Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing system, information processing device, information processing method, program and recording medium, which improve user convenience when updating software used in a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing system provided herein is a software update system 1 for updating software using update data for the software used in a vehicle 10 transmitted to the vehicle 10 from a distribution server 20 communicably connected to the vehicle 10, and comprises: a notification unit 201 configured to give notification, when update data is available, to a user of the vehicle 10 on the presence of the update data together with information on effects that can be obtained by updating the software using the update data; and a distribution unit 202 configured to update the software using the update data upon receipt of a given input from the user after the notification by the notification unit 201.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a technique is known in which update data for software used in a vehicle (e.g., update data for programs and parameters used in the programs) is transmitted from an external device to the vehicle to update the software (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, when updating software, it is determined in advance whether the software update can be normally performed, and if it is determined that the software update can be normally performed, the software update is performed. According to this technology, for example, when a user is waiting for the software update to be completed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the software update is not normally performed, resulting in a waste of time, and to improve user convenience. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-4245 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even if the software update can be normally performed, the effect of the actual software update may be relatively small, and therefore, for example, while the user is waiting for the software update to be completed, the software update may be performed in a manner that is ineffective and that the user may feel is a waste of time, resulting in the user wasting time.

[0006] In view of the above problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can further improve user convenience when updating software used in a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing system comprising: If there is update data, By performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle, Effects obtained by updating the software based on the update data A prediction unit for predicting When the update data is available, the prediction result of the prediction unit a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information regarding the an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; 、 The prediction unit compares actual data of the vehicle with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to the vehicle in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and predicts the effect. R, An information processing system is provided. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing system comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; the prediction unit compares data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to each of the vehicles before and after the software update based on the update data, and predicts the effect. An information processing system is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing system comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; the prediction unit determines whether or not to perform the virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data. An information processing system is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing system comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; The prediction unit changes a running condition of the vehicle during the virtual simulation in accordance with the content of the software update based on the update data. An information processing system is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing system comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; A generating unit that generates the virtual model, the virtual model is a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle; The generation unit updates the virtual model in accordance with at least one of a change over time of the vehicle, a use condition of the vehicle, and a change in a component of the vehicle. An information processing system is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing system comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; The prediction unit predicts the effect taking into consideration a period during which the user will use the vehicle in the future. An information processing system is provided.

[0009] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: If there is update data, By performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle, Effects obtained by updating the software based on the update data a prediction step for predicting When the update data is available, the prediction result in the prediction step a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information regarding the an updating step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification in the notification step; fruit , In the prediction step, actual data of the vehicle is compared with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to the vehicle in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and the effect is predicted. A method for processing information is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to each of the vehicles before and after the software update based on the update data is compared to predict the effect. A method for processing information is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, it is determined whether or not to perform the virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data. A method for processing information is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, a running condition of the vehicle during the virtual simulation is changed according to the content of the software update based on the update data. A method for processing information is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; A generating step of generating the virtual model, the virtual model is a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle; In the generating step, the virtual model is updated in accordance with at least one of a change over time of the vehicle, a use condition of the vehicle, and a change in a component of the vehicle. A method for processing information is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, the effect is predicted taking into consideration a period during which the user will use the vehicle in the future. A method for processing information is provided.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing device that updates software used in the vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, If there is update data, By performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle, Effects obtained by updating the software based on the update data a prediction step for predicting When the update data is available, the prediction result in the prediction step a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information regarding the an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; 、 In the prediction step, actual data of the vehicle is compared with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to the vehicle in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and the effect is predicted. R, The program is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing device that updates software used in the vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to each of the vehicles before and after the software update based on the update data is compared to predict the effect. The program is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing device that updates software used in the vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, it is determined whether or not to perform the virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data. The program is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing device that updates software used in the vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, a running condition of the vehicle during the virtual simulation is changed according to the content of the software update based on the update data. The program is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing device that updates software used in the vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; A generating step of generating the virtual model; the virtual model is a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle; In the generating step, the virtual model is updated in accordance with at least one of a change over time of the vehicle, a use condition of the vehicle, and a change in a component of the vehicle. The program is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, An information processing device that updates software used in the vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, the effect is predicted taking into consideration a period during which the user will use the vehicle in the future. The program is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to further improve the convenience for the user when updating software used in a vehicle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a software update system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a distribution server. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the software update system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of updating a shift map of a vehicle transmission; [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of updating a switching map for a prime mover of a vehicle; [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the results of a virtual simulation of changes over time in the state of a vehicle during a shift change of the transmission, before and after updating of a control logic related to a shift change (upshift) of the transmission of the vehicle. [Figure 8] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing another example of the results of a virtual simulation of changes over time in the state of a vehicle during a shift change of the transmission, before and after updating the control logic related to the shift change (upshift) of the transmission of the vehicle. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software update process performed by a distribution server. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a software update process performed by a central ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [Software update system overview] An overview of a software update system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a software update system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, a software update system 1 (an example of an information processing system) includes a vehicle 10, a distribution server 20, an analysis server 30, and a user terminal 40.

[0018] The software update system 1 distributes update data for software used in the vehicle 10 to the vehicle 10, and updates the software in the vehicle 10.

[0019] The software of the vehicle 10 includes, for example, programs executed by computers (on-board computers) mounted on the vehicle 10, such as a gateway ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 12, ECU 13, and central ECU 19, which will be described later. The software of the vehicle 10 also includes, for example, various data, such as parameters used in processing by the programs executed by the on-board computers.

[0020] The vehicle 10 is a target for software update, and runs on power transmitted from a predetermined prime mover such as an engine or an electric motor to drive wheels via a drive system including a transmission, a differential, and a drive shaft.

[0021] As described below, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a communication device 11 and is communicably connected to external devices such as the distribution server 20 and the analysis server 30 through a predetermined communication line. This allows the vehicle 10 to transmit information signals to the distribution server 20 and the analysis server 30, and to receive control signals and information signals (e.g., software update data) from the distribution server 20 and the analysis server 30.

[0022] The predetermined communication line includes, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as a mobile communication network terminated in a base station, a satellite communication network using a communication satellite, and the Internet. The predetermined communication line may also include, for example, a local area network (LAN) of a facility where the distribution server 20 and the analysis server 30 are installed. The predetermined communication line may also include, for example, a short-distance communication line based on a wireless communication standard such as WiFi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The same may be true for the communication line used for communication between the distribution server 20 and the analysis server 30 and the communication line used for communication between the distribution server 20 and the user terminal 40.

[0023] The software update system 1 may include one or more vehicles 10. In the latter case, the multiple vehicles 10 included in the software update system 1 may be, for example, all of the same model, or may include two or more models of vehicles 10.

[0024] The distribution server 20 (an example of an information processing device or an external device) distributes various data used in the vehicle 10 to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the distribution server 20 distributes software update data to the vehicle 10.

[0025] The distribution server 20 is, for example, an on-premise server or a cloud server installed in a monitoring center or the like that centrally monitors the states of a plurality of vehicles 10. The distribution server 20 may also be, for example, an edge server installed in an area where the vehicles 10 mainly travel (for example, an area where the vehicles 10 are legally registered). In this case, a plurality of distribution servers 20 may be provided for all the vehicles 10 included in the software update system 1. The same may be true for the analysis server 30 below.

[0026] As described above, the distribution server 20 is communicatively connected to the vehicle 10 through a predetermined communication line. This allows the distribution server 20 to receive various information signals from the vehicle 10 and transmit various information signals (e.g., software update data) and control signals (e.g., software update commands) to the vehicle 10.

[0027] The analysis server 30, for example, acquires various data (hereinafter, "vehicle data") indicating the state of the vehicle 10 from the vehicle 10, and performs an analysis related to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the analysis server 30 performs an analysis related to the effect obtained by updating the software of the vehicle 10.

[0028] As described above, the analysis server 30 is communicatively connected to the vehicle 10 through a predetermined communication line. This allows the analysis server 30 to receive various information signals (e.g., vehicle data) from the vehicle 10 and transmit various information signals and control signals to the vehicle 10.

[0029] The analysis server 30 is also communicably connected to the distribution server 20 and the user terminal 40 through a predetermined communication line. This allows the analysis server 30 to transmit various information signals and control signals to the distribution server 20 and the user terminal 40, and to receive various information signals and control signals from the distribution server 20 and the user terminal 40.

[0030] The functions of the distribution server 20 and the analysis server 30 may be realized in a consolidated manner in one server (an example of an information processing device) or in a distributed manner among three or more servers.

[0031] The user terminal 40 is a terminal device used (possessed) by a user of the vehicle 10. The user of the vehicle 10 is, for example, the owner of the vehicle 10 or a family member of the owner of the vehicle 10. The user terminal 40 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop PC (Personal Computer). The user terminal 40 may also be, for example, a stationary terminal device such as a desktop PC.

[0032] As described above, the user terminal 40 is communicably connected to the distribution server 20 through a predetermined communication line. This allows the user terminal 40 to receive control signals and information signals transmitted from the distribution server 20, and to allow the user of the vehicle 10 to understand the information contained in the signals through a display, a speaker, or the like. In addition, in response to an input from the user, the user terminal 40 can transmit a control signal or information signal corresponding to the input content to the distribution server, and convey a user request corresponding to the input content from the user to the distribution server 20.

[0033] [Hardware configuration of software update system] Next, the hardware configuration of the software update system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in addition to FIG.

[0034] <Vehicle hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 includes a communication device 11, a gateway ECU 12, an ECU 13, a sensor 15, an input device 17, a display device 18, and a central ECU 19.

[0036] The communication device 11 communicates with the outside of the vehicle 10 through a predetermined communication line. The communication device 11 is, for example, a mobile communication module that is connected to a mobile communication network with a base station as a terminal and can communicate with the outside, and may be, specifically, a DCM (Data Communication Module). The communication device 11 is communicatively connected to the gateway ECU 12, the ECU 13, the central ECU 19, and the like through a communication line inside the vehicle 10. The communication line inside the vehicle 10 is, for example, a one-to-one communication line or an in-vehicle network. The in-vehicle network is, for example, a controller area network (CAN), a local interconnect network (LIN), FlexRay, an in-vehicle Ethernet, and the like. The communication device 11 may transmit a predetermined signal to the outside in response to, for example, a command (request) from the gateway ECU 12. Furthermore, a signal received from the outside by the communication device 11 is taken into the gateway ECU 12.

[0037] The gateway ECU 12 functions as a gateway between a communication line outside the vehicle 10 and a communication line inside the vehicle 10 (for example, an in-vehicle network).

[0038] The gateway ECU 12 may realize its functions by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, the gateway ECU 12 may have a hardware configuration similar to that of the central ECU 19 described later, and may realize various functions by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device into a memory device and executing it on a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The same may be true for the ECU 13 described below.

[0039] For example, the gateway ECU 12 uses a known method to authenticate that a signal received from the outside by the communication device 11 is a signal transmitted from a legitimate source and has not been tampered with. A legitimate source refers to a source that is registered in advance as a source (e.g., the distribution server 20, the analysis server 30, etc.) or a source that has been authenticated in advance through mutual communication. The gateway ECU 12 transmits only data of signals that have been successfully authenticated, among the signals received by the communication device 11, to a predetermined in-vehicle device (e.g., the ECU 13, the central ECU 19, etc.) through a communication line inside the vehicle 10.

[0040] In addition, for example, the gateway ECU 12 generates a signal including predetermined information, commands (requests), etc. in response to requests from various devices of the vehicle 10, and transmits the signal to a predetermined destination (for example, the distribution server 20 or the analysis server 30) via the communication device 11.

[0041] One or more ECUs 13 are mounted on the vehicle 10. The ECU 13 controls various functions of the vehicle 10. For example, the multiple ECUs 13 include an ECU 13 that controls an engine serving as a power source of the vehicle 10, an ECU 13 that controls an electric motor (MG: Motor Generator) serving as a power source of the vehicle 10, an ECU 13 that controls a shift position of a transmission of the vehicle 10, and the like.

[0042] One or more sensors 15 are mounted on the vehicle 10. The sensor 15 outputs measurement data related to the state of the vehicle 10. The output (measurement data) of the sensor 15 is taken into the central ECU 19 through a communication line inside the vehicle 10. For example, the multiple sensors 15 include a sensor 15 (wheel speed sensor) that measures the wheel speed of each wheel of the vehicle 10. For example, the multiple sensors 15 include a sensor 15 (acceleration sensor) that measures the acceleration in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. For example, the multiple sensors 15 include a sensor 15 (temperature sensor) that measures the temperature of a predetermined part of the vehicle 10. The temperature sensor includes, for example, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of a driving battery or a battery for auxiliary equipment mounted on the vehicle 10, a water temperature sensor that measures the temperature of cooling water for various devices, an oil temperature sensor that measures the oil temperature of lubricating oil for various devices, and the like. For example, the multiple sensors 15 include a sensor 15 (GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor) that measures the position of the vehicle 10.

[0043] The input device 17 is provided in the interior of the vehicle 10 and accepts various inputs from the passenger. The input device 17 includes an operation input device, such as a button, a toggle, a lever, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc., that accepts an operation input from the passenger. The input device 17 also includes a voice input device, such as a microphone, that accepts a voice input from the passenger of the vehicle 10. The input device 17 also includes a gesture input device, such as a camera that can capture an image of the passenger in the interior of the vehicle 10, that accepts a gesture input from the passenger of the vehicle 10. An input signal representing the content of the input accepted by the input device 17 is taken into the central ECU 19 through a communication line inside the vehicle 10.

[0044] The display device 18 is provided in a location that is easily visible from the driver's seat inside the vehicle 10, and displays various information screens. The display device 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display device 18 is communicatively connected to the central ECU 19 through a communication line inside the vehicle 10, and the central ECU 19 outputs a control signal to the display device 18, and causes the display device 18 to display a predetermined information screen.

[0045] The central ECU 19, for example, serves as a higher-level control device for various ECUs including the gateway ECU 12 and ECU 13 mounted on the vehicle 10, and controls the operation of the various ECUs and functions as a registration destination for various data used by the various ECUs.

[0046] The functions of the central ECU 19 are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software, etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the central ECU 19 includes an auxiliary storage device 19A, a memory device 19B, a CPU 19C, and an interface device 19D, which are connected by a bus B1.

[0047] The auxiliary storage device 19A is a non-volatile storage means, and stores the programs to be installed as well as necessary files, data, etc. The auxiliary storage device 19A is, for example, a flash memory.

[0048] For example, when an instruction to start a program is received, the memory device 19B loads the program from the auxiliary storage device 19A so that the program can be read by the CPU 19C. The memory device 19B is, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0049] The CPU 19C executes, for example, a program loaded into the memory device 19B, and realizes various functions of the central ECU 19 according to instructions of the program.

[0050] The interface device 19D is used, for example, as an interface for connecting to a communication line inside the vehicle 10. The interface device 19D may include a plurality of different types of interface devices in accordance with the types of communication lines to be connected.

[0051] The programs for realizing various functions of the central ECU 19 are provided by, for example, a portable recording medium 19E. In this case, the interface device 19D functions as an interface for reading data from the recording medium 19E and writing data to the recording medium 19E. The recording medium 19E is a dedicated tool connected to an external connection connector such as a DLC (Data Link Coupler) by a detachable cable. The recording medium 19E may also be, for example, an SD memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The programs may also be downloaded from another computer (for example, the distribution server 20) outside the vehicle 10 through a predetermined communication line and installed in the auxiliary storage device 19A.

[0052] <Distribution server hardware configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the distribution server 20. As shown in FIG.

[0053] The functions of the distribution server 20 are realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software, etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the distribution server 20 includes an external interface 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a memory device 23, a CPU 24, a communication interface 26, an input device 27, and a display device 28, which are connected by a bus B2.

[0054] The analysis server 30 and the user terminal 40 may have the same hardware configuration as the distribution server 20. Hereinafter, illustrations and descriptions of the hardware configurations of the analysis server 30 and the user terminal 40 will be omitted.

[0055] The external interface 21 functions as an interface for reading data from the recording medium 21A and writing data to the recording medium 21A. The recording medium 21A includes, for example, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), an SD memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. This allows the distribution server 20 to read various data used in processing through the recording medium 21A, store the data in the auxiliary storage device 22, and install programs that realize various functions.

[0056] The distribution server 20 may obtain various data and programs from external devices through the communication interface 26.

[0057] The auxiliary storage device 22 stores various installed programs, as well as files and data necessary for various processes. The auxiliary storage device 22 includes, for example, a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, and the like.

[0058] When an instruction to start a program is received, the memory device 23 reads and stores the program from the auxiliary storage device 22. The memory device 23 includes, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM).

[0059] The CPU 24 executes various programs loaded from the auxiliary storage device 22 to the memory device 23, and realizes various functions related to the distribution server 20 in accordance with the programs.

[0060] The high-speed arithmetic unit 25 performs arithmetic processing at a relatively high speed in cooperation with the CPU 24. The high-speed arithmetic unit 25 includes, for example, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0061] The high speed calculation device 25 may be omitted depending on the required calculation processing speed.

[0062] The communication interface 26 is used as an interface for connecting to an external device so as to be able to communicate with the external device. This allows the distribution server 20 to communicate with the external device, such as the vehicle 10, the analysis server 30, and the user terminal 40, through the communication interface 26. The communication interface 26 may have multiple types of communication interfaces depending on the communication method between the connected device, etc.

[0063] The input device 27 accepts various inputs from the user.

[0064] The input device 27 includes, for example, an operation input device that accepts mechanical operation input from a user. The operation input device includes, for example, a button, a toggle, a lever, etc. The operation input device also includes, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display device 28, a touch pad provided separately from the display device 28, etc.

[0065] The input device 27 also includes, for example, a voice input device capable of receiving voice input from the user. The voice input device includes, for example, a microphone capable of collecting the user's voice.

[0066] The input device 27 includes, for example, a gesture input device capable of receiving a gesture input from a user. The gesture input device includes, for example, a camera capable of capturing an image of a gesture made by the user.

[0067] The input device 27 includes, for example, a biometric input device capable of receiving biometric input from a user. The biometric input device includes, for example, a camera capable of acquiring image data including information related to a user's fingerprint or iris.

[0068] The display device 28 displays an information screen and an operation screen for the user. The display device 28 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, and the like.

[0069] [Software update system functional configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the software update system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIGS.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the software update system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0071] <Vehicle Functional Configuration> 4, the gateway ECU 12 includes, as functional units, a communication unit 121 and a storage unit 122. The function of the communication unit 121 may be realized, for example, by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device of the gateway ECU 12 into a memory device and executing the program on a CPU. The function of the storage unit 122 may be realized, for example, by a storage area defined in the auxiliary storage device of the gateway ECU 12.

[0072] The communication unit 121 controls the communication device 11 to input signals received from outside the vehicle 10 into the gateway ECU 12 and to transmit signals to the outside of the vehicle 10 .

[0073] The storage unit 122 stores various data used by the gateway ECU 12. For example, data of various programs installed in the gateway ECU 12 (auxiliary storage device) is registered (stored) in the storage unit 122. In addition, for example, data of parameters referenced in processing by the various programs of the gateway ECU 12 is registered (stored) in the storage unit 122.

[0074] The ECU 13 includes, as a functional unit, a storage unit 131. The function of the storage unit 131 is realized by, for example, a storage area defined in an auxiliary storage device of the ECU 13.

[0075] The storage unit 131 stores various data used by the ECU 13. For example, data of various programs installed in the ECU 13 (auxiliary storage device) is registered (stored) in the storage unit 131. In addition, for example, data of parameters referenced in processing by the various programs of the ECU 13 is registered (stored) in the storage unit 131.

[0076] The central ECU 19 includes, as functional units, a vehicle data transmission unit 191, a download processing unit 192, a storage unit 193, a software update unit 194, and a storage unit 195. The functions of the vehicle data transmission unit 191, the download processing unit 192, and the software update unit 194 may be realized, for example, by loading a program installed in the auxiliary storage device 19A into the memory device 19B and executing the program on the CPU 19C. The functions of the storage units 193 and 195 may be realized, for example, by a storage area defined in the auxiliary storage device 19A.

[0077] The vehicle data transmission unit 191 acquires vehicle data representing the state of the vehicle 10 at predetermined intervals, and transmits (uploads) the data to the analysis server 30 through the gateway ECU 12 (communication device 11). For example, the vehicle data transmission unit 191 may upload the acquired vehicle data to the analysis server 30 in real time, or may accumulate the acquired vehicle data in the memory device 19B or the auxiliary storage device 19C and transmit the accumulated vehicle data collectively at a predetermined timing to the analysis server 30. The vehicle data to be transmitted includes, for example, measurement data output from the sensor 15. In addition, the vehicle data to be transmitted includes, for example, control data such as command values ​​output from various ECUs such as the gateway ECU 12, the ECU 13, and the central ECU 19, and values ​​of calculation results in the course of control processing.

[0078] The download processing unit 192 performs processing related to downloading update data for software from the distribution server 20 .

[0079] The storage unit 193 stores update data for software downloaded from the distribution server 20.

[0080] The software update unit 194 uses update data for the software already downloaded to the storage unit 193 to update the software used in the gateway ECU 12, the ECU 13, the central ECU 19, and the like.

[0081] The storage unit 195 stores various data used by the central ECU 19. For example, data of various programs installed in the central ECU 19 (auxiliary storage device) is registered (stored) in the storage unit 195. In addition, for example, data of parameters referenced in processing by the various programs of the central ECU 19 is registered (stored) in the storage unit 195.

[0082] <Functional configuration of distribution server> 4, the distribution server 20 includes, as functional units, a notification unit 201 and a distribution unit 202. The functions of the notification unit 201 and the distribution unit 202 are realized, for example, by loading a program installed in the auxiliary storage device 22 into the memory device 23 and executing the program on the CPU 24.

[0083] When there is update data for software used in the vehicle 10, the notification unit 201 notifies the user of the vehicle 10 of the existence of the software update data. When the software update system 1 includes multiple vehicles 10, the software update system 1 notifies only the user of the vehicle 10 that is the target of the software update by the update data among the multiple vehicles 10 of the existence of the software update data. For example, when the multiple vehicles 10 include two or more vehicle models, the presence or absence of software update and the contents of the update may differ for each vehicle model. In addition, for example, even if the multiple vehicles 10 are all the same vehicle model, the presence or absence of software update and the contents of the update may differ depending on the grade. In addition, for example, depending on the contents of the contract between the user and the service provider regarding the software update of the vehicle 10, the services that the user can receive, that is, the services provided to the user according to the price (fee) may differ, and the contents of the software update may differ.

[0084] Specifically, the notification unit 201 transmits a signal to the analysis server 30 requesting a prediction of the effect of the software update for the vehicle 10 to which the update data is to be distributed. At this time, if there are multiple vehicles 10 to which the update data is to be distributed, the notification unit 201 requests the analysis server 30 to predict the effect of the software update for each of the multiple vehicles 10. Then, when the notification unit 201 receives data on the predicted result of the effect of the software update from the analysis server 30, the notification unit 201 transmits a signal to the vehicle 10 notifying the vehicle 10 of the presence of the software update data, including the contents of the predicted result of the effect of the software update. This allows the central ECU 19 (download processing unit 192) of the vehicle 10 to notify the presence of the software update data together with the predicted result of the effect of the software update through the display device 18. Furthermore, the notification unit 201 may transmit a signal to the user terminal 40 of the user of the vehicle 10 instead of or in addition to the vehicle 10, notifying the vehicle 10 of the presence of the software update data, including the contents of the predicted result of the effect of the software update. This allows the user terminal 40 (notification unit 401) to notify the user of the vehicle 10 of the existence of the software update data together with the predicted effect of the software update through the display device. Furthermore, when the user is required to pay a fee (charge) for the software update, the notification unit 201 may transmit a signal notifying the vehicle 10 or the user terminal 40 of the existence of the software update data, including the contents of the predicted effect of the software update and the amount of the fee. This allows the central ECU 19 (download processing unit 192) of the vehicle 10 to notify the user of the vehicle 10 of the existence of the software update data together with the amount of the fee required for the software update through the display device 18. Furthermore, the user terminal 40 (notification unit 401) can notify the user of the vehicle 10 of the existence of the software update data together with the amount of the fee required for the software update through the display device.

[0085] The notification unit 201 may transmit a signal notifying the vehicle 10 of the presence of software update data including data on effects prepared in advance, without having the analysis server 30 predict the effects. The data on effects prepared in advance is, for example, verification data on effects obtained by experiments, simulations, etc. in the development stage of the software update data, or data on effects on the actual vehicle 10 predicted from the verification data.

[0086] The distribution unit 202 distributes software update data to the vehicle 10. For example, when an update permission signal is received from the vehicle 10 or the user terminal 40, the notification unit 201 transmits a distribution command for the update data to the distribution unit 202, and the distribution unit 202 transmits the update data to the target vehicle 10 in response to the distribution command.

[0087] <Analysis server functional configuration> 4, the analysis server 30 includes, as functional units, a virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301, a virtual vehicle model storage unit 302, a simulator unit 303, and an effect prediction unit 304. The functions of the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301, the simulator unit 303, and the effect prediction unit 304 are realized, for example, by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device of the analysis server 30 into a memory device and executing the program on a CPU. The function of the virtual vehicle model storage unit 302 is realized, for example, by a storage area defined in the auxiliary storage device of the analysis server 30.

[0088] The virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 (an example of a generation unit) acquires a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle 10 (hereinafter, "virtual vehicle model"). The virtual vehicle model is a model in which various characteristics of the vehicle 10 are reproduced in a virtual space. The virtual vehicle model may be, for example, a full vehicle model in which various overall characteristics of the vehicle 10 are reproduced, or a partial vehicle model in which only some characteristics of the vehicle 10 that are the subject of effect prediction described below are reproduced. The virtual vehicle model may also be a three-dimensional model in which the shape of part or all of the vehicle 10 is reproduced.

[0089] For example, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 acquires a general-purpose virtual model (an example of a general-purpose model) of the same vehicle type or the same vehicle type and grade as the vehicle 10 as the virtual vehicle model. The general-purpose virtual vehicle model may be, for example, a full vehicle model or a partial vehicle model of the final specifications of the vehicle type or grade corresponding to the vehicle 10, which is created in the development stage of a vehicle type corresponding to the vehicle 10.

[0090] Also, for example, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 may acquire the virtual vehicle model by generating a dedicated virtual model (one example of a dedicated model) for each vehicle 10. Specifically, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 may generate a virtual vehicle model dedicated to the vehicle 10 by appropriately updating the virtual vehicle model based on a general-purpose virtual vehicle model and based on vehicle data uploaded from the vehicle 10. In this way, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 can generate (update) the virtual vehicle model in accordance with at least one of the changes over time of the vehicle 10, the use conditions of the vehicle 10, and the changes in the components of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the changes over time of the vehicle 10, the use conditions of the vehicle 10, and the changes in the components of the vehicle 10 can be reflected in the virtual vehicle model dedicated to the vehicle 10. The use conditions of the vehicle 10 may include, for example, conditions related to the environment in which the vehicle 10 is used, driving conditions when the vehicle 10 is used, and conditions related to the frequency with which the vehicle 10 is used. The changes in the components of the vehicle 10 may include, for example, changes in hardware such as parts of the vehicle 10, changes in the software of the vehicle 10, changes in the type of coolant or lubricant used in the vehicle 10, etc. In addition, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 may generate a digital twin as a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle 10 by updating the virtual vehicle model in real time based on vehicle data successively uploaded from the vehicle 10.

[0091] The virtual vehicle model storage unit 302 stores the virtual vehicle model acquired (generated) by the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301. When the software update system 1 includes a plurality of vehicles, a virtual vehicle model is stored for each of the plurality of vehicles 10. However, as described above, when a general-purpose virtual model is acquired as the virtual vehicle model, the general-purpose virtual model common to some or all of the plurality of vehicles 10 may be stored in the virtual vehicle model storage unit 302 as the virtual vehicle model.

[0092] The simulator unit 303 performs a virtual simulation for the vehicle 10, using the virtual vehicle model of the vehicle 10 registered (stored) in the virtual vehicle model storage unit 302. The virtual simulation for the vehicle 10 includes a running simulation of the vehicle 10 under predetermined running conditions.

[0093] The effect prediction unit 304 (an example of a prediction unit) predicts the effect obtained by updating the software used in the vehicle 10 in response to a request from the distribution server 20.

[0094] The effect prediction unit 304 predicts the effect of updating the software to be updated, for example, based on the contents of the software update and the history of vehicle data of the vehicle 10 to be updated (see Figs. 5 and 6 described below). Specifically, the effect of the software update is predicted by determining to what extent the conditions related to the driving conditions and usage environment of the vehicle 10 that change due to the software update match the actual usage of the vehicle 10 recognized based on the vehicle data of the vehicle 10. This is because the frequency with which the conditions related to the driving conditions and usage environment that are affected by the software update are satisfied changes depending on the actual usage of the vehicle 10.

[0095] Furthermore, the effect prediction unit 304 may predict the effect of the software update by, for example, having the simulator unit 303 perform a virtual simulation of the vehicle 10 using a virtual vehicle model of the vehicle 10 (see Figs. 7 and 8 described later). Specifically, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301 generates a virtual vehicle model equivalent to the case where the software update is performed based on the latest virtual vehicle model of the vehicle 10 in response to an instruction from the effect prediction unit 304. Furthermore, the simulator unit 303 performs a virtual simulation of the running of the vehicle 10 under predetermined running conditions using a virtual vehicle model equivalent to the vehicle 10 after the software update in response to an instruction from the effect prediction unit 304. The predetermined running conditions under which the virtual simulation of the vehicle 10 is performed are, of course, variable depending on the contents of the software update. Then, the effect prediction unit 304 predicts the effect of the software update based on the result of the virtual simulation using the virtual vehicle model equivalent to the vehicle 10 after the software update. For example, the effect prediction unit 304 predicts the effect of the software update by comparing the vehicle data acquired by the actual vehicle 10 uploaded from the vehicle 10 with the data of the result of the virtual simulation corresponding to the vehicle data of the updated vehicle 10. As a result, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict the effect of the software update in a relatively simple manner by assuming that the existing vehicle data of the vehicle 10 accumulated in the analysis server 30 is the state of the vehicle 10 before the update. Also, for example, the effect prediction unit 304 may predict the effect of the software update by comparing the results of the virtual simulation using the virtual vehicle model corresponding to each of the vehicles 10 before and after the software update. In this case, the effect prediction unit 304 causes the simulator unit 303 to perform not only the virtual simulation using the virtual vehicle model corresponding to the updated vehicle 10, but also the virtual simulation using the virtual vehicle model corresponding to the pre-update vehicle 10 under the same conditions. As a result, the effect prediction unit 304 can approximately match the driving conditions and the like that are the premise of the data to be compared. Therefore, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict the effect with higher accuracy.

[0096] The effect prediction unit 304 may predict the presence or absence of an effect, for example, based on whether an index value improved by a software update exceeds a predetermined standard. The effect prediction unit 304 may also predict the degree of effect based on the index value improved by a software update.

[0097] Furthermore, the effect prediction unit 304 may select a method of predicting the effect depending on, for example, the content of the software update. Specifically, the effect prediction unit 304 may determine whether or not to perform a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model corresponding to the vehicle 10 when predicting the effect of the software update depending on the content of the software update. Whether or not to perform a virtual simulation may be specified in advance for each update data, for example, and may be automatically determined depending on the specified content. Furthermore, whether or not to perform a virtual simulation may be determined using table information, for example, based on the content of the update data and items of the effect of the software update.

[0098] The effect prediction unit 304 may predict the degree of the effect, for example, taking into consideration the period during which the user will use the vehicle 10 in the future. The effect prediction unit 304 may predict the period during which the user will use the vehicle 10 in the future by referring to data such as the timing of new vehicle registration of the vehicle 10 and the timing of the most recent vehicle inspection. For example, if the user plans to change the current vehicle 10 in a relatively short time, even if the software is updated, the period during which the user can receive the benefit is short, and the effect may be substantially small. Specifically, the effect prediction unit 304 may set the criteria for determining that there is an effect and the criteria for defining the degree of the effect to be relatively high as the period during which the user will use the vehicle 10 in the future becomes shorter. The effect prediction unit 304 may also predict that there will be no effect from the software update if the period during which the user will use the vehicle 10 in the future falls below a predetermined standard.

[0099] <Functional configuration of user terminal> 4, the user terminal 40 includes, as a functional unit, a notification unit 401. The function of the notification unit 401 is realized, for example, by loading a program installed in an auxiliary storage device of the user terminal 40 into a memory device and executing it on a CPU.

[0100] The notification unit 401 notifies the user of the existence of update data for the software of the vehicle 10 through the display device based on the above-mentioned signal received from the distribution server 20. This allows the user of the vehicle 10 to know the existence of update data for the software of the vehicle 10 even when the vehicle 10 is not in use. Therefore, for example, the user can input permission for the software update on the user terminal 40 and complete the software update when the vehicle 10 is not in use.

[0101] [Specific example of how to predict the effect of updating vehicle software] Next, a specific example of a method for predicting the effect of updating software of the vehicle 10 by the effect prediction unit 304 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0102] <First concrete example> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an update of the shift map of the transmission of the vehicle 10. Specifically, Fig. 5 shows the switching conditions between 1st and 2nd gears, between 2nd and 3rd gears, and between 3rd and 4th gears of the transmission of the vehicle 10 on a coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the speed of the vehicle 10 and the vertical axis represents the required driving force of the vehicle 10.

[0103] The required driving force of the vehicle 10 is determined, for example, according to the accelerator opening degree of the driver of the vehicle 10. In addition, in Fig. 5, the solid lines represent the switching conditions (shift lines) when shifting up, and the dotted lines represent the switching conditions (shift lines) when shifting down.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 5, in this example, the condition for switching between third and fourth gears is changed from a shift line 501 to a shift line 502 due to an update of software in the ECU 13 that controls the shift position of the transmission.

[0105] For example, consider a case where the user of the vehicle 10 uses the operating point 503 relatively frequently. Assuming that the shift line 501 is present, in the state of the operating point 503, the transmission does not shift up from the third gear to the fourth gear, but maintains the third gear, and as a result, the rotation speed of the prime mover, such as the engine or the electric motor, is maintained relatively high. Therefore, the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 becomes relatively large. On the other hand, when the software is updated and the switching condition is updated to the shift line 502, in the state of the operating point 503, the transmission completes the shift up from the third gear to the fourth gear and maintains the fourth gear, and as a result, the rotation speed of the prime mover, such as the engine or the electric motor, is maintained relatively low. Therefore, the energy consumption of the vehicle 10 becomes relatively small, and the fuel consumption and the electricity consumption are improved. Therefore, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict that there is an effect of improving energy consumption due to the software update, or that the degree of the effect is relatively large.

[0106] Also, for example, consider a case where the user of the vehicle 10 uses an operating point 504 with a relatively high frequency, which is in the same vehicle speed range as the operating point 503 and has a required driving force smaller than that of the operating point 503. In this case, regardless of the shift lines 501 and 502, in the state of the operating point 504, the transmission completes a shift up from the third gear to the fourth gear and maintains the fourth gear. Therefore, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict that there is no effect from the software update, or that the degree of the effect is relatively small. Also, for example, the same may be true for a case where the user of the vehicle 10 does not use the vehicle speed range 505 affected by the change in the switching condition at all, or uses the vehicle speed range 505 very infrequently.

[0107] In this way, in this example, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict the effect of updating the software (gear shift map) based on the vehicle data related to the required driving force and vehicle speed that is sequentially uploaded from the vehicle 10.

[0108] The effect prediction unit 304 may predict the effect of a software update related to a switching condition of a gear shift change of the transmission based on the result of a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model of the vehicle 10. For example, the effect prediction unit 304 may predict the effect of a software update related to a switching condition of a gear shift change of the transmission based on a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model of the vehicle 10 on the power performance under a predetermined driving condition of the vehicle 10.

[0109] <Second concrete example> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of updating the prime mover switching map of the vehicle 10. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a so-called hybrid vehicle that can run by switching between two prime movers, an engine and an electric motor. Specifically, Fig. 5 shows, in a coordinate system in which the horizontal axis represents the vehicle speed of the vehicle 10 and the vertical axis represents the required driving force of the vehicle 10, switching conditions between a state in which the engine is stopped and the vehicle 10 is run only by the electric motor (MG) and a state in which the engine is started and the vehicle 10 is run by the engine.

[0110] Note that the state in which the vehicle 10 is run by the engine can include both a state in which the vehicle 10 is run by the engine alone and a state in which the vehicle 10 is run by both the engine and the electric motor.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 6, in this example, due to an update of the software of ECU 13, which controls the operating states of the two prime movers in an integrated manner, the switching condition for switching between a state in which vehicle 10 is run by the electric motor alone and a state in which vehicle 10 is run by the engine is updated from switching line 601 (thin solid line) to switching line 602 (thick solid line).

[0112] For example, consider a case where the user of vehicle 10 uses operating point 603 with a relatively high frequency. Assuming switching line 601, in the state of operating point 603, the engine is started and vehicle 10 runs on engine power. On the other hand, when a software update is implemented and the switching condition is updated to switching line 602, in the state of operating point 603, vehicle 10 can run on power from the electric motor alone, and as a result, fuel efficiency of vehicle 10 is improved. Therefore, effect prediction unit 304 can predict that the software update will have an effect of improving fuel efficiency of vehicle 10, or that the degree of effect will be relatively large.

[0113] Also, for example, consider a case where the user of the vehicle 10 uses an operating point 604 with a relatively high frequency in approximately the same vehicle speed range as the operating point 603 and with a required driving force smaller than that of the operating point 603. In this case, the vehicle 10 runs only with the power of the electric motor in the state of the operating point 604, regardless of the switching lines 601 and 602. Therefore, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict that there is no effect of improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle 10 due to the software update, or that the degree of the effect is relatively small. Also, for example, the same may be true for a case where the user of the vehicle 10 does not use the operating region 605 affected by the change in the switching condition at all, or uses it very infrequently.

[0114] In this way, in this example, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict the effect of updating the software (the prime mover switching map) based on the vehicle data related to the required driving force and the vehicle speed that is sequentially uploaded from the vehicle 10.

[0115] <Third Specific Example> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (time chart 700) of a result of a virtual simulation of a change over time in the state of the vehicle 10 at the time of a shift change of the transmission, before and after updating the control logic related to the shift change (upshift) of the transmission of the vehicle 10. Specifically, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a result of a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model dedicated to one vehicle 10 included in the software update system 1. The time chart 700 includes time charts 701 to 704 showing the change over time of the release pressure command value, the engagement pressure command value, the rotation speed of the prime mover (engine), and the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 10 at the time of a shift change of the transmission. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example (time chart 800) of a result of a virtual simulation of a change over time in the state of the vehicle 10 at the time of a shift change of the transmission, before and after updating the control logic related to the shift change (upshift) of the transmission of the vehicle 10. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a result of a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model dedicated to another vehicle 10 equipped with a transmission of the same specifications as the one vehicle 10 described above, included in the software update system 1. The time chart 800 includes time charts 801 to 804 which represent the changes over time of the release pressure command value, the engagement pressure command value, the rotation speed of the output shaft of the transmission, and the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 10 during a shift change of the transmission.

[0116] The release pressure command value represents a command value of hydraulic pressure for operating components of the transmission (e.g., brakes, clutches, etc.) that transition from an engaged state to a released state by a shift change. The engagement pressure command value represents a command value of hydraulic pressure for operating components of the transmission that transition from a released state to an engaged state by a shift change. In addition, in Figs. 7 and 8, the control logic related to the shift changes of the transmission before and after the update is the same. Therefore, time charts 701, 702 and time charts 801, 802, which correspond to the control logic, are the same.

[0117] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this example, the control logic for the shift change of the transmission is updated so as to shorten the time (shift time) from the start of the shift change (upshift) (the start of the decrease in the release pressure command value) to the end (the end of the increase in the engagement pressure command value).

[0118] In time chart 703, the rate of change (rate of change over time) of the rotational speed of the prime mover (engine) accompanying a gear shift in the transmission becomes relatively large due to the update of the control logic. Also, in time chart 704, the fluctuation in the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 10 accompanying a gear shift in the transmission also becomes relatively large. Therefore, the user can clearly feel the improvement in the gear shift speed (gear shift speed). Therefore, in the case of one vehicle 10 in FIG. 7, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict that there is an effect of improving the gear shift speed due to the software update, or that the degree of the effect is relatively large.

[0119] On the other hand, in time chart 803, the rate of change (rate of change over time) of the rotation speed of the prime mover (engine) accompanying a shift change of the transmission remains almost unchanged before and after the update of the control logic. Also, in time chart 804, there is almost no change in the magnitude of fluctuation in the longitudinal acceleration of vehicle 10 accompanying a shift change of the transmission before and after the update of the control logic. This makes it difficult for the user to realize the improvement in the speed of the shift change (shift speed). Therefore, in the case of the other vehicle 10 in FIG. 8, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict that there is no effect of improving the shift speed by updating the software, or that the degree of the effect is relatively small.

[0120] Incidentally, as a cause of the difference in the effect of updating the control logic between vehicles 10 equipped with the same specifications of transmissions, for example, the influence of the viscosity of the lubricating oil used in the transmission is considered. For example, if a commercially available lubricating oil with a higher viscosity than the lubricating oil filled in the transmission at the time of shipment from the factory is used, the user may find it difficult to realize the improvement in the shifting speed. In addition, as a cause of the difference in the effect of updating the control logic between vehicles 10 equipped with the same specifications of transmissions, for example, the influence of manufacturing variations in the clearance of the clutch pack of the transmission is considered. For example, when the clearance of the clutch pack of the transmission is near the lower limit of the manufacturing tolerance range, the user may find it difficult to realize the improvement in the shifting speed compared to when it is near the upper limit. In addition, as a cause of the difference in the effect of updating the control logic between vehicles 10 equipped with the same specifications of transmissions, for example, the influence of the cumulative number of shifts of the transmission is considered. For example, when the cumulative number of shifts after the vehicle 10 is shipped from the factory or after the transmission is replaced with a new one is relatively small, the clearance of the clutch pack of the transmission is relatively small compared to when the cumulative number of shifts is large, and the user may find it difficult to realize the improvement in the shift speed. In addition, a cause of the difference in the effect of updating the control logic between vehicles 10 equipped with transmissions of the same specifications is, for example, the influence of air leakage from a solenoid valve that engages and releases the clutch and brake of the transmission. For example, when the air leakage from the solenoid valve of the transmission is relatively small, the shift speed is relatively higher than when the air leakage is relatively large, so that even if the control logic is updated, the user may find it difficult to realize the improvement in the shift speed. In addition, a cause of the difference in the effect of updating the control logic between vehicles 10 equipped with transmissions of the same specifications is, for example, the influence of the temperature environment in which the vehicle 10 is used. For example, when the vehicle 10 is used in a so-called cold climate where the temperature is very low, the viscosity of the lubricating oil becomes higher than when the vehicle is used in a relatively warm temperature condition, so that even if the control logic is updated, the user may find it difficult to feel the improvement in gear shifting speed.

[0121] Thus, in this example, the effect prediction unit 304 can predict the effect of updating the software (a program related to the control logic for the transmission shift change) based on the results of a virtual simulation of the transmission shift change based on a virtual vehicle model.

[0122] Furthermore, in this example, the effect prediction unit 304 can cause the simulator unit 303 to execute a virtual simulation of the vehicle 10 after the software update, using a virtual vehicle model dedicated to the vehicle 10. Therefore, the effect prediction unit 304 can more accurately predict the effect of the software update in accordance with the unique circumstances of each vehicle 10, such as changes over time of the vehicle 10, the usage conditions of the vehicle 10, changes in the components of the vehicle 10, etc.

[0123] [Software update process] Next, a process relating to updating software of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter, "software update process") will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0124] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a software update process performed by the distribution server 20. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a software update process performed by the central ECU 19.

[0125] The flowchart in Fig. 9 is executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals, for example. The flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed when a notification is received from the distribution server 20 that software update data is available.

[0126] 9, in step S102, the notification unit 201 determines whether or not there is update data for the software of the vehicle 10, specifically, whether or not new update data has been registered. If there is update data for the software of the vehicle 10, the notification unit 201 proceeds to step S104, and if there is no update data for the software of the vehicle 10, the notification unit 201 ends this flow chart.

[0127] In step S104, the notification unit 201 requests the analysis server 30 to predict the effect of updating the software of the vehicle 10, and receives the prediction result from the analysis server 30.

[0128] When the process of step S104 is completed, distribution server 20 proceeds to step S106.

[0129] In step S106, the notification unit 201 transmits a signal notifying the vehicle 10 to which the update data is to be distributed that notifies the vehicle 10 that update data is available, the signal including the predicted effect of the software update.

[0130] Upon completing the process of step S106, distribution server 20 proceeds to step S108.

[0131] In step S106, the notification unit 201 may transmit a notification signal to the user terminal 40 of the user of the vehicle 10 instead of or in addition to the vehicle 10, as described above.

[0132] When the central ECU 19 of the vehicle 10 receives the signal transmitted in the process of step S106, the central ECU 19 starts the process of the flowchart of FIG.

[0133] In step S202, download processing unit 192 (an example of a notification unit) displays a notification screen notifying the user of vehicle 10 of the presence of software update data including a predicted effect of the software update on display device 18. This allows the user of vehicle 10 to decide whether to perform the software update, taking into consideration the effect to be obtained by the software update.

[0134] When the central ECU 19 completes the process of step S202 and receives an input regarding permission or non-permission of the software update via the input device 17, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0135] In step S204, the download processing unit 192 determines whether or not an input to permit the software update has been received. If an input to permit the software update has been received, the download processing unit 192 proceeds to step S206, and if an input to permit the software update has not been received, that is, an input to reject the software update has been received, the download processing unit 192 proceeds to step S212.

[0136] In step S206, the download processing unit 192 transmits a signal permitting the software update (hereinafter, "update permission signal") to the distribution server 20 through the gateway ECU 12 (communication device 11).

[0137] When the process of step S206 is completed, the central ECU 19 proceeds to step S208.

[0138] 9, in step S108, the notification unit 201 determines whether or not an input for permitting a software update has been accepted in the vehicle 10. Specifically, the notification unit 201 determines whether or not an update permission signal has been received from the vehicle 10 to which the update data is to be distributed. If an update permission signal has been received from the vehicle 10, the notification unit 201 proceeds to step S110.

[0139] In step S110, the distribution unit 202 (an example of an update unit) distributes the update data to the vehicle 10, and causes the vehicle 10 (the central ECU 19) to update the software.

[0140] When the process of step S110 is completed, distribution server 20 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 10, in step S208, the download processing unit 192 downloads the update data distributed from the distribution server 20 via the gateway ECU 12 (communication device 11).

[0142] When the process of step S208 is completed, the central ECU 19 proceeds to step S210.

[0143] In step S210, in response to a software update command received from distribution server 20, software update unit 194 uses the update data already downloaded to storage unit 193 to perform a software update.

[0144] In addition, the software update unit 194 (an example of an update unit) may update the software at its own discretion in response to completion of downloading the update data from the distribution server 20.

[0145] When the process of step S210 is completed, the central ECU 19 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0146] On the other hand, in step S212, the download processing unit 192 transmits a signal to the distribution server 20 via the gateway ECU 12 (communication device 11) to the effect that the software update is rejected (hereinafter, the "update rejection signal").

[0147] When the central ECU 19 completes the process of step S212, the central ECU 19 ends the process of this flowchart.

[0148] As described above, when a notification signal that update data is available is transmitted from the distribution server 20 to the user terminal 40, the same processing as that in the flowchart of Fig. 10 is executed by the user terminal 40 (notification unit 401) except for the processing of steps S208 and S210. Also, when an update permission signal is transmitted from the user terminal 40 to the distribution server 20, the central ECU 19 executes only the processing of steps S208 and S210 in the flowchart of Fig. 10 in response to a command from the distribution server 20.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S108, if the update permission signal is not received from the vehicle 10, that is, if the update rejection signal is received from the vehicle 10, the notification unit 201 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0150] In this way, in this example, the software update system 1 notifies the user of the existence of software update data along with the effects of the software update, and can perform a software update of the vehicle 10 after confirming permission from the user.

[0151] The update data may be delivered to the vehicle 10 before the user is asked whether or not to permit the software update. Furthermore, as described above, when effect data for the software update is prepared in advance, the update data and the effect data may be delivered in advance before the user is asked whether or not to permit the software update. In this case, when the download of the update data is completed, the central ECU 19 (an example of an information processing device) may notify the user of the presence of the update data via the display device 18 together with the predicted results of the effect of the software update and the prepared effect data.

[0152] [Effect] Next, the operation of the software update system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0153] In this embodiment, the software update system 1 updates the software based on update data for the software used in the vehicle 10, which is transmitted to the vehicle 10 from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle 10. Specifically, the software update system 1 includes a notification unit (e.g., a download processing unit 192, a notification unit 201) and an update unit (e.g., a software update unit 194. When there is software update data, the notification unit notifies the user of the vehicle 10 of the existence of the update data together with information on the effect obtained by updating the software based on the update data. Then, when a predetermined input is received from the user after the notification by the notification unit, specifically, an input permitting the software update, the update unit updates the software based on the update data.

[0154] This allows the software update system 1 to update the software of the vehicle 10 after the user of the vehicle 10 has confirmed the effect of the software update and, with the user's consent through a predetermined input, updates the software of the vehicle 10. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, a situation in which a software update that has little effect and that the user feels is a waste is performed while the user is waiting for the software update to be completed, resulting in a waste of the user's time. Thus, the software update system 1 can further improve the convenience of the user when updating software used in the vehicle 10.

[0155] In addition, in this embodiment, the software update system 1 may include a prediction unit (e.g., effect prediction unit 304). Specifically, the prediction unit may predict an effect obtained by updating the software when there is software update data. Then, the notification unit may notify the user of the vehicle 10 of the existence of the update data together with information on the prediction result of the prediction unit.

[0156] Thereby, the software update system 1 can specifically notify the user of the vehicle 10 of the effects obtained by updating the software.

[0157] In addition, in this embodiment, the prediction unit may predict the effect obtained by updating the software by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual vehicle model corresponding to the vehicle 10.

[0158] This allows the software update system 1 to accurately predict the effect of a software update.

[0159] In addition, in this embodiment, the prediction unit may compare actual data of the vehicle 10 with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model corresponding to the vehicle 10 in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and predict the effect to be obtained by the software update.

[0160] As a result, the software update system 1 can use the actual data of the existing vehicle 10 to easily predict the effect of a software update.

[0161] In addition, in this embodiment, the prediction unit may compare data obtained from a virtual simulation based on a virtual vehicle model corresponding to each vehicle 10 before and after the software update based on the update data, and predict the effect obtained by the software update.

[0162] This allows the software update system 1 to predict the effect of a software update with greater accuracy.

[0163] In the present embodiment, the prediction unit may determine whether or not to perform a virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data.

[0164] Thereby, the software update system 1 can balance, for example, the simplification of the process for predicting the effect of a software update with the prediction accuracy of the effect of a software update, and as a result, can improve the efficiency of the process.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, the prediction unit may change the driving conditions of the vehicle 10 during the virtual simulation in accordance with the contents of the software update based on the update data.

[0166] This allows the software update system 1 to perform a virtual simulation in accordance with the driving conditions that are affected by the software update, and therefore the software update system 1 can predict the effect of the software update with higher accuracy.

[0167] In addition, in this embodiment, the virtual vehicle model may be a generic model corresponding to the vehicle 10.

[0168] This allows the software update system 1 to predict the effect of a software update, for example, by using a virtual vehicle model (general-purpose model) common to multiple vehicles 10 of the same model. Therefore, the software update system 1 can reduce the effort and time required to prepare a virtual vehicle model for evaluating the effect of a software update, for example, and more efficiently predict the effect of a software update.

[0169] In addition, in this embodiment, the virtual vehicle model may be a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle 10.

[0170] This allows the software update system 1 to predict the effect of a software update using a dedicated virtual vehicle model for each vehicle 10. Therefore, the software update system 1 can reflect the unique circumstances of each vehicle 10 in the effect of a software update, and as a result, can predict the effect of a software update with greater accuracy.

[0171] In the present embodiment, the software update system 1 may further include a generation unit (for example, the virtual vehicle model acquisition unit 301) that generates a virtual vehicle model. The generation unit may update the virtual vehicle model in accordance with at least one of changes over time of the vehicle 10, the usage conditions of the vehicle 10, and changes in the components of the vehicle 10.

[0172] This enables the software update system 1 to specifically reflect the unique circumstances of the vehicle 10, such as changes in the vehicle 10 over time, the conditions of use of the vehicle 10, and changes in the components of the vehicle 10, in a virtual vehicle model dedicated to the vehicle 10.

[0173] In addition, in this embodiment, the generation unit may acquire data representing the real state of the vehicle 10 and generate and update a digital twin of the vehicle 10 as a virtual vehicle model.

[0174] This allows the software update system 1 to predict the effect of a software update by using a virtual vehicle model (digital twin) that always reflects the latest state of the vehicle 10. Therefore, the software update system 1 can more accurately predict the effect obtained by a software update.

[0175] In addition, in this embodiment, the prediction unit may predict the effect obtained by updating the software, taking into consideration the period during which the user will use the vehicle 10 in the future.

[0176] This allows the software update system 1 to notify the user of the effects obtained by updating the software in a manner that takes into account the circumstances of the user. Therefore, the software update system 1 can support the user to more easily make a decision as to whether or not to update the software.

[0177] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the gist described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 1 Software update system (information processing system) 10 Vehicles 11. Communications equipment 12 Gateway ECU 13 ECU 15 Sensors 17 Input Devices 18 Display device 19 Central ECU (information processing unit) 19A Auxiliary storage device 19B Memory Device 19C CPU 19D Interface Device 19E Recording media 20 Distribution server (information processing device) 21 External Interface 21A Recording Media 22 Auxiliary storage 23 Memory Device 24 CPU 25 High-speed computing device 26 Communication Interface 27 Input Devices 28 Display device 30 Analysis Server 40 User terminal 121 Communications Department 122 Storage section 131 Storage section 191 Vehicle data transmission unit 192 Download processing unit (notification unit) 193 Memory section 194 Software Update Department (Update Department) 195 Memory section 201 Notification Department 202 Distribution Department (Update Department) 301 Virtual Vehicle Model Acquisition Department 302 Virtual vehicle model storage unit 303 Simulator Section 304 Effect Prediction Department (Prediction Department)

Claims

1. An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; the prediction unit compares actual data of the vehicle with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to the vehicle in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and predicts the effect. Information processing system.

2. An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; the prediction unit compares data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to each of the vehicles before and after the software update based on the update data, and predicts the effect. Information processing system.

3. An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; the prediction unit determines whether or not to perform the virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data. Information processing system.

4. An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; The prediction unit changes a running condition of the vehicle during the virtual simulation in accordance with the content of the software update based on the update data. Information processing system.

5. An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; A generating unit that generates the virtual model, the virtual model is a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle; The generation unit updates the virtual model in accordance with at least one of a change over time of the vehicle, a use condition of the vehicle, and a change in a component of the vehicle. Information processing system.

6. An information processing system for updating software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction unit that predicts an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data when the update data is available; a notification unit that notifies a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result of the prediction unit when the update data is present; an update unit that updates the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification by the notification unit; The prediction unit predicts the effect taking into consideration a period during which the user will use the vehicle in the future. Information processing system.

7. 1. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, the information processing method comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, actual data of the vehicle is compared with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to the vehicle in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and the effect is predicted. Information processing methods.

8. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to each of the vehicles before and after the software update based on the update data is compared to predict the effect. Information processing methods.

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, it is determined whether or not to perform the virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data. Information processing methods.

10. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, a running condition of the vehicle during the virtual simulation is changed according to the content of the software update based on the update data. Information processing methods.

11. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; A generating step of generating the virtual model, the virtual model is a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle; In the generating step, the virtual model is updated in accordance with at least one of a change over time of the vehicle, a use condition of the vehicle, and a change in a component of the vehicle. Information processing methods.

12. An information processing method executed by an information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device communicatively connected to the vehicle, comprising: a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step, In the prediction step, the effect is predicted taking into consideration a period during which the user will use the vehicle in the future. Information processing methods.

13. An information processing device that updates software based on update data for software used in the vehicle, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, actual data of the vehicle is compared with data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to the vehicle in a state after the software is updated based on the update data, and the effect is predicted. program.

14. An information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, data obtained by a virtual simulation based on the virtual model corresponding to each of the vehicles before and after the software update based on the update data is compared to predict the effect. program.

15. An information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, it is determined whether or not to perform the virtual simulation when predicting the effect, depending on the content of the software update based on the update data. program.

16. An information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, a running condition of the vehicle during the virtual simulation is changed according to the content of the software update based on the update data. program.

17. An information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data by performing a virtual simulation using a virtual model corresponding to the vehicle when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; A generating step of generating the virtual model; the virtual model is a dedicated model corresponding to the vehicle; In the generating step, the virtual model is updated in accordance with at least one of a change over time of the vehicle, a use condition of the vehicle, and a change in a component of the vehicle. program.

18. An information processing device that updates software used in a vehicle based on update data for the software, the update data being transmitted to the vehicle from an external device that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, a prediction step of predicting an effect to be obtained by updating the software based on the update data when the update data is available; a notification step of notifying a user of the vehicle of the presence of the update data together with information on a prediction result in the prediction step when the update data is present; an update step of updating the software based on the update data when a predetermined input is received from a user after the notification step; In the prediction step, the effect is predicted taking into consideration a period during which the user will use the vehicle in the future. program.

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