Method and device for controlling a function of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer (CL1), called the main computer, and a control method implemented by such a computer in a vehicle (2). The method comprises: receiving, by means of a first communication interface (16), from a server (SV1) remote from the vehicle (2), a management command (CMD1) relating to a function (F1a), called the target function, of said vehicle; identifying a secondary computer (CL2a), called the target computer, associated with the target function (F1a); and transmitting, by means of a second communication interface (18), the management command (CMD1) to the target computer (CL2a). Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling a function of a vehicle Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for controlling a function of a vehicle, and in particular but not exclusively of a motor vehicle. The invention aims in particular at controlling a function, managed by a computer on board a vehicle, in cooperation with a server remote from the vehicle. Technological background

[0002] In the automotive field, the increasing integration of digital technology represents a major development, thanks to the inclusion of advanced software to improve the driving experience and vehicle management. To this end, contemporary vehicles incorporate a number of computers, each performing one or more functions, such as, for example, functions relating to the management of driving assistance, traction control, electronic brake distribution, connectivity with other devices, etc. For example, an engine computer, also called an "engine control unit" or "engine control unit", is configured to collect input data (from sensors or others), process this data and send control signals to various components (actuators) of the engine.

[0003] These calculators, also called ECU (for "Electronic Control Unit"), play a vital role in making cars safer, more efficient and more comfortable. To do this, they incorporate configurable software to perform the functions for which they are responsible.

[0004] The customization of these functions in a vehicle is possible thanks to the updating and configuration of the software embedded in the computers, thus making it possible to meet the specific needs of each user. However, this technological evolution faces major technical challenges that must be addressed.

[0005] Thus, with the increase in the number of computers embedded in vehicles and the growing complexity of their architectures, the management of these systems is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly for software updates. This complexity results in particular in a significant cost in resources, in particular in terms of bandwidth and energy consumption. The multiplication of computers to be configured leads to an increase in the computer-server connections necessary to configure the various computers of the vehicles according to the needs and expectations users.

[0006] Furthermore, the current management of computers and the functions they control has limits in terms of flexibility and efficiency. The life or operating cycles of computers are not always in phase with the evolving needs of customers. Thus, a computer may be at a given moment in a state that does not allow an associated function to be activated, even though such activation is desired, by a user for example. Similarly, the diagnosis of the configurations of computers and associated functions in vehicles remains complex.

[0007] In this context where vehicles are becoming increasingly software-managed, it is crucial to improve the control and management of on-board computers. Summary of the present invention

[0008] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems or deficiencies of the technological background described above.

[0009] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the control of at least one computer on board a vehicle. In particular, one object aims to control a computer on board a vehicle, in cooperation with a server remote from the vehicle, in order to manage a function of said computer efficiently, in particular in terms of resource cost, such as the bandwidth used or the energy consumed.

[0010] One of the objects of the present invention is to enable a computer on board a vehicle, or an associated function, to be configured in a flexible and efficient manner in order in particular to respond to the changing needs of users.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a control method implemented by a main computer in a vehicle carrying said main computer and at least one other secondary computer, said main computer comprising a first communication interface and a second communication interface, said method comprising: - reception, by means of the first communication interface, from a remote server of the vehicle, of a management command relating to a function, called target function, of said vehicle; - identification of a secondary calculator, called target calculator, associated with said target function; and - transmission, by means of the second communication interface, of the management command to the target computer.

[0012] The method according to the first aspect of the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, in particular among the embodiments which follow.

[0013] According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises, prior to receiving the management command, recording allocation data associating functions of the vehicle with respective secondary computers of said vehicle; wherein the identification of the target calculator is carried out by determining the secondary calculator associated with the target function according to the allocation data.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises a phase of waiting for a command coming from outside the vehicle, the main computer being, during said waiting phase, in an active state making it possible to receive a command coming from outside the vehicle via the first communication interface, independently of a current state in which each secondary computer is found during said waiting phase; the management command being received during said waiting phase.

[0015] According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises, after the identification of the target computer: - checking whether the target calculator is in an active state allowing configuration of the target function; - waiting for the management command while the target computer is in an inactive state; and - upon detection that the target computer is in the active state, triggering of the transmission, by means of the second communication interface, of the management command to the target computer.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the management command transmitted to the target computer causes at least one of the following configuration operations: - setting the target function; - activation of said target function; and - deactivation of said target function.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment, the method comprises, prior to receiving the management command: - receiving, by means of the second communication interface from the target computer, a current value of a parameter of the target function; - saving the current value in association with the target function in configuration data; and - in response to a read command, relating to the target function, coming from the remote server, sending to the remote server the current value associated with said target function according to the configuration data; the management command being received in response to said sending of the current value.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a calculator, called cal main computer (or control device), configured to implement the method according to the first aspect of the invention. For this purpose, the main computer may comprise a first communication interface configured to communicate with a remote server of a vehicle in which the main computer is embedded, and a second communication interface configured to communicate with at least one secondary computer embedded in the vehicle.

[0019] According to one example, the main computer comprises a memory associated with a processor configured to implement the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the various embodiments mentioned above in relation to the method according to the first aspect of the invention as well as the associated advantages apply in a similar manner to the main computer according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0021] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type or of the land motor vehicle type, comprising a main computer according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the main computer and said at least one secondary computer are part of an on-board communication network of the vehicle, in which the main computer is the only computer, in the communication network, comprising a said first communication interface making it possible to communicate with the remote server. Said main computer can then be configured to act as a centralized agent at the interface between the on-board communication network and the remote server.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor. In other words, the different steps of the control method are determined by computer program instructions. This computer program is configured to be implemented in a control device of the second aspect of the invention, or more generally in a computer.

[0024] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0025] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a recording medium (or information medium), readable by the control device according to the second aspect or more generally by a computer (or a processor), on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0026] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0027] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0028] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in performing the method in question.

[0029] The present invention advantageously makes it possible to control a computer embedded in a vehicle, in cooperation with a server remote from the vehicle, in order to manage at least one function of said computer efficiently, in particular in terms of resource costs, such as the bandwidth used or the energy consumed. In this way, computers embedded in a vehicle, or associated functions, can advantageously be configured flexibly and efficiently in order in particular to respond to the evolution of user needs. It is thus possible to rationalize the operation of computers embedded in a vehicle, facilitate the configuration of associated functions, and therefore improve comfort and user experience, while limiting the associated resource costs.

[0030] In particular, the configuration of functions embedded in a vehicle can be efficiently customized according to the evolution of a user's needs over time. Thanks to the invention, such a main computer can be used as a centralized agent interfacing between, on the one hand, the exterior of the vehicle, for example a server, and, on the other hand, (secondary) computers embedded in the vehicle, which makes it possible in particular to reduce the number and complexity of the computer-server connections and to limit the required bandwidth.

[0031] Furthermore, the life or operating cycles of the computers embedded in a vehicle are not always in phase with the evolving needs of customers. The invention also offers a gain in terms of efficiency and flexibility insofar as a function of a vehicle can be configured at various stages of the life or operating cycle of an associated secondary computer. It is in fact possible to process a request to configure a function regardless of the state of the associated secondary computer at a current time, including in the case where this secondary computer is inactive, i.e. not able to process this configuration request. This makes it possible to increase the availability of a vehicle's computers to implement a configuration of an associated function and to speed up the process of configuring such a function.

[0032] The invention can also make it easier to carry out diagnostics aimed in particular at verifying, and if necessary adapting, the configuration of a vehicle computer, or of an associated function. Brief description of the figures

[0033] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0034] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an environment comprising a vehicle carrying a main computer and at least one secondary computer, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates an example of implementation of the environment of [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a main computer configured to control at at least one secondary computer in the vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] [Fig.4] illustrates a diagram of different stages of a control process implemented implemented by the main computer illustrated in [Fig.l], according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of examples of implementation

[0038] A method and a control device according to particular embodiments will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1-4. Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

[0039] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)", etc.) are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished.

[0040] As previously indicated, the management of the configuration of computers embedded in a vehicle presents certain technical constraints and challenges that need to be addressed. The invention aims in particular to resolve these problems and limitations. To this end, the invention provides in particular a method for controlling at least one computer in a vehicle, such as a car or other type vehicle, or more generally a motorized land vehicle type vehicle.

[0041] The invention proposes to use an on-board computer of the vehicle, called the main computer, which provides the interface between the exterior of the vehicle, namely a server, and at least one other computer, called the secondary computer, also on-board the vehicle. From a management command, relating to a function of the vehicle, which is received from a remote server, the main computer identifies a secondary computer responsible for executing this function in the vehicle and transmits the command to said secondary computer, thus causing for example a configuration of the secondary computer in response to the management command coming from the remote server.

[0042] To this end, the main computer according to the invention may comprise a first communication interface making it possible to communicate with the exterior of the vehicle, in particular with the remote server, and a second communication interface making it possible to communicate within the vehicle, in particular with one or more on-board secondary computers.

[0043] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the control method comprises: - reception, by means of the first communication interface, from a remote server of the vehicle, of a management command relating to a function, called target function, of said vehicle; - identification of a secondary calculator, called target calculator, associated with said target function; and - transmission, by means of the second communication interface, of the management command to the target computer.

[0044] It is thus possible to advantageously improve or rationalize the operation of computers embedded in a vehicle, in particular to facilitate their configuration and thus allow effective customization of associated functions in the vehicle, while minimizing the resources required in terms of connectivity, bandwidth and energy consumption.

[0045] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the drawings mentioned above.

[0046] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an environment comprising a vehicle 2 and a server SV 1 located remotely from the vehicle 2, according to particular embodiments of the invention. The vehicle 2 carries CL computers comprising a CL1 computer, configured as the main computer, and at least one other CL1 computer. CL2 calculator configured as a secondary calculator, as described in more detail below.

[0047] The type and characteristics of the vehicle 2 may vary depending on the case. The vehicle 2 may, for example, be of the automobile type or equivalent. More generally, the vehicle 2 may be an automobile, a coach, a bus, a truck, a utility vehicle or a motorcycle, or a vehicle of the motorized land vehicle type.

[0048] It is assumed hereinafter by way of example that the vehicle 2 has a main computer CL1 and a plurality of secondary computers CL2. The main computer CL1 is capable of communicating with the secondary computers CL2 within an on-board communication network. The architecture of the on-board system SY1, in particular with regard to the characteristics of the on-board communication network and the number and arrangement of the secondary computers CL2, may vary depending on the case.

[0049] [Fig. 1] illustrates by way of example a case where the on-board system S Y1 comprises three secondary computers CL2, denoted CL2a, CL2b and CL2c, each of them being capable of operating under the control of (or in cooperation with) the main computer CL1.

[0050] [Fig. 2] represents, for purely illustrative purposes, a particular example of implementation of the embedded system SY1 comprising the main computer CL1 and a plurality of secondary computers CL2. In this example, the computers CL are arranged according to a tree structure in the communication network of the embedded system SY1. Thus, the computers CL form nodes connected to each other according to parent / child relationships in the tree structure. Each secondary computer CL2 is arranged as a direct or indirect child node of the main computer CL1 which constitutes the root of the network. Each computer CL can thus send or propagate data to a node which is adjacent to it in the tree structure.

[0051] It should be noted, however, that the architecture of the on-board system S Y1 may vary depending on the case. For example, the on-board communication network may be any of the following types: CAN (for “Controller Area Network”), LIN (for “Local Interconnect Network”), Flexray (high-speed vehicular communication network) and Ethernet. Other types of network are, however, possible.

[0052] The CL calculators, also called electronic control units or ECU (for “Electronic Control Unit”), are on-board electronic devices, which manage or control various systems and functionalities of the vehicle 2. In particular, each secondary calculator CL2 is configured to execute at least one function Fl of the vehicle 2, the nature and number of these functions Fl being able to vary for each calculator considered.

[0053] A function Fl within the meaning of the present disclosure, such as the function Fia described below, may be a service, an application or a software module executable by a associated CL2 secondary computer. For example, the Fl function of a CL2 secondary computer may relate to the management of driving assistance, traction control, electronic brake distribution, the control of actuators to ensure the optimal operation of a combustion engine (engine computer), or even a function of an on-board infotainment platform. These units ensure efficient and reliable control of the various Fl functions of the vehicle 2.

[0054] The main computer CL1 is able to cooperate with each secondary computer CL2 to control the associated functions F1 in the vehicle 2. The main computer CL1 is for example a TCU (for “Transmission Control Unit”). It is a computer designed to manage the communications of a vehicle with the outside.

[0055] Each secondary computer CL2 operates according to a given configuration that may need to be modified or updated for various reasons, for example to personalize, configure or improve certain functions F1 of the vehicle 2. The main computer CL1 is configured to provide the interface between each secondary computer CL2 on the one hand, and the remote server SV1 on the other hand, in particular to allow configuration, if necessary, of the functions F1 associated with the secondary computers CL2. To do this, the main computer CL1 can in particular receive and process commands or messages from the server SV1, and transmit, if necessary, these commands or messages to one or more secondary computers CL2, for example in order to cause configuration of at least one function F1 of the vehicle 2.These commands or messages can for example specify the value of PR1 parameters of function Fl, as described later in specific examples.

[0056] For the sake of simplifying the description of the invention, the following description focuses on the configuration and operation of the main computer CL1 and a secondary computer denoted CL2a (figures 1-2), with a view to configuring a function Fia associated with said secondary computer CL2a. The principle of the invention is however applicable in a similar manner to the control of a plurality of secondary computers CL2. Similarly, the principle of the invention can be applied to the control of a plurality of functions F1 executed by one or more secondary computers CL2.

[0057] As illustrated in [Fig.l] according to a particular example, the main computer CL1 may comprise at least one processor 12, at least one non-volatile memory 14, a first communication interface 16 and a second communication interface 18. An example of implementation of the main computer CL1 is described later with reference to [Fig.3].

[0058] The first communication interface 16 allows the main computer CL1 to communicate (or cooperate) with the exterior of the vehicle 2, and in particular with the remote server SV1 in this example. In this example, it is an interface of V2C type for “Vehicle-to-Cloud” allowing data exchange with a system located outside the vehicle 2. V2C technology allows for example OTA (for “Over-The-Air”) type updates. This first interface 16 can for example include a management client executed by the main computer CL1 to be able to communicate with the exterior of the on-board system SY1.

[0059] According to one example, the main computer CL1 is configured to act as a centralized agent, at the interface between at least one secondary computer CL2 (or a plurality of them) and the remote server SV1. By way of example, the main computer CL1 may be the only computer CL, in the communication network of the on-board system SY1, comprising a said first communication interface 16 making it possible to communicate with the remote server SVL. The main computer CL1 is thus configured to act as a centralized agent at the interface between the on-board communication network and the remote server SV1, which makes it possible to rationalize the operation of the computers and limit the computer-server connections between the on-board computers CL and the exterior of the vehicle 2.

[0060] The second communication interface 18 allows the main computer CL1 to communicate (or cooperate), within the communication network of the on-board system SY1, with the secondary computers CL2, including the secondary computer CL2a. The second interface 18 is for example compatible with an AUTOSAR type architecture (for “AUTomotive Open System Architecture”). This second interface 18 can for example be of the CAN, LIN, Flexray or Ethernet type.

[0061] The main computer CL1 is configured to implement a control process (or method) as described below. For this purpose, the main computer CL1 may comprise a computer program PG1 stored in the non-volatile memory 14, this computer program PG1 comprising instructions for implementing the control method (or process) as described below. The processor 12 is thus configured to execute in particular the instructions defined by the computer program PG 1.

[0062] The memory 14 of the main computer CL1 is capable of storing various data, such as for example DTI allocation data and / or DT2 configuration data. The DTI allocation data can define functions F1 of the vehicle 2 in association with respective secondary computers CL2 of the vehicle. The DT2 configuration data can define at least one parameter (or configuration parameter) PR1 in association with a function F1 of a secondary computer CL2. The nature and use of these DTI and DT2 data will be described in more detail later with reference to the control process of the invention according to particular examples.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the secondary computer CL2a comprises at least one processor 30, a communication interface 32 and a computer program PG2 executable by the processor 30 to enable the secondary computer CL2a to operate in cooperation with the main computer CL1.

[0064] The communication interface 32 allows the secondary computer CL2a to communicate (or cooperate) with the main computer CL1 via the communication interface 18 of the latter.

[0065] As indicated above, the main computer CL1 is configured to implement a control process. This process is now described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2 according to particular embodiments. More precisely, the main computer CL1 as previously described operates in cooperation with the remote server SV 1 and the secondary computer CL2a, for example in order to configure a function Fia associated with the secondary computer CL2a. To do this, the processor 12 of the main computer CL1 executes the instructions of the computer program PG 1.

[0066] It is assumed by way of example that a parameterization (or update) of the Fia function associated with the secondary computer CL2a must be carried out. Also, the server SV1 sends to the main computer CL1 a management command CMD1 relating to the Fia function of the vehicle 2.

[0067] In a first operation, the main computer CL1 thus receives, by means of its first communication interface 16, from the remote server SV1, the management command CMD1 relating to the function Fia, called the target function, of the vehicle 2 ([Fig.l]).

[0068] In a second operation, the main computer CL1 identifies a secondary computer CL2, namely in this example the computer CL2a, as the target computer associated with the target function Fia. In other words, the target computer CL2a is detected as being the one corresponding to the target function Fia as defined in the management command CMD1.

[0069] The identification of the target computer CL2a can be carried out in various ways depending on the case. According to a particular example, prior to the first operation of receiving the management command CMD1, the main computer CL1 records DTI allocation data associating functions F1 of the vehicle 2 with respective secondary computers CL2 of said vehicle 2 (or associates at least the function Fia with the secondary computer CL2a). These DTI data are for example stored in the memory 14 or in a database accessible by the main computer CL1. The identification of the target computer CL2a is then carried out during the second operation by determining the secondary computer CL2 associated with the target function Fia according to the DTI allocation data. To do this, the main computer CL1 can access the DTI allocation data and deduce therefrom, from the target function Fia specified in the management command CMD1, the corresponding secondary computer CL2.

[0070] The prior recording of the DTI allocation data allows the main computer CL1 to allocate, to each on-board function F1, a respective secondary computer CL2, and thus identify a secondary computer CL2 for each management command CMD1 received from outside the vehicle 2.

[0071] According to a particular example, the received management command CMD1 comprises an identifier of the target computer CL2a managing the target function Fia. Thus, during the second operation, the target computer CL2a can be identified from the computer identifier contained in the management command CMD1 in accordance with the allocation data DTI.

[0072] In a third operation, the main computer CL1 transmits (or distributes), by means of its second communication interface 18, the management command CMD1 to the target computer CL2a identified during the second operation. The main computer CL1 can thus direct each management command CMD1 received to the appropriate secondary computer CL2.

[0073] The control process advantageously makes it possible to control the secondary computer CL2a in the vehicle 2, in cooperation with the server SV1, in order to manage the function Fia of said secondary computer CL2a efficiently, in particular in terms of resource costs, such as the bandwidth used or the energy consumed. In this way, it is advantageous to configure the computers CL2 embedded in the vehicle 2, or associated functions Fl, in a flexible and efficient manner in particular to meet the changing needs of a user. It is thus possible to rationalize the operation of the computers CL embedded in the vehicle 2, facilitate the configuration of the associated functions Fl, and therefore improve comfort and user experience, while limiting the associated resource costs.

[0074] In particular, the configuration of functions F1 embedded in the vehicle 2 can be efficiently customized according to the evolution of a user's needs over time. Thanks to the control process, the main computer CL1 can be used as a centralized agent interfacing between, on the one hand, the exterior of the vehicle 2, namely with the server SV1, and, on the other hand, the secondary computers CL2 embedded in the vehicle 2, which makes it possible in particular to reduce the number and complexity of the computer-server connections and to limit the required bandwidth.

[0075] The characteristics and purpose of the management command CMD1 may vary depending on the case. The management command CMD1 thus transmitted to the target computer CL2a causes, for example, at least one of the following configuration operations: - setting (or updating) of the target function Fia; - activation of the Fia target function; and - deactivation of the Fl target function.

[0076] In response to the management command CMD1 received, the target computer CL2a can thus carry out an operation for configuring the target function Fia, for example one of the aforementioned operations. Thus, the process makes it possible to efficiently configure a function Fia managed by an on-board computer CLla of the vehicle 2, so as, for example, to update at least one parameter PRla of the target function Fia, or to activate the function Fl, or even to deactivate the function.

[0077] As illustrated in [Fig.l] by way of example, the management command CMD1 causes for example the allocation of a new value V2 to a parameter PRla of the target function Fia. Thus, in response to this management command CMD1, the target computer CL2a configures the parameter PRla according to this new value V2 specified by the command CMD1. This makes it possible for example to modify the value of an already existing parameter PRla of the target function Fia, or even to add a new parameter PRla to this target function. According to an example, the execution of the management command CMD1 causes the replacement of a current value VI of a parameter PRla of the target function Fia by the new value V2.

[0078] According to a particular example, the main computer CL1 can carry out a phase of waiting for a command coming from outside the vehicle 2. During this waiting phase, the main computer CL1 is in (or is configured according to) an active state making it possible to receive a command coming from outside the vehicle 2 via the first communication interface 16, and this independently of a current state (active or inactive) in which each secondary computer CL2 is found during said waiting phase. The main computer CL1 can thus receive the management command CMD1 during this waiting phase. This management command CMD1 can then be transmitted to the target computer CL2 via the on-board communication network, but only when the target computer CL2 is in the active state.

[0079] In other words, the main computer CL1 remains in the active state during this waiting phase to communicate with the server SV1, independently of the active or inactive state of the target computer CL2a during this waiting phase. In this way, the main computer CL1 is capable of receiving the management command CMD1 sent by the server SV1, even if the target computer CL2a is inactive, that is to say not capable of receiving or processing this management command CMD1. Thus, it is possible to maintain the main computer CL1 in the active state during the waiting phase to receive the management command CMD1 while the target computer CL2a is inactive.

[0080] The life or operating cycles of the CL computers embedded in the vehicle 2 are not necessarily in phase with the evolving needs of a user over time. For example, the main CL1 computer may find at a given moment in the active state which allows it to receive and process a received CMD1 management command, while the target computer CL2a is in the inactive state, which prevents the latter from receiving and processing the CMD1 management command in question.

[0081] According to a particular example, once the target computer CL2a has been identified during the second operation, the main computer CL1 checks whether the target computer CL2a is in an active state allowing configuration of the target function Fia. The main computer CL1 puts the management command CMD1 on hold as long as the target computer CL2a is in an inactive state. In other words, the transmission of the management command CMD1 is deferred or blocked if (or as long as) the target computer CL2a is in the inactive state. Upon detection that the target computer CL2a is in the active state, the main computer CL1 triggers the transmission, by means of the second communication interface 18, of the management command CMD1 to the target computer CL2a.

[0082] The process thus offers a gain in terms of efficiency and flexibility insofar as it is possible to initiate the configuration of a function Fia of the vehicle 2 at various stages of the life cycle, or operation, of the associated secondary computer CL2a. It is in fact possible to process a management command CMD1 of a function Fia regardless of the state of the associated secondary computer CL2a at a current time, including in the case where this secondary computer is inactive, i.e. not able to process this management command. It is thus possible to increase the availability of the computers CL of a vehicle to implement a configuration of an associated function Fl and it is possible to enable or accelerate the process of configuring such a function.

[0083] In particular, it is possible to efficiently synchronize a configuration state of the secondary computers CL2 with the needs of a user as specified by commands sent by a server SV1. It is not necessary for the entire on-board system SY1 of the vehicle 2 to be activated upon receipt of the management command CMD1 to allow the configuration (activation, etc.) of the target function Fia managed by the target computer CL2a. Only the main computer CL1 must be in the active state when the management command CMD1 is received from the server SV1, so that this command is processed and transmitted in good time to the target computer CL2a.

[0084] The invention can also make it easier to carry out diagnostics aimed in particular at verifying, and if necessary adapting, the configuration of a vehicle computer, or of an associated function.

[0085] According to a particular example, prior to the first operation of receiving the management command CMD1, the main computer CL1 receives, by means of its second communication interface 16, from the target computer CL2a, a current value VI ([Fig.l]) of the target function Fia. This may be, for example, an already existing parameter PR1a of the target function Fia or a new parameter PR1a which is applied to the target function Fia. The main computer CL1 then records the current value VI in association with the target function Fia in the configuration data DT2. This recording allows the main computer CL1 to monitor over time the evolution of the configuration state of the function Fia associated with the secondary computer CL2a. In particular, in response to a read command CMD2 relating to the target function Fia received from the server SV1, the main computer CL1 can then send to the server SV1 the current value VI of the parameter PR1a associated with said target function Fia as specified in the configuration data DT2.The management command CMD1 can then be received (first operation) in response to the sending of said at least one current parameter PR1 to the main computer CL1. This management command CMD1 can for example command the writing of the parameter PRla of the target function Fia to replace its current value VI with a new value V2.

[0086] Thus, prior to receiving the management command CMD1 from the server SV1 (first operation), the main computer CL1 can receive and store the current value VI of a parameter PRla of the target function Fia, with a view to transmitting this value to the server SV 1 at the latter's request. The server SV 1 can subsequently trigger the writing or modification of the value of the parameter PRla, by sending the management command CMD1 relating to the target function Fia to the main computer CL1, causing the execution of the operations of the control process, for example to replace the current value VI of the parameter PRla with the new value V2.

[0087] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates the computer CL1 configured as the main computer for controlling the vehicle 2 as previously described with reference to Figures 1-2, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] The main computer CL1 is for example configured for implementing the operations of the control process as previously described with reference to figures 1-2 and / or the steps of the method described below with reference to [Fig.4]. More generally, the main computer CL1 as previously described may be, without being limited thereto, an electronic computer or any other equipment capable of carrying out the control process (or method). The elements of the main computer CL1, individually or in combination, may be integrated in a single integrated circuit, in several integrated circuits, and / or in discrete components. The main computer CL1 may be produced in the form of electronic circuits or modules software (or computer) or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0089] As shown in [Fig.4], the main computer CL1 may comprise one (or more) processor(s) 12 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the control method (or process) and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the main computer CL1. The processor 11 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The main computer CL1 further comprises at least one memory 41 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0090] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor 11 is for example stored on the memory 4L. The memory 41 (corresponding for example to the memory 14 in [Fig.l]) can constitute an information medium according to a particular embodiment in that it comprises a computer program (for example PG1 in [Fig.l]) comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the control method (or process) of the invention.

[0091] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the main computer CL1 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example to secondary computers CL2 as already described, for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0092] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the main computer CL1 comprises a block 42 of interface elements acting as a first communication interface for communicating with external devices, for example a remote server or the “cloud”, such as the server SV1 shown in [Fig.l]. The interface elements of the block 42 comprise one or more of the following interfaces:

[0093] - RF radio frequency interface, for example of the Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), by example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN radio technology (Ultra Narrow Band), or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced;

[0094] - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French);

[0095] - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface”, or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French).

[0096] According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, main computer CL1 comprises a communication interface 43, acting as a second communication interface, to allow the establishment of communication with other devices (such as secondary computers CL2) via a communication channel 45. The second communication interface 43 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 45.The second communication interface 43 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard), Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0097] The main computer CL1 cooperates for example with the server SV 1 by means of the block 42 of interface elements and with the target computer CL2a by means of the communication interface 43 so as to carry out the control process (or method) of the invention.

[0098] [Fig.4] illustrates a diagram of the different stages of a control process of a function Fl in a vehicle, for example of the vehicle 2 as previously described with reference to figures 1-2. The method is for example implemented by the main computer CL1 previously described, this computer being embedded in said vehicle 2 to control in particular a target function Fia associated with another secondary computer CL2a, also embedded in the vehicle 2.

[0099] In a first step SI, a management command CMD1 relating to a function Fia, called the target function, of said vehicle is received by means of the first communication interface 16, from a server SV1 remote from the vehicle 2.

[0100] In a second step S2, a secondary computer, called target computer, associated with said target function Fia is identified.

[0101] In a third step S3, the management command CMD1 is transmitted to the target computer CL2a by means of the second communication interface 18.

[0102] According to alternative embodiments, the variants and examples of the operations described above in relation to figures 1-3 apply to the steps of the control method of [Fig.4],

[0103] As understood by those skilled in the art, all the embodiments and variants described above, some of which have been deliberately simplified to facilitate explanations, constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the present di dissemination. In particular, those skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a particular need.

[0104] The present invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends in particular to a control method which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a computer configured for the implementation of such a method.

[0105] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the main computer CL1 above [Fig.l],

Claims

Claims

1. Control method implemented by a main computer (CL1) in a vehicle (2) carrying said main computer and at least one other secondary computer (CL2), said main computer comprising a first communication interface (16) and a second communication interface (18), said method comprising: - reception (SI), by means of the first communication interface, from a server (SV1) remote from the vehicle, of a management command (CMD1) relating to a function (Fia), called target function, of said vehicle; - identification (S2) of a secondary computer (CL2a), called target computer, associated with said target function; and - transmission (S3), by means of the second communication interface (18), of the management command (CMD1) to the target computer (CL2a).

2. Method according to claim 1 comprising, prior to the reception (SI) of the management command (CMD1), recording of allocation data (DTI) associating functions (Fl) of the vehicle with respective secondary computers (CL2) of said vehicle; in which the identification of the target computer (CL2a) is carried out by determining the secondary computer associated with the target function (Fia) according to the allocation data.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the method comprises a phase of waiting for a command coming from outside the vehicle, the main computer (CL1) being, during said waiting phase, in an active state allowing to receive a command coming from outside the vehicle (2) via the first communication interface (16), independently of a current state in which each secondary computer (CL2) is found during said waiting phase; the management command (CMD1) being received during said waiting phase.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the method comprises, after the identification (S2) of the target computer (CL2a): - checking whether the target computer is in an active state allowing a configuration of the target function (Fia); - waiting for the management command (CMD1) while the target computer is in an inactive state; and - upon detection that the target computer is in the active state, triggering the transmission (S3), by means of the second communication interface (18), of the management command to the target computer (CL2a).

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the management command (CMD1) transmitted to the target computer (CL2a) causes at least one of the following configuration operations: - parameterization of the target function; - activation of said target function; and - deactivation of said target function.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the method comprises, prior to the reception (SI) of the management command: - reception, by means of the second communication interface (18) from the target computer (CL2a), of a current value (VI) of a parameter (PRla) of the target function; - recording of the current value (V2) in association with the target function (Fia) in configuration data (DT2); and - in response to a read command (CMD2), relating to the target function (Fia), coming from the remote server (SV1), sending to the remote server of said current value (VI) associated with said target function according to the configuration data (DT2); the management command (CMD1) being received (SI) in response to said sending of the current value (VI).

7. Computer program (PG1) comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor (12).

8. Computer (CL1), called main computer, comprising: - a first communication interface (16) configured to communicate with a server (SV1) remote from a vehicle (2) in which the computer is embedded; - a second communication interface (18) configured to communicate with at least one secondary computer (CL2) embedded in the vehicle; and - a memory (18; 41) associated with at least one processor (12) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Vehicle (2) comprising the main computer (CL1) according to claim 8.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the main computer (CL1) and said at least one secondary computer (CL2) are part of an on-board communication network of the vehicle, in which the main computer is the only computer, in the communication network, comprising a said first communication interface (16) allowing communication with the remote server (SV1), said main computer being configured to act as a centralized agent at the interface between the on-board communication network and the remote server.

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