Update device

Abstract

To improve motivation for updates.SOLUTION: A processor of an update device performs processing including: in response to entry of a vehicle into a specific area being detected, notifying occupants of the vehicle of a rendition through a notification device by executing the predetermined rendition indicating characteristics of the vehicle after an update that updates at least a portion of data and a program related to control of the vehicle; and after notifying of the occupants of the rendition, transmitting update information indicating contents of the update to the vehicle through the communication device, thereby causing the vehicle to execute the update.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an update device for updating software in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control gain change device that changes the control gain of a vehicle control device. In Patent Document 1, a control gain is transmitted from a portable gain changer to a gain change device provided in a vehicle by wireless communication, and the characteristics of the vehicle's drive system and the like are changed based on the received control gain. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-328981 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the task of changing the characteristics of a vehicle as described in Patent Document 1, i.e., updating the vehicle's software, is not entertaining and it is difficult to imagine what the vehicle's characteristics will be after the update, resulting in low motivation to perform the update.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an update device that can improve motivation for updates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an update device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a vehicle detection device that detects that a vehicle has entered a specific area that is a specific area that the vehicle can enter; A control device; An alarm device; a communication device that establishes communication between the control device and the vehicle; Equipped with The control device includes: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to said processor; having The processor, In response to detection of entry of the vehicle into the specific area, a predetermined effect is executed that shows characteristics of the vehicle after an update is performed to update at least a part of data and programs related to control of the vehicle, thereby notifying a passenger of the effect through the notification device; After the notification of the effect, update information indicating the content of the update is transmitted to the vehicle through the communication device, and the update is executed by the vehicle. Perform the process including: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve motivation for updates. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an update device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an update list showing selectable updates. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a parameter list showing changeable parameters. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the update processing unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the vehicle control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] 1 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of an update device 1 according to this embodiment. The update device 1 realizes an update that updates at least a part of data and programs related to the control of the vehicle 10. Hereinafter, such an update of the vehicle 10 may be simply referred to as an update. When the vehicle 10 is updated, the control content related to driving is changed, and the characteristics of the vehicle 10 are changed.

[0011] The vehicle 10 is an automobile in which at least driving-related control is performed by dedicated software. Note that the software here is not limited to a program, and may include data used in the program. The vehicle 10 is, for example, an electric vehicle having a motor generator as a drive source. Note that the vehicle 10 may be a hybrid electric vehicle having a motor generator and an engine as drive sources, or may be an engine vehicle having an engine as a drive source.

[0012] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a vehicle communication device 50, a storage device 52, a navigation device 54, and a vehicle control device 56.

[0013] The vehicle communication device 50 can establish communication with a communication device outside the vehicle 10 through a communication network such as the Internet. The storage device 52 is composed of a nonvolatile storage element. The nonvolatile storage element may include an electrically readable and writable nonvolatile storage element such as a flash memory.

[0014] The navigation device 54 is capable of identifying the position of the vehicle 10 using a global positioning system (GPS). The navigation device 54 is capable of deriving a driving route for the vehicle 10 based on map information, destination information, position information for the vehicle 10, and the like. The navigation device 54 has a display device capable of displaying various information such as map information, position information for the vehicle 10, and driving route information. The navigation device 54 has a speaker capable of providing information such as a course change on the driving route by sound. The navigation device 54 has an input device such as a touch panel arranged on the screen of the display device, for example.

[0015] The vehicle control device 56 includes a vehicle processor 60 as one or more processors, and a vehicle memory 62 as one or more memories connected to the vehicle processor 60. The vehicle memory 62 includes a ROM in which programs and the like are stored, and a RAM as a work area. The vehicle processor 60 controls the entire vehicle 10 in cooperation with the programs stored in the vehicle memory 62. The vehicle processor 60 also functions as a vehicle control unit 70 by executing the programs. The vehicle control unit 70 executes at least various processes related to the running of the vehicle 10.

[0016] As described later, the update device 1 is configured to update the vehicle 10 at a timing desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the update device 1 can change the characteristics of the vehicle 10 at a timing desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, as described later, the update device 1 is configured to update the content desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the update device 1 can change the characteristics of the vehicle 10 to the content desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, before performing an update, the update device 1 performs a predetermined effect that shows the characteristics of the vehicle after the update. The predetermined effect will be described in detail later. Therefore, the update device 1 allows the occupant of the vehicle 10 to experience the effect, thereby improving the motivation to perform the update.

[0017] The update device 1 includes a specific structure 20 , a vehicle detection device 22 , a communication device 24 , a storage device 26 , an alarm device 28 , an input device 30 , and a control device 32 .

[0018] In the update device 1, a specific area 80 is set as a specific area into which the vehicle 10 can enter. The specific area 80 can be set at any location, such as a service station where an on-board battery that supplies power to the motor generator of the vehicle 10 can be charged, a tourist spot in each region, or various event venues. The specific area 80 has a size at least large enough for the vehicle 10 to enter and stop there. The specific area 80 does not need to be separated by a structure such as a fence. The specific area 80 may be set, for example, by a range in which the vehicle detection device 22 described later can detect the vehicle 10.

[0019] The vehicle detection device 22 is configured to be able to detect that the vehicle 10 has entered the specific area 80. The vehicle detection device 22 may be configured to detect the entry of the vehicle 10 in a non-contact manner, for example, by using infrared rays or the like. The vehicle detection device 22 may also include, for example, a physical gate installed at the entrance to the specific area 80, and the vehicle detection device 22 may be configured to open the gate and detect the entry of the vehicle 10 by having an occupant of the vehicle 10 who has arrived at the closed gate perform a predetermined operation on the vehicle detection device 22.

[0020] The specific structure 20 is installed in the specific area 80. The specific structure 20 is erected so as to surround the vehicle 10 that has entered the specific area 80. For example, the specific structure 20 may be formed in a tunnel shape through which the vehicle 10 can pass. The specific structure 20 is not limited to being tunnel-shaped, and may be formed in a frame shape such as an automatic car wash installed in a service station or the like. The specific structure 20 is also not limited to being erected so as to surround the vehicle 10, and may be installed on the side of the vehicle 10 parked in the specific area 80, such as a gate device in a paid parking lot.

[0021] The communication device 24 can transmit signals and information to the control device 32 described below. The communication device 24 can establish communication between the control device 32 and a vehicle communication device 50 of the vehicle 10. The storage device 26 is composed of a nonvolatile storage element. The nonvolatile storage element may include an electrically readable and writable nonvolatile storage element such as a flash memory.

[0022] The notification device 28 includes a display device 90 and a speaker 92. The display device 90 and the speaker 92 are provided in the specific structure 20, for example.

[0023] More specifically, when the specific structure 20 is erected so as to surround the vehicle 10, the display device 90 is provided on the inner surface of the specific structure 20 facing the vehicle 10, and at a position where the passengers of the vehicle 10 can view the screen of the display device 90 from inside the vehicle 10. Also, when the specific structure 20 is installed on the side of the vehicle 10, the display device 90 may be provided on the side of the vehicle 10, and at a position where the passengers of the vehicle 10 can view the screen of the display device 90 from inside the vehicle 10. The display device 90 visually notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 of various images and information.

[0024] The speaker 92 is provided at a position outside the vehicle 10 that has entered the specific area 80 and at a position where the passengers of the vehicle 10 can hear the sound of the speaker 92 from inside the vehicle 10. The speaker 92 audibly notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 of various sounds.

[0025] The input device 30 is, for example, a touch panel arranged on at least a part of the upper surface of the screen of the display device 90. Note that the input device 30 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be a physical switch, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The input device 30 accepts various input operations by a passenger of the vehicle 10, etc.

[0026] The control device 32 includes one or more processors 100 and one or more memories 102 connected to the processors 100. The memory 102 includes a ROM in which programs and the like are stored and a RAM as a work area. The processor 100 cooperates with the programs included in the memory 102 to function as an update processing unit 110.

[0027] Here, when a passenger of the vehicle 10 desires to update the vehicle 10 by the update device 1, the passenger moves the vehicle 10 to the specific area 80 and stops the vehicle 10 within the specific area 80.

[0028] In response to detection of entry of the vehicle 10 into the specific area 80, the update processing unit 110 executes a predetermined effect indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 after the update, before updating the vehicle 10, and notifies the passengers of the vehicle 10 of the effect via the notification device 28. The predetermined effect will be described in detail later.

[0029] The update processing unit 110 transmits update information indicating the contents of the update to the vehicle 10 through the communication device 24 at any timing after the notification of the effect, and causes the vehicle 10 to execute an update based on the update information. The update is executed within the specific area 80. After the update is completed, the passenger of the vehicle 10 causes the vehicle 10 to exit the specific area 80.

[0030] Here, most of the update information for changing the characteristics of the vehicle 10 is a collection of data indicating the setting values ​​of various parameters that indicate the characteristics of the vehicle 10. As a result, the volume of the update information is smaller than the information required for reprogramming the vehicle 10. Therefore, the update device 1 can transmit the update information to the vehicle 10 and perform the update on the vehicle 10 in a shorter time than during reprogramming.

[0031] Furthermore, the update device 1 may prepare a plurality of update options having different characteristics for the vehicle 10. In the update device 1, effects and update information are also prepared for each update option. The plurality of update options and the effects and update information for each of the plurality of updates are stored in the storage device 26.

[0032] In response to detection of entry of the vehicle 10 into a specific area 80, the update processing unit 110 performs a process of having the occupant of the vehicle 10 select one update from a plurality of candidate updates before updating the vehicle 10.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an update list showing selectable updates. The update list is displayed on a screen displayed by the display device 90 at a position close to the driver's seat of the vehicle 10. Since the screen displayed by the display device 90 is wide, a frame showing the screen is omitted in FIG. 2. The update list may also be displayed on the navigation device 54. In the example of FIG. 2, update candidates include update "A", update "B", and update "C".

[0034] In the update "A", the driving mode indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 is set to "sofa mode". In the sofa mode, the characteristics are set to reduce the burden during long-distance high-speed driving, and include, for example, a characteristic set to reduce the driving noise and a characteristic to suppress the vibration of the vehicle 10. More specifically, in the sofa mode, for example, the driving noise is reduced by lowering the carrier frequency in the inverter control of the motor generator compared to other driving modes. Also, in the sofa mode, for example, the hydraulic pressure of the damper is increased compared to other driving modes, so that the vibration is suppressed.

[0035] Update "B" has an "Eco Mode" driving mode. In Eco Mode, the emphasis is on fuel economy. More specifically, in Eco Mode, for example, power consumption is reduced by limiting the upper voltage and torque limits in inverter control of the motor generator compared to other driving modes.

[0036] Update "C" has a "Sports Mode" driving mode. In Sports Mode, the emphasis is on speed. More specifically, in Sports Mode, for example, the upper torque limit is set higher than in other driving modes, making it easier to achieve high speeds and acceleration.

[0037] The number of update candidates is not limited to the number shown in the example, and may be any number. The update candidates are not limited to the contents shown in the example, and may be any content. For example, a driving mode update such as an "XX era engine reproduction mode" that reproduces the driving feeling of an XX era engine may be prepared as a candidate.

[0038] A passenger in the vehicle 10 can select an update by tapping one of the images of the selection buttons labeled "Select" corresponding to each update. The input device 30, such as a touch panel, accepts an input instructing the selection of such an update.

[0039] The update list may also be displayed on the screen of the display device of the navigation device 54. In this embodiment, the update processing unit 110 transmits information indicating the update list to the vehicle 10 through the communication device 24. The vehicle control unit 70 displays the update list on the screen of the display device of the navigation device 54 based on the received information indicating the update list. When the vehicle control unit 70 acquires an input instructing the selection of an update through the input device of the navigation device 54, it transmits information instructing the selection of an update to the control device 32 through the vehicle communication device 50.

[0040] Next, the above-mentioned predetermined effect will be described. The predetermined effect is, for example, an image visually displaying the environment such as the scenery and landscape outside the vehicle when the vehicle 10 is running, and includes an image that evokes the characteristics of the vehicle 10. The predetermined effect is also a sound that aurally expresses the running sound of the vehicle 10 and the environmental sound outside the vehicle when the vehicle 10 is running, and includes a sound that evokes the characteristics of the vehicle 10. Note that, although it is preferable that both the image and the sound are notified as the predetermined effect, only one of the image and the sound may be notified as the predetermined effect.

[0041] For example, when updating to sofa mode, images with a calming atmosphere and images with reduced shaking may be presented, and lower driving sounds may be presented compared to other driving modes.

[0042] For example, when updating to eco mode, an image of a leisurely ride through a refreshing forest may be displayed, and compared to other driving modes, environmental sounds rich in nature may be displayed.

[0043] For example, when updating to the sports mode, an image of brisk driving on a mountain road may be announced, and a higher-pitched driving sound may be announced in comparison with other driving modes.

[0044] The specific content of the presentation is not limited to the examples given above, and may be any content that can give an impression of the characteristics of the vehicle 10 after the update.

[0045] The update processing unit 110 notifies the occupants of the vehicle 10 by displaying an image indicating a specified effect on the display device 90 of the alarm device 28, and notifies the occupants of the vehicle 10 by producing a sound indicating the specified effect from the speaker 92 of the alarm device 28.

[0046] The navigation device 54 of the vehicle 10 may be caused to function as a notification device that notifies of a performance, with the video performance being notified by the display device of the navigation device 54 and the sound performance being notified by the speaker of the navigation device 54. In this embodiment, the update processing unit 110 transmits performance information indicating the performance corresponding to the selected update to the vehicle 10 via the communication device 24. The vehicle control unit 70 causes the navigation device 54 to function as a notification device based on the received performance information.

[0047] After notifying the effect corresponding to the selected update, the update processing unit 110 transmits update information corresponding to the selected update to the vehicle 10. As a result, the selected update is executed in the vehicle 10. As a result, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 are changed to the characteristics indicated by the driving mode of the selected update.

[0048] Here, a mode in which one update is selected from a plurality of update candidates has been described. However, only one update may be prepared, and the update processing unit 110 may notify a performance corresponding to the one update in response to detection of entry of the vehicle 10 into the specific area 80, without selecting an update. In this mode, update information corresponding to the one update may be transmitted to the vehicle 10 automatically or after any confirmation is performed after the performance is notified, without selecting an update, and the one update may be executed in the vehicle 10.

[0049] Furthermore, after one update is selected from among multiple update candidates, the update processing unit 110 may enable at least some of the parameters indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 specified by the selected update to be changed by a passenger of the vehicle 10. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, changing the parameters indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 specified by the update may be referred to as detailed setting.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a parameter list showing changeable parameters. The parameter list is displayed on a screen displayed by the display device 90 at a position close to the driver's seat of the vehicle 10. Since the screen displayed by the display device 90 is wide, a frame showing the screen is omitted in Fig. 3. The parameter list may also be displayed on the navigation device 54.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows an example of a parameter list corresponding to update "A" in which the driving mode is the sofa mode. In the example of FIG. 3, the changeable parameters include "horsepower," "torque," and "sound." A standard value indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 in the selected driving mode is set as an initial value for each parameter. The initial value of the parameter is set to a different value for each update content, i.e., for each driving mode. In other words, in the detailed setting using the parameter list, the parameters can be fine-tuned from the initial value according to the preferences of the passenger of the vehicle 10.

[0052] The types of changeable parameters are not limited to those exemplified above, and may be any parameters related to the contents of the selected update. Also, the changeable parameters, i.e., the parameter list, may be different for each update.

[0053] 3, the parameter list shows, for each parameter, the value before the change, a change button marked "UP" and a change button marked "DOWN", and the value after the change. The value before the change for each parameter is, for example, the initial value of the parameter.

[0054] When an occupant of the vehicle 10 taps a change button marked "UP", the value of the parameter corresponding to that change button is increased, and the increased value is displayed as the changed value of that parameter. When an occupant of the vehicle 10 taps a change button marked "DOWN", the value of the parameter corresponding to that change button is decreased, and the decreased value is displayed as the changed value of that parameter.

[0055] In addition, by tapping the "up" or "down" change button, the changed content may be displayed as a "message."

[0056] In addition, when the "up" or "down" change button is tapped, the update processing unit 110 executes a presentation that corresponds to the selected update and that reflects the parameter changes made by the occupant of the vehicle 10, thereby announcing the presentation through the notification device 28.

[0057] For example, suppose that an update of the sofa mode is selected, the sofa mode effect is notified through the notification device 28, and the passenger of the vehicle 10 experiences the sofa mode effect. As a result of experiencing the effect, the passenger of the vehicle 10 feels that the "sound" is louder than he or she expected. In this case, the passenger of the vehicle 10 taps the "down" change button for the "sound" parameter.

[0058] Then, the update processing unit 110 lowers the sound parameters in the sofa mode by one step. More specifically, the update processing unit 110 reduces the carrier frequency by a predetermined value from the initial value in the sofa mode. Then, the update processing unit 110 executes the performance after the sound parameters have been lowered, and notifies the performance through the notification device 28. This allows the passengers of the vehicle 10 to experience and confirm the performance in which the sound parameters have been lowered by one step.

[0059] If the occupant of vehicle 10 agrees with the characteristics of vehicle 10 after experiencing the performance, the occupant taps the decision button marked "decide." This confirms the content of the update, and update processing unit 110 transmits to vehicle 10 update information that corresponds to the selected update and reflects the parameter changes made by the occupant of vehicle 10. This causes the selected update that reflects the parameter changes made by the occupant of vehicle 10 to be executed in vehicle 10. As a result, the characteristics of vehicle 10 are changed to characteristics that are indicated by the driving mode of the selected update and that reflect the parameter changes made by the occupant of vehicle 10.

[0060] In this way, the occupants of the vehicle 10 can tailor the characteristics of the vehicle 10 to suit their own preferences.

[0061] Furthermore, if the passenger of the vehicle 10 feels that the characteristics of the vehicle 10 are different from the desired update contents by experiencing the effect, the passenger taps the back button displayed as "Back". Then, the update processing unit 110 redisplays the update list, and the passenger of the vehicle 10 can select another update. When the "Back" back button is tapped, the state may be returned to the state immediately before "Down" or "Up" was tapped.

[0062] The parameter list, like the update list, may be displayed on the display device of the navigation device 54. Also, the detailed setting function for changing parameters may be omitted.

[0063] The update processing unit 110 may also acquire information indicating the age of the driver among the passengers of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the update processing unit 110 may correct the initial value of each parameter in the driving mode of the selected update according to the acquired age. For example, if the acquired age belongs to the young age group and the sofa mode update is selected, the update processing unit 110 may lower the initial value of the "sound" parameter in the sofa mode according to the acquired age. For example, if the acquired age belongs to the old age group and the sofa mode update is selected, the update processing unit 110 may raise the initial value of the "sound" parameter in the sofa mode according to the acquired age.

[0064] 4 is a flowchart explaining the flow of operations of the update processing unit 110. When the vehicle 10 is detected by the vehicle detection device 22 (YES in S10), the update processing unit 110 executes the processes in and after step S11. On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 is not detected (NO in S10), the update processing unit 110 waits until the vehicle 10 is detected.

[0065] In step S11, first, the update processing unit 110 presents update candidates to the passenger of the vehicle 10 (S11). For example, the update processing unit 110 displays the update list shown in Fig. 2 on the screen of the display device 90. This allows the passenger of the vehicle 10 to select an update.

[0066] The update processing unit 110 determines whether an input instructing to select an update has been acquired through the input device 30, such as a touch panel on the screen of the display device 90 (S12). If an input instructing to select an update has not been acquired (NO in S12), the update processing unit 110 waits until an input instructing to select an update is acquired. Note that if an input instructing to select an update is not acquired even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the update processing unit 110 may forcibly select an arbitrary update.

[0067] When an input instructing selection of an update is acquired (YES in S12), the update processing unit 110 provisionally sets the contents of the selected update as the contents of the update to be executed (S13).

[0068] The update processing unit 110 executes a performance corresponding to the provisionally set update content and notifies it through the notification device 28 (S14).

[0069] The update processing unit 110 notifies the user of the effect and accepts detailed settings (S15). For example, the update processing unit 110 displays a parameter list as shown in Fig. 3 on the screen of the display device 90. This allows the passenger in the vehicle 10 to change the parameters specified by the selected update.

[0070] The update processing unit 110 determines whether an input for detailed settings for changing a parameter has been acquired through the input device 30, such as a touch panel on the screen of the display device 90 (S16). For example, when the "UP" or "DOWN" change button in the parameter list is tapped, the update processing unit 110 may determine that an input for detailed settings has been acquired.

[0071] When it is determined that the input of the detailed settings has been acquired (YES in S16), the update processing unit 110 reflects the change in the parameters based on the input of the detailed settings (S17), and updates the provisional settings of the contents of the update to be executed (S13). As a result, the update processing unit 110 executes a performance corresponding to the updated contents of the update, thereby notifying the performance through the notification device 28 (S14), and repeats the processing from step S15 onwards.

[0072] Furthermore, in step S16, when it is determined that the input of the detailed setting has not been acquired (NO in S16), the update processing unit 110 determines whether an input instructing reselection of an update has been acquired (S18). For example, the update processing unit 110 may determine that an input instructing reselection has been acquired when a back button displayed as "Back" in the parameter list is tapped.

[0073] If it is determined that an input instructing a reselection has been obtained (YES in S18), the update processing unit 110 displays the update list on the screen of the display device 90, presents update candidates to the occupants of the vehicle 10 (S11), and repeats the processing from step S12 onwards.

[0074] In step S18, when it is determined that an input instructing reselection has not been acquired (NO in S18), the update processing unit 110 determines whether an input instructing completion of selection has been acquired (S19). For example, the update processing unit 110 may determine that an input instructing completion of selection has been acquired when a decision button displayed as "Decidation" in the parameter list is tapped.

[0075] When it is determined that an input instructing completion of selection has not been acquired (NO in S19), the update processing unit 110 repeats the processes from step S16 onwards.

[0076] When it is determined that an input instructing completion of selection has been acquired (YES in S19), the update processing unit 110 confirms the contents of the latest update provisionally set in step S13 as the contents of the update to be executed, and confirms the update information based on the confirmed update contents (S20). The update processing unit 110 transmits the confirmed update information to the vehicle 10 via the communication device 24 (S21), and ends the series of processes.

[0077] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the vehicle control unit 70. When the vehicle control unit 70 receives update information transmitted from the control device 32 through the communication device 24 (YES in S30), the vehicle control unit 70 executes the processes in and after step S31. On the other hand, when the vehicle control unit 70 has not received update information (NO in S30), the vehicle control unit 70 waits until it receives update information.

[0078] When update information is received (YES in S30), the vehicle control unit 70 temporarily puts the vehicle 10 into a ready-off state (S31). The vehicle control unit 70 stores various information indicating the current characteristics of the vehicle 10 as restoration information in the storage device 52 (S32). The restoration information is stored to enable the characteristics of the vehicle 10 to be restored to the characteristics before the update is executed in case an error is discovered after the update is executed.

[0079] The vehicle control unit 70 starts executing the update according to the received update information (S33). The vehicle control unit 70 determines whether the update is complete (S34). If it is determined that the update is not complete (NO in S34), the vehicle control unit 70 waits until the update is complete.

[0080] When it is determined that the update is completed (YES in S34), the vehicle control unit 70 returns the vehicle 10 to a ready-on state (S35). The vehicle control unit 70 notifies the user that the update is completed, for example, via a display device of the navigation device 54 (S36), and ends the series of processes.

[0081] As described above, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, in response to detection of entry of the vehicle 10 into the specific area 80, a predetermined effect is executed to indicate the characteristics of the vehicle 10 after the update, and the effect is notified to the occupants of the vehicle 10 via the notification device 28. After notifying the effect, the update device 1 of this embodiment transmits update information indicating the contents of the update to the vehicle 10 via the communication device 24, and causes the vehicle 10 to execute the update.

[0082] As a result, the update device 1 of the present embodiment allows passengers in the vehicle 10 to experience the characteristics of the vehicle 10 after the update through the performance before the update. Therefore, the update device 1 of the present embodiment can increase motivation to perform the update by providing an element of attraction, that is, experiencing the performance.

[0083] Furthermore, the update device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to perform a performance, thereby eliciting a feeling that the passenger of the vehicle 10 wants to experience the performance. As a result, the update device 1 of the present embodiment can increase the motivation of the passenger of the vehicle 10 to go to the specific area 80. As a result, the update device 1 of the present embodiment can increase the motivation to perform an update.

[0084] In addition, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, for example, the specific area 80 is set to a tourist spot, in other words, the vehicle detection device 22 and the notification device 28 are placed in the tourist spot, etc., so that it is possible to combine an element of experience such as sightseeing with the update. As a result, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve motivation to perform the update.

[0085] Furthermore, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can update the vehicle 10 by going to the specific area 80. Therefore, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can update the vehicle 10 at a timing desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the degree of freedom of the update.

[0086] Furthermore, the update device 1 of this embodiment is configured to allow the passenger of the vehicle 10 to select one update from a selection of multiple updates. This allows the update device 1 of this embodiment to perform updates of the content desired by the passenger of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the degree of freedom of updates.

[0087] Furthermore, in the update device 1 of the present embodiment, before executing the update, a performance corresponding to the selected update is executed to notify the occupant of the vehicle 10. As a result, in the update device 1 of the present embodiment, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can check whether the update is as desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10 before the update is executed. Therefore, in the update device 1 of the present embodiment, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be made as desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the update device 1 of this embodiment is configured so that at least some of the parameters indicating the characteristics of the vehicle 10 specified by the selected update can be changed by the passenger of the vehicle 10. As a result, the update device 1 of this embodiment can perform updates of the contents desired by the passenger of the vehicle 10, thereby further improving the degree of freedom of updates.

[0089] Furthermore, in the update device 1 of the present embodiment, before an update is executed, a performance that corresponds to the selected update and has changed parameters is executed, and the performance is notified to the occupant of the vehicle 10. As a result, in the update device 1 of the present embodiment, the occupant of the vehicle 10 can check whether the parameter changes are as desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10 before the update is executed. Therefore, in the update device 1 of the present embodiment, the characteristics of the vehicle 10 can be made as desired by the occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0090] Moreover, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, a specific structure 20 is provided that is erected so as to surround the vehicle 10 that has entered the specific area 80. Furthermore, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, the notification device 28 includes a display device 90. The display device 90 is provided on the inner surface of the specific structure 20 that faces the vehicle 10 and at a position where the passengers of the vehicle 10 can view the screen of the display device 90 from inside the vehicle 10, and visually notifies the display indicating the effect. In this way, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the effect of the effect, and as a result, it is possible to improve motivation to perform the update.

[0091] Moreover, in the update device 1 of this embodiment, the notification device 28 includes a speaker 92. The speaker 92 is provided at a position outside the vehicle 10 that has entered the specific area 80 and at a position where the passengers of the vehicle 10 can hear the sound of the speaker 92 from inside the vehicle 10, and audibly notifies the passengers of the performance with a sound. In this way, the update device 1 of this embodiment can improve the effect of the performance, and as a result, it is possible to improve motivation to perform an update.

[0092] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such examples also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0093] For example, the update information in the above embodiment may include expiration date information indicating the period from the time the update is executed until the update is valid. In this aspect, when the vehicle 10 is in a ready-off state after the expiration date indicated by the expiration date information has elapsed, the vehicle control unit 70 restores the characteristics of the vehicle 10 to the characteristics before the update was executed based on the restoration information. In this aspect, since the update has an expiration date, the execution of the update itself can include an element of attraction, and the degree of freedom in the update can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Update device 10 Vehicles 20 Specific structures 22 Vehicle detection device 24 Communication Equipment 28 Alarm device 32 Control device 80 Specific Area 90 Display device 92 Speaker 100 processors 102 Memory

Claims

1. a vehicle detection device that detects that a vehicle has entered a specific area that is a specific area that the vehicle can enter; A control device; An alarm device; a communication device that establishes communication between the control device and the vehicle; Equipped with The control device includes: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to the processor; having The processor, In response to detection of entry of the vehicle into the specific area, a predetermined effect is executed that shows characteristics of the vehicle after an update is performed to update at least a part of data and programs related to control of the vehicle, thereby notifying a passenger of the effect through the notification device; After the notification of the effect, update information indicating the content of the update is transmitted to the vehicle through the communication device, and the update is executed by the vehicle. An update device that performs a process including the steps of:

2. A plurality of options for the update having different characteristics of the vehicle are prepared; The performance and the update information are prepared for each option of the update, The processor, and having a vehicle occupant select one of the updates from among a plurality of the updates; In the process of notifying the effect, the effect corresponding to the selected update is executed, and the effect is notified through the notification device; The update device according to claim 1 , wherein in the process of transmitting the update information, the update information corresponding to the selected update is transmitted, and the selected update is executed in the vehicle.

3. The processor, and making at least some of the parameters that indicate the characteristics of the vehicle specified by the selected update changeable by an occupant of the vehicle; In the process of notifying the effect, the effect corresponding to the selected update and reflecting the change in the parameter made by the occupant of the vehicle is executed, whereby the effect is notified through the notification device; 3. The update device according to claim 2, wherein in the process of transmitting the update information, the update information that corresponds to the selected update and that reflects the change of the parameter made by the occupant of the vehicle is transmitted, and the selected update that reflects the change of the parameter made by the occupant of the vehicle is executed in the vehicle.

4. A specific structure is further provided so as to surround the vehicle that has entered the specific area, The update device described in claim 1, wherein the notification device is located on an inner surface of the specific structure facing the vehicle and at a position where an occupant of the vehicle can view a screen from inside the vehicle, and includes a display device that visually notifies an indication of the performance.

5. The update device described in claim 1, wherein the notification device is located outside the vehicle that has entered the specific area and at a position where a passenger in the vehicle can hear the sound from inside the vehicle, and includes a speaker that audibly notifies the driver of the vehicle of a sound indicating the effect.

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