Method for performing ota software updates and systems

Abstract

A method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data comprises collecting connection data using a mobile application S1, 12 based on location and time param

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system, a corresponding computer program product, and a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] The GB2569112A discloses a method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates for vehicles, which comprises several steps. First, it is determined whether an OTA update is required. Subsequently, various parameters such as signal strength, location, time of day, and other conditions are analyzed that may influence the probability of a successful download. Based on these parameters, constraints on the download are established, including the timing of when the download can be initiated to maximize the chances of success. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In today's digital world, Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates for vehicles are essential to ensure that systems remain up to date and secure. The present invention aims to create a method for performing OTA updates that is based on user behavior and connection security.

[0004] Current systems for OTA updates often rely on mobile networks (such as LTE), which can lead to additional costs and potential security risks. The method aims to overcome these challenges by integrating location and time parameters as well as Wi-Fi connection data into the planning of OTA updates.

[0005] The objective of the invention is to provide a reliable and cost-effective method and system for performing OTA software updates in vehicles.

[0006] This objective is achieved through a method having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the patented method are to be considered as advantageous forms of the patented system, wherein the means of the system are employed to carry out the method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle, which includes the following steps: collecting connection data using a mobile application based on location and time parameters; creating a schedule for OTA updates based on the location and time parameters and / or based on captured Wi-Fi connections; making decisions regarding the timing for downloading OTA updates based on the schedule, the size of the OTA package, and / or the type of connection, and / or the location, and / or the connection quality; and conducting the download of the OTA updates. Accordingly, it is intended that a combination of these steps be performed to provide an adaptive and user-friendly solution. The mobile application communicates with a data server that stores the collected connection data, while the control unit selects the optimal time for the download based on this data. The technical advantage is that the method reduces the need to rely on insecure mobile connections while minimizing download costs.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the collection of connection data includes the analysis of historical connection data. This analysis allows for the identification of patterns in user behavior and further optimizes the planning of OTA updates. The collected historical data is used to understand when and where users are most likely to connect to secure networks. A technical advantage is that this increases the likelihood of successful downloads.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention relates to the dynamic adjustment of the schedule for OTA updates. Here, the schedule is regularly updated to respond to changes in user behavior or network conditions. The control unit continuously processes new data to ensure that the schedule meets the current needs of the user. The technical advantage is that the method reacts flexibly to changing conditions, thereby enabling greater efficiency.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the download of OTA updates is conducted exclusively over trusted Wi-Fi networks. This ensures that all updates occur in a secure environment, minimizing the risk of security breaches. This measure is supported by the use of security certificates to validate the WiFi networks. A technical advantage is that this strengthens security and trust in the update process while ensuring that no third parties gain access to sensitive data. To ensure the protection of user data in the scheduling of OTA updates over Wi-Fi, several measures may be also implemented. Firstly, data encryption may be employed to safeguard sensitive information during transmission and storage, preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, secure database creation and maintenance practices may be utilized to protect the integrity and confidentiality of user data. Importantly, user data should not be shared with external sources, ensuring that models are trained solely on a “user-mobile app-car” basis; for example, data from User A will not be utilized to predict the OTA schedule for User B. Furthermore, running the prediction algorithm on a secure hardware instance, such as a secure cloud environment or personal mobile device, may add an additional layer of security, ensuring that the processing of sensitive information is conducted in a protected manner. These strategies collectively enhance the privacy and security of user data throughout the OTA update process.

[0011] In other words, it is intended that the method provides a secure, cost-effective, and user-friendly approach to performing OTA software updates in vehicles, tailored to individual user behavior and network conditions. This not only enhances the user experience but also contributes to the security of vehicle software.

[0012] In yet another way, it is intended that the method analyzes historical data on previous OTA updates to identify patterns and trends in user behavior, thereby allowing for a more precise prediction of the optimal timing for future downloads. Additionally, the communication interface of the method or a system for the method is responsible for the secure and efficient transmission of OTA updates by establishing a connection to an external server. The implementation of a robust security protocol is also possible to ensure the integrity of the data during transmission and to guarantee that only authorized updates are transmitted to the vehicle. Furthermore, a user-friendly interface could be integrated into the mobile application, enabling the user to monitor the status of OTA updates in real time and to make manual interventions when necessary. Finally, cost analysis algorithms could also be implemented to transparently show the savings for the user when utilizing different network types (e.g., LTE vs. Wi-Fi) and to support decisions for future downloads.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention concerns a computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data, as well as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product. This product consists of a set of executable instructions stored on a physical medium, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive that enables a computer or processor to carry out the necessary steps for performing the Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data. The program code interacts with the vehicle's software and hardware to gather connection data, analyze parameters, and determine optimal download schedules, ensuring efficient and secure updates.

[0014] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiment as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0016] The drawing shows in:

[0017] Fig. 1 a block diagram for illustrating a possible embodiment of the method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data.

[0018] In the figure the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0020] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0022] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a possible embodiment of the method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data, utilizing a corresponding system 10.

[0024] A first step S1 shows Block 12 for collecting user data from the application, which includes gathering essential user information, as depicted in Block 14, such as frequently traveled routes and details regarding Wi-Fi connection strength and security. This information is critical for understanding user behavior and network availability, which are vital for scheduling OTA updates.

[0025] In a second step S2, a schedule is created in Block 16 based on the collected user data. Block 18 shows what is being analyzed. It analyzes which days the user typically travels to the collected locations, the duration of connections to secure Wi-Fi networks, and how long the user drives without Wi-Fi. This scheduling is important for optimizing the timing of OTA updates.

[0026] In a third step S3, in Block 20 for decision making based on the OTA payload and the constructed schedule, informed decisions regarding the timing of OTA downloads are made, utilizing methods such as Decision Trees or Random Forest algorithms. Key considerations shown in Block 22 include the size of the OTA payload, the user's schedule relative to the OTA release date, the likelihood of successful downloads with minimal interruptions, and previous success rates of OTA downloads under similar conditions.

[0027] In a final fourth step S4, in Block 24: Download OTA, the OTA updates are downloaded. The system not only executes the download but also tracks and stores the success and failure rates of these downloads, as shown in Block 26. This data is invaluable for predicting the efficiency of future update schedules and allows for continuous improvement in the OTA update process.

[0028] In summary, the invention proposes scheduling OTA updates over Wi-Fi by learning from user data. Reference Signs 10 12-26 S1-S4 System Blocks Steps

Claims

1. Method for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data, comprising the steps of:- Collecting connection data using a mobile application based on location and time parameters;- Creating a schedule for OTA updates based on the location and time parameters and / or based on recorded Wi-Fi connections;- Making decisions regarding the timing for a download of OTA updates based on the schedule, the size of the OTA package, and / or the type of connection, and / or the location, and / or the connection quality; and- Conducting the download of the OTA updates.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe collection of connection data includes the analysis of historical connection data.

3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe schedule for OTA updates is dynamically adjusted.

4. Method according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe download of OTA updates is conducted exclusively over trusted Wi-Fi networks.

5. Method according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe method employs machine learning to improve the download process, which is based on historical data regarding previous OTA updates and their success rates influencing the decision-making.

6. System (10) for performing Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates in a vehicle based on collected data, comprising:- a mobile application designed to collect connection data based on location and time parameters;- a data server designed to store the collected connection data and analyze historical connection data;- a control unit designed to create a schedule for OTA updates based on the collected data and to make decisions regarding the timing for the download of OTA updates based on the size of the OTA package and / or the type of connection and / or the location and / or the connection quality;- communication interface implemented to download OTA updates from an external server, wherein this interface is configured to enable downloads exclusively over trusted Wi-Fi networks; and- a machine learning module designed to analyze historical data regarding previous OTA updates and their success rates to improve the download process and influence decision-making.

7. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to claim 1 to 5.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 7.

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