Communication device and vehicle

By establishing a wireless communication network between vehicles, software update data sharing between vehicles is achieved, solving the update problem when the vehicle cannot enter the communication area, and expanding the scope and efficiency of software updates.

CN120659028APending Publication Date: 2025-09-16TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510269219.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-14
Filing Date
2025-03-07
Publication Date
2025-09-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, a vehicle cannot perform software updates when it cannot enter a communication area, resulting in a limited scope of software updates.

Method used

By establishing a wireless communication network between vehicles and utilizing the communication devices between vehicles to transmit and exchange software update data, data sharing and updating between vehicles can be achieved.

Benefits of technology

Even if the vehicle cannot communicate with an external server, software updates can be performed through the wireless communication network between vehicles, expanding the scope and efficiency of software updates.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a communication device and a vehicle. When data for updating predetermined software is held in a storage unit, a communication device mounted on a vehicle transmits data information relating to the data for updating to another vehicle that is present within a predetermined range in which wireless communication with the vehicle can be performed. Furthermore, when the communication device receives a transmission request for the update data from the other vehicle that has received the data information, the communication device transmits the update data to the other vehicle.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to updating of software used in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, technologies for updating vehicle software over the air (OTA) have been developed. For example, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-180976, an OTA center requests the vehicle's OTA master to execute a specific software update when the vehicle is at a predetermined location. Furthermore, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-028371, the vehicle's control unit uses the update software obtained via OTA to update the software when the engine speed falls below a threshold. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to facilitate the updating of software used in vehicles more quickly and on a larger scale.

[0004] The communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle, wherein:

[0005] A control unit is provided, which performs the following operations, namely:

[0006] When update data for predetermined software used in the vehicle is stored in a storage unit, data information related to the update data is transmitted to other vehicles existing within a predetermined range capable of wireless communication with the vehicle; and

[0007] When a transmission request for the update data is received from the other vehicle that has received the data information, the update data is transmitted to the other vehicle.

[0008] A vehicle according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is:

[0009] A vehicle is provided in which the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is mounted.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to promote the updating of software used in vehicles more quickly and on a wider scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of representative embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following drawings for reference, wherein like symbols indicate like elements.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining the transfer of update data according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 A block diagram schematically showing the structure of a communication device.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing related to the transfer of update data.

[0015] Figure 4 A diagram showing an example of a table structure of data information.

[0016] Figure 5 A flowchart showing a portion of processing executed in the communication device of the first vehicle regarding the exchange of update data between the communication devices.

[0017] Figure 6 A diagram showing an example of a table structure of driving information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] When updating vehicle software over the air (OTA), it's common to transmit update data from an external server to the target vehicle. In this case, in order for the vehicle to receive the update data from the external server, it must be located within an area where communication with the external server is possible. In other words, software updates cannot be performed in vehicles outside of the area where communication with the external server is possible. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technology for exchanging update data via vehicle-to-vehicle communication to facilitate faster and more widespread updates of vehicle software.

[0019] The communication device disclosed herein is a device installed in a vehicle. The communication device has the function of communicating with various devices external to the vehicle. Furthermore, the communication device includes a storage unit and a control unit. When the communication device receives update data for predetermined software used in the vehicle, it stores the received update data in the storage unit. Furthermore, in the vehicle, an update process is executed to update the predetermined software using the update data stored in the communication device's storage unit.

[0020] Furthermore, in the communication device, when update data is retained in the storage unit, the control unit executes a process for sending the update data to other vehicles. Specifically, when update data is retained in the storage unit, the control unit sends data information to other vehicles that are within a predetermined range. Here, the data information is information related to the update data. When other vehicles receive the data information sent from the communication device, the other vehicles can determine whether it is necessary to perform a predetermined software update implemented by the update data in the other vehicles based on the data information. Furthermore, the predetermined range is a range within which wireless communication between the vehicle and the other vehicles is possible. That is, the presence of other vehicles within the predetermined range may also be a case where a wireless communication network can be established between the vehicle and the other vehicles.

[0021] When another vehicle that has received data information from the vehicle determines that a predetermined software update using the update data is necessary, the other vehicle transmits a request to transmit the update data to the vehicle. Therefore, when the vehicle receives a request to transmit the update data from the other vehicle that has received data information, the control unit transmits the update data to the other vehicle. When the other vehicle receives the update data transmitted from the vehicle's communication device, the other vehicle can perform the predetermined software update using the update data.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, even if other vehicles outside the area where communication with the external server transmitting update data is possible and that have not yet received the update data exist, these other vehicles can still obtain the update data from the vehicle that already holds the update data. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to more quickly promote the updating of software used in vehicles over a wider range.

[0023] The following describes specific embodiments of the present disclosure based on the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the present embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure to these contents.

[0024] Implementation Method

[0025] Figure 1 This figure illustrates the transfer of update data according to this embodiment. The update data is used to update predetermined software used in a vehicle. Alternatively, the predetermined software may be software executed by various ECUs, navigation devices, or multimedia devices installed in the vehicle.

[0026] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 are respectively equipped with communication devices 100 and 200. The communication devices 100 and 200 are devices for each vehicle 10 and 20 to implement wireless communication with an external device. As a network for wireless communication, the communication devices 100 and 200 have the function of utilizing at least two types of telephone communication networks such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication networks. Moreover, when each vehicle 10 and 20 is present in an area where the telephone communication network can be utilized, the communication devices 100 and 200 can communicate with the management server 300 via the telephone communication network. In addition, when each vehicle 10 and 20 is present in a range where vehicle-to-vehicle communication achieved by Wi-Fi can be performed, the communication devices 100 and 200 can communicate with each other via the Wi-Fi communication network.

[0027] Here, the management server 300 is a server that transmits update data. The management server 300 transmits update data via the telephone communication network. Figure 1 In FIG, area a1 represents an area where communication with the management server 300 is possible (i.e., an area where a telephone communication network is available). Figure 1 As shown, when the first vehicle 10 is located in area a1 without storing any update data, the communication device 100 receives the update data from the management server 300. Upon receiving the update data from the management server 300, the communication device 100 stores the received update data. Furthermore, the first vehicle 10 executes a predetermined software update process using the update data.

[0028] At this time, the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 100 of the first vehicle 10 operates in station mode before receiving the update data from the management server 300. Furthermore, when the communication device 100 receives and stores the update data from the management server 300, the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 100 switches to hotspot mode. Therefore, while the communication device 100 stores the update data, the first vehicle 10 travels with the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 100 in hotspot mode.

[0029] In addition, the first vehicle 10 may sometimes travel outside the area a1. In this case, if the communication device 100 holds the update data, the operation mode of the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 100 will be the hotspot mode. Figure 1As shown, when first vehicle 10 is traveling outside area a1, second vehicle 20 may be located within a predetermined range r1. Predetermined range r1 is the range within which inter-vehicle communication via Wi-Fi is possible. Specifically, if second vehicle 20 is located within predetermined range r1, a Wi-Fi communication network is established between communication device 100 of first vehicle 10 and communication device 200 of second vehicle 20. Furthermore, second vehicle 20 does not retain update data. Therefore, second vehicle 20 is traveling with the Wi-Fi function of communication device 200 operating in station mode.

[0030] At this time, since second vehicle 20 is outside area a1 where communication with management server 300 is possible, it cannot receive update data from management server 300 via the telephone communication network. Therefore, in this embodiment, if second vehicle 20 is within predetermined range r1, a process is executed to transmit update data from communication device 100 of first vehicle 10 to communication device 200 of second vehicle 20 via the Wi-Fi communication network. When communication device 200 receives the update data transmitted from communication device 100 through this process, the predetermined software update implemented by the update data can be performed in second vehicle 20.

[0031] In addition, although Figure 1 Although only one second vehicle 20 is shown in the figure, if multiple second vehicles 20 exist within the predetermined range r1, update data may be transmitted from the communication device 100 of the first vehicle 10 to the communication devices 200 of each second vehicle 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device 100 functions as the "communication device" in this disclosure.

[0032] Structure of the communication device

[0033] Next, the configuration of the communication device 100 mounted on the first vehicle 10 will be described. Figure 21 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the communication device 100. The communication device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a first communication module 130, and a second communication module 140. The control unit 110 has the function of performing arithmetic processing for controlling the communication device 100. The control unit 110 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a main storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), and an auxiliary storage device such as a read-only memory (ROM). In addition, the CPU is an example of a processor resource. In addition, the RAM and ROM are examples of memory resources. The control unit 110 can perform arbitrary information processing based on various programs and various data. However, part or all of the functions of the control unit 110 can also be implemented by hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0034] The storage unit 120 is composed of any storage device such as RAM, ROM, hard disk drive, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 120 may also include removable media (portable recording media). Here, the removable media is, for example, a USB memory, an SD card, or a disk recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, or a Blu-ray disc. The storage unit 120 stores programs executed by the control unit 110 and various data used in the execution of the programs.

[0035] The storage unit 120 also includes a data storage unit 121 for storing update data. When the control unit 110 receives update data from outside the first vehicle 10, it stores the received update data in the data storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120. This results in the storage unit 120 storing the update data. The first vehicle 10 then updates the specified software using the update data stored in the storage unit 120.

[0036] The first communication module 130 is a communication interface for connecting the communication device 100 to a telephone communication network. Therefore, the communication device 100 uses the first communication module 130 to communicate with the management server 300. Furthermore, the second communication module 140 is a communication interface for connecting the communication device 100 to a Wi-Fi communication network. Therefore, the communication device 100 uses the second communication module 140 to communicate with the communication device of another vehicle (e.g., the communication device 200 of the second vehicle 20). The first communication module 130 and the second communication module 140 may also be, for example, wireless communication circuits for performing wireless communications corresponding to their respective communication standards.

[0037] Furthermore, the second communication module 140 has a station mode and a hotspot mode as operating modes for the Wi-Fi function. Furthermore, the control unit 110 can switch the operating mode of the second communication module 140 from either station mode or hotspot mode to the other. When the operating mode of the second communication module 140 is station mode, the communication device 100 functions as a station in the Wi-Fi communication network. On the other hand, when the operating mode of the second communication module 140 is hotspot mode, the communication device 100 functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot in the Wi-Fi communication network.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication device 200 of the second vehicle 20 also has the same structure as the communication device 100. In the communication device 100 of the first vehicle 10, the second communication module 140 may be in hotspot mode. In this case, if the second vehicle 20, in which the second communication module of the communication device 200 is in station mode, is within a predetermined range r1, a Wi-Fi communication network is established between the communication devices 100 and 200.

[0039] In addition, in the present embodiment, the communication device 100 does not necessarily need to be implemented by a single physical structure, and may be composed of a plurality of computers installed in the first vehicle 10 and operating in cooperation with each other.

[0040] Transfer of update data

[0041] Next, regarding the exchange of update data between the management server 300 and the communication device 100, and between the communication devices 100 and 200 according to this embodiment, based on Figure 3 To explain. Figure 3 This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing related to the transfer of update data.

[0042] In the communication device 100 of the first vehicle 10, if the data storage unit 121 does not store the predetermined software update data, the second communication module 140 operates in station mode. Furthermore, when the first vehicle 10 is within area a1, the communication device 100 receives the update data transmitted from the management server 300 via the telephone communication network (S10). The control unit 110 then executes a process for storing the update data received from the management server 300 in the data storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120. Furthermore, in the first vehicle 10, a process for updating the predetermined software using the update data stored in the data storage unit 121 is executed.

[0043] Furthermore, in the communication device 100, when the update data is stored in the data storage unit 121 of the storage unit 120, the control unit 110 switches the operating mode of the second communication module 140 from station mode to hotspot mode (S11). Therefore, after this point in time, the first vehicle 10 travels with the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 100 in hotspot mode. Therefore, after the communication device 100 receives the update data from the management server 300, the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 100 remains in hotspot mode even when the first vehicle 10 is traveling outside of area a1.

[0044] Furthermore, when the first vehicle 10 is traveling outside of area a1, a second vehicle 20 may be present within a predetermined range r1. In this case, the Wi-Fi function of the communication device 200 in the second vehicle 20 operates in station mode. In this case, a Wi-Fi communication network is established between the communication device 100 in the first vehicle 10 and the communication device 200 in the second vehicle 20 (S12). Any well-known method may be used to establish a Wi-Fi communication network between the communication device 100 in hotspot mode and the communication device 200 in station mode.

[0045] When a Wi-Fi communication network is established between communication device 100 and communication device 200, a process for transmitting update data from communication device 100 to communication device 200 via the Wi-Fi communication network is executed. Furthermore, all transfers of data or information between communication device 100 and communication device 200 in this process are carried out via the Wi-Fi communication network. Furthermore, in communication device 100, the process of transmitting or receiving data or information via the Wi-Fi communication network is executed by control unit 110. Furthermore, the second communication module 140 is used to transmit or receive data or information at this time. This is also the case in communication device 200.

[0046] Specifically, first, the communication device 100 transmits data information to the communication device 200 (S13). Here, the data information is information related to the update data. In other words, the data information includes information required to determine whether the software to be updated by the update data is required. Figure 4 FIG is a diagram showing an example of a table structure of data information. Figure 4 As shown, the data information has a vehicle manufacturer field, a vehicle model field, a software ID field, a version information field, and an authentication information field.

[0047] The vehicle manufacturer field contains the manufacturer of the vehicle that uses the intended software to be updated by the update data. The vehicle model field contains the vehicle model used by the intended software. The software ID field contains the software ID, which is identification information used to identify the intended software. The version information field contains version information indicating the version of the current update data. The authentication information field contains authentication information indicating that the update data is legitimate data for updating the intended software. Data information can also be generated based on information sent from management server 300 to communication device 100 along with the update data.

[0048] When communication device 200 receives the data information transmitted from communication device 100, communication device 200 performs a process for determining whether an update is necessary based on the data information (S14). This process for determining whether an update is necessary is to determine whether a software update, as specified by the update data stored in communication device 100, is necessary in second vehicle 20. For example, in the following case, it is determined that the software update, as specified by the update data, is not necessary in second vehicle 20.

[0049] · When the second vehicle 20 is not a vehicle of the vehicle manufacturer entered in the vehicle manufacturer field of the data information

[0050] · When the second vehicle 20 is not a vehicle of the model entered in the model field of the data information

[0051] In the second vehicle 20, the predetermined software represented by the software ID input into the software ID field is not used.

[0052] · When authentication is not successful based on the authentication information entered into the authentication information field

[0053] When the communication device 200 determines that a predetermined software update implemented by the update data stored in the communication device 100 is required in the second vehicle 20, the communication device 200 transmits a data transmission request to the communication device 100 (S15). Here, the data transmission request is a signal requesting the transmission of update data to the communication device 200. If the communication device 200 determines that a predetermined software update implemented by the update data stored in the communication device 100 is not required in the second vehicle 20, the communication device 200 does not transmit the data transmission request.

[0054] When communication device 100 receives a data transmission request from communication device 200, it transmits update data to communication device 200 (S16). Upon receiving update data from communication device 10 via the Wi-Fi communication network, communication device 200 stores the received update data in the data storage unit of the storage unit. Furthermore, after receiving the update data from communication device 100, communication device 200 disconnects the Wi-Fi communication network between itself and communication device 100.

[0055] Furthermore, in the second vehicle 20, a process for updating the predetermined software using the update data stored in the data storage unit is executed. Furthermore, in the communication device 200, when the update data is stored in the data storage unit of the memory unit, the operating mode of the second communication module is switched from station mode to hotspot mode (S17). Consequently, when a Wi-Fi communication network is established between the communication device of the other vehicle operating in station mode and the communication device 200 of the second vehicle 20, the update data can be transmitted from the communication device 200 to the communication device of the other vehicle.

[0056] Outside the area a1 where communication with the management server 300 that transmits the update data is possible via the telephone communication network, there may be a second vehicle 20 that does not receive the update data. According to this embodiment, even in such a case, the second vehicle 20 can obtain the update data from the first vehicle 10 that has stored the update data. Moreover, the update data obtained from the first vehicle 10 can be used to update the predetermined software in the second vehicle 20. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the update of the software used in the vehicle can be promoted more quickly and over a wider range. In particular, in the case where the area a1 where the telephone communication network is available does not cover the area where the second vehicle 20 is traveling, the system involved in this embodiment is more beneficial in order to promote the updating of software in multiple vehicles.

[0057] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a telephone communication network is used to transmit update data from the management server 300 to the communication device of each vehicle. However, the wireless communication method used in transmitting update data from the management server 300 to the communication device of each vehicle is not limited to telephone communication. For example, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can also be used to transmit update data from the management server 300 to the communication device of each vehicle. In this way, when Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is used in the wireless communication between the management server 300 and the communication device of each vehicle, the communicable area becomes very narrow compared to the case where telephone communication is used in the wireless communication between them. Therefore, through the system involved in this embodiment, it becomes possible for the second vehicle 20 to obtain update data from the first vehicle 10 that has maintained the update data, which is more beneficial for promoting the update of software in multiple vehicles.

[0058] Change Example

[0059] Next, a modification of this embodiment is described based on Figure 5 To explain. Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a portion of the processing executed in the communication device 100 of the first vehicle 10 regarding the exchange of update data between the communication devices 100 and 200. Figure 5 In the main, it shows and Figure 3 The processing related to the transfer of update data is different. Figure 5 The illustrated flow is executed by the control unit 110 of the communication device 100 .

[0060] In this modified example, when a Wi-Fi communication network is established between the communication device 100 of the first vehicle 10 and the communication device 200 of the second vehicle 20 (S12), the process of S22 is executed. In S22, it is determined whether the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 are outside the area a1. At this time, if the communication device 100 can connect to the telephone communication network, a negative judgment is made in S22. In other words, it is determined that the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 are within the area a1. Here, if the second vehicle 20 is within the area a1, the communication device 200 can directly receive the update data from the management server 300 via the telephone communication network. Therefore, there is no need to transfer the update data between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200. Therefore, if a negative judgment is made in S22, the process of S27 is executed next. In S27, the Wi-Fi communication network with the communication device 200 is disconnected.

[0061] On the other hand, if communication device 100 cannot connect to the telephone communication network, a positive determination is made in S22. In this case, the process of S13 is executed. That is, data information is transmitted to communication device 200. Furthermore, when communication device 200 determines that a predetermined software update is required in second vehicle 20, implemented using update data stored by communication device 100, in this modified example, communication device 200 transmits the driving information of second vehicle 20 to communication device 100 along with a data transmission request. Therefore, in S25, the data transmission request and the driving information of second vehicle 20 transmitted from communication device 200 are received.

[0062] Here, the travel information of the second vehicle 20 is information related to the travel of the second vehicle 20 . Figure 6 FIG is a diagram showing an example of a table structure of driving information. Figure 6 As shown, the driving information includes a vehicle ID field, a location field, a vehicle speed field, and a travel direction field. The vehicle ID field contains the vehicle ID, which identifies the second vehicle 20. The location field contains the current location of the second vehicle 20. The speed field contains the current speed of the second vehicle 20. The travel direction field contains the current direction of the second vehicle 20. Driving information can also be generated based on information detected by a GPS receiver or various sensors installed on the second vehicle 20.

[0063] Here, the transmission of update data from communication device 100 to communication device 200 takes a certain amount of time from initiation to completion. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a certain period of time for the Wi-Fi communication network to be established between communication devices 100 and 200. Therefore, following S25, in S26, it is determined whether the speed and direction of travel included in the driving information of the second vehicle 20 meet predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions in this case are those that predict that the second vehicle 20 will remain within a predetermined range r1 for a certain period of time.

[0064] For example, sometimes a Wi-Fi communication network is established between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 when both the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 are parked (i.e., when the vehicle speed is zero). In this case, it is predicted that the state in which the second vehicle 20 is present within the predetermined range r1 will continue for a certain period of time. Therefore, the predetermined condition may also include a case where the vehicle speed of the second vehicle 20 is zero. In addition, sometimes a Wi-Fi communication network is established between the communication device 100 and the communication device 200 when both the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 are traveling at a low speed and in the same direction of travel, such as in a traffic jam. In this case, it is also predicted that the state in which the second vehicle 20 is present within the predetermined range r1 will continue for a certain period of time. Therefore, the predetermined condition may also include a case where the vehicle speed of the second vehicle 20 is below the predetermined speed and the direction of travel of the second vehicle 20 is the same as the direction of travel of the first vehicle 10.

[0065] Therefore, if a positive determination is made in S26, there is a high probability that the state in which the Wi-Fi communication network is established between communication device 100 and communication device 200 continues for a certain period of time. Therefore, in this case, the process of S16 will be executed. That is, the update data is transmitted to communication device 200. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in S26, there is a high probability that the state in which the Wi-Fi communication network is established between communication device 100 and communication device 200 does not continue. In other words, even if the transmission of update data from communication device 100 to communication device 200 is started, there is a possibility that the Wi-Fi communication network between the two will be disconnected in the middle of the transmission of the update data. Therefore, in this case, the process of S27 will be executed next. That is, the transmission of update data to communication device 200 is not executed, and the Wi-Fi communication network with communication device 200 is disconnected.

[0066] As described above, according to this modification, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the Wi-Fi communication network between communication device 100 and communication device 200 is disconnected during the transmission of update data from the communication device 100 to the communication device 200 .

[0067] Other implementation methods

[0068] The above-mentioned embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the processes or units described in the present disclosure can be implemented in combination as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0069] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be performed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware structure (server structure) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0070] The present disclosure can also be implemented by providing a computer with a computer program having the functions described in the above embodiment, and causing one or more processors of the computer to read and execute the program. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk (Floopy, a registered trademark), a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, or an optical card, any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. A communication device mounted on a vehicle, wherein: A control unit is provided, which performs the following operations, namely: When update data for predetermined software used in the vehicle is stored in the storage unit, data information related to the update data is transmitted to another vehicle within a predetermined range capable of wireless communication with the vehicle; and When a transmission request for the update data is received from the other vehicle that has received the data information, the update data is transmitted to the other vehicle.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit also performs the following operations, namely: When the update data is not stored in the storage unit, the communication device is operated in a station mode; and When the update data is received and stored in the storage unit, the operation mode of the communication device is switched from the station mode to the hotspot mode. When the communication device is operating in a hotspot mode, the control unit transmits the data information to the other vehicles existing within the predetermined range.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit performs the following operations, namely: receiving a request for transmitting the update data from the other vehicle that has received the data information together with driving information including the speed and traveling direction of the other vehicle, and When the vehicle speed and the traveling direction of the other vehicle included in the driving information satisfy predetermined conditions, the update data is transmitted to the other vehicle.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein When the vehicle and the other vehicles are outside an area capable of communicating with an external server that transmits the update data and the storage unit holds the update data, the control unit transmits the data information to the other vehicles within the predetermined range.

5. A vehicle, wherein: The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is equipped with the communication device.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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