Method for remote reprogramming of vehicle flash memory
First Claim
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1. A method of reprogramming firmware in a first electronic control unit (ECU) located onboard a vehicle using new programming supplied to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving new programming via wireless transmission to the vehicle using a second ECU located onboard the vehicle;
(b) determining whether vehicle conditions are acceptable for reprogramming of the first ECU; and
(c) if the vehicle conditions are acceptable, then sending the new programming to the first ECU and storing the new programming in firmware contained in the first ECU while holding certain vehicle conditions in their existing state.
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Abstract
A system and method for managing remote reprogramming of flash memory in a vehicle electronic control unit. A vehicle state manager process is used to first determine if the vehicle conditions are suitable for reprogramming of a particular ECU and, if so, the vehicle state manager then maintains the proper vehicle configuration during the reprogramming operation. The system and method can be used to automatically reprogram a vehicle ECU using new programming received by digital satellite broadcast or other wireless transmission to the vehicle.
98 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of reprogramming firmware in a first electronic control unit (ECU) located onboard a vehicle using new programming supplied to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving new programming via wireless transmission to the vehicle using a second ECU located onboard the vehicle;
(b) determining whether vehicle conditions are acceptable for reprogramming of the first ECU; and
(c) if the vehicle conditions are acceptable, then sending the new programming to the first ECU and storing the new programming in firmware contained in the first ECU while holding certain vehicle conditions in their existing state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of reprogramming flash memory located in an electronic control unit onboard a vehicle using new programming supplied wirelessly from a remote location, the vehicle having a telematics unit that is coupled to the electronic control unit and that receives the new programming via a wireless communications network, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving new programming for the electronic control unit via wireless transmission from the wireless communications network to the vehicle'"'"'s telematics unit;
(b) determining if a desired configuration of vehicle conditions exists on the vehicle;
(c) if the desired configuration exists, then carrying out a reprogramming process that includes;
(c1) initiating a vehicle state hold by maintaining at least some controllable vehicle conditions in their current state and inhibiting changes to those controllable vehicle conditions until the reprogramming process is complete;
(c2) sending the new programming to the electronic control unit; and
(c3) replacing programming within the electronic control unit with the new programming; and
thereafter(d) terminating the vehicle state hold. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of reprogramming flash memory located in an electronic control unit onboard a vehicle using new programming supplied to the vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) interacting with a vehicle operator via a user interface and instructing the vehicle operator to place the vehicle in a desired configuration;
(b) placing the vehicle in a vehicle hold state by electronically inhibiting changes to the desired configuration;
(c) storing new programming in flash memory contained in at least one vehicle electronic control unit; and
thereafter (d) removing the vehicle from the vehicle hold state and thereby permitting the vehicle configuration to be changed from the desired configuration. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification