flashed upgrading of the upgrade package file are completed by one key in response to the flashed instruction, so that the flashed operation process is simplified, tedious configuration is not needed, and information interference is avoided; in addition, the upgrade package file supports self-defined flashing scripts and processes and can be highly customized according to user requirements, and the requirements of different test scenes are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of flashing and upgrading technology, and in particular to a flashing method for an electronic control unit. Background Art

[0002] As cars become more and more intelligent, they are no longer just a means of transportation, but have gradually evolved into an intelligent mobile space that integrates travel, entertainment, communication and other functions. The rapid development and popularization of intelligent driving technology has pushed the future of the automotive industry to a whole new level. Consumers' demand for cars has gradually changed from simple driving functions to the continuous pursuit and enjoyment of the latest technology. Therefore, Over-The-Air (OTA) technology came into being. OTA technology allows cars to update functions instantly through the cloud, similar to upgrading the system of smartphones. Users can enjoy the latest automotive technology anytime and anywhere without going to a repair shop or service center.

[0003] During the automotive R&D and debugging phase, engineers often develop upgrade package files in a local environment to frequently update the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) program for functional testing. In this process, an efficient and reliable local upgrade software becomes an indispensable tool. Currently on the market, the vFlash software developed by Vector is a powerful ECU flashing tool and has become the first choice for many engineers.

[0004] However, vFlash software needs to be used with vector company's hardware equipment to achieve flashing. Although vFlash software is powerful, it has the following shortcomings: first, the supporting hardware equipment is expensive and costly, and it is not suitable for all R&D scenarios; second, the vFlash software interface is relatively complex, and the configuration types are cumbersome. During the operation, the interface needs to be switched to operate, which affects work efficiency; in addition, although vFlash software has various functions, in the actual R&D process, users often only need to use a few of them, and the cost performance is not high.

[0005] In addition, vFlash software has limited customization capabilities and is difficult to adapt to diverse testing needs. At the same time, its scalability and compatibility are also limited, making it difficult to meet rapidly changing market demands. In terms of security, although vFlash software also has certain safeguards, with the continuous development of technology, if the version is not updated in a timely manner, it may still face security risks. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a flashing method for an electronic control unit.

[0007] The technical problem solved by the present invention can be achieved by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0008] A flashing method for an electronic control unit, comprising:

[0009] Step S1, establishing a communication connection with the electronic control unit to be flashed according to the first basic information of the electronic control unit to be flashed input by the user;

[0010] Step S2, receiving the upgrade package file;

[0011] Step S3, in response to the flashing instruction, the upgrade package file received in the step S2 is transmitted to the electronic control unit with which the communication connection is established in the step S1, and the electronic control unit to be flashed is flashed and upgraded according to the upgrade package file.

[0012] Preferably, in the step S1, after establishing the communication connection, the step further includes:

[0013] Step S11, obtaining second basic information of the electronic control unit for establishing a communication connection, wherein the second basic information is provided for comparison by a user to confirm whether it is consistent with the first basic information.

[0014] Preferably, the first basic information includes a first IP address and a first logical address;

[0015] The second basic information includes a second IP address and a second logical address;

[0016] In the step S11, when the first IP address is consistent with the second IP address and the first logical address is consistent with the second logical address, it is confirmed that the electronic control unit with which the communication connection is established is the electronic control unit to be flashed, and then the process proceeds to the step S2.

[0017] Preferably, the step S2 comprises:

[0018] Import the upgrade package file from the local computer; or

[0019] Download the upgrade package file from the server.

[0020] Preferably, when downloading the upgrade package file from the server, step S2 further includes:

[0021] Displays the download progress of the upgrade package file.

[0022] Preferably, after step S2 and before step S3, the method further includes:

[0023] Step S30, in response to the user clicking the start button, generating the flashing instruction.

[0024] Preferably, the step S30 further includes:

[0025] In response to the user clicking the start button, a flash instruction including the number of loop executions input by the user is generated.

[0026] Preferably, the step S3 further includes:

[0027] Display the upgrade progress of the upgrade package file.

[0028] Preferably, the step S3 further includes:

[0029] Displays the flash log.

[0030] Preferably, the step S3 further includes:

[0031] Display status feedback information, where the status feedback information includes at least any one of connection status, upgrade status, and error information.

[0032] The advantages or beneficial effects of the technical solution of the present invention are:

[0033] The present invention quickly establishes a communication connection based on the basic information of the electronic control unit to be flashed input by the user, and completes the transmission and flashing upgrade of the upgrade package file with one click in response to the flashing instruction, thereby simplifying the flashing operation process, eliminating the need for cumbersome configuration, and avoiding information interference; in addition, the upgrade package file supports custom flashing scripts and processes, and can be highly customized according to user needs to meet the needs of different test scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a flashing method for an electronic control unit in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a program interface for flashing an electronic control unit in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the flashing process in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0039] The glossary is explained as follows:

[0040] ECU (Electronic Control Unit): Electronic control unit is the core component of the automotive electronic control system. ECU is responsible for receiving signals from various sensors and controlling the vehicle's various actuators based on these signals and preset programs (such as engine management, brake control, etc.) to achieve safe, efficient and environmentally friendly operation of the vehicle.

[0041] OTA (Over-The-Air): Over-the-air download technology is a way to distribute and update software wirelessly. OTA technology enables devices to remotely receive and install new software versions or updates without physical connection.

[0042] UDS (Unified Diagnostic Services): Unified Diagnostic Services is a standardized diagnostic communication protocol. The UDS protocol defines the communication protocol between the diagnostic system and the ECU, including the format of requests and responses, error handling, etc., so that different diagnostic tools can communicate with ECUs from different manufacturers to achieve fault diagnosis, software updates and other functions.

[0043] Doip (Diagnostic over Internet Protocol): Diagnostic communication based on IP network is a technology that uses Internet protocol for diagnostic data transmission. DoIP technology enables the diagnostic system to communicate with the ECU through Ethernet or other IP network connections for remote diagnosis and software updates.

[0044] Ubuntu: An operating system based on Linux. Ubuntu is known for its ease of use, stability, and rich open source software resources. It is suitable for a variety of scenarios such as desktops, servers, and cloud environments, and supports a variety of hardware platforms. The open source nature of Ubuntu allows users to freely customize and modify the system to meet different needs.

[0045] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0046] See also Figure 1 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, based on the above problems existing in the prior art, a flashing method for an electronic control unit is provided, comprising:

[0047] Step S1, establishing a communication connection with the electronic control unit to be flashed according to the first basic information of the electronic control unit to be flashed input by the user;

[0048] Step S2, receiving the upgrade package file;

[0049] Step S3, in response to the flashing instruction, the upgrade package file received in step S2 is transmitted to the electronic control unit with which the communication connection is established in step S1, and the electronic control unit to be flashed is flashed and upgraded according to the upgrade package file.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, first, the user inputs the first basic information of the ECU to be flashed, the first basic information including the first IP address and the first logical address; then, a communication connection is quickly established with the actual ECU according to the first IP address.

[0051] After establishing the communication connection, obtain the second basic information of the electronic control unit that establishes the communication connection. The second basic information includes a second IP address and a second logical address, for the user to compare to confirm whether it is consistent with the above-mentioned first basic information. After confirming the consistency, continue the subsequent process.

[0052] Then, the upgrade package file is uploaded to the method of the embodiment of the present invention. The upgrade version file can be imported locally or downloaded from the network.

[0053] Then, when a flashing instruction is received, the upgrade package file is transmitted and flashed and upgraded with one click in response to the flashing instruction.

[0054] The method shown in the embodiment of the present invention simplifies the flashing operation process, does not require cumbersome configuration, and avoids information interference. In addition, the upgrade package file supports custom flashing scripts and processes, which can be highly customized according to user needs to meet the needs of different test scenarios and have strong flexibility.

[0055] As a preferred implementation, in step S1, after establishing the communication connection, the following steps are further included:

[0056] Step S11, obtaining second basic information of the electronic control unit that establishes a communication connection, wherein the second basic information is provided for comparison by a user to confirm whether it is consistent with the first basic information.

[0057] The first basic information includes a first IP address and a first logical address;

[0058] The second basic information includes a second IP address and a second logical address.

[0059] As a preferred embodiment, in step S11, when the first IP address and the second IP address are consistent and the first logical address and the second logical address are consistent, it is confirmed that the electronic control unit with established communication connection is the electronic control unit to be flashed, and then the process goes to step S2.

[0060] In this embodiment, IP address is the abbreviation of Internet Protocol Address, which is a unique digital identifier used to identify an ECU.

[0061] During the ECU flashing process, the IP address is mainly used for network communication between the method of the present invention and the ECU. A communication connection is established with the ECU through the IP address in order to transmit the flashing file or receive the status information of the ECU.

[0062] In some cases, in order to improve the security and flexibility of the vehicle communication system, a dynamic IP address allocation method can be adopted, that is, the ECU dynamically obtains an IP address when accessing the network, instead of using a fixed IP address, to prevent the fixed IP address from being obtained by external devices, thereby improving the security of the vehicle communication system.

[0063] In this embodiment, the logical address is an address used to identify different memory areas or data structures inside the ECU. Inside the ECU, the logical address usually has a corresponding mapping relationship with the physical address (i.e., the physical location where the data is actually stored in the ECU memory). This mapping relationship allows the ECU to accurately locate the correct location in the physical memory when reading or writing data.

[0064] During the ECU flashing process, the logical address is used to specify which memory area of ​​the ECU the flashing file should be written to.

[0065] As a preferred embodiment, step S2 includes:

[0066] Import the upgrade package file from the local computer; or

[0067] Download the upgrade package file from the server.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, the upgrade package file supports local import or network server download.

[0069] During the local import process, select "Import from Local" or a similar option on the interface to enter the local file selection dialog box; browse to the location where the upgrade package file is saved, select the file, and then click "Open" or "OK" to start the import process.

[0070] During the network server download process, select "Download from server" or a similar option on the interface to enter the server configuration interface; enter the server address, port (if necessary), and path or URL of the upgrade package file; enter the username and password required to access the server as needed (if the server has set access control); after confirming that all settings are correct, click "Start Download" or a similar button to start trying to connect to the server and download the upgrade package file.

[0071] During the download process, users can see information such as the download progress bar.

[0072] Furthermore, the upgrade package file can be a customized flash script and process. Then the upgrade package file of the customized flash script and process is imported from the local to meet the needs of different test scenarios.

[0073] As a preferred implementation, when downloading the upgrade package file from the server, step S2 further includes:

[0074] Displays the download progress of the upgrade package file.

[0075] Specifically, during the download process of the upgrade package file, the download progress of the upgrade package file from the server (or local storage device) to the client is displayed in real time through the user interface, providing visual feedback to the user.

[0076] For example, a progress bar is presented on the interface, which is dynamically updated as the download progresses. At the same time, the percentage of downloaded data is displayed next to or below the progress bar, accurate to the unit or one decimal place, to intuitively reflect the current status of the upgrade package file being transferred from the server (or local storage device) to the client.

[0077] As a preferred embodiment, after step S2 and before step S3, the method further includes:

[0078] Step S30: generating a flashing instruction in response to the user clicking the start button.

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, a start button is provided. When the user clicks the start button through interface operation, a flash instruction will be generated, which will be used to indicate the start of flash file transfer and flash upgrade.

[0080] As a preferred implementation, step S30 further includes:

[0081] In response to the user clicking the start button, a flash instruction including the number of loop executions is generated according to the number of loop executions input by the user.

[0082] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the user sets the number of loop executions through the input interface, then when the user clicks the start button through the interface operation, the generated flash instruction includes the number of loop executions. The instruction will be used to indicate the start of the flash file transfer and the flash upgrade, and at the same time instruct the flash task to be executed cyclically according to the number of times specified by the user.

[0083] This command will be used to indicate the start of flash file transfer and flash upgrade

[0084] As a preferred implementation, step S3 further includes:

[0085] Displays the upgrade progress of the upgrade package file.

[0086] Specifically, in this embodiment, during the process of transmitting the upgrade package file to the ECU and flashing the upgrade file, the upgrade progress of the software package file from the client to the ECU is displayed in real time, providing visual feedback to the user.

[0087] For example, a progress bar is presented on the interface, which is dynamically updated as the file transfer and flashing process proceeds. At the same time, the percentage of downloaded data is displayed next to or below the progress bar, accurate to the unit or one decimal place, to intuitively reflect the progress of the upgrade package file being transferred from the client to the ECU and flashed and upgraded.

[0088] As a preferred embodiment, the step S3 further includes:

[0089] Displays the flash log.

[0090] Specifically, in this embodiment, the flash log records all information during the flash process, including success logs, error information, etc. Users can view the log content at any time to track problems and troubleshoot.

[0091] As a preferred embodiment, the step S3 further includes:

[0092] Display status feedback information, which at least includes the current software status, such as any one of connection status, upgrade status, and error information.

[0093] Specifically, in this embodiment, during the flashing process, the status information of the current software, such as connection status, upgrade status, error information, etc., is displayed in real time, and instant status feedback is provided through the user interface, so that the user can keep abreast of the latest status of the flashing process.

[0094] In the above preferred embodiments, the embodiment of the present invention proposes a very simple ECU flashing method, which uses the DoIP communication method and the UDS protocol to realize the remote or local flashing of the ECU program. The user only needs to enter the IP address and logical address of the ECU and upload the upgrade package file at the same time to complete the flashing process with one click, without the need for additional hardware equipment support, thus reducing the flashing cost.

[0095] During implementation, the electronic control unit flashing method is mainly configured in a computer system as a software implementation example, and is used to flash and upgrade the electronic control unit.

[0096] The software provides an intuitive graphical user interface, allowing users to easily upgrade ECU software.

[0097] The following is a detailed description of the method, combined with Figure 2 The interface diagram shown is used for explanation:

[0098] Tester (client information): The client interface provides a user interaction portal for inputting basic information of the ECU, such as the IP address, logical address, port number, etc. The user needs to ensure that the information entered is accurate in order to establish a communication connection with the correct ECU.

[0099] ECU (ECU Information): Displays detailed information of the connected ECU, such as IP, logical address, etc., so that users can confirm whether they are connected to the correct ECU. When the ECU information is displayed correctly, it means that the communication connection has been successfully established.

[0100] OTAFile: Provides file selection or upload functions, supporting users to import upgrade package files to be flashed from local storage devices or network servers. Upgrade package files support multiple formats, such as ZIP, TAR, BIN, etc., to meet the upgrade requirements of different ECUs.

[0101] Download progress: Displays the download progress of the upgrade package file from the server (or local storage device) to the client in real time. Provides visual feedback, such as progress bar, percentage, etc., so that users can clearly understand the download progress.

[0102] Upgrade progress: After the upgrade package file is downloaded, the upgrade progress of the software package from the client to the ECU is displayed. Visual feedback such as progress bar, percentage, etc. is also provided to enable users to clearly understand the upgrade progress.

[0103] Log: Records all information during the flashing process, including success logs, error messages, etc. Users can view the log content at any time to track problems and troubleshoot.

[0104] Loop execution (optional): Provides a loop flashing function. Users can set the number of loops as needed, and then the flashing process can be automatically repeated according to user settings to improve test efficiency. It is suitable for batch testing scenarios.

[0105] Start (Start button): After the user clicks it, the flashing process starts, from downloading the software package to completing the ECU upgrade.

[0106] Status bar: Displays the current software status, such as connection status, upgrade status, error information, etc., providing instant status feedback so that users can keep abreast of the latest status of the flashing process.

[0107] All functions of the software, such as but not limited to configuration and import, real-time log, etc., are displayed in the same interface. The operation interface is simple to use, without cumbersome configuration, and there is no need to switch interfaces during operation, which is convenient for viewing without excessive information interference.

[0108] The steps to use the software include:

[0109] First, the user enters the basic information of the ECU in the Tester area, such as the first IP address and the first logical address. The software attempts to establish a communication connection with the real ECU based on the entered first IP address.

[0110] After the communication connection is established, the real IP address and logical address of the connected ECU are displayed in the ECU area for the user to compare.

[0111] Next, the user selects or uploads the upgrade package file to be flashed in the OTA File area. During the file upload process, the download progress is displayed in real time.

[0112] Next, the user clicks the Start button to start the flashing process.

[0113] During the flashing process, the upgrade progress, flashing log, and status feedback information are displayed in real time.

[0114] Furthermore, if the user sets a loop execution function, the flashing process will be automatically repeated according to the number of loop executions set by the user after completing one flashing process.

[0115] The method of the embodiment of the present invention supports a variety of ECU models and communication protocols and has good compatibility. More functions can be expanded through software upgrades, such as supporting more file formats and enhancing security. In addition, multiple security protection mechanisms are built-in, such as data encryption and identity authentication, to ensure the safety and reliability of the flashing process.

[0116] The method of the embodiment of the present invention supports the use of the Ubuntu system.

[0117] Furthermore, the following is a detailed description of the flashing process, combined with Figure 3 The flash process diagram shown is used to illustrate:

[0118] The flashing process is divided into two parts. The first part is the communication connection establishment process, and the second part is the file transfer and flashing process.

[0119] After the user enters the IP address and logical address of the ECU to be flashed, the communication connection is established. The communication connection establishment process performs the following steps:

[0120] a, default session 01:

[0121] The communication connection establishment process starts with the default session mode (Session) 01, which is a standard session state in the UDS protocol and is used to establish a basic connection.

[0122] b. Extended Conversation 03:

[0123] In the UDS protocol, extended session 03 allows higher-level diagnostic services such as programming and setup.

[0124] c, Routine Control 0203:

[0125] Execute the Routine Control service 0203, which is used to start a routine or function in the ECU to obtain the IP address and logical address of the ECU;

[0126] d, get permission 0x27:

[0127] The software requests an encryption seed from the ECU to generate an encryption key; then, it uses the received seed and its own preset algorithm to generate a key, and sends the key back to the ECU for authority verification.

[0128] After the user clicks the Start button, the file transfer and flashing process begins. The file transfer and flashing process performs the following steps:

[0129] e, Programming Session 02:

[0130] Programming session 02 is the session mode used for ECU programming in the UDS protocol.

[0131] f, file transfer starts 38:

[0132] A request for the File Transfer Start service 38 is sent to notify the ECU that a new software package is about to be transferred.

[0133] g, data transmission 36:

[0134] The data transfer (DataTransfer) service 36 is used to transfer the software package.

[0135] This is a cyclic process until the entire software package has been transferred to the ECU.

[0136] h, file transfer ends 37:

[0137] A request for the File Transfer End service 37 is sent to notify the ECU that the software package transfer is completed.

[0138] i, Routine control DD01:

[0139] Execute routine control service DD01, which is used to prepare the ECU to enter the programmed state or perform some internal processing.

[0140] j, ECU restart:

[0141] Restart the ECU and wait for it to restart successfully for the new software package to take effect.

[0142] k, restart successful:

[0143] If the ECU restarts successfully, go to step 1; otherwise, end the process.

[0144] l, switch session:

[0145] After the ECU restarts successfully, switch to default session 01, extended session 03 to reestablish the connection, and finally switch to programming session 02 to continue the upgrade process

[0146] m, start upgrading, routine control DD03:

[0147] Send a request to the routine control service DD03 to officially start the software package upgrade process.

[0148] n, read progress:

[0149] During the upgrade process, the upgrade progress is read in a loop until the upgrade is completed.

[0150] When the upgrade progress is displayed as completed, the entire flashing process is completed.

[0151] If an error or failure occurs in any step (such as permission acquisition failure, file transfer failure, ECU restart failure, etc.), the entire flashing process will be terminated.

[0152] If the flashing is wrong or fails, an error message will be displayed in the interface.

[0153] The advantages or beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution are: the present invention quickly establishes a communication connection based on the basic information of the electronic control unit to be flashed input by the user, and completes the transmission and flashing upgrade of the upgrade package file with one click in response to the flashing instruction, which simplifies the flashing operation process, eliminates the need for cumbersome configuration, and avoids information interference; in addition, the upgrade package file supports custom flashing scripts and processes, and can be highly customized according to user needs to meet the needs of different test scenarios.

[0154] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should be aware that all solutions obtained by equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made using the contents of this specification and illustrations should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flashing method for an electronic control unit, characterized in that: include: Step S1, establishing a communication connection with the electronic control unit to be flashed according to the first basic information of the electronic control unit to be flashed input by the user; Step S2, receiving the upgrade package file; Step S3, in response to the flashing instruction, the upgrade package file received in the step S2 is transmitted to the electronic control unit with which the communication connection is established in the step S1, and the electronic control unit to be flashed is flashed and upgraded according to the upgrade package file.

2. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step S1, after establishing the communication connection, the step further includes: Step S11, obtaining second basic information of the electronic control unit for establishing a communication connection, wherein the second basic information is provided for comparison by a user to confirm whether it is consistent with the first basic information.

3. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first basic information includes a first IP address and a first logical address; The second basic information includes a second IP address and a second logical address; In the step S11, when the first IP address is consistent with the second IP address and the first logical address is consistent with the second logical address, it is confirmed that the electronic control unit with which the communication connection is established is the electronic control unit to be flashed, and then the process proceeds to the step S2.

4. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step S2 comprises: Import the upgrade package file from the local computer; or Download the upgrade package file from the server.

5. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the upgrade package file is downloaded from the server, step S2 further includes: Displays the download progress of the upgrade package file.

6. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After step S2 and before step S3, the following further includes: Step S30, in response to the user clicking the start button, generating the flashing instruction.

7. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step S30 further includes: In response to the user clicking the start button, a flash instruction including the number of loop executions input by the user is generated.

8. The method for flashing an electronic control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step S3 further comprises: Display the upgrade progress of the upgrade package file.

9. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After step S3, the following steps are also included: Displays the flash log.

10. The electronic control unit flashing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After step S3, the following steps are also included: Display status feedback information, where the status feedback information includes at least any one of connection status, upgrade status, and error information.

Images