Writing apparatus and writing system

Abstract

To provide a writing apparatus capable of efficiently performing write to an electronic control apparatus.SOLUTION: A writing apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of pieces of communication means 22, 26 capable of transmitting software to an electronic control apparatus 100, and a selection unit 18 for selecting one of the plurality of pieces of communication means. Therefore, the selection unit 18 is capable of selecting, for example, the communication means with a relatively fast communication speed when it is required to shorten the software writing time, or selecting the communication means with a relatively low power consumption when it is required to reduce power consumption. As a result, the writing apparatus is capable of efficiently performing the process of writing software to the electronic control apparatus by transmitting the software via the communication means selected by the selection unit and performing write to the electronic control apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a writing device and a writing system for writing software including programs and / or data into an electronic control device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a program writing system that writes a control program for controlling a control target device, which is provided from a writing device, into the memory of each electronic control device.

[0003] In the program writing system of Patent Document 1, an electronic control unit is mounted on a vehicle and connected to a writing device via a connection line. The electronic control unit writes the control program provided by the writing device into its own memory while receiving power from the vehicle's battery. Alternatively, the electronic control unit writes the control program provided by the writing device while connected to a power source installed on the production line instead of the vehicle's battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-256386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The volume of software, such as control programs, written into electronic control devices tends to increase year by year. Therefore, if software is written into an electronic control device during the process of a production line for manufacturing the electronic control device, the writing time increases, which may extend the time required to manufacture the electronic control device. If the number of writing devices in the production line is increased to prevent this increase, the number and size of the equipment constituting the production line will increase, resulting in problems such as increased equipment costs and the need for a large space to install the production line.

[0006] To solve the above problem, the present applicant has already filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-24795. In the invention of this prior application, a writing device is equipped with an internal battery and is configured to supply power from the internal battery to an electronic control device to which software is to be written. The writing device then transmits the software to be written to the electronic control device while supplying power to the electronic control device. This makes it possible to write software to the electronic control device at any time outside of the production line, such as during standby between upstream and downstream processes on a production line for producing the electronic control device, before the product is shipped, or while the product is being transported.

[0007] Here, if the above-mentioned writing device and electronic control device can only communicate via a single communication means, for example, the time and power consumption required to write software will be affected by that single communication means, and there is a risk that the software cannot necessarily be written efficiently.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and has an object to provide a writing device and a writing system that are capable of efficiently writing to an electronic control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a writing device according to the present disclosure is a writing device (10) for writing a program and / or data to an electronic control device (100) before the electronic control device (100) is installed in a state capable of controlling a controlled object, a plurality of communication means (22, 26) capable of transmitting programs and / or data to the electronic control unit; a selection unit (18) for selecting one of the plurality of communication means; and an internal battery (30) that serves as an operating power source. The writing device is configured to be able to supply power to the electronic control device from an internal battery; The electronic control device is characterized in that, when power is supplied from the built-in battery, it is possible to write programs and / or data transmitted via the communication means selected by the selection unit.

[0010] As described above, the writing device of the present disclosure includes a plurality of communication means capable of transmitting a program and / or data to an electronic control device and a selection unit that selects one of the plurality of communication means. Therefore, the selection unit can select a communication means with a relatively high communication speed when it is necessary to shorten the time required to write the program and / or data, or select a communication means with a relatively low power consumption when it is necessary to reduce power consumption. As a result, the writing device can efficiently write the program and / or data to the electronic control device by transmitting the program and / or data via the communication means selected by the selection unit and writing it to the electronic control device.

[0011] Further, the writing system according to the present disclosure includes: The above-mentioned writing device (10); The writing device further comprises a memory (28) for storing programs and / or data; a host device (40) that provides programs and / or data to the writing device; The writing device is characterized by its ability to operate in both a gateway mode in which it transfers programs and / or data provided by a host device to an electronic control device, and a normal writing mode in which it transmits programs and / or data stored in memory to the electronic control device.

[0012] As described above, the writing device can operate in both a gateway mode, in which it transfers programs and / or data provided by a host device to an electronic control device, and a normal writing mode, in which it transmits programs and / or data stored in memory to the electronic control device. Therefore, for example, when new programs and / or data become available from the host device, the writing device can operate in gateway mode, allowing the new programs and / or data to be written to the electronic control device more quickly and easily. This allows the writing system to efficiently write programs and / or data to the electronic control device.

[0013] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate an example of a correspondence with specific configurations in the embodiments described below, in order to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0014] Furthermore, the technical features of the present disclosure other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a writing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table that records information about a writing device required when writing to an electronic control device and power consumption of the electronic control device for each of a plurality of software programs. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a writing process executed by the writing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]4 is a flowchart showing details of the write information setting process in step S110 of the flowchart in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing details of the communication means setting process in step S320 of the flowchart in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a chart comparing the writing speed, power consumption, and writing speed per power consumption of two communication means A and B. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph showing the writing time and cumulative power consumption when writing 100 MB of software using two communication means A and B. [Figure 8] 10 is a chart comparing the writing speed, power consumption, and writing speed per power consumption of two communication means C and D. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing the writing time and cumulative power consumption when writing 100 MB of software using two communication means C and D. [Figure 10] 10 is a chart comparing the writing speed, power consumption, and writing speed per power consumption of two communication means E and F. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing the writing time and cumulative power consumption when writing 100 MB of software using two communication methods E and F. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effects of the writing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a writing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for determining an operation mode, which is executed by a writing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a flowchart showing details of the gateway mode process in step S520 of the flowchart in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a writing device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of a writing device and a writing system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, the same or similar components may be designated by the same reference numerals across multiple drawings, and their description may be omitted. When only a portion of a component is described in each embodiment, the other components of the previously described embodiment may be applied. Furthermore, in addition to the combinations of components explicitly stated in the description of each embodiment, components of multiple embodiments may be partially combined together even if not explicitly stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0017] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a writing device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the writing device 10 includes a controller 12, a communication device 26, a memory 28, an internal battery 30, and a power supply circuit 32. The configuration of the writing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, at least some of the functions of the controller 12 may be executed by an external computer (e.g., a host device or user terminal that provides software to the writing device 10) that can communicate with the writing device 10. Also, some of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted. Alternatively, any configuration may be added to the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] The controller 12 is a processing unit that performs various arithmetic processes according to programs stored in the memory 28, for example. The controller 12 includes at least one processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The controller 12 also includes a volatile memory, such as a RAM, and the processor executes the various arithmetic processes described above while utilizing the temporary data storage function of the volatile memory. Note that FIG. 1 shows, in blocks, various functions that the controller 12 performs as the processor executes the programs. Specifically, the functions that the controller 12 performs include the functions of an identification unit 14, a determination unit 16, a selection unit 18, and a notification unit 20. The controller 12 also includes an input / output (I / O) circuit 22, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] The identification unit 14 acquires information for identifying software (programs and / or data) that the writing device 10 should write to the electronic control device 100, and identifies the software to be written based on the acquired information. The writing device 10 holds multiple types of software by storing multiple types of software with different software content in the memory 28. The identification unit 14 identifies the software to be written to the electronic control device 100 from the multiple types of software based on the information for identifying the software to be written.

[0020] For example, the identification unit 14 can acquire information (e.g., software name or product number) for identifying software to be written to the electronic control device 100 from a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, or PC) by wirelessly or wired communication with the user terminal. Alternatively, a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) containing information for identifying the software to be written is printed on the electronic control device 100 to which the software is to be written. Then, a camera is provided in the writing device 10, and the identification unit 14 can acquire information for identifying the software to be written by reading the code printed on the electronic control device 100 with the camera. Alternatively, a timetable for identifying the software to be written according to date and time is created in advance based on a production schedule for the electronic control device 100. Then, the identification unit 14 may acquire information for identifying the software to be written to the electronic control device 100 from the timetable. Alternatively, the identification unit 14 can acquire information for identifying the software to be written from the electronic control device 100 by communicating with the electronic control device 100 (e.g., product number, lot number, identifier, etc.)

[0021] The determination unit 16 determines whether the identified software can be written with the remaining power of the internal battery 30 based on whether the total power consumed by the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 when writing the identified software to the electronic control device 100 is smaller than the remaining power of the internal battery 30. The remaining power of the internal battery 30 can be determined using various methods, such as based on the voltage value when the battery is open, as is well known. The memory 28 also stores a table, such as that shown in FIG. 2. The table in FIG. 2 records, in association with one another, the ID of the product (electronic control device 100), the communication means used to write the software, the output (required power) of the electronic control device 100 when writing the software, the type of software to be written, the writing time, and the output (required power) of the writing device 10 when writing the software.

[0022] In this way, the writing device 10 has, as a table, information about the power consumption of the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 required when writing to the electronic control device 100 for each communication means for each of a plurality of types of software. The writing device 10 can calculate the total power consumed by the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 for each communication means according to the following formula 1 based on the output of the writing device 10, the output of the electronic control device 100, and the writing time associated with each piece of software. (Equation 1) Total power consumption = (output of electronic control device + output of writing device) x writing time

[0023] As shown in the table of FIG. 2, when the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 can communicate via multiple communication means, the selection unit 18 selects a communication means for transmitting data related to software to be written to the electronic control device 100. For example, the selection unit 18 can determine which of the multiple communication means to select based on a request from a user. Furthermore, when there is no request from a user, the selection unit 18 can determine which of the multiple communication means to select based on at least one of the remaining power of the built-in battery 30, information on the number of electronic control devices 100 produced, and the communication environment of the multiple communication means. The method by which the selection unit 18 selects a communication means will be described in detail later.

[0024] The notification unit 20 notifies the user when any abnormality occurs during writing of software to the electronic control device 100. The notification unit 20 can notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality, for example, by displaying the type of abnormality on a display provided in the writing device 10. Additionally or alternatively, when an abnormality occurs, the notification unit 20 may sound an alarm corresponding to the type of abnormality. Additionally or alternatively, the notification unit 20 can notify the user of the occurrence of the abnormality by generating a message for notifying the user of the occurrence of the abnormality, including the type of abnormality, and transmitting the message to a user terminal or the like.

[0025] For example, when the determination unit 16 determines that the identified software cannot be written due to the remaining power of the built-in battery 30, the notification unit 20 notifies the user of a write abnormality (write error). In this case, the software write process is not executed. In addition, the notification unit 20 can also notify the user of a write error when, for example, the electronic control unit 100 acquires information for identifying software to be written to the electronic control unit 100 but does not have the software corresponding to the acquired information, or when a communication error or data abnormality is detected during the write process.

[0026] The input / output circuit 22 is a circuit that allows the writing device 10 to communicate with the electronic control device 100 via wired communication in accordance with a communication standard such as CAN (registered trademark) or Ethernet (registered trademark). A communication connector 24 is connected to the input / output circuit 22. Attaching this communication connector 24 to the electronic control device 100 enables the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 to communicate with each other. For example, the writing device 10 can obtain information for identifying software to be written from the electronic control device 100 via the input / output circuit 22 (such as the product number, lot number, and identifier of the electronic control device). Furthermore, the writing device 10 can transmit data of the software to be written to the electronic control device 100 via the input / output circuit 22. Communication between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 can also be performed wirelessly via a communication device 26. For electronic control devices 100 that are intended for wireless communication, the attachment of the communication connector 24 to the electronic control device 100 may be omitted.

[0027] The communication device 26 is for wireless communication with the electronic control device 100, a user terminal, or the like, in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the writing device 10 can acquire information for identifying software to be written from the electronic control device 100 and transmit data for the software to be written by communicating with the electronic control device 100. Furthermore, the writing device 10 can receive, from the user terminal, an instruction to start a writing process and information for identifying the software to be written by communicating with the user terminal. Conversely, the writing device 10 can transmit a writing error message to the user terminal or the like via the communication device 26. Note that communication between the writing device 10 and the user terminal or the like may be wired communication rather than wireless communication. The input / output circuit 22 or the communication device 26 corresponds to a transmitting unit in the present disclosure.

[0028] The memory 28 is a storage medium that stores programs, data, information, and the like required for the writing device 10 to execute a process of writing software to the electronic control device 100. More specifically, the memory 28 stores a writing program executed by the controller 12, multiple types of software to be written to the electronic control device 100, and tables such as those shown in FIG. 2. A non-volatile memory such as a ROM or flash memory is used as the memory 28. Furthermore, if the above-mentioned writing abnormality (writing error) occurs, diagnostic data related to the writing abnormality may be stored in the memory 28.

[0029] The internal battery 30 serves as the operating power source for the writing device 10. In other words, the internal battery 30 supplies the power required for the writing device 10 to execute the writing process. In addition to supplying power to the writing device 10, the internal battery 30 also supplies power to the electronic control device 100 during the writing process. A power supply circuit 32 is connected to the internal battery 30. A power supply connector 34 that can be attached to the power connector of the electronic control device 100 is connected to the power supply circuit 32. The power supply circuit 32 is configured to be able to supply or stop power from the internal battery 30 to the electronic control device 100 via the power supply connector 34 under the control of the controller 12.

[0030] Next, the writing process of the writing device 10, which is mainly executed by the controller 12, will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0031] In the first step S100, the controller 12 determines whether a trigger to start the writing process has occurred. For example, the controller 12 can determine that a trigger to start the writing process has occurred when it receives an instruction to start the writing process transmitted from a user terminal. Alternatively, the controller 12 can determine that a trigger to start the writing process has occurred when the power supply connector 34 (and the communication connector 24) is attached to the electronic control device 100. Alternatively, if a location where execution of the writing process is permitted is determined and the writing device 10 is equipped with a position detection device such as a GPS, the controller 12 can determine that a trigger to start the writing process has occurred when it reaches a location where execution of the writing process is permitted. Furthermore, the controller 12 can determine that a trigger to start the writing process has occurred when a predetermined time has elapsed after the communication connector 24 and the power supply connector 34 of the writing device 10 have been attached to the electronic control device 100, or when a condition such as no vibration has occurred for a certain period of time is satisfied.

[0032] If it is determined in step S100 that a trigger to start the write process has occurred, the controller 12 proceeds to the process of step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that a trigger to start the write process has not occurred, the controller 12 repeatedly executes the process of step S100 until it is determined that a trigger to start the write process has occurred.

[0033] In step S110, the controller 12 executes a write information setting process for setting the software to be written. The write information setting process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0034] First, in step S300, the controller 12 acquires the ID of the electronic control device 100 (such as the product number, lot number, or identifier of the electronic control device) from the electronic control device 100 to be written. This ID of the electronic control device 100 is used as information for identifying the software to be written. As described above, the controller 12 can acquire information for identifying the software to be written to the electronic control device 100 (for example, the name or product number of the software) from the user terminal. In this case, in step S300, the controller 12 receives information for identifying the software to be written to the electronic control device 100 from the user terminal. Furthermore, if the information for identifying the software to be written is indicated by a code printed on the electronic control device 100, the controller 12 reads the code printed on the electronic control device 100 using a camera provided in the writing device 10 in step S300. Alternatively, if a timetable is created based on the production schedule of the electronic control device 100, specifying the software to be written according to the date and time, the controller 12 obtains information from the timetable in step S300 to specify the software to be written to the electronic control device 100.

[0035] In step S310, the controller 12 refers to the table and determines, based on the acquired information for identifying the software to be written, whether or not the controller 12 possesses software corresponding to the information. For example, if the ID of the electronic control device 100 is acquired as information for identifying the software to be written, the controller 12 can determine, based on whether the acquired ID is recorded in the table, whether or not the controller 12 possesses the corresponding software. If the controller 12 possesses the corresponding software, the controller 12 proceeds to processing of step S320. If the controller 12 does not possess the corresponding software, the controller 12 proceeds to processing of step S350. The processing of steps S300 and S310 corresponds to the identification unit 14 of the controller 12.

[0036] In step S320, the controller 12 executes a communication means setting process to set a communication means for transmitting data related to the software to be written to the electronic control device 100. Details of the communication means setting process in step S320 are shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5. The communication means setting process will be described below with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. The communication means setting process in step S320 corresponds to the selection unit 18 of the controller.

[0037] First, in step S400, the controller 12 refers to the table to determine whether or not multiple communication means are available for the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100. If multiple communication means are not available, the controller 12 proceeds to processing in step S410. On the other hand, if multiple communication means are available, the controller 12 proceeds to processing in step S420.

[0038] In step S410, the controller 12 sets a single communication means shown in the table as the communication means for communicating with the electronic control device 100. Meanwhile, in step S420, the controller 12 acquires the software writing time and power consumption for each of the multiple communication means. The controller 12 may acquire the writing time and power consumption from information included in the table, or from actual values ​​of the writing time and power consumption when software was previously written using each communication means. Alternatively, the controller 12 may acquire the writing time and power consumption from actual values ​​of the writing time and power consumption of another writing device via a host device, a user terminal, or the like. Note that the power consumption may be the power consumed to transmit software data from the writing device 10 and receive the software data at the electronic control device 100 using the corresponding communication means, i.e., the power consumption required for transmission by the writing device 10 and reception by the electronic control device 100. Alternatively, the power consumption may be the total power consumed by the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 when software is written to the electronic control device 100 using the corresponding communication means.

[0039] For example, suppose that the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 can communicate using two communication methods, A and B, as shown in FIG. 6. The writing speed when using communication method A is 5 MB / s and the power consumption is 10 W, while the writing speed when using communication method B is 10 MB / s and the power consumption is 20 W. In this case, the writing speed per power consumption is 0.5 when using communication method A and 0.5 when using communication method B. Therefore, when writing, for example, 100 MB of software using these two communication methods A and B, as shown in FIG. 7, when using communication method A, the writing time is 20 seconds and the cumulative power consumption is 200 W. In contrast, when using communication method B, the writing time is 10 seconds and the cumulative power consumption is also 200 W. Thus, although the writing speed of communication method B is faster than that of communication method A, if the writing speed per power consumption of the two communication methods A and B is the same, the writing time of communication method B is shorter, but the cumulative power consumption is the same.

[0040] Also, assume that writing device 10 and electronic control device 100 are capable of communicating using two communication methods, C and D, as shown in FIG. 8. When communication method C is used, the writing speed is 3 MB / s and the power consumption is 5 W, and when communication method D is used, the writing speed is 5 MB / s and the power consumption is 15 W. In this case, the writing speed per power consumption is 0.6 when communication method C is used and 0.3 when communication method D is used. Therefore, when writing, for example, 100 MB of software using these two communication methods C and D, as shown in FIG. 9, when communication method C is used, the writing time is approximately 33 seconds and the cumulative power consumption is approximately 170 W. In contrast, when communication method D is used, the writing time is 20 seconds and the cumulative power consumption is 300 W. In this way, if the writing speed of communication means D is faster than the writing speed of communication means C, and the writing speed per power consumption of communication means C is greater than the writing speed per power consumption of communication means D, the writing time will be shorter for communication means D, but the cumulative power consumption will be smaller for communication means C.

[0041] Furthermore, it is assumed that writing device 10 and electronic control device 100 are capable of communicating using two communication methods E and F, as shown in FIG. 10 . When communication method E is used, the writing speed is 3 MB / s and the power consumption is 5 W, and when communication method F is used, the writing speed is 6 MB / s and the power consumption is 5 W. In this case, the writing speed per power consumption is 0.6 when communication method E is used and 1.2 when communication method F is used. Therefore, when writing, for example, 100 MB of software using these two communication methods E and F, as shown in FIG. 11 , when communication method E is used, the writing time is approximately 17 seconds and the cumulative power consumption is approximately 85 W. In contrast, when communication method F is used, the writing time is approximately 33 seconds and the cumulative power consumption is approximately 170 W. In this way, if the writing speed of communication means F is faster than the writing speed of communication means E and the writing speed per power consumption of communication means F is greater than the writing speed per power consumption of communication means E, the writing time of communication means F will be shorter and the cumulative power consumption of communication means F will also be smaller.

[0042] Next, in step S430, the controller 12 determines whether or not a user request for the operation of the write process has been received from a user terminal or the like. A user request for the operation of the write process can be transmitted from a user terminal or the like to the controller 12, for example, with either write time priority or power saving priority. If a user request for the operation of the write process has been received, the controller 12 proceeds to the processing of step S440. On the other hand, if a user request for the operation of the write process has not been received, the controller 12 proceeds to the processing of step S450.

[0043] In step S440, the controller 12 sets the operation mode of the write process in response to a user request regarding the operation of the write process. In this embodiment, the operation mode of the write process is set to either a write time priority mode for achieving a shorter write time or a low power consumption mode for achieving lower power consumption. If the user request prioritizes the write time, the write time priority mode is set, and if the user request prioritizes power saving, the low power consumption mode is set.

[0044] In step S450, since there is no user request for the write process, the controller 12 determines and sets the most appropriate operation mode based on various information. For example, the controller 12 can set the operation mode based on at least one of the remaining power of the internal battery 30 and information on the number of electronic control devices 100 produced. Specifically, if the remaining power of the internal battery 30 has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the controller 12 may set the low power consumption mode. Alternatively, the controller 12 may acquire information on the number of electronic control devices 100 produced (the operating status of the production line) from a production management system, and set the write time priority mode when the number of electronic control devices 100 produced is equal to or greater than the threshold. Furthermore, if the remaining power of the internal battery 30 has fallen below a predetermined threshold and the number of electronic control devices produced is equal to or greater than the threshold, the controller 12 may set the operation mode by comparing the degree of decrease in the remaining power of the internal battery 30 with the number of electronic control devices produced.

[0045] In step S460, the controller 12 sets a communication means corresponding to the set operation mode. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the set operation mode is the write time priority mode, the controller 12 can set communication means B as the communication means corresponding to the set operation mode. On the other hand, when the set operation mode is the low power consumption mode, the cumulative power consumption of communication means A and B is the same, so the controller 12 can arbitrarily select either communication means A or B. Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the set operation mode is the write time priority mode, the controller 12 can set communication means D as the communication means corresponding to the set operation mode. On the other hand, when the set operation mode is the low power consumption mode, the controller 12 can set communication means C. In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the set operation mode is the write time priority mode or the low power consumption mode, the controller 12 can set communication means F.

[0046] Regarding the setting of the communication means, the user may directly specify the communication means to be used for writing the software, rather than prioritizing either the write time or power saving, as described above. In this case, the communication means to be used for the writing process may be set without first setting the operating mode for the writing process. Furthermore, for example, when the controller 12 determines the communication means to be used for the writing process at its own discretion, it may be able to set the communication means to be used for the writing process without first setting the operating mode for the writing process. Specifically, if the multiple communication means include a wireless communication means (e.g., WiFi) and a wired communication means, and the environment is congested in the communication band used by the wireless communication means, the controller 12 may set the wired communication means to be used for writing the software to avoid delays due to communication congestion. Alternatively, if one of the multiple communication means is experiencing communication problems, the controller 12 may set a communication means other than the communication means experiencing communication problems as the communication means to be used for writing the software. Furthermore, in an environment where communication via wireless communication means is congested, the controller 12 (specifically, the selection unit 18) may calculate an increase in the write time due to the communication congestion and calculate a correction value for the write time by adding the calculated increase to the original write time.The correction value for the write time and a correction value for the cumulative power consumption corresponding to the correction value for the write time may then be calculated and used as an index for setting the communication means according to the set operation mode.

[0047] When the communication means setting process described above is completed, the controller 12 proceeds to step S330 in the flowchart of FIG. 4. In step S330, the controller 12 determines whether the writing process is executable based on the remaining power of the internal battery 30. That is, the controller 12 determines whether the specified software can be written with the remaining power of the internal battery 30 based on whether the total power consumed by the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 to write the specified software to the electronic control device 100 is smaller than the remaining power of the internal battery 30. If it is determined that the writing process is executable, the controller 12 proceeds to step S340. On the other hand, if it is determined that the writing process is not executable, the controller 12 proceeds to step S350. The process of step S330 corresponds to the determination unit 16 of the controller 12.

[0048] In step S340, the controller 12 sets the identified software as software to be sent for writing to the electronic control device 100. Further, in step S340, the controller 12 sets the write error flag to OFF. This completes the process of setting the write information. On the other hand, in step S350, since the writing device 10 does not have the software to be written or the remaining power of the built-in battery 30 is not enough to execute the write process, the controller 12 sets the write error flag to ON and returns to the process of the flowchart in FIG. 4.

[0049] 3, the controller 12 determines whether the write error flag is set to OFF. If the write error flag is set to ON, the software write process cannot be executed, and the controller 12 proceeds to the process of step S130. On the other hand, if the write error flag is set to OFF, the software write process can be executed, and the controller 12 proceeds to the process of step S140.

[0050] In step S130, the controller 12 notifies the user that an abnormality has occurred that prevents the software from being written. As described above, the notification is made by displaying a message on a display provided in the writing device 10, sounding a warning sound, or sending an error message to the user terminal. The processing of step S130 corresponds to a part of the notification unit 20 of the controller 12.

[0051] In step S140, the controller 12 starts supplying power to the electronic control device 100, which is the target for writing software, via the power supply circuit 32. That is, power supply for the writing process from the built-in battery 30 of the writing device 10 to the electronic control device 100 is started. As a result, the electronic control device 100 is ready to receive software data transmitted from the writing device 10 and write the data to its own memory. Note that, when the writing device 10 acquires an ID from the electronic control device 100 as information for identifying the software to be written, the controller 12 can start supplying power to the electronic control device 100 before executing the write information setting process of step S110. As a result, the electronic control device 100 operates using power supplied from the built-in battery 30 of the writing device 10 and can transmit its own ID to the writing device 10.

[0052] In step S150, the controller 12 starts writing software to the electronic control unit 100. Specifically, the controller 12 starts transmitting data of the software set in the writing information setting process in step S110. At this time, the controller 12 transmits the software data using the communication means set in the communication means setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5. The electronic control unit 100 receives the transmitted data and writes the software data into its own memory using a writing program stored in advance. The processing in the writing device 10 and the electronic control unit 100 is repeated until transmission of the software data from the writing device 10 is completed. Note that data of the writing program used in the electronic control unit 100 may also be transmitted from the writing device 10.

[0053] In step S160, the controller 12 determines whether a communication error has occurred in the transmission of software data from the writing device 10 to the electronic control device 100. For example, if communication between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 is interrupted due to a disconnection of the communication line or a disconnection of the connector, the controller 12 can determine that a communication error has occurred based on the fact that the level of the communication line does not change in accordance with the transmitted data. In addition, the controller 12 can determine that a communication error has occurred when a failure occurs in the input / output circuit 22 of the writing device 10 and / or the input / output circuit of the electronic control device 100, and even if software data is transmitted from the writing device 10, an acknowledgement signal (Ack signal) is not received, or when the waiting time for the software data in the electronic control device 100 exceeds a predetermined time. If it is determined that a communication error has occurred, the controller 12 proceeds to the processing of step S200. If it is determined that a communication error has not occurred, the controller 12 proceeds to the processing of step S170.

[0054] In step S170, the controller 12 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the software data. For example, the controller 12 adds a data error detection code such as a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to the software data and transmits it to the electronic control unit 100. The electronic control unit 100 checks whether or not there is an error in the received software data based on the data error detection code. If there is an error in the software data, the electronic control unit 100 notifies the writing device 10 of this fact. This allows the controller 12 to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the software data. Note that the determination of whether or not there is an abnormality in the software data may be performed by a memory verification check or the like after all the software data has been written to memory.

[0055] In step S180, the controller 12 determines whether transmission of all software data has been completed, i.e., whether software writing has been completed. For example, the controller 12 can determine that software writing has been completed when transmission of all software data from the writing device 10 has been completed. Alternatively, the controller 12 may determine that software writing has been completed when, after transmission of all software data has been completed, a notification of completion of writing is received from the electronic control device 100. If it is determined that software writing has been completed, the controller 12 proceeds to processing of step S190. If it is determined that software writing has not yet been completed, the controller 12 returns to processing of step S160.

[0056] In step S190, the controller 12 stores and saves the write completion information in the memory 28 or the like, including the type of software written, the ID of the electronic control device 100 that wrote the software, the write time required for the software write process, and the power consumption consumed by the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 for the software write process.

[0057] In step S200, the controller 12 executes a write error process. In this write error process, the controller 12 can retry writing the software. If the software is not successfully written even after this retry, the controller 12 can determine that a write error has occurred. Furthermore, in the write error process, the controller 12 can send a message to the user terminal indicating that a write error has occurred. This allows the user to recognize the occurrence of the write error and, if necessary, can take measures to resolve the write error. Furthermore, in the write error process, the controller 12 can record diagnostic data indicating the occurrence of the write error in the memory 28 or the like.

[0058] In step S210, the controller 12 controls the power supply circuit 32 to terminate power supply from the internal battery 30 to the electronic control device 100. In this embodiment, the internal battery 30 supplies operating power to the writing device 10 during the software writing process, and also supplies operating power to the electronic control device 100 via the power supply circuit 32. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12 , the writing device 10 can write software to the electronic control device 100 at any timing outside the production line process, such as while waiting for a subsequent process between an upstream process and a downstream process on the production line for the electronic control device 100, before shipping the product, while the product is being transported, or before the product begins to be assembled into the vehicle. As a result, the writing device 10 of this embodiment makes it possible to write software to the electronic control device 100 while suppressing an expansion of the production line scale and an increase in manufacturing time.

[0059] As described above, the writing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of communication means 22, 26 capable of transmitting software to the electronic control device 100, and a selection unit 18 that selects one of the plurality of communication means 22, 26. Therefore, the selection unit 18 can select a communication means with a relatively high communication speed that shortens the software writing time when, for example, a situation requires a shorter software writing time, or select a communication means with a relatively low power consumption when a situation requires a reduction in power consumption. As a result, the writing device 10 can efficiently write software to the electronic control device 100 by transmitting the software via the communication means selected by the selection unit 18 and writing it to the electronic control device 100.

[0060] (Second embodiment) Next, a writing device and a writing system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a writing system 60 according to the second embodiment.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 13, a writing system 60 according to this embodiment includes at least one host device 40 and at least one writing device 10 configured to be able to communicate with the host device 40.

[0062] The host device 40 can provide the writing device 10 with software including programs and / or data. For example, the host device 40 can provide the writing device 10 with multiple types of software to be written by the writing device 10 to the electronic control device 100. When multiple types of software are provided by the host device 40, the writing device 10 can store the provided multiple types of software in its own memory 28. This enables the writing device 10 to transmit the corresponding software to the electronic control device 100 and write the software to the electronic control device 100. Furthermore, when the multiple types of software stored in the memory 28 of the writing device 10 are updated, the host device 40 can provide the updated software to the writing device 10. When updated software is provided by the host device 40, the writing device 10 can overwrite and store the existing software with the updated software.

[0063] Furthermore, if the electronic control device 100 is equipped with a communication device capable of wireless communication with the host device 40, the host device 40 can transmit software directly to the electronic control device 100 without going through the writing device 10. In this embodiment, an operating mode in which the host device 40 transmits software to the electronic control device 100 without going through the writing device 10 is called a direct transmission mode. In this direct transmission mode, the writing device 10 supplies power from the built-in battery 30 to the electronic control device 100, but does not transmit software.

[0064] The writing device 10 may be configured similarly to the writing device 10 described in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the controller 12 of the writing device 10 does not necessarily have to have all the functions of the identification unit 14, the determination unit 16, the selection unit 18, and the notification unit 20. In addition, some of these functions may be executed by the host device 40.

[0065] The writing device 10 according to this embodiment has a gateway function for transferring software data provided by the host device 40 to the electronic control device 100. For example, with this gateway function, the writing device 10 can transfer software data transmitted from the host device 40 directly to the electronic control device 100 if the communication protocol between the host device 40 and the writing device 10 is the same as the communication protocol between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100. If the communication protocol between the host device 40 and the writing device 10 is different from the communication protocol between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100, the writing device 10 can convert the protocol of the software data before transferring the software data to the electronic control device 100. In this embodiment, an operating mode in which the writing device 10 performs the gateway function to transfer software to the electronic control device 100 is called a gateway mode.

[0066] As described above, the writing device 10 according to this embodiment can operate in an operation mode (called a normal writing mode) in which software data selected from multiple types of software stored in the memory 28 is transmitted to the electronic control device 100, and can also operate in the above-mentioned direct transmission mode and gateway mode. Note that in this embodiment, the direct transmission mode is common to the gateway mode in that software data transmitted from the host device 40 is written to the electronic control device 100, and therefore is considered to be included in the category of gateway mode.

[0067] Here, for example, when new software, such as a new type of software or newly updated software, becomes available from the host device 40, writing the new software to the writing device 10 and then writing it to the electronic control device 100 in the normal writing mode can be time-consuming and laborious. Conversely, if the writing process to the writing device 10 can be omitted, the writing system 60 can write the new software to the electronic control device 100 more quickly and easily. This allows the writing system 60 to efficiently write the new software to the electronic control device 100. Furthermore, if the writing process to the writing device 10 can be performed, for example, when the number of electronic control device 100 production units is small or after the production of all the planned number of electronic control devices has been completed, the production efficiency of the electronic control device 100 can be improved.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the writing device 10 is configured to be operable in the gateway mode (including the direct writing mode) in addition to the normal writing mode. This allows the host device 40 to selectively use the normal writing mode and the gateway mode of the writing device 10 depending on the timing when new software becomes available and the production status of the electronic control device 100. The operating mode of the writing device 10 can be determined based on a request from a user or an instruction from the host device 40.

[0069] 14 is a flowchart showing a process for determining an operating mode in the writing device 10. In the first step S500, the writing device 10 receives a mode instruction from the host device 40. When the host device 40 receives a user request regarding the operating mode of the writing device 10, it transmits a mode instruction corresponding to the user request to the writing device 10. Alternatively, even without a user request, the host device 40 can determine the operating mode of the writing device 10 at its own discretion based on the production status of the electronic control device 100 when new software becomes available.

[0070] In step S510, the writing device 10 determines whether the received mode instruction is the gateway mode. If it is the gateway mode, the writing device 10 proceeds to the process of step S520. On the other hand, if it is the normal writing mode, the writing device 10 proceeds to the process of step S530.

[0071] In step S520, the writing device 10 executes gateway mode processing to operate in gateway mode. Meanwhile, in step S530, the writing device 10 executes normal writing mode processing to operate in normal writing mode. This normal writing mode processing can be similar to the writing processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, for example. Therefore, a description of the normal writing mode processing will be omitted. An example of the gateway mode processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0072] In the first step S600, the writing device 10 starts supplying power to the electronic control device 100, which is the target of software writing, via the power supply circuit 32. That is, the writing device 10 starts supplying power to the electronic control device 100 from the built-in battery 30 to perform the writing process.

[0073] In the following step S610, the writing device 10 determines whether to operate in a direct transmission mode in which the software to be written is transmitted directly from the host device 40 to the electronic control device 100. For example, assuming that the electronic control device 100 is equipped with a communication device capable of wireless communication with the host device 40, the host device 40 can instruct the writing device 10 to operate in the direct writing mode when the wireless communication environment using the communication device is good. Alternatively, the host device 40 can receive a user request regarding the operating mode of the writing device 10 and instruct the writing device 10 to operate in the direct writing mode even if the user request is for the direct writing mode. If the writing device 10 is instructed by the host device 40 to operate in the direct writing mode, the writing device 10 proceeds to the processing of step S620. On the other hand, if the writing device 10 is not instructed by the host device 40 to operate in the direct writing mode, the writing device 10 proceeds to the processing of step S630 to operate in the gateway mode.

[0074] In step S620, the writing device 10 determines whether or not a software writing completion report has been received from the host device 40. In the direct writing mode, software data is transmitted from the host device 40 to the electronic control device 100. For example, when the host device 40 has completed transmission of all software data, the host device 40 can transmit a software writing completion report to the writing device 10. The writing device 10 repeats the determination in step S620 until the software writing completion report is received from the host device 40. Then, when the writing device 10 determines that the software writing completion report has been received from the host device 40, the writing device 10 proceeds to the processing of step S710 and stops supplying power to the electronic control device 100.

[0075] In step S630, the writing device 10 executes a communication means setting process to set a communication means for communicating with the electronic control device 100 when operating in the gateway mode. This communication means setting process has been described in detail in the first embodiment with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5, and therefore will not be described here.

[0076] In step S640, the writing device 10 starts the transfer process of the software data transmitted from the host device 40. As described above, in this transfer process, if the communication protocol between the host device 40 and the writing device 10 is the same as the communication protocol between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100, the writing device 10 transfers the software data transmitted from the host device 40 directly to the electronic control device 100. On the other hand, if the communication protocol between the host device 40 and the writing device 10 is different from the communication protocol between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100, the writing device 10 converts the protocol of the software data before transferring it to the electronic control device 100.

[0077] The processes from step S650 to step S670 and step S690 to step S710 are the same as the processes from step S160 to step S180 and step S190 to step S210 in the flowchart of FIG. 3, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In step S680, the writing device 10 reports the completion of writing to the host device 40. This allows the host device 40 to recognize, for example, that communication between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100 has been normal and that the software has been successfully written to the electronic control device 100.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the writing device 10 operates in either the direct writing mode or the gateway mode to write software to the electronic control device 100. However, the direct writing mode and the gateway mode may be combined to write software. For example, when writing basic software, such as an operating system (OS), a driver, or writing software, for running application software or writing software, the writing device 10 may operate in the gateway mode, and writing may be performed using wired communication between the writing device 10 and the electronic control device 100, which is less susceptible to external noise and other communications. For software other than the basic software, such as application software or map data, the writing device 10 may operate in the direct writing mode, and the software may be written directly from the host device 40 to the electronic control device 100.

[0080] Furthermore, in addition to the combination of direct write mode and gateway mode, it is also possible to combine, for example, direct write mode and normal write mode, or gateway mode and normal write mode. For example, the parts of the new software that are the same as the software stored in the memory of the writing device 10 may be written to the electronic control device 100 in normal write mode. Then, the parts that differ from the conventional software may be written in direct write mode and / or gateway mode.

[0081] Thus, in the second embodiment, a writing system as described below is disclosed. a writing device (10) having a memory (28) for storing programs and / or data to be written to the electronic control device (100); a host device (40) that provides the program and / or the data to the writing device; A writing system in which the writing device is capable of operating in both a gateway mode in which the writing device transfers the program and / or the data provided from the host device to the electronic control device, and a normal writing mode in which the writing device transmits the program and / or the data stored in the memory to the electronic control device.

[0082] The above describes preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0083] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which one writing device 10 is connected to one electronic control device 100. However, as shown in Fig. 16, it is also possible to configure one writing device 10A to be connected to multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C.

[0084] In this case, the writing device 10A includes a power switching circuit 50, as shown in FIG. 16, in addition to the configuration of the writing device 10 of the first embodiment described above. The power switching circuit 50 is connected to the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C via power supply lines 50A, 50B, and 50C. The power switching circuit 50 is a circuit that can switch among the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C to which power from the built-in battery 30 is supplied under the control of the controller 12. Specifically, the power switching circuit 50 is configured to supply power to one of the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, and can arbitrarily switch among the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C under the control of the controller 12. Furthermore, the power switching circuit 50 can be configured to simultaneously supply power to all of the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C under the control of the controller 12.

[0085] When writing software to each of the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, the writing device 10A identifies the electronic control device 100A, 100B, and 100C to which the software is to be written from among the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C. The writing device 10A sets communication means for communicating with the identified electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, and also sets the power switching circuit 50 so that the identified electronic control device 100A, 100B, and 100C are the power supply destination. The writing device 10A then transmits data of the software to be written to the identified electronic control device 100A, 100B, and 100C. Alternatively, when the writing device 10A operates in gateway mode, the writing device 10A transfers the software data from the host device 40.

[0086] According to this modification, it is possible to continuously write software to a plurality of electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C using a single writing device 10A. This reduces the equipment cost for writing software and also reduces the work time required for writing.

[0087] 16, when the same software is written to multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, a single writing device 10A can simultaneously write the software to the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C. In this case, the writing device 10A controls the power switching circuit 50 so that power is supplied from the built-in battery 30 or the external power source 38 to all of the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C simultaneously. Alternatively, in this case, the writing device 10A does not necessarily have to include the power switching circuit 50. That is, the writing device 10A may simply include a power supply circuit 32 that can switch between supplying power to and not supplying power to each of the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C.

[0088] Then, the writing device 10A transmits data of the software to be written to all connected electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C via the set communication means. According to this modification, assuming that the same software is to be written to the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, it is possible to write the software to the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C simultaneously using a single writing device 10A. This reduces the equipment costs for writing software and further reduces the work time required for writing.

[0089] 16, when one writing device 10A writes partially different software to multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, the above-described sequential writing and simultaneous writing can be used together. That is, the writing device 10A simultaneously writes the common part of the software to the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C by supplying power to the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C simultaneously. Then, the writing device 10A sequentially writes the individual parts of the software to the multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C while switching the electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C to which power is supplied using the power switching circuit 50. In this way, by simultaneously writing the common parts of the software to multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C, it is possible to reduce the overall time required to write software to multiple electronic control devices 100A, 100B, and 100C.

[0090] For example, the apparatus, system, and method described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer comprising a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. The apparatus and method described herein may also be implemented using dedicated hardware logic circuits. The apparatus and method described herein may also be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured by combining a processor that executes a computer program with one or more hardware logic circuits. The processor may be any computing core, such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, or DFP (Data Flow Processor). Some or all of the functions of the processor may be implemented by hardware. For example, some or all of the functions of the processor may be implemented using a system-on-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10: writing device, 10A: writing device, 12: controller, 14: identification unit, 16: determination unit, 18: selection unit, 20: notification unit, 22: input / output circuit, 24: communication connector, 26: communication device, 28: memory, 30: built-in battery, 32: power supply circuit, 34: power supply connector, 40: host device, 50: power switching circuit, 60: writing system, 100: electronic control device, 100A: electronic control device, 100B: electronic control device, 100C: electronic control device

Claims

1. A writing device (10) for writing a program and / or data into an electronic control device (100) before the electronic control device is installed in a state capable of controlling a controlled object, a plurality of communication means (22, 26) capable of transmitting the program and / or the data to the electronic control unit; a selection unit (18) for selecting one of the plurality of communication means; an internal battery (30) that serves as an operating power source; the writing device is configured to be able to supply power from the built-in battery to the electronic control device; A writing device, wherein, when power is supplied from the built-in battery, the electronic control device is capable of writing the program and / or the data transmitted via the communication means selected by the selection unit.

2. 2. The writing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit determines which communication means to select from among the plurality of communication means based on a request from a user.

3. When the plurality of communication means transmit the program and / or the data to the electronic control device via each of the communication means, the time until writing is completed and / or the power consumed by the writing device and the electronic control device differ, 3. The writing device according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit determines which of the plurality of communication means to select based on at least one of the remaining power of the built-in battery, the number of units of the electronic control device produced, and the communication environment of the plurality of communication means.

4. The writing device according to claim 3 , wherein the selection unit corrects the time required for the writing to be completed by the plurality of communication means to a time that takes into account a delay time depending on a communication environment of the plurality of communication means.

5. 5. The writing device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of communication means include a wired communication means and a wireless communication means.

6. A writing device (10) according to claim 1; The writing device further comprises a memory (28) for storing the program and / or the data; a host device (40) that provides the program and / or the data to the writing device; A writing system in which the writing device is capable of operating in both a gateway mode in which the writing device transfers the program and / or the data provided from the host device to the electronic control device, and a normal writing mode in which the writing device transmits the program and / or the data stored in the memory to the electronic control device.

7. 7. The writing system according to claim 6, wherein whether the writing device operates in the gateway mode or the normal writing mode is determined based on a request from a user.

8. the gateway mode includes a direct transmission mode in which the host device transmits the program and / or the data to the electronic control device without going through the writing device; The writing system of claim 7 , wherein in the direct transmission mode, the writing device only supplies power to the electronic control device.

9. writing a part of the program and / or the data to the electronic control unit in the gateway mode; The writing system according to claim 8 , wherein the remaining part of the program and / or the data is written to the electronic control device in the direct transmission mode.

Images