Providing software information for vehicles without displays

Abstract

System (10) encompassing: - at least one vehicle (12) with at least one transmission device (16) and with at least one control unit (14), wherein the at least one control unit (14) has control unit-specific software information (24) which is transferable by means of the transmission device (16), wherein the at least one vehicle (12) does not have a display or wherein the control unit-specific software information (24) is not transferred to a display of the at least one vehicle, - a central computing facility (18) for receiving, managing and providing software information (24) from control units (14), wherein the transmission device (16) is configured to transmit the control unit-specific software information (24) to the central computing device (18), wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to store the control unit-specific software information (24) received from the at least one transmission unit (16) and to make it available to an end device (20) of a vehicle user (22), and wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to compare the control unit-specific software information (24) of the control unit (14) with a stored control unit-specific target software information and to provide information about the comparison to the terminal device (20) of the vehicle user (22).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to providing software information to vehicle users without a vehicle dashboard and updating software of control units, in particular over-the-air.

[0002] According to UN ECE Regulation R.156, vehicle users must be able to be informed about the software version and update requirements of the electronic control units (ECUs) installed in the vehicle. This is possible in vehicles with a display, where the display is wired to the respective ECU. In this case, the ECU provides the ECU-specific software information to the display, so that it can be shown to the vehicle user.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a system in which vehicle users can be informed about the software status and the need for updates of the control units installed in the vehicle using alternative means.

[0004] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a system with the features of claim 1. The invention is directed to a system comprising at least one vehicle, in particular a trailer, a semi-trailer, a tractor unit or a semi-trailer truck, and a central computing device.

[0005] The at least one vehicle comprises at least one transmission device and at least one control unit. The at least one control unit includes control unit-specific software information. The control unit-specific software information can be transmitted to the central computing unit via the transmission device. The at least one vehicle does not have a display, particularly one connected to the at least one control unit, or if the at least one vehicle does have a display, the control unit-specific software information is not transmitted to the display of the at least one vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is designed without a display, i.e., it does not have a display installed. The vehicle can have one or more electronic control units (“ECUs”).

[0006] The central computing unit is suitable for receiving, managing, and providing software information from at least one control unit. The central computing unit can be located remotely from at least one vehicle, such as in a data center. The vehicle can be located anywhere in the world. A wireless connection between the transmission device and the central computing unit is sufficient.

[0007] The transmission device is configured to transmit the ECU-specific software information to the central computing unit. There can be one transmission device per ECU or a shared transmission device for several ECUs. An ECU and a transmission device can preferably be configured separately or as an integrated unit.

[0008] The central computing unit is set up in such a way that it receives the control unit-specific software information from at least one transmission device and / or stores it in a database and / or makes it available to an end device of a vehicle user.

[0009] Accordingly, in vehicles without a driver's cab and dashboard, such as trailers, semi-trailers, or similar vehicles, vehicle-specific or ECU-specific software information can be provided and / or displayed. This is not possible for vehicles without a user interface. The vehicle manufacturer, who is responsible for the proper execution of updates, generally has no other way to inform the vehicle user, as the user is usually unknown to the manufacturer (sales through dealers, second-life vehicles, etc.).

[0010] The transmission device and the central computing device and / or the central computing device and the vehicle user's terminal device can communicate, for example, via mobile communications, satellite or other air interfaces.

[0011] The central computing unit is preferably configured to compare the received control unit-specific software information with a stored control unit-specific target software information and, in particular, to provide information about the comparison to the vehicle user's terminal device. It is conceivable, for example, that a received actual calibration parameter differs from a stored target calibration parameter.

[0012] An advantageous aspect is that the control unit includes a tire pressure monitoring device for monitoring the vehicle's tire pressure. The tire pressure monitoring device is preferably configured to detect the tire pressure of one or more of the vehicle's tires and compare it to a target tire pressure. The tire pressure monitoring device is preferably configured to transmit a tire pressure value to a tractor unit, in particular to the vehicle control unit and / or the electronic braking system (EBS) of the tractor unit. The tire pressure value can characterize the tire pressure and / or the comparison between an actual tire pressure and a target tire pressure. Preferably, the control unit-specific software information is not transmitted to the vehicle control unit of the tractor unit and / or the EBS of the tractor unit.

[0013] One advantageous aspect is that the system includes at least one terminal device of the vehicle user for receiving and displaying data, in particular the control unit-specific software information received from the central computing unit.

[0014] One advantageous aspect is that the ECU-specific software information includes a software version, the last update time, historical usage data, or a serial number of at least one ECU. Accordingly, the software version can, for example, be transmitted to the central computing unit and also made available to the vehicle user via their terminal. The ECU-specific software information can preferably include an ECU configuration, such as the number and / or arrangement of sensors, sensor comparison values, and / or calibration parameters.

[0015] One advantageous aspect is that the central computing unit is configured to compare the received software version of the control unit with a stored target software version. Therefore, if there is a discrepancy between the received actual software version and the stored target software version, the central computing unit can determine whether an update is necessary.

[0016] An advantageous aspect is that the central computing unit is configured to provide the vehicle user's terminal with information about the need for an update and / or the changes associated with the update. Preferably, this information is only provided if the software version and the stored target software version do not match. An update is required, for example, if the target software version is newer than the transmitted software version of at least one control unit.

[0017] One advantageous aspect is that the central computing unit is configured to update the software of at least one electronic control unit (ECU) over-the-air (OTA), particularly based on ECU-specific software information transmitted by the transmission device. Because this software information is provided, the vehicle user can view the current status and preferably initiate actions, especially an update. This allows the vehicle user to be informed without needing a driver's cab or dashboard, thus enabling them to benefit from OTA updates for vehicle ECUs. The ECU can communicate with the central computing unit and / or a central updater independently or via the transmission device.

[0018] The central computer preferably has a database that stores which software version each control unit has and / or which target software version each control unit should have. The database can also include change information (release notes). The central computer can store the software versions of all control units in the field. The control units report their software version, and the central computer reports the target software version so that it can be installed on the control units.

[0019] One advantageous aspect is that the central computing unit is configured to update the software of at least one control unit only if the vehicle user consents via their terminal device. It is advantageous if the transmission device is configured to transmit this consent from the terminal device to the central computing unit. This ensures that the vehicle user retains control over the control unit updates. The central computing unit provides the update, which can then be actively accessed by the vehicle user.

[0020] Preferably, a first interface is provided between the vehicle and the central computing unit, which enables the transfer of software information from the vehicle to the central computing unit and / or the updating of the software of the at least one control unit by the central computing unit or an updater.

[0021] Preferably, a second interface is provided between the central computing unit and the terminal device, which enables the transfer of software information from the central computing unit to the terminal device and / or the transfer of identification information and / or consent information from the terminal device to the central computing unit.

[0022] One advantageous aspect is that the central computing unit is configured to provide the software information of the at least one control unit to the vehicle user's terminal only if the terminal has previously provided the central computing unit with identification information, in particular a serial number of the at least one control unit or a chassis number of the at least one vehicle. The identification information can be entered into the terminal by the vehicle user beforehand and then transmitted to the central computing unit. This increases the likelihood that the vehicle user is updating the correct control unit.

[0023] An advantageous aspect is that a machine-readable code, in particular a barcode or QR code, is arranged on or attached to the at least one vehicle. The machine-readable code can contain an encoded reference to a resource, in particular a network-based resource. The resource is preferably configured to provide at least one of the following functions when accessed by an end device: displaying an input interface for capturing vehicle- or user-related data, in particular identification information; and / or retrieving and displaying the software information of the at least one electronic control unit (ECU); and / or updating the at least one ECU. Accordingly, by scanning the code, the vehicle user can access a website (portal) where they can enter information, such as that required for identification.It is also conceivable that the vehicle user accesses a website (portal) where they can view the current software information. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the vehicle user initiates the update of at least one control unit by scanning the code and optionally providing further consent. The portal can retrieve its information from the central computing facility, particularly an asset management system, and provide the vehicle user with insight into the current software version and the update requirements for their vehicle.

[0024] Since it cannot be assumed that the user has a standard portal login with username / password authentication, a suitable access key must be found, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN). After authentication with the access key, the vehicle user is shown the relevant software information. The information portal can be implemented as a traditional website or as a mobile / tablet app. In addition to simply displaying information, the portal can offer further functions, such as subscribing to software updates, which are then sent via email, push notifications, or other suitable methods.

[0025] The central computing system can include a software database (SW-DB), an updater, an asset management system, and an information portal. These can be implemented as separate modules or systems that communicate with each other. Alternatively, they can also be partially or completely integrated.

[0026] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments of the invention are illustrated with reference to the drawing. The features mentioned in the claims and the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0027] It shows: Fig. 1. A schematic view of a system.

[0028] System 10 comprises a vehicle 12, in particular a trailer, with a control unit 14 and a transmission device 16, as well as a central computing unit 18 and an end device 20, in particular a mobile device, belonging to a vehicle user 22. The vehicle 12 does not have a display connected to the at least one control unit 14. Preferably, the vehicle 12 does not have a display. In other words, preferably no display is installed in the vehicle 12.

[0029] The control unit 14 contains control unit-specific software information 24, in particular a software version. The control unit-specific software information 24 is transmitted from the control unit 14 to the central computing unit 18 via the transmission device 16. If a display is present in the vehicle, in particular in the trailer, or in a tractor unit connected to the trailer, the control unit-specific software information 24 is not transmitted to the display.

[0030] The central computing unit 18 is configured to receive, manage, store, and provide the software information 24 from control units 14. The central computing unit 18 transmits the software information 24 to an end device 20 of the vehicle user 22, particularly when the end device 20 requests the software information 24. The transmissions can take place, for example, via mobile network or satellite.

[0031] The central computing unit 18 can comprise a software database 26, an updater 28, an asset management system 30, and an information portal 32. The software for the respective control units 14 can be stored in the software database 26. The updater 28 preferably performs the update of the respective control unit 14 over the air (OTA). The software versions of the respective control units 14 are stored in the asset management system 30. If the central computing unit 18 detects a discrepancy between an actual software version and a target software version, the software can be updated by the updater 28. Furthermore, the actual software version, any update requirements, the target software version, and change information can be accessed by the vehicle user 22 on the terminal device 20 via the information portal 32. An action by the central computing unit 18, such as an update of the control unit 14, preferably only occurs after the vehicle user 22 has given their consent.For identification purposes, the vehicle user 22 can enter an identification number, in particular a chassis number of the vehicle 12, into the terminal device 20. This can be compared between the central computing unit 18 and the asset management system 30. If a match is found, the software information 24 can be provided to the terminal device 20, enabling the vehicle user 22 to initiate actions, such as an update 28.

[0032] The control unit-specific software information 24 can include a software version, a last update time, historical usage data, or a serial number of the control unit 14. The control unit-specific software information 24 can also include a configuration of the control unit 14.

[0033] The vehicle 12 may include a machine-readable code 34, in particular a QR code, which is accessible from inside or outside the vehicle 12. The machine-readable code 34 may contain an encoded reference to a network-based resource. The resource is configured to provide at least one of the following functions when accessed by an end device 20: displaying an input interface for capturing vehicle- or user-related data, in particular identification information, and / or retrieving and displaying the software information 24 of the at least one control unit 14, and / or updating the at least one control unit 14.

Claims

[1] System (10) comprising: - at least one vehicle (12) with at least one transmission device (16) and with at least one control unit (14), wherein the at least one control unit (14) has control unit-specific software information (24) which is transferable by means of the transmission device (16), wherein the at least one vehicle (12) does not have a display or wherein the control unit-specific software information (24) is not transferred to a display of the at least one vehicle, - a central computing facility (18) for receiving, managing and providing software information (24) from control units (14), wherein the transmission device (16) is configured to transmit the control unit-specific software information (24) to the central computing device (18), wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to store the control unit-specific software information (24) received from the at least one transmission unit (16) and to make it available to an end device (20) of a vehicle user (22), and wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to compare the control unit-specific software information (24) of the control unit (14) with a stored control unit-specific target software information and to provide information about the comparison to the terminal device (20) of the vehicle user (22). [2] System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the system (10) comprises: - at least one terminal device (20) of the vehicle user (22) for receiving and displaying the control unit-specific software information (24) received from the central computing unit (18). [3] System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit-specific software information (24) comprises a software version of the at least one control unit (14). [4] System (10) according to claim 3, wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to compare the software version of the control unit (14) with a stored target software version and, if the software version and the stored target software version do not match, to provide information about the need for an update and the update change to the terminal device (20) of the vehicle user (22). [5] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to update software of the at least one control unit (14) over-the-air depending on the control unit-specific software information (24) transmitted by the transmission unit (16). [6] System (10) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured to update the software of the at least one control unit (14) only when the vehicle user (22) consents to this by means of his terminal device (20), wherein the transmission device (16) is configured to transmit the consent from the terminal device (20) to the central computing unit (18). [7] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central computing unit (18) is configured such that it provides the software information (24) of the at least control unit (14) to the terminal device (20) of the vehicle user (22) only if the terminal device (20) has previously provided the central computing unit (18) with identification information, in particular a serial number of the at least one control unit (14) or a chassis number of the at least one vehicle (12). [8] System (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a machine-readable code (34), in particular a barcode or QR code, is arranged on or at the at least one vehicle (12), wherein the machine-readable code (34) has an encoded reference to a network-based resource which is configured to provide at least one of the following functions when accessed by an end device (20): - Display of an input interface for capturing vehicle- or user-related data, in particular identification information, - Retrieving and displaying the software information (24) of at least one control unit (14), - Updating at least one control unit (14).

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