Claims:We Claim:
1. A method of assembling a vehicle using a communication node comprising:
a. monitoring a communications bus for at least one control module;
b. requesting at least one software bulletin from a communication node in response to the at least one control module;
c. receiving the at least one requested software bulletin;
d. updating the at least one control module with the at least one software bulletin.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the control module is an added control module, and the added control module is operatively adapted to control at least one other vehicle function.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the control module is an added control module, and the added control module is operatively adapted to control at least one other vehicle function.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the control module is a replacement control module operatively adapted to control the at least one existing vehicle function.
, Description:Technical Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to control modules, which control various functions in mobile vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and system for managing a plurality of control modules in a mobile vehicle using at least one central telematics module.
Background of the Invention
Wireless communication services for mobile vehicles, such as navigation and roadside assistance, have increased rapidly in recent years. Most of the services that have been offered are for a mobile vehicle in operation, but more recently, the demands and potential for services to a vehicle in the factory and in a service center have grown. Services that may be provided in the factory may be related to the assembly of the vehicle or the servicing and updating of the vehicle's functions during the life of the vehicle.
For example, in the factory, a vehicle may include several control modules for controlling various functions such as the vehicle's airbag system or the vehicle brake system. Each of these control modules requires programming as the vehicle is being assembled. After the vehicle is assembled, a control module may be serviced at a later date and may require reprogramming. For example, a vehicle's window/door system may fail and be replaced. The replacement control module for the window/door system will be reprogrammed after placement in the vehicle. Additionally, vehicle software, like software applications in other areas, is constantly being upgraded. This software is reprogrammed by recalling vehicles to the manufacturer or to service centers for reprogramming of control modules.
Currently, programming and reprogramming of control modules is accomplished by manually programming a given control module. For example, as a vehicle is being assembled, each individual module is attached to a control panel, such as a small programming computer or laptop. Each module is then individually programmed to perform a limited set of functions. The modules may also be provided with a limited set of options. After a vehicle is assembled, if a control module is replaced, it must again be attached to a control panel for reprogramming. If software for a given control module changes, e.g. is updated or requires changes based on user preference, the module must be accessed (the vehicle opened up) and then attached to a control panel for reprogramming.
A method and system are needed, therefore, to manage one or more control modules using at least one central telematics module to take advantage of wireless communication capabilities. This would result in decreased number of control panels required for programming or reprogramming control modules. This would also result in less need for opening a vehicle up to service software. This would also result in increased flexibility of software services. For example, a subscriber could download software for existing vehicle functions from a wireless network. Thus, the method and system of the present invention may result in increased subscriber satisfaction with the services and increased availability of services.
It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide a method for managing a plurality of control modules in a mobile vehicle, which overcomes the above obstacles and accomplishes the objectives described above.
Object of the Invention
The present object of the invention is a method of assembling a vehicle using a communication node.
Summary of the Invention
A telematics module, which is operatively adapted to communicate with the communication node, is connected to the vehicle. At least one control module, for controlling at least one vehicle function, is connected to the vehicle and is also in communication with the telematics module. A command is issued for the at least one vehicle function, from the communication node to the control module.
The command for the at least one vehicle function may be issued from the communication node to the telematics module and forwarded to the control module. Additional control modules may be provided in the vehicle, the additional control modules in communication with the telematics module and operatively adapted to control other vehicle functions. A command for the other vehicle functions may also be forwarded from the communication node to the additional control modules via the telematics module.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of servicing a vehicle using a communication node. A telematics module from the vehicle communicates with the communication node. The telematics module may be connected to a control module that is adapted to control at least one vehicle function. The communication may issue a command for the vehicle function to the telematics module, which may, in turn, forward the command from the telematics module to the control module.
Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for managing a plurality of control modules in a mobile vehicle in accordance with the present invention;
Detailed Description of Invention
FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for controlling a plurality of control modules in a mobile vehicle accordance with the present invention The method shown in FIG. 1 may be used, for example, to program one or more control modules in a vehicle as the vehicle is being assembled.
As seen at block, at least one telematics module may be placed into a mobile vehicle, such as vehicle. Telematics module may be a suitable device as described above which is enabled to communicate with one or more communication nodes. This placement may involve connecting the telematics module to vehicle with suitable hardware as is well known in the art. The installation of a module in a mobile vehicle is also well known in the art and may be accomplished, for example, as part of a standard vehicle assembly line process.

As seen at block, telematics module may then be connected to a suitable data communication bus. For example, data communication bus may be an already installed component of vehicle. Alternatively, bus may be connected to vehicle by connecting bus to telematics module after the module has been installed. The installation of a data bus in a mobile vehicle is also well known in the art and may be accomplished, for example, as part of a standard vehicle assembly line process.
As seen at block, telematics module may receive software data from any suitable source, such as, for example one or more communication nodes. This software data may include, for example, one or more commands which enable telematics module to communicate with and manage one or more control modules The software data may also be, for example, data that indicates specifications for one or more control modules (e.g., “the brake system control module for vehicle type D should have characteristics x, y, and z”, “the airbag system control module for vehicle type E should have characteristics p, q, and r”.). Telematics module may use the software data to program or reprogram control modules. The software data may also include commands that enable telematics module to test the efficacy of control modules. The software data may also include commands that enable other functions of telematics module such as the monitoring of data bus or other input, output and calculation functions.
As seen at block, telematics module may monitor data communication bus to determine if a control module has been connected to data communication bus. Control module may be an already installed component of vehicle which is subsequently connected to data communication bus. Alternatively, control module may be connected to bus in order to install control module in vehicle. The installation of a control module in a mobile vehicle is also well known in the art and may be accomplished, for example, as part of a standard vehicle assembly line process.