SYSTEM AND APPARATUS SUITABLE FOR FACILITATING VEHICLE SYSTEM UPDATES AND RELATED PROCESSING METHODS - Patent application

Abstract

A processing method suitable for use in updating a vehicle while in a vehicle ignition off state is provided. The processing method may include an identifying step, a processing step, and / or a power saving step. The identifying step may include communicating at least one request signal. Availability of at least one update package may be identified based on the request signal. If at least one update package may be identified as available, one or more data signals corresponding to the update package may be communicated. The processing step may include processing the data signals in a manner such that the vehicle may be updated if one or more update packages are identified as available. The power saving step may include switching between a wake-up mode and a power saving mode to reduce current consumption associated with updating the vehicle while in a vehicle ignition off state.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system and / or apparatus suitable for updating a system, which may be associated with a vehicle, for example. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and / or apparatus suitable for updating one or more portions of a vehicle operating system during times / periods when a vehicle engine is turned off / switched off. The present disclosure further relates to a processing method that may be associated with the system and / or apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a vehicle may include one or more electronic components / modules. Such electronic components / modules may be associated with software necessary to control the hardware operation, etc. In this regard, it is apparent that a vehicle may be associated with an operating system in relation to such software. The vehicle operating system may, for example, be included in a processor that may be included in the vehicle.

[0003] Obviously, it may be necessary to periodically update one or more parts of the vehicle operating system, which typically occurs when the vehicle engine is turned on / switched on.

[0004] However, during the update, the operability of the vehicle may be affected. For example, one or more hardware components / modules of the vehicle (e.g., car radio / infotainment unit, wipers, one or more sensors and / or control modules) may not be able to function and / or may not function as required. Thus, the vehicle may not be able to be operated (e.g., driven) during the update, which may not be user-friendly. Moreover, even during the update at a designated location (e.g., vehicle service center / workshop), the engine is essentially left idling, which obviously may not be efficient (e.g., fuel-efficient).

[0005] Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates that current updates (of vehicles) are not performed in a user-friendly and / or efficient manner, and a need exists to address (or at least alleviate) one or more such issues. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, for example, an apparatus is provided that may be suitable for use with a vehicle. In one example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that may be suitable for use to update a vehicle. In a more specific example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that may be suitable for updating a vehicle while the vehicle ignition is off.

[0007] The device may be initially in a power saving mode when the vehicle is in an ignition off state. Moreover, the device may be configured to switch between a wake-up mode and a power saving mode. It is clear that in the power saving mode, for example, the current consumption may be lower, for example, compared to the current consumption during the wake-up mode. In this regard, it is clear that, for example, the current consumption during the power saving mode may be considered to be reduced (i.e., compared to the current consumption during the wake-up mode).

[0008] The apparatus may include a first module and a second module, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first module may be coupled to the second module.

[0009] The first module can be configured to communicate one or more request signals when the device is switched from the power saving mode to the wake-up mode. Availability of at least one update package can be determined based on the request signal. If availability of the update package is determined (e.g., one or more update packages are available for download), one or more data signals corresponding to the update package can be communicated. If unavailability of the update package is determined (e.g., no update package is determined for download), the device can switch from the wake-up mode to the power saving mode.

[0010] The second module can be configured to process the data signal in a manner such that the vehicle can be updated if availability of an update package is identified.

[0011] Moreover, the device may be configured to switch from the wake-up mode to the power save mode after the vehicle has been updated. In one embodiment, the device may initially switch between the power save mode and the wake-up mode periodically (e.g., based on a predetermined time period / frame).

[0012] It is contemplated that the apparatus may be coupled to a device (e.g., a back-end server) that may be capable of loading at least one update package. A request signal may be communicated, for example, from the first module to the device. Based on the request signal, the device may be configured to communicate the update package, if there is one or more update packages available for download. In one embodiment, the update package may be communicated over a communication network, for example, through an authenticated access point. The communication network may correspond, for example, to one or both of a cellular-based network and a Wi-Fi-based network (i.e., a cellular-based network and / or a Wi-Fi-based network).

[0013] It is clear that in the above method, the update can possibly be facilitated / performed during the time / period when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off (i.e., "ignition off"). Thus, the update does not necessarily have to be performed while the vehicle engine is turned on / switched on (i.e., during "ignition on"), and one or more vehicle functions while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., when being driven) do not necessarily have to be substantially adversely affected / impacted. In this regard, it is clear that the update can possibly be performed / facilitated in a (more) user-friendly manner. Moreover, the update can be performed without leaving the vehicle engine idling, and thus the update can possibly be performed in a (more) efficient manner (e.g., in a more fuel / energy efficient manner).

[0014] Moreover, it is believed that in the above manner (e.g., based on appropriate switching between power saving and wake-up modes), current consumption during updates while "ignition off" may be at least substantially reduced in some cases. Thus, the possibility of the vehicle battery being depleted during updates while "ignition off" (e.g., due to high current consumption during updates) may be at least substantially reduced.

[0015] The above-described advantageous aspects of the apparatus of the present disclosure are equally applicable to all of the processing method aspects described below in the present disclosure, and similarly, all of the below-described advantageous aspects of the processing method of the present disclosure are equally applicable to all of the above-described apparatus aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a processing method suitable for use with a vehicle is provided. In one example, the processing method may be used to update a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a more specific example, the processing method may be suitable for use to update a vehicle while the vehicle ignition is off.

[0017] The processing method may include any one of the identification step, the processing step, and the power saving step, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the processing method may include the identification step, the processing step, and the power saving step.

[0018] The determining step may include communicating one or more request signals. The request signal may be communicated, for example, by a first module of the device described above. The availability of one or more update packages (e.g., whether one or more update packages are available for downloading) may be determined based on the at least one request signal. If at least one update package may be determined to be available (e.g., for downloading), one or more data signals corresponding to the update packages may be communicated. In one embodiment, the device may be initially in a power saving mode, for example, when the vehicle is in an ignition off state. Moreover, in one embodiment, the device may be configured to switch, for example, between a wake-up mode and a power saving mode. In one embodiment, the first module may be configured to communicate the request signal when the device is switched from the power saving mode to the wake-up mode.

[0019] The processing step may include processing the data signal in a manner that allows the vehicle to be updated if one or more update packages are identified as available. The data signal may be processed, for example, by a second module of the apparatus described above.

[0020] The power conservation step may include switching between a wake-up mode and a power save mode to reduce current consumption associated with vehicle updates during a vehicle ignition off state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the processing method may further include an updating step that may include updating the vehicle based on the data signal if at least one update package is identified as available.

[0022] Moreover, in one embodiment, the update package can be communicated over a communications network, for example, through an authenticated access point, which can correspond to one or both of a cellular-based network and a Wi-Fi-based network (i.e., a cellular-based network and / or a Wi-Fi-based network), in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program that may include instructions that, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform any one or any combination of the identifying steps, processing steps, and power saving steps (and, optionally, update steps), as discussed with reference to the processing method.

[0024] The present disclosure still further contemplates a computer-readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions which, when executed by a computer, perform any one or any combination of the specific steps, processing steps, and power saving steps (and, optionally, update steps), as discussed with reference to the processing method.

[0025] It is clear that in the above method, the update can possibly be facilitated / performed during the time / period when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off (i.e., "ignition off"). Thus, the update does not necessarily have to be performed while the vehicle engine is turned on / switched on (i.e., during "ignition on"), and one or more vehicle functions while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., when being driven) do not necessarily have to be substantially adversely affected / impacted. In this regard, it is clear that the update can possibly be performed / facilitated in a (more) user-friendly manner. Moreover, the update can be performed without leaving the vehicle engine idling, and thus the update can possibly be performed in a (more) efficient manner (e.g., in a more fuel / energy efficient manner).

[0026] Moreover, it is believed that in the above manner (e.g., based on appropriate switching between power saving and wake-up modes), current consumption during updates while "ignition off" may be at least substantially reduced in some cases. Thus, the possibility of the vehicle battery being depleted during updates while "ignition off" (e.g., due to high current consumption during updates) may be at least substantially reduced.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the following drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a system that may include at least one device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in further detail, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates a processing method associated with the system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present disclosure contemplates that updates may be performed during times / periods when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off, potentially to perform updates in a more user-friendly and / or efficient manner. The times / periods when the vehicle is turned off / switched off may, for example, be commonly / simply referred to as "ignition off."

[0030] By doing so, operability of the vehicle is least likely to be affected when the vehicle is being operated (e.g., driven) and / or the vehicle engine is not left idle during the update, and thus the update may be performed in a potentially more user-friendly and / or more efficient manner.

[0031] However, the present disclosure contemplates that updating during times / periods when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off may potentially drain the vehicle battery due to high current consumption during the update, which (i.e., a drained vehicle battery) may result in the inability to restart the vehicle engine, which is undesirable.

[0032] The present disclosure contemplates that a solution that at least mitigates the possibility of vehicle battery depletion is needed to facilitate updates performed while the ignition is off.

[0033] In general, the present disclosure contemplates systems and apparatus suitable for facilitating vehicle system updates while the ignition is off, as well as processing methods associated with either or both of the systems and apparatus.

[0034] The above will be considered in more detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 is suitable for use in connection with or can be associated with a vehicle (not shown). Specifically, the system 100 can be associated with a vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, in connection with a vehicle, the system 100 can be suitable for use to update one or more portions of a vehicle operating system in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Even more specifically, the system 100 can be suitable for use to update software associated with a vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] It is contemplated that updates may be performed, for example, "over the air" (OTA) while the vehicle is in an "ignition off" state, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, OTA-based updates may be performed while the ignition is off, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In one embodiment, system 100 may correspond to, for example, an electronic-based system that may be at least partially carried by (e.g., the system is installed on) a vehicle (not shown). In one example, system 100 may be completely carried by the vehicle (i.e., the entire system 100). In another example, one or more portions of system 100 may be carried by the vehicle while another one or more portions of system 100 may be carried external to the vehicle (e.g., at least one portion of system 100 is not carried by the vehicle).

[0038] The system 100 may include, for example, one or more apparatus 102, at least one device 104, and a communication network 106 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The apparatus 102 may be coupled to the device 104. In particular, the apparatus 102 may be coupled to the device 104 via a communication network 106, for example.

[0040] In one embodiment, the apparatus 102 may be coupled to a communication network 106 and the device 104 may be coupled to the communication network 106. The coupling may be by one or both of wired and wireless coupling methods.

[0041] The apparatus 102 may generally be configured to communicate with the device 104 via a communications network 106 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The device 102 may correspond to, for example, one or more computers (e.g., electronic devices / modules having computing capabilities, such as electronic mobile devices that may be mounted on a vehicle or electronic modules that may be installed on a vehicle). In general, the device 102 may be configured to perform one or more processing tasks in one embodiment. As a general example, the device 102 may be configured to generate one or more request signals and communicate the request signals. Additionally, the device 102 may be configured to perform one or more update-related processing tasks in connection with updating the vehicle. The device 102 is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] The device 104 may correspond to or represent at least one update system, such as, for example, a back-end server capable of loading one or more update packages (e.g., OTA packages). The update packages are associated with one or more software packages for such updates. One or more data signals corresponding to the update packages may be communicated from the device 104 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The communication network 106 may correspond to, for example, an Internet communication network, a wired-based communication network, a wireless-based communication network, or any combination thereof. Communication over the communication network 106 (i.e., between the apparatus 102 and the device 104) may be by one or both of wired and wireless communication methods. The communication network 106 may correspond to, for example, a cellular communication network and one or both of a Wi-Fi-based communication network according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] As previously mentioned, device 102 may be configured to generate and communicate one or more request signals.

[0046] A request signal can be communicated from apparatus 102 to device 104. Based on the request signal, device 104 can be configured to communicate one or more data signals if one or more update packages are available for communication, as will be described in further detail in connection with an example implementation below.

[0047] With respect to an exemplary implementation, the apparatus 102 may include / be equipped with a data communication module (DCM) and at least one central engine / electronic control unit (C-ECU) and / or at least one ECU. The device 104 may correspond / associate with a back-end server capable of mounting one or more OTA packages. The network 106 may include / associate with an access point (AP). Additionally, the network 106 may correspond / associate with a cellular network and / or a Wi-Fi based network.

[0048] In an exemplary implementation, during an "ignition off" (IGN off) state of the vehicle, the DCM may enter a discontinuous reception (DRX) mode. It is apparent that during the DRX mode, the current consumption may be considered to be minimal (i.e., lowest current consumption). In this regard, when in the DRX mode, the device 102 may be considered to be in a power-save mode. The DCM may be configured to periodically connect to the network 106. For example, the DCM may be periodically activated (i.e., enter a "wake-up" state) when an internal timer (e.g., which may be carried by the device 102) reaches a preset value. In this regard, when the DCM is activated, the device 102 may be considered to be in a wake-up mode. Thus, it is apparent that the device 102 may be initially in the power-save mode during the ignition off. It is further apparent that the device 102 may be configured to switch between the power-save mode and the wake-up mode during the ignition off.

[0049] In one embodiment, when the DCM is in the “wake-up” state, the DCM can be configured to connect to the back-end server via a cellular network and check (e.g., by communicating one or more request signals) whether at least one OTA package is available for communication (i.e., for updating purposes). In another embodiment, when the DCM is in the “wake-up” state, the DCM can be configured to connect to the back-end server via a Wi-Fi-based network (e.g., via an authenticated AP on Wi-Fi) and check (e.g., by communicating one or more request signals) whether at least one OTA package is available for communication (i.e., for updating purposes). In yet another embodiment, when the DCM is in the “wake-up” state, the DCM can be configured to connect to the back-end server via a combination of a Wi-Fi-based network and a cellular network and check (e.g., by communicating one or more request signals) whether at least one OTA package is available for communication (i.e., for updating purposes).

[0050] If it can be determined that no OTA package is available for communication, it can be determined that no OTA update is required, and the DCM can then return to the DRX mode. Conversely, if it can be determined that at least one OTA package is available for download, it can be determined that an OTA update is required, and the DCM can then be configured to enable communication over a Wi-Fi-based network via an authenticated AP. Moreover, if it can be determined that an OTA update is required, the DCM can be configured to activate (e.g., "wake up") a C-ECU that can manage software downloads for each connected ECU. Once the C-ECU is ready, it can communicate (e.g., by a method of communicating a request signal) a software download request (e.g., to download one or more available OTA packages). For example, the DCM can be configured to send a software download request via a connected AP, and the OTA package can be downloaded from a back-end server using Wi-fi via an authenticated AP. Upon completion of the software download (i.e., fulfillment of the software download request), the DCM may enter a "power saving" mode by disabling unnecessary functions (e.g., Wi-Fi connection) and returning to DRX mode, for example.

[0051] It is clear that in the above method, the update can possibly be facilitated / performed during the time / period when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off (i.e., "ignition off"). Thus, the update does not necessarily have to be performed while the vehicle engine is turned on / switched on (i.e., during "ignition on"), and one or more vehicle functions while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., when being driven) do not necessarily have to be substantially adversely affected / impacted. In this regard, it is clear that the update can possibly be performed / facilitated in a (more) user-friendly manner. Moreover, the update can be performed without leaving the vehicle engine idling, and thus the update can possibly be performed in a (more) efficient manner (e.g., in a more fuel / energy efficient manner).

[0052] Moreover, it is believed that in the above manner, current consumption during updates while "ignition off" may potentially be at least substantially reduced, and thus the likelihood of the vehicle battery being depleted (e.g., due to high current consumption during updates) may be at least substantially reduced.

[0053] The aforementioned device 102 is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the device 102 is shown in further detail with reference to an example implementation 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] In the example implementation 200, the device 102 may include any one of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206, or any combination thereof.

[0056] In one embodiment, the device 102 can include a first module 202, a second module 204, and optionally a third module 206. In a particular example, the device 102 can include a first module 202, a second module 204, and a third module 206. In another particular example, the device 102 can include a first module 202 and a second module 204.

[0057] The first module 202 may be coupled to one or both of the second module 204 and the third module 206. The second module 204 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the third module 206. The third module 206 may be coupled to one or both of the first module 202 and the second module 204. The coupling between the first module 202, the second module 204, and / or the third module 206 may be by one or both of wired and wireless coupling, for example. Each of the first module 202, the second module 204, and the third module 206 may correspond to one or both of hardware-based and software-based modules according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] In one embodiment, the first module 202 may correspond to a hardware-based module (eg, a transmitter) that may be configured to communicate a request signal.

[0059] The second module 204 may correspond, for example, to a hardware-based processor that may be configured to perform one or more processing tasks (e.g., one or more update-based tasks) based on a data signal (e.g., corresponding to one or more OTA packages).

[0060] The third module 206 may correspond to a hardware-based module (eg, a receiver) that may be configured to receive a data signal.

[0061] The present disclosure contemplates that the first and third modules 202 / 206 may, in one embodiment, be an integrated software-based transceiver module (e.g., an electronic component that may be equipped with software programs / algorithms related to the receiving and transmitting functions / an electronic module that is programmed to perform the receiving and transmitting functions).

[0062] This disclosure contemplates that the first and third modules 202 / 206 may, in another embodiment, be integrated hardware-based transceiver modules configured to perform both receiving and transmitting functions.

[0063] The present disclosure contemplates that the first and third modules 202 / 206 may, in yet another embodiment, be integrated transceiver modules based on a combination of software-based and hardware-based modules (i.e., configured to perform receiving and transmitting functions).

[0064] In view of the above, it should be apparent that the present disclosure generally contemplates, in one embodiment, an apparatus 102 that may be suitable for use with, for example, a vehicle (not shown). In one example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus 102 is provided that may be suitable for use to update a vehicle (not shown). In a more specific example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus 102 is provided that may be suitable for updating a vehicle (not shown) while in a vehicle ignition off state.

[0065] The device 102 may be initially in a power saving mode when the vehicle is in an ignition off state. Moreover, the device 102 may be configured to switch between a wake-up mode and a power saving mode. It is clear that in the power saving mode, for example, the current consumption may be lower compared to, for example, the current consumption during the wake-up mode. In this regard, it is clear that, for example, the current consumption during the power saving mode may be considered to be reduced (i.e., compared to the current consumption during the wake-up mode).

[0066] The device 102, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may include a first module 202 and a second module 204. The first module 202 may be coupled to the second module 204.

[0067] The first module 202 can be configured to communicate one or more request signals when the device 102 is switched from the power saving mode to the wake-up mode. Availability of at least one update package can be determined based on the request signal. If availability of the update package is determined (e.g., one or more update packages are available for download), one or more data signals corresponding to the update package can be communicated. If unavailability of the update package is determined (e.g., no update package is determined for download), the device 102 can switch from the wake-up mode to the power saving mode.

[0068] The second module 202 may be configured to process the data signal in a manner such that the vehicle may be updated if availability of an update package is identified.

[0069] Additionally, device 102 may be configured to switch from the wake-up mode to the power save mode after the vehicle is updated. In one embodiment, device 102 may initially (e.g., based on a predetermined time period / frame) periodically switch between the power save mode and the wake-up mode (e.g., for purposes of periodically waking up to communicate a request signal).

[0070] It is contemplated that the apparatus 102 may be coupled to a device 104 (e.g., a back-end server) that may be capable of loading at least one update package. A request signal may be communicated, for example, from the first module 202 to the device 104. Based on the request signal, the device 104 may be configured to communicate the update package, if there is one or more update packages available for download. In one embodiment, the update package may be communicated via the communication network 106, for example, through an authenticated access point (not shown). The communication network 106 may correspond, for example, to one or both of a cellular-based network and a Wi-Fi-based network (i.e., a cellular-based network and / or a Wi-Fi-based network).

[0071] It is clear that in the above method, the update can possibly be facilitated / performed during the time / period when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off (i.e., "ignition off"). Thus, the update does not necessarily have to be performed while the vehicle engine is turned on / switched on (i.e., during "ignition on"), and one or more vehicle functions while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., when being driven) do not necessarily have to be substantially adversely affected / impacted. In this regard, it is clear that the update can possibly be performed / facilitated in a (more) user-friendly manner. Moreover, the update can be performed without leaving the vehicle engine idling, and thus the update can possibly be performed in a (more) efficient manner (e.g., in a more fuel / energy efficient manner).

[0072] Moreover, it is believed that in the above manner (e.g., based on appropriate switching between power saving and wake-up modes), current consumption during updates while "ignition off" may be at least substantially reduced in some cases. Thus, the possibility of the vehicle battery being depleted during updates while "ignition off" (e.g., due to high current consumption during updates) may be at least substantially reduced.

[0073] The above-described advantageous aspects of the apparatus 102 of the present disclosure may be equally applied to any of the aspects of the processing method 300 described below in this disclosure. Similarly, all of the below-described advantageous aspects of the processing method 300 of the present disclosure may be equally applied to any of the aspects of the apparatus 102 described above in this disclosure. It should be appreciated that these remarks apply equally to the previously discussed system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, a processing method 300 associated with the system 100 is shown according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] The process method 300 may be associated with performing one or more tasks of an update in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the process method 300 may be associated with updating a vehicle (not shown) while the vehicle is in an "ignition off" state.

[0076] The processing method 300 may include any one of, or any combination of, a determining step 302, a receiving step 304, an updating step 306, and a power saving step 308, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] In one embodiment, the process method 300 can include a determining step 302, a receiving step 304, an updating step 306, and a power saving step 308. In another embodiment, the process method 300 can include a determining step 302, a receiving step 304, and a power saving step 308. It is contemplated that the updating step 306 may possibly be omitted, for example, if no update package is available.

[0078] With respect to the determining step 302, a request signal may be communicated from the device 102. Availability of one or more update packages may be determined based on the request signal. For example, when the vehicle is in an "ignition off" state, the device 102 may be initially in a DRX mode. The device 102 may be configured, for example, to periodically awaken from the DRX mode to communicate the request signal. In one embodiment, a check may be performed to determine whether one or more update packages are available (i.e., for download) based on the request signal.

[0079] With respect to receiving step 304, a data signal (i.e., corresponding to one or more update packages) may be received by device 102 for processing if at least one update package is available for download. The data signal may be processed in connection with a vehicle update, for example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Such processing may involve, for example, unpacking, compiling, and / or formatting the downloaded update package as necessary, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] With respect to the updating step 306, an update may be performed (e.g., by the device 102) based on the received data signal. In particular, an update of the vehicle may be performed. For example, one or more portions of the vehicle operating system may be updated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a more particular example, software associated with the vehicle may be updated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Obviously, an update of the vehicle may be performed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by, for example, a method of updating one or more portions of the vehicle operating system and / or updating software associated with the vehicle.

[0081] It is contemplated that the power saving step 308 may involve switching between operational modes. For example, a vehicle may be associated with one or more operational modes. An operational mode may involve, for example, one or both of the aforementioned wake-up mode and the aforementioned power saving mode (i.e., a wake-up mode and / or a power saving mode). For example, the power saving step 308 may involve the device 102 returning to a DRX mode, for example, if no update packages are available for download or if a vehicle update is completed.

[0082] In view of the above, it should be apparent that the present disclosure generally contemplates, in one embodiment, a processing method 300 suitable for use with a vehicle (not shown). In one example, the processing method 300 may be used to update a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In a more specific example, the processing method 300 may be suitable for use to update a vehicle (not shown) while the vehicle ignition is off.

[0083] The process 300 may include any one or any combination of a determination step 302, a processing step 304, and a power saving step 308. In one embodiment, the process 300 may include a determination step 302, a processing step 304, and a power saving step 308.

[0084] The determining step 302 may include communicating one or more request signals. The request signal may be communicated, for example, by the first module 202 of the device 102 described above. The availability of one or more update packages (e.g., whether one or more update packages are available for downloading) may be determined based on the at least one request signal. If at least one update package may be determined to be available (e.g., for downloading), one or more data signals corresponding to the update packages may be communicated. In one embodiment, the device 102 may be in a power saving mode initially, for example, when the vehicle is in an ignition off state. Moreover, in one embodiment, the device 102 may be configured to switch between a wake-up mode and a power saving mode, for example. In one embodiment, the first module 202 may be configured to communicate a request signal when the device 102 is switched from the power saving mode to the wake-up mode.

[0085] The processing step 304 may include processing the data signal in a manner that allows the vehicle to be updated if one or more update packages are identified as available. The data signal may be processed, for example, by the second module 204 of the device 102 described above.

[0086] The power conservation step may include switching between a wake-up mode and a power save mode to reduce current consumption associated with vehicle updates during a vehicle ignition off state.

[0087] In one embodiment, the processing method 300 may further include an updating step 306, which may include updating the vehicle based on the data signal if at least one update package is identified as available.

[0088] Moreover, in one embodiment, the update package may be communicated via the communications network 106, for example, through an authenticated access point. The communications network 106 may, for example, correspond to one or both of a cellular-based network and a Wi-Fi-based network (i.e., a cellular-based network and / or a Wi-Fi-based network) in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] The present disclosure further contemplates a computer program (not shown) that may include instructions that, when executed by a computer (not shown), cause the computer to perform any one or any combination of the identifying step 302, the processing step 304, and the power saving step 308 (and, optionally, the updating step 306), as discussed with reference to the processing method 300.

[0090] The present disclosure still further contemplates a computer readable storage medium (not shown) having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer (not shown), the software including instructions which, when executed by the computer, perform any one or any combination of the identifying step 302, the processing step 304, and the power saving step 308 (and, optionally, the updating step 306), as discussed with reference to the processing method 300.

[0091] It is clear that in the above method, the update can possibly be facilitated / performed during the time / period when the vehicle engine is turned off / switched off (i.e., "ignition off"). Thus, the update does not necessarily have to be performed while the vehicle engine is turned on / switched on (i.e., during "ignition on"), and one or more vehicle functions while the vehicle is in operation (e.g., when being driven) do not necessarily have to be substantially adversely affected / impacted. In this regard, it is clear that the update can possibly be performed / facilitated in a (more) user-friendly manner. Moreover, the update can be performed without leaving the vehicle engine idling, and thus the update can possibly be performed in a (more) efficient manner (e.g., in a more fuel / energy efficient manner).

[0092] Moreover, it is believed that in the above manner (e.g., based on appropriate switching between power saving and wake-up modes), current consumption during updates while "ignition off" may be at least substantially reduced in some cases. Thus, the possibility of the vehicle battery being depleted during updates while "ignition off" (e.g., due to high current consumption during updates) may be at least substantially reduced.

[0093] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described above may be combined in any manner as desired (e.g., one or more embodiments as discussed in the "Description of Embodiments" section may be combined with one or more embodiments as discussed in the "Summary of the Invention" section).

[0094] Furthermore, those skilled in the art should appreciate that variations and combinations of the above-described embodiments may be combined, rather than being substituted or replaced, to form further embodiments.

[0095] In one example, the communication network 106 may be omitted in some cases according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication (i.e., between the apparatus 102 and / or the device 104) may be by way of a direct coupling. Such a direct coupling may be by way of one or both of a wired coupling and a wireless coupling.

[0096] In another example, as mentioned above, in an exemplary implementation, upon completion of the software download (i.e., fulfillment of the software download request), the DCM may enter a "power saving" mode by disabling unnecessary functions (e.g., Wi-Fi connection) and, for example, returning to a DRX mode. It is further contemplated that in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the DCM may possibly, in another example, enter (or switch to) a power saving mode by disabling all functions including Wi-Fi, except that, for example, a modem (not shown) carried by the device 102 may enter a connected DNO (digital network only) mode to maintain low power consumption.

[0097] In yet another embodiment, as previously described, in an exemplary implementation, if at least one OTA package is identified as available for download, it may be determined that an OTA update is required, and the DCM may then be configured to enable communication over a Wi-Fi based network via an authenticated AP. It is contemplated that the DCM may be configured in one embodiment to enable communication directly over a cellular network (e.g., to download an OTA package) instead of enabling communication over a Wi-Fi based network. It is also contemplated that the DCM may be configured in another embodiment to enable communication (e.g., to download an OTA package) over a combination of a Wi-Fi based network and a cellular based network.

[0098] In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described to address at least one of the above-mentioned shortcomings. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims and should not be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described; it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and / or modifications can be made in light of this disclosure that are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus (102) suitable for use in updating a vehicle while in a vehicle ignition off state, the apparatus (102) being initially in a power save mode when the vehicle is in the ignition off state and configurable to switch between a wake-up mode and the power save mode, the apparatus (102) comprising: a first module (202) configurable to communicate at least one request signal when the device is switched from the power saving mode to the wake-up mode, determining availability of at least one update package based on the at least one request signal; when availability of an update package is identified, at least one data signal corresponding to the update package can be communicated; a first module (202) for switching the device (102) from the wake-up mode to the power-saving mode when unavailability of an update package is identified; a second module (204) coupled to the first module (202), the second module (204) being configurable to process the at least one data signal in a manner such that the vehicle can be updated when availability of an update package is identified, and the device (102) being configurable to switch from the wake-up mode to the power saving mode after the vehicle has been updated; the device (102) is initially switched between the power save mode and the wake-up mode in a periodic manner; Apparatus (102).

2. The apparatus (102) of claim 1, wherein the apparatus (102) is coupled to a device (104) capable of receiving at least one update package.

3. the at least one request signal is communicable from the first module (202) to the device (104); Based on the at least one request signal, the device (104) is configurable to communicate the at least one update package, if available. The apparatus (102) of claim 2.

4. The apparatus (102) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one update package is communicable over a communications network (106) through an authenticated access point.

5. The apparatus (102) of claim 4, wherein the communication network (106) corresponds to at least one of a cellular-based network and a Wi-Fi-based network.

6. 1. A process (300) usable to update a vehicle while the vehicle ignition is off, comprising: A determining step (302) comprising communicating at least one request signal by a first module (202) of the device (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein availability of at least one update package is determined based on said at least one request signal; when availability of an update package is identified, at least one data signal corresponding to the update package can be communicated; the device (102) is initially in a power saving mode when the vehicle is in the ignition off state, and the device (102) is configurable to switch between a wake-up mode and the power saving mode; the device (102) is initially switched between the power save mode and the wake-up mode in a periodic manner; a determining step (302) in which the first module (202) is configurable to communicate the at least one request signal when the device (102) is switched from the power saving mode to the wake-up mode; a processing step (304) comprising, if at least one update package is identified as available, processing the received at least one data signal in a manner such that the vehicle is updateable, by a second module (204) of the device (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a power saving step (308) including switching between the wake-up mode and the power save mode to reduce current consumption associated with vehicle updates during the vehicle ignition off state. Processing method (300).

7. 7. The method (300) of claim 6, further comprising an updating step (306) including updating the vehicle based on the at least one data signal if at least one update package is identified as available.

8. The method (300) of claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one update package is communicable over a communication network (106) through an authenticated access point.

9. The method (300) of claim 8, wherein the communication network (106) corresponds to at least one of a cellular-based network and a Wi-Fi-based network.

10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the determining step (302), the processing step (304) and the power saving step (308) according to a processing method (300) according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

11. A computer readable storage medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a computer, the software including instructions which, when executed by the computer, perform the determining step (302), the processing step (304), and the power saving step (308) according to a processing method (300) of any one of claims 6 to 9.

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