Installing Firmware.

FIELD OF INVENT ON A preferred form of the invention relates to a system for installing firmware on the electronic control unit of or for a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Motor vehicles typically have an onboard electronic control unit (an ECU). This may be in effect a mini-computer which may control functions of the vehicle, for example engine performance, braking systems, light signals, etc. it Is sometimes necessary to install new or vehicle-specific firmware, or update firmware on an ECU and this can be a somewhat laborious or overly complicated task, ft is an object of a preferred form of the invention to provide a useful alternative to known ways of getting firmware into an ECU.

The term "comprising", if and when used in this specification in connection with a combination of features, should not be interpreted to exclude the option of other non- specified features. For example, if used in relation to a list of features the term conveys that there may or may not be additional features. The same applies to derivatives of the term, for example "comprised' and "comprises".

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing firmware in an electronic control unit (ECU) of or for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:

i} providing an online repository (eg a computer system having a database) of firmware for use in controlling functions of a motor vehicle;

is) the repository receiving, via the internet, a request for firmware, computer processing the request to match it to an appropriate item of firmware in the repository; and

ill) the repository sending, via the internet, the appropriate item of firmware in response to the request, wherein such firmware is compatible with an ECU connection module so that on receipt of the firmware the module is able to cause the firmware to be installed in the ECU by way of connection between the module and the ECU (eg if a human operator commands or has commanded the module to install the firmware).

Optsonaily the firmware is received by the connection module directly.

Optionally the connection module is of a type able to be controlled by a personal computer (eg a laptop), a tablet or a smartphone.

Optionally the request for firmware is generated from a personal computer, tablet or phone by way of a web browser.

Optionally a human use behind the computer, tablet or phone causes the Item of firmware to be installed: on a motor vehicle's ECU by way of the connection module.

Optsonaily the ECU is not yet installed in a motor vehicle when the firmware is installed in the ECU.

Optionally the ECU is installed sn a motor vehicle when the firmware is instalied in the ECU.

Optionally the module is such that it can be used for diagnostic testing of an ECU.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing firmware in an electronic control unit (ECU) of or for a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:

i) providing an online repository of firmware for use In controlling functions of a motor vehicle;

is) using a portable communications device to send to the repository, via the internet, a request for an Item of ECU firmware for a function of a motor vehicle;

iii) the repository computer processing the request to match it to an appropriat item of firmware in the repository;

iv) the repository sending, via the internet, the appropriate item of firmware in response to the request, to a connection module; and

v) using the connection module, when connected to an ECU, to install the firmware on the ECU. Optionally the portable communications device controls transfer of the firmware from the module to the ECU.

Optionally the portable communications device is a laptop, tablet or smart phone. Optionally the repository comprises a computer system running a database.

Optionally module is a self-contained programmer box.

Optionally the module is such that It can be used for diagnostic testing of an ECU.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Some preferred aspects of the invention will now be described by way of exampie and with reference to Figure 1. which illustrates a method for installing firmware on a motor vehicle ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to figure 1 , a method for updating the firmware of a motor vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) 1 involves a firmware database 2 located in the cloud 3 and accessible via an internet connection. In figure 1 the internet connection is achieved by wa of a router 4.

Different makes or models of vehicle may have different operating requirements, and so they may require specific or tailored firmware. A VVS14 module 5 (a type of electronic box) is adapted to communicate with the database 2 via the router 4 to receive a download of firmware particular to the ECU 1 for a particular vehicle being worked with. To facilitate this, a laptop 6 is connected to the module 5 and used to control the download, for example in terms of selecting the particular firmware file 7 needed, and setting the download In motion. The laptop 6 does this via its internet browser, but it can be substituted by an alternative communications device if desired, for example a tablet or smartphone.

When the WS14 module 5 has received the download it copses or othewise transfers it to the ECU 1, either physically or wireless!y, optionally by way of serial programming communication, to enable the ECU to run. The firmware 7 may, for example, be necessary to enable the normal controls of a motor vehicle to be used to work light signais of a trailer coupled to the vehicle, for example turn indicators, brake lights, tail lights, etc. In this regard a cabling harness (not shown) may be used to electronically connect the vehicle with the trailer, and the firmware may be necessary to enable the harness to function. It should however be appreciated that firmware necessary fo other functions of the vehicle can be obtained and installed In the ECU 1 in the same way. Tha firmware may simply be to update existing firmware on the ECU, replace it, or it: may be a first installation for controlling the desired motor vehicle function.

In addition to downloading firmware 7, a user is able to select and download vehicle, or vehicle component, installation instructions or videos, diagnostic guides, etc, and review these via the laptop 6 or some other communications device running a web browser or application software.

Software necessary to enable the laptop 8 to control the module 5 can be downloaded to the laptop directly from the database 2. The module 5 can also receive new or updated firmware from the database 2 to enable the module to run.

The module 5 is adapted to enable testing of the ECU 1 when it is actually pari of the vehicle. For example, by way of the laptop 6, the module 5 is caused to send signals to the ECU to activate light signals of a traile coupled to the vehicle. In this way a technician can test whether the firmware 7 and/or the ECU , and/or the vehicle, is functioning properly. The results of the testing are displayed on one or more web pages associated with the system, and are accessible via the laptop 8.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the module 5 is designed to function with a particular or proprietary ECU, rather than with EC Us made by manufacturers generally. However in some embodiments of the invention the module 5 may be functional with different EC Us, eg those of multiple motor vehicle manufacturers, and the database 2 may hold a firmware files which can be selected and used for the various different ECUS.

In some embodiments the method may be such that the firmware file 7 is downloaded from the database 2 directly to the laptop 8, and is then copied or otherwise transferred from the laptop to the module 5. While this is an option, it is not the preferred configuration.

While preferred forms of the Invention utilise the VVS 14 module 5, in other

embodiments a different item of 'programmer hardware' can be substituted in. But whatever component is used, it is adapted to copy or otherwise effectively transfer firmware to the ECU.

The method can be employed to install firmware to an ECU before or after the ECU is installed in a motor vehicle. This means, for example, that a stock of ECUs can be warehoused and the appropriate firmware installed before they are taken to the vehicle they will foe used with. This can assist with managing ECU stock levels In that there is less need to keep as many different ECUs as would otherwise be the case to meet demand. Figure 1 illustrates the ECU 1 when not yet installed in a motor vehicle 8, but the drawing also indicates, by way of connection line 9, that in some instances the ECU ma be installed in the vehicle before it receives firmware from the module 5.

In preferred forms of the invention the method enables a motor vehicle ECU to be programmed on site, or in the field, using a dedicated programming unit (eg the WS14 module 5) and any suitable communications device running a web browser or application software.

Preferably the firmware is encrypted to guard against unauthorised use. Preferably all access to the database 2 is via web site login and password, so that unauthorised users are not able to access or otherwise use the method. n some embodiments of the invention the following signal types may be employed:

In some embodiments of the invention the ECU may be an body electronics controller, but not necessarily so as it may also, or alternatively, control other facets of a motor vehicle.

While some forms of the invention have been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the following claims,