Control device and vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a control device and a vehicle. The control device is configured to control a display configured to display an image indicating information related to software update of an electronic control device mounted on the vehicle. The control device has an execution device. The execution device is configured to cause a download completion image indicating that a download process of software information including the information related to software update has been completed to be displayed on the display, on condition that a running speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined speed after the download process of the software information is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to control devices and vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-197079 describes a server and a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with an electronic control unit and a software update unit. The software update unit uses software information provided from a server outside the vehicle to update the software of the electronic control unit applied to it.

[0003] However, vehicles sometimes have displays that show images indicating information related to software updates. Furthermore, it is considered that when the download process for a software update is complete, the control device controlling the display might show an image indicating that the download process is complete. However, depending on the vehicle's condition, sometimes it is not suitable to display an image indicating that the download process is complete. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure controls a display, which is configured to display an image representing information related to software updates of an electronic control device mounted on a vehicle. The control device includes an execution device configured to display a download completion image representing the completion of the download process on the display after the download processing of software information containing the information related to the software update is completed, provided that the vehicle's driving speed is lower than a predetermined speed.

[0005] According to the control device described above, even if the software information download is completed, the actuator will not display an image indicating that the download process is complete on the display if the vehicle's speed is not lower than the specified speed. Therefore, the control device can prevent the driver from being distracted by the display showing an image indicating that the download process is complete when the vehicle's speed is above the specified speed.

[0006] In the control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the display may also be configured to accept touch operation, the download completion image may also include an image representing a license switch, the execution device may also be configured to determine whether the user has performed a touch operation on the image representing the license switch, and the execution device may also be configured to display an installation license image representing information related to the license of the installation process on the display when the execution device determines that the user has performed a touch operation on the image representing the license switch.

[0007] In the control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the specified speed is a speed greater than zero, and the execution device is further configured to: after the installation processing of the software information is completed, and assuming that the vehicle is in a stopped state, display an installation completion image indicating that the installation processing has been completed on the display.

[0008] In the control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the display may also be configured to accept touch operation, the installation completion image may also include an image representing a confirmation switch, the execution device may also be configured to determine whether the user has performed a touch operation on the image representing the confirmation switch, and the execution device may also be configured to: when the execution device determines that the user has performed a touch operation on the image representing the confirmation switch, display an activation detail image representing detailed information related to the activation process on the display.

[0009] In the control device described in the first aspect of this disclosure, the detailed information may also include information indicating the operations required to be performed on the vehicle when activation is performed.

[0010] In the control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the execution device may also be configured to stop displaying the downloaded image on the display when the vehicle's driving speed is above the specified speed.

[0011] In the control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the execution device may also be configured to display the download completion image on the display when the vehicle's speed is above the specified speed and the vehicle's speed changes to below the specified speed.

[0012] The vehicle according to the second aspect of this disclosure includes: a processor; and a display configured to display an image representing information related to a software update of the processor, the processor being configured to control the display, the processor being configured to perform download processing of software information including the information related to the software update, the processor being configured to: after the download processing of the software information is completed, determine whether the vehicle's driving speed is lower than a predetermined speed, and if the vehicle's driving speed is lower than the predetermined speed, display a download completion image representing that the download processing is complete on the display. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a simplified diagram illustrating one implementation of a communication system.

[0015] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 This is an illustration of a series of processes related to software updates performed on a communication system.

[0016] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shows a series of processes performed by the main ECU to control the display of the monitor in relation to software updates.

[0017] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the images being downloaded.

[0018] Figure 5 It means Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the completed download of the image.

[0019] Figure 6 It means Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the installation license image.

[0020] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 The flowchart shows a series of processes performed by the main ECU to control the display of the monitor in relation to software updates.

[0021] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the installation process.

[0022] Figure 9 It means Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation complete.

[0023] Figure 10 It means Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the activation details. Detailed Implementation

[0024] <One implementation method>

[0025] One embodiment of the control device for controlling the display will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, a communication system for a vehicle equipped with the control device will be described.

[0026] <Overview of Communication Systems>

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 10 includes a management server 20 and a vehicle 30. The communication system 10 manages software updates in the vehicle 30. The vehicle 30 can also be an autonomous vehicle.

[0028] The management server 20 manages and generates the software information SF required for software updates performed in the vehicle 30. The software information SF may be, for example, data from the updated program used for the software update.

[0029] The management server 20 includes a communication device 21 and a management device 22. The communication device 21 can wirelessly communicate with the vehicle 30 via a wireless communication line. The communication device 21 can send software information SF to the vehicle 30.

[0030] The management device 22 manages the generation and provision of software information SF. The management device 22 has an execution device 23 and a storage device 24. The execution device 23 is a CPU. The storage device 24 is a memory.

[0031] Storage device 24 stores a management program PR1 for software updates via Over-The-Air (OTA) technology. Management program PR1 is a program that causes execution device 23 to perform a series of processes executed by management server 20 for software updates, including the generation of software information SF.

[0032] Storage device 24 stores determination information for determining whether a software update has occurred. This determination information is updated, for example, by inputting information from the vehicle manufacturer. The determination information may include, for example, information about the latest version of the software at the time of the latest software update. The processing based on management program PR1 will then be described in detail.

[0033] The execution device 23 sends the generated software information SF from the communication device 21 to the vehicle 30. Consequently, the management server 20 provides the vehicle 30 with the software information SF required for software updates.

[0034] The vehicle 30 is equipped with a communication device 31, a display 32, an internal bus 33, and multiple electronic control devices 40. The communication device 31, the display 32, and the multiple electronic control devices 40 are connected via the internal bus 33 to communicate with each other.

[0035] The communication device 31 can communicate wirelessly with the management server 20 via a wireless communication line. The communication device 31 is a so-called DCM (Data Communication Module).

[0036] The display 32 can display images representing various information. The display 32 can display images representing information about software updates. In this embodiment, the display 32 is located near the driver's seat of the vehicle 30. The display 32 is a touch display; that is, the display 32 can accept touch operations from the user.

[0037] Multiple electronic control units 40 include a main ECU 50 and multiple target ECUs 60. ECU is short for Electronic Control Unit. The electronic control units 40 are installed in the vehicle 30.

[0038] The main ECU 50 performs various processes for executing software updates applied to the target ECU 60. Additionally, the main ECU 50 controls the display on the display 32. The main ECU 50 is the control device in this embodiment.

[0039] The main ECU 50 includes an execution device 51, a storage device 52, and a data storage device 53, which serve as processing circuitry. The execution device 51 is a CPU. The storage device 52 is a memory. The storage device 52 stores a main program PR2 for functioning as an OTA manager and a control program PR3 for controlling the display on the display 32.

[0040] The actuator 51 functions as an OTA manager, executing the main program PR2 to perform various processes for performing software updates applied to the target ECU 60. The actuator 51 controls the display on the display 32 by executing the control program PR3. These processes will be described in detail later. The data storage unit 53 is a memory that temporarily stores data.

[0041] Multiple target ECUs 60 control various actuators or perform various information processing on the vehicle 30. One of the target ECUs 60 is, for example, the engine ECU. The engine ECU is an ECU used to control the engine installed in the vehicle 30.

[0042] One of the target ECUs 60 is, for example, a brake ECU. The brake ECU is an ECU used to control the braking system mounted on the vehicle 30. Another target ECU 60 is, for example, a steering ECU. The steering ECU is an ECU used to control the steering system mounted on the vehicle 30.

[0043] One example of the target ECU 60 is the ADAS ECU. ADAS is short for Advanced Driving Assistance System. An ADAS ECU is an ECU used to provide advanced driving assistance functions such as automatic braking and prevention of sudden starts.

[0044] One of the target ECUs 60 is, for example, a PCU. PCU is short for Power Control Unit. The PCU is an ECU used for electrical control in the vehicle 30.

[0045] The target ECU 60 includes an execution device 61 as a processing circuit and a storage device 62. The execution device 61 is a CPU. The storage device 62 is a double-sided memory. In addition to storing software for controlling various actuators or performing various information processing, the storage device 62 also stores the target program PR4 for various processes used for software updates. The software stored in the storage device 62 is updated through software updates. This software includes programs and data.

[0046] Vehicle 30 is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 71 and a shift position sensor 72. The vehicle speed sensor 71 detects the driving speed DS of vehicle 30. The vehicle speed sensor 71 outputs a signal indicating the detected driving speed DS to the main ECU 50.

[0047] The shift position sensor 72 detects the shift position SP set by the shift lever. The shift position sensor 72 outputs a signal indicating the detected shift position SP to the main ECU 50.

[0048] <Overview of Software Updates>

[0049] The communication system 10 performs a series of processes to advance the software update by processing the management server 20, the main ECU 50, and the target ECU 60 respectively.

[0050] During a software update, in the management server 20, the execution device 23 executes the management program PR1. During a software update, in the main ECU 50, the execution device 51 executes the main program PR2. During a software update, in the target ECU 60, the execution device 61 executes the target program PR4.

[0051] Furthermore, in the following description, the processing of the execution device 23 will be described as the processing performed by the management server 20, the processing of the execution device 51 will be described as the processing performed by the main ECU 50, and the processing of the execution device 61 will be described as the processing performed by the target ECU 60.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, when the communication system 10 performs a software update, the main ECU 50 first performs step S11. In step S11, the main ECU 50 sends the vehicle configuration information CF to the management server 20. The vehicle configuration information CF includes information representing the multiple electronic control devices 40 installed in the vehicle 30, and version information representing the version of the software applied to each electronic control device 40.

[0053] The main ECU 50 updates the vehicle configuration information CF by obtaining version information from multiple electronic control devices 40 at predetermined intervals. Then, the main ECU 50 sends the updated vehicle configuration information CF to the management server 20.

[0054] Subsequently, if the management server 20 obtains the vehicle configuration information CF from the vehicle 30, the management server 20 determines whether there is a software update based on the obtained vehicle configuration information CF and the stored determination information used to determine whether there is a software update.

[0055] Specifically, the management server 20 compares the version information of the electronic control device 40 contained in the acquired vehicle configuration information CF with the latest version information contained in the determination information. Then, when the version information of the electronic control device 40 contained in the vehicle configuration information CF is different from the latest version information, the management server 20 determines that a software update has been performed.

[0056] If the management server 20 determines that a software update exists, it proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the management server 20 sends an update notification MS1 ​​indicating the existence of a software update to the vehicle 30.

[0057] Subsequently, if vehicle 30 receives update notification MS1, the main ECU 50 controls display 32 to display a notification to the user of vehicle 30 indicating that a software update exists.

[0058] Then, when a touch operation indicating a software update is performed on the display 32, the main ECU 50 performs a download phase process that includes download processing. In the download phase process, first, the main ECU 50 performs step S13. In step S13, the main ECU 50 sends an update request DM1, indicating a request for a software update, to the management server 20.

[0059] Subsequently, if the management server 20 receives the update request DM1, it generates the software information SF required for the software update. That is, the software information SF contains information about the software update. After generating the software information SF, the management server 20 proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the management server 20 sends the software information SF to the vehicle 30.

[0060] Subsequently, if vehicle 30 receives software information SF, the main ECU 50 performs step S15. In step S15, the main ECU 50 stores the software information SF in the data storage 53. That is, the main ECU 50 performs the download process for the software information SF. Thus, the main ECU 50 completes the download stage. In other words, the download stage includes steps S13 to S15.

[0061] Next, the main ECU 50 begins the installation phase of the installation process. During installation, the main ECU 50 determines whether a touch operation indicating permission to perform the installation process has been performed on the display 32. Then, if such a touch operation has been performed, the main ECU 50 proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the main ECU 50 sends a write request DM2 and software information SF to the target ECU 60. The write request DM2 is a request to write the software information SF to the storage device 62.

[0062] Subsequently, if the target ECU 60 obtains the write request DM2 and the software information SF, the target ECU 60 proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the target ECU 60 stores the software information SF in the storage device 62. That is, the target ECU 60 performs the installation process of the software information SF. Subsequently, if the target ECU 60 confirms that the software information SF is stored in the storage device 62, the target ECU 60 proceeds to step S18.

[0063] In step S18, the target ECU 60 sends a success notification MS2, indicating that the software information SF has been successfully written, to the main ECU 50. Thus, the main ECU 50 and the target ECU 60 complete the installation phase processing. That is, the installation phase processing includes determining whether permission has been granted for installation, and the processing in steps S16 to S18.

[0064] Subsequently, when vehicle 30 meets the conditions for the activation phase processing, main ECU 50 begins the activation phase processing. The condition that vehicle 30 must meet for the activation phase processing is that the power state of vehicle 30 switches from a disconnected state to an on state. During the activation phase processing, when the power state of vehicle 30 switches from a disconnected state to an on state, main ECU 50 performs step S19. In step S19, main ECU 50 sends a validation request DM3 to target ECU 60, requesting the validation of software information SF.

[0065] Subsequently, if the target ECU 60 receives the validation request DM3, the target ECU 60 proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the target ECU 60 validates the software information SF. Then, if the target ECU 60 confirms that the software information SF has been properly validated, the target ECU 60 proceeds to step S21.

[0066] In step S21, the target ECU 60 sends a success notification MS3 indicating that the software information SF has been successfully validated to the master ECU 50. Thus, the master ECU 50 and the target ECU 60 complete the activation process. That is, the activation process includes steps S19 to S21.

[0067] Next, the main ECU 50 performs step S22. In step S22, the main ECU 50 updates the vehicle configuration information CF by obtaining version information from multiple electronic control devices 40. Then, the main ECU 50 sends the updated vehicle configuration information CF.

[0068] Subsequently, if the management server 20 receives the vehicle configuration information CF, it proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the management server 20 determines whether the software update has been completed based on the received vehicle configuration information CF. Specifically, the management server 20 compares the version information contained in the received vehicle configuration information CF with the latest version information contained in the determination information. Then, when the version information of the electronic control device 40 contained in the vehicle configuration information CF is the same as the latest version information, the management server 20 determines that the software update has been completed. When the management server 20 determines that the software update has been completed, it sends an update completion notification MS4 indicating that the software update has been completed to the vehicle 30. Thus, the communication system 10 concludes the series of processes in the software update.

[0069] <Control of the monitor display from the time of software update>

[0070] In the main ECU 50, the actuator 51 controls the display of the display 32 by executing the control program PR3. First, the control of the display of the display 32 by the main ECU 50 from the moment a touch operation indicating the execution of a software update is performed on the display 32 will be described.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, when a touch operation is performed on the display 32 to indicate that a software update is being performed, the execution device 51 begins controlling the display of the display 32 during the download phase.

[0072] If the execution device 51 initiates control of the display on the monitor 32 during the download phase, the execution device 51 first performs step S31. In step S31, the execution device 51 displays the downloading image DP1 on the monitor 32. The downloading image DP1 is an image indicating that the download phase processing is in progress.

[0073] like Figure 4 As shown, the execution device 51 displays the image DP1 being downloaded in the setting window SW of the display 32. The setting window SW includes a main area AR1, an application display area AR2, and a status display area AR3. The area of ​​the main area AR1 is larger than the areas of the application display area AR2 and the status display area AR3. In this embodiment, the execution device 51 displays the image DP1 being downloaded in the main area AR1.

[0074] The execution device 51 causes multiple icons to be displayed in the application display area AR2. The multiple icons include a home icon AC1, a navigation icon AC2, an audio icon AC3, a call icon AC4, a task management icon AC5, and a settings icon AC6.

[0075] The home icon AC1 displays the homepage image, which is used to select the application by touch. The navigation icon AC2 launches the navigation application and displays a navigation image including a map by touch. The audio icon AC3 launches the audio application and displays an audio operation image for audio interaction by touch.

[0076] The call icon AC4 is used to display the call screen during hands-free calls on a wirelessly connected mobile phone. The task management icon AC5 is used to display the task management interface. The settings icon AC6 is used to display various settings icons through the settings application. Additionally, the settings window SW is the window displayed through the settings application.

[0077] The actuator 51 displays images showing setting information related to the air conditioning and heating systems in the status display area AR3. The setting information related to the air conditioning system includes information indicating the set temperature of the driver's seat air conditioning system, the setting mode of the driver's seat air conditioning system, and the intensity of the driver's seat air conditioning system. The setting information related to the air conditioning system includes information indicating the set temperature of the passenger seat air conditioning system and the intensity of the passenger seat air conditioning system. The setting information related to the heating system includes information indicating the intensity of the seat heaters and the intensity of the steering wheel heaters.

[0078] The information shown in image DP1 during the download includes information indicating the status of the stage in the software update, information indicating the progress of the download process, and information related to precautions during the download.

[0079] The information in image DP1 during the download process, representing the stages of the software update, indicates the processing of the download stage, installation stage, and activation stage.

[0080] Information indicating the progress of the download process shows how far the download has progressed before completion. For example, the progress of the download process can be represented by the length of a progress bar.

[0081] Information related to precautions during download includes information indicating that the functions of vehicle 30 and multimedia can be used in the same way as when no software update has been performed. Information related to precautions during download includes information indicating that if the power to vehicle 30 is switched off, the download process will restart when the power to vehicle 30 is switched back on. Information related to precautions during download includes information indicating that the download process will continue even if the image displayed on monitor 32 is changed from the settings window SW. Information related to precautions during download includes information indicating that a notification will be given indicating that the download process is complete after it is finished.

[0082] The display 32 can accept touch operations on the main area AR1 and the application display area AR2 while the setting window SW is displayed. Therefore, when the downloading image DP1 is displayed on the display 32, and an icon is touched, the execution device 51 switches the image displayed on the display 32 according to the touched icon. For example, when the downloading image DP1 is displayed on the display 32, and the navigation icon AC2 is touched, the execution device 51 switches the display of the display 32 to display a navigation window containing the navigation image. In step S31, after the execution device 51 displays the downloading image DP1 on the display 32, the execution device 51 proceeds to step S32.

[0083] In step S32, the execution device 51 determines whether the download process of the software information SF has been completed. If the download process of the software information SF has not been completed (S32: No), the execution device 51 repeatedly performs the process of step S32.

[0084] On the other hand, when the download processing of the software information SF is completed (S32: Yes), the execution device 51 causes the processing to proceed to step S33. That is, after the download processing of the software information SF is completed, the execution device 51 performs the processing of step S33. In step S33, the execution device 51 determines whether the driving speed DS is lower than a predetermined speed RS. The predetermined speed RS is a speed greater than zero and is determined in advance through tests and simulations as the lower limit speed at which the vehicle can be predicted to continue driving.

[0085] When the driving speed DS is above the specified speed RS (S33: No), the execution device 51 repeatedly performs the process of step S33. On the other hand, when the driving speed DS is below the specified speed RS (S33: Yes), the execution device 51 causes the process to proceed to step S34. That is, when the download processing of the software information SF is completed, and the driving speed DS is above the specified speed RS, the execution device 51 performs the process of step S34 as a condition that the driving speed DS is below the specified speed RS. Alternatively, when the download processing of the software information SF is completed, and the driving speed DS is above the specified speed RS, the execution device 51 stops displaying the download completion image DP2 on the display 32.

[0086] In step S34, the execution device 51 displays the download completion image DP2 on the display 32. The download completion image DP2 is an image indicating that the download processing of the software information SF has been completed. Alternatively, when the download processing of the software information SF has been completed, if the driving speed DS is above a predetermined speed RS, the execution device 51 displays the download completion image DP2 on the display 32 from the moment the driving speed DS changes to below the predetermined speed RS.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, in the modal display, the execution device 51 displays the downloaded image DP2 in the modal window MW. When the modal window MW is displayed, the execution device 51 can only accept touch operations on the modal window MW. Therefore, when the downloaded image DP2 is displayed, the execution device 51 does not accept touch operations on the setting window SW.

[0088] The modal window MW is smaller than the setting window SW. Therefore, the modal window MW is displayed in such a way that the application display area AR2 and the status display area AR3 in the setting window SW do not overlap with the modal window MW.

[0089] The download completion image DP2 indicates that the download process for software information SF has been completed. The download completion image DP2 also indicates that the installation phase can begin. Finally, the download completion image DP2 includes information to prompt the user whether to continue the software update, i.e., whether to proceed with the installation phase.

[0090] The downloaded image DP2 contains an image representing the license switch SW1 and an image representing the rejection switch SW2. The license switch SW1 is an image of the installation license image IP1, used for displaying information about the license to proceed with the installation process via touch operation. The rejection switch SW2 is an image for accepting the rejection of the installation process via touch operation.

[0091] like Figure 3As shown, after the execution device 51 displays the downloaded image DP2 in modal mode, the execution device 51 proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the execution device 51 determines whether the permission switch SW1 has been touched. That is, the execution device 51 can also be configured to determine whether the user has touched the image representing the permission switch SW1.

[0092] When no touch operation is performed on the permission switch SW1 (S35: No), the execution device 51 repeatedly performs the process of step S35. Furthermore, if a touch operation is performed on the rejection switch SW2, the execution device 51 aborts a series of software update processes. In this case, the execution device 51 displays an image indicating that the software update has been aborted on the display 32 and ends the process. Figure 3 The series of processes shown. On the other hand, when the permission switch SW1 is touched (S35: Yes), the execution device 51 causes the process to proceed to step S36.

[0093] In step S36, the execution device 51 displays the installation license image IP1 on the display 32. The installation license image IP1 is an image used to grant permission for accepting the installation processing of the software information SF. That is, it can also be configured such that when the execution device 51 determines that the user has touched the image representing the license switch SW1, the execution device 51 displays the installation license image IP1 on the display 32.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown, the execution device 51 displays the installation license image IP1 in the main area AR1 of the setting window SW of the display 32. The information represented by the installation license image IP1 includes information indicating the status of the stage in the software update, information indicating the progress of the installation process, and information related to precautions during installation.

[0095] The information in the installation license image IP1 indicating the status of the stages in the software update indicates that the installation stage, which is currently being processed, is in progress, including the download, installation, and activation stages. Information related to installation precautions indicates that some functions of vehicle 30 are limited during the installation process based on the update content.

[0096] Information indicating the progress of the installation process indicates how far the installation has progressed before completion. For example, the progress of the installation process can be represented by the length of a progress bar.

[0097] The installation license image IP1 includes an image representing the update content switch SW3, an image representing the start switch SW4, and an image representing the hold switch SW5. The update content switch SW3 is a switch used to display an image showing details related to the update content in the software update via touch operation. The start switch SW4 is a switch used to accept permission to proceed with the installation process via touch operation. The hold switch SW5 is a switch used to accept rejection of the installation process via touch operation. In this embodiment, the hold switch SW5 is represented by a text column indicating that the installation process will begin later.

[0098] If the start switch SW4 is touched, the actuator 51 begins the installation process. On the other hand, if the hold switch SW5 is touched, the actuator 51 holds the installation process for a predetermined time.

[0099] After the execution device 51 displays the installation license image IP1 in step S36, the execution device 51 ends a series of processes related to the control of the display on the display 32 from after the license software update to before the license installation process.

[0100] <Control of the display on the monitor after license installation processing>

[0101] Next, the control of the display on the display 32 after the device 51 accepts the installation processing permission by touching the start switch SW4 in the installation permission image IP1 will be described.

[0102] like Figure 7 As shown, when a touch operation indicating permission to perform an installation process is performed on the display 32, the execution device 51 begins to accept control of the display 32 after the permission to perform the installation process.

[0103] If the execution device 51 initiates control of the display on the monitor 32 during the installation phase, the execution device 51 first performs step S41. In step S41, the execution device 51 displays the installation image IP2 on the monitor 32. The installation image IP2 is an image indicating that the installation phase process is in progress.

[0104] like Figure 8 As shown, the actuator 51 displays the installation image IP2 in the setting window SW of the display 32. The actuator 51 also displays the installation image IP2 in the main area AR1.

[0105] The information displayed in image IP2 during installation includes information indicating the status of the stages in the software update process and information related to installation considerations. The information in image IP2 indicating the status of the stages in the software update process shows that the download stage, the installation stage, and the activation stage are currently in progress during the installation phase.

[0106] Information related to installation precautions includes information indicating that vehicle 30 and multimedia are available during installation. Information related to installation precautions also includes information indicating that if the power supply to vehicle 30 is switched off, the installation process restarts when the power supply to vehicle 30 is switched back on. Information related to installation precautions also includes information indicating that the installation process continues even if the image displayed on monitor 32 is changed via the settings window SW.

[0107] Image IP2 during installation includes an image representing the Update Contents switch SW6, which displays details related to updates in a software update. The Update Contents switch SW6 is a switch used to display an image representing details related to updates in a software update via touch operation.

[0108] like Figure 7 As shown, in step S41, after the execution device 51 displays the installation image IP2 on the display 32, the execution device 51 causes the process to proceed to step S42.

[0109] In step S42, the execution device 51 determines whether the installation process of the software information SF has been completed. If the installation process of the software information SF has not been completed (S42: No), the execution device 51 repeatedly performs the process of step S42.

[0110] On the other hand, when the installation process of the software information SF is completed (S42: Yes), the execution device 51 causes the process to proceed to step S43. That is, after the installation process of the software information SF is completed, the execution device 51 performs step S43. In step S43, the execution device 51 determines whether the vehicle 30 is in a stopped state. A stopped state is a state in which the vehicle 30's travel speed DS is zero for a certain period of time or more, or a state in which the shift position SP is in parking gear. Therefore, the execution device 51 determines whether the vehicle 30 is in a stopped state based on the obtained travel speed DS and shift position SP.

[0111] When the vehicle 30 is not in a stopped state (S43: No), the actuator 51 repeatedly performs the process of step S43. On the other hand, when the vehicle 30 is in a stopped state (S43: Yes), the actuator 51 causes the process to proceed to step S44. That is, when the vehicle 30 is in a moving state after installation is completed, the actuator 51 performs the process of step S44 as a condition that the vehicle 30 is in a stopped state.

[0112] In step S44, the execution device 51 displays the installation completion image IP3 modally on the display 32. The installation completion image IP3 is an image indicating that the installation of the software information SF has been completed.

[0113] like Figure 9 As shown, the installation completion image IP3 is displayed in the modal window MW. The installation completion image IP3 contains information indicating that the installation process has been completed.

[0114] The installation completion image IP3 includes an image representing the confirmation switch SW7 and an image representing the hold switch SW8. The confirmation switch SW7 is used to display the activation details image AP1 via touch operation, showing detailed information related to the activation process that requires confirmation to begin the activation phase. The hold switch SW8 is used to hold the display of the activation details image AP1. Furthermore, when the installation completion image IP3 is displayed modally, the actuator 51 does not accept touch operations on the setting window SW.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, in step S44, after the execution device 51 displays the installation completion image IP3 modally, the execution device 51 proceeds to step S45. In step S45, it is determined whether there is a touch operation on the confirmation switch SW7. That is, the execution device 51 can also be configured to determine whether the user has touched the image representing the confirmation switch SW7.

[0116] When there is no touch operation on the confirmation switch SW7 (S45: No), the execution device 51 repeatedly performs the process of step S45. Furthermore, when the hold switch SW8 is touched, the execution device 51 interrupts the software update for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the installation completion image IP3 is displayed again on the display 32. On the other hand, when there is a touch operation on the confirmation switch SW7 (S45: Yes), the execution device 51 proceeds to step S46.

[0117] In step S46, the execution device 51 displays the activation detail image AP1 on the display 32. The activation detail image AP1 is an image representing detailed information related to the activation process. That is, it can also be configured such that when the execution device 51 determines that the user has touched the image representing the confirmation switch SW7, the execution device 51 displays the activation detail image AP1 on the display 32.

[0118] like Figure 10 As shown, the execution device 51 displays the activation detail image AP1 in the main area AR1 of the setting window SW of the display 32. The activation detail image AP1 displays information including information indicating the status of the stage in the software update and information indicating precautions when performing the activation process.

[0119] The information in the detailed activation image AP1, which indicates the status of the stages in the software update, shows that the download stage, installation stage, and activation stage are being processed.

[0120] The information indicating precautions indicates that vehicle 30 cannot be started or driven for a certain period of time during the activation process. The information also indicates the operations required for vehicle 30 during the activation process. Specifically, the required operation for vehicle 30 during the activation process is to disconnect vehicle 30 in a safe location such as a parking lot.

[0121] The activation detail image AP1 includes an image representing a checkbox for selecting confirmed precautions, an image representing the reservation switch SW9, and an image representing the hold switch SW10.

[0122] The image representing the checkbox is an image of a state where the confirmed notice has been checked through touch operation. The reservation switch SW9 is used to reserve activation processing when vehicle 30 is in the off state. The hold switch SW10 is used to prevent activation processing from being reserved the next time vehicle 30 is in the off state. The hold switch SW10 is displayed via a text column indicating later confirmation.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown, in step S46, after displaying the activation detail image AP1 on the display 32, the execution device 51 displays the activation detail image AP1 until the reservation switch SW9 or the hold switch SW10 is touched. Afterwards, the execution device 51 ends the current series of processes. Furthermore, if the reservation switch SW9 is touched, the execution device 51 will perform the activation process the next time the power to the vehicle 30 changes from the off state to the on state. If the hold switch SW10 is touched, the execution device 51 will display the activation detail image AP1 on the display 32 the next time the power to the vehicle 30 changes from the off state to the on state.

[0124] <The function of this implementation method>

[0125] In this embodiment, when the download completion image DP2 is displayed, in order for the main ECU 50 to proceed with the software update process, the user of the vehicle 30 needs to touch the permission switch SW1.

[0126] In this embodiment, the processing of step S15 in the main ECU 50, namely the downloading of software information SF, is sometimes completed while the vehicle 30 is in motion. In this case, when the driving speed DS is above the specified speed RS, the download completion image DP2 is not displayed. Then, when the driving speed DS is below the specified speed RS, the download completion image DP2 is displayed.

[0127] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0128] According to the main ECU 50, even if the download processing of software information SF is completed, if the vehicle speed DS is not lower than the specified speed RS, the actuator 51 will not display the download completion image DP2 on the display 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where the driver of the vehicle 30 is distracted by the display on the display 32 due to the display of the download completion image DP2 on the display 32 when the vehicle speed DS is higher than the specified speed RS.

[0129] The downloaded image DP2 contains an image representing the license switch SW1, which is used to display the installation license image IP1 for accepting installation processing licenses when activated. When the license switch SW1 is touched, the actuator 51 causes the installation license image IP1 to be displayed on the display 32.

[0130] When the download completion image DP2 is displayed, the driver of vehicle 30 needs to perform an operation on display 32 for license installation processing. When the driving speed DS is above the specified speed RS, the main ECU 50 does not need to request the driver of vehicle 30 to touch the license switch SW1 on display 32.

[0131] The specified speed RS is a speed greater than zero. After the installation processing of the software information SF is completed, the actuator 51 displays the installation completion image IP3 on the display 32, provided that the vehicle 30 is in a stopped state.

[0132] When the vehicle 30 is in motion, even if the installation of the software information SF is completed, the actuator 51 will not display the installation completion image IP3 on the display 32 until the vehicle 30 comes to a stop. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the driver of the vehicle 30 from being distracted by the display on the display 32 due to the installation completion image IP3 being displayed on the display 32 while the vehicle 30 is in motion.

[0133] The installation completion image IP3 includes an image representing the confirmation switch SW7. When the image representing the confirmation switch SW7 is touched, the actuator 51 activates the detailed image AP1 to be displayed on the display 32.

[0134] When the installation completion image IP3 is displayed, the driver of vehicle 30 needs to perform an operation on display 32 to display an image showing detailed information related to activation.

[0135] When the vehicle 30 is in motion, the main ECU 50 may not request the driver of the vehicle 30 to perform the operation of displaying detailed information related to the activation process on the display 32.

[0136] Detailed information related to the activation process includes information indicating the operations required on the vehicle 30 when the activation process is performed. The operations required on the vehicle 30 when the activation process is performed are operations whose content is quite necessary for the driver of the vehicle 30 to confirm. Therefore, the driver's attention is required to confirm the content of the operation. When the vehicle 30 is in motion, the main ECU 50 may not display an image indicating the need for high attention on the display 32 to the driver of the vehicle 30.

[0137] <Example of Change>

[0138] The above-described embodiments can be implemented by modification as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within a technically compatible scope.

[0139] Vehicle 30 may also include a processor. The processor may also perform the respective processing of the electronic control unit 40, the main ECU 50, and the actuator 51. The processor may also be configured to control the display 32, or to download software information SF containing information related to software updates, or to determine whether the vehicle speed DS is lower than the specified speed RS after the software information SF download is completed, or to display the downloaded image DP2 on the display 32 when the vehicle speed DS is lower than the specified speed RS.

[0140] The display 32 may not be a touch display. For example, the vehicle 30 may have buttons such as push-buttons, through which the main ECU 50 is operated to receive permission from the user of the vehicle 30.

[0141] The control device for the display 32 is not limited to the main ECU 50. For example, when the vehicle 30 has a multimedia ECU that controls the display 32 and the audio equipment mounted on the vehicle 30, the multimedia ECU can also be the control device for the display 32. In this case, the multimedia ECU can control the display of the display 32 by storing and executing the control program PR3, and the main ECU 50 can function only as an OTA manager by storing and executing the main program PR2.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the main ECU 50 includes an execution device 51 comprising a processing circuit that performs various processes according to a computer program (software), and includes one or more processors. However, the main ECU 50 may also include a processing circuit comprising one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that performs at least a portion of the various processes. Alternatively, the main ECU 50 may include a processing circuit comprising a combination of one or more processors and one or more application-specific hardware circuits. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM. The memories store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. The target ECU 60 and the management device 22 are similar in this respect.

[0143] Among multiple target ECUs 60, there can be one or more target ECUs 60 that are subject to software updates. Additionally, the main ECU 50 can also be subject to a software update.

[0144] The processes involved in the software update can also be modified appropriately. For example, in the series of processes during the software update, the main ECU 50 may not perform step S11, and the management server 20 may not perform step S12. Alternatively, for example, the download phase may only include steps S14 and S15, and step S13 may be omitted. Furthermore, for example, the main ECU 50 may also omit steps S22 and S23.

[0145] Alternatively, the main ECU 50 may not accept operations from the driver of the vehicle 30 for the activation phase. In this case, the main ECU 50 may omit the processing in step S45.

[0146] The specified speed RS may not be greater than zero. For example, the specified speed RS may be zero. The actuator 51 may also prevent the installation completion image IP3 from being displayed on the display 32 after the software information SF installation process is completed, provided that the vehicle 30 is in a stopped state. For example, the actuator 51 may also display the installation completion image IP3 on the display 32 after the software information SF installation process is completed, provided that the driving speed DS is lower than the specified speed RS.

[0147] The way the image DP1 is displayed during download is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the pop-up window may be displayed in a way that overlaps with the window being displayed, and the image DP1 during download may be displayed in the pop-up window.

[0148] The details of the settings window SW are not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the heating and cooling devices can also be operated by touching the image displayed in the status display area AR3. The application display area AR2 and the status display area AR3 can both be omitted from the settings window SW.

[0149] The information represented by the downloading image DP1 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The downloading image DP1 only needs to indicate that the download is in progress. For example, the downloading image DP1 may also simply represent information about the degree of progress of the download.

[0150] The display method for the downloaded image DP2 is not limited to modal display. For example, the downloaded image DP2 can also be displayed in the main area AR1 of the settings window SW.

[0151] The downloaded image DP2 may not include an image representing the permission switch SW1. In this case, for example, the actuator 51 may not display the installation permission image IP1 on the display 32 when the image representing the permission switch SW1 is touched. In this case, the main ECU 50 may also omit the processing of step S35. That is, the main ECU 50 may not accept permission from the driver of the vehicle 30 for the installation phase processing.

[0152] The way the installation license image IP1 is displayed is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the pop-up window may be displayed in a way that overlaps with the window being displayed, and the downloading image DP1 may be displayed in the pop-up window.

[0153] The installation license image IP1 may also not include the update content switch SW3. The installation license image IP1 may also not include the reservation switch SW5. In the absence of the reservation switch SW5, for example, if the start switch SW4 is not operated at a predetermined time, the main ECU 50 determines that the installation process has been reserved.

[0154] The way the installation image IP2 is displayed is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the pop-up window may be displayed in a way that overlaps with the window being displayed, and the installation image IP2 may be displayed in the pop-up window.

[0155] The information shown in the installation image IP2 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. The installation image IP2 only needs to show that the installation is in progress. For example, the installation image IP2 may also only show information indicating the degree of progress of the installation process.

[0156] The installation completion image IP3 can be displayed in various ways, not limited to modal display. For example, the installation completion image IP3 can also be displayed in the main area AR1 of the settings window SW.

[0157] The installation completion image IP3 may also omit the image representing the hold switch SW8. In the absence of the hold switch SW8, for example, if the confirmation switch SW7 is not activated at a predetermined time, the main ECU 50 may determine that the installation process has been held.

[0158] The installation completion image IP3 may not include an image representing the confirmation switch SW7. Alternatively, when the image representing the confirmation switch SW7 is touched, the execution device 51 may not display the activation detail image AP1 on the display 32. For example, the installation completion image IP3 may include an image representing a switch that allows activation, and the execution device 51 may perform step S46 processing only if that switch is touched.

[0159] The display method of the activated detailed image AP1 is not limited to the examples of the above embodiments. For example, the execution device 51 may also display the pop-up window in a manner that overlaps with the window on display, and display the activated detailed image AP1 in the pop-up window.

[0160] The detailed information shown in the activation detail image AP1 may or may not include information indicating the operation of the vehicle 30 required when the activation process is performed.

[0161] The activation detail image AP1 may also not include an image representing the hold switch SW10. In the absence of the hold switch SW10, for example, if the reservation switch SW9 is not operated at a predetermined time, the main ECU 50 determines that the activation process has been held.

Claims

1. A control device configured to control a display, the display being configured to display an image representing information relating to software updates of an electronic control device mounted in a vehicle. The control device is characterized in that... Includes an actuating device, the actuating device being configured as follows: After the download of the software information containing the information related to the software update is completed, a download completion image indicating that the download process has been completed is displayed on the display, provided that the vehicle's speed is lower than a predetermined speed.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display is configured to accept touch operations. The download complete image includes an image representing a license switch. The actuator is configured as follows: Determine whether the user has touched the image representing the permission switch; and If the execution device determines that the user has touched the image representing the license switch, an installation license image representing information related to the license for the installation process is displayed on the display.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The specified speed is a speed greater than zero. The execution device is further configured to: after the installation of the software information is completed, and assuming the vehicle is in a stopped state, display an installation completion image indicating that the installation process is complete on the display.

4. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The display is configured to accept touch operations. The installation completion image includes an image representing a confirmation switch. The actuator is configured as follows: Determine whether the user has touched the image representing the confirmation switch; and If the execution device determines that the user has touched the image representing the confirmation switch, it displays an activation detail image representing detailed information related to the activation process on the display.

5. The control device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detailed information includes information indicating the operations required on the vehicle when activation is performed.

6. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator is configured to stop displaying the downloaded image on the display when the vehicle's travel speed is above the predetermined speed.

7. The control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The actuator is configured to display the downloaded image on the display when the vehicle's speed is above the predetermined speed and when the vehicle's speed changes to below the predetermined speed.

8. A vehicle, characterized in that, Include: Processor; and The display is configured to show images representing information related to software updates of the processor. in, The processor is configured as follows: Control the display; The software information, including the information related to the software update, is downloaded. After the software information download process is completed, it is determined whether the vehicle's speed is lower than a predetermined speed; and If the vehicle's speed is lower than the specified speed, a download completion image indicating that the download process is complete is displayed on the monitor.

Images