WO2014206770A1 - Method and device for updating the software of a motor vehicle control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for updating control unit data of a vehicle control unit (22), comprising the following steps: collecting configuration data relating in particular to the type, number and/or identity of at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) mounted in or on a vehicle (2); comparing the collected configuration data with configuration data contained in stored configuration data sets in order to select a configuration data set in which at least some of the configuration data corresponds to the collected configuration data; and transferring stored control unit data, associated with the configuration data set selected in this manner, to the control unit (22).

Description

 Description title

Method and device for updating the software of a motor vehicle

ECU

PRIOR ART Modern motor vehicles have at least one control unit which is used for

Control of vehicle components, in particular of the engine, is used. As a rule, the control unit has at least one software-controlled microprocessor. The control software is preferably to the configuration of the motor vehicle, i. in particular to the components installed in the vehicle, adapted to ensure optimum operation of the vehicle. It is therefore desirable to update the control software and, in particular, to be able to adapt to the new configuration of the motor vehicle after replacing components of the motor vehicle. Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a system and a method, which in each case make it possible to update control unit data in a motor vehicle control unit simply, reliably and quickly, and in particular to adapt it to a changed configuration of the motor vehicle.

A method according to the invention for updating data in a control unit installed in a vehicle comprises the steps of: acquiring configuration data, which in particular comprise the type, number and / or identity of at least one component installed in or on a vehicle;

Comparing the acquired configuration data with configuration data contained in stored configuration records and selecting a stored configuration record whose configuration data has the closest match with the acquired configuration data; and transmitting stored controller data corresponding to the selected one

Configuration record are assigned to the control unit. An inventive system for updating control unit data of a vehicle control unit comprises:

 a) a storage device in which a configuration database is stored with configuration data sets, each containing configuration data, in particular the type, number and / or identity of at least one built in or on the vehicle component include;

 b) a detection device, which is designed to acquire configuration data, which in particular comprise the type, number and / or identity of at least one component installed in or on the vehicle;

 c) a controller data memory in which controller data

are stored, which are each assigned at least one configuration data set;

 d) a comparison and selection device, which is configured to compare the configuration data acquired by the detection device with the configuration data of the configuration data records and to select a configuration data set whose configuration data is the largest

Coincidence with that detected by the detection device

Have configuration data;

 e) a first transmission device having a vehicle transmission device and a reception device, which is designed to transmit configuration data from the detection device to the comparison and selection device; and

 f) a second transmission device having a transmitting device and a vehicle receiving device, which is designed to transmit control device data which are assigned to the configuration data set selected by the comparison and selection device to the control device.

Ideally, upon selection, a stored configuration record is selected whose configuration data is complete, i. 1: 1, coincide with the configuration data transmitted to the receiving device.

If no configuration data record is stored in the memory device whose configuration data completely correspond to the configuration data transmitted to the receiving device, a search may be made for a configuration data set in which all acquired configuration data are contained or whose configuration data are completely contained in the acquired configuration data. If the number of matching configuration data is defined as a measure of the correspondence between the transmitted configuration data and the configuration data of a stored configuration data record, that one of the stored configuration data records can be selected whose configuration data has the greatest degree of agreement with the acquired configuration data.

If no configuration record is stored in the memory device whose configuration data completely match the acquired configuration data, and / or if the measure of the largest match detected falls below a predefinable first limit value, a warning message can be issued. In addition to the warning message, it may be necessary to

indicating that a similar stored configuration record has been selected; and the degree of correspondence between the acquired configuration data and the configuration data of the selected stored configuration record can be displayed. The user can then decide whether the measure of compliance is sufficient to proceed. If the largest match found is less than a predeterminable second threshold, which is typically less than the first threshold, and / or no match has been found, an error message may be issued and the method aborted. If this does not apply to any of the entries in the configuration database, an error message can be output. Alternatively or additionally, the data record whose configuration data best matches the collected and transmitted configuration data can be selected. A method according to the invention and a device according to the invention make it possible in each case to automatically determine the configuration of a motor vehicle, i. In particular, the type, number and / or identity of the components installed in the motor vehicle to capture and select from the available control unit data the best adapted to the detected configuration of the motor vehicle control unit data and transmit it to the control unit.

In this way, the control unit of the motor vehicle can be reliably and easily always operated with control unit data optimally to the current configuration of the motor vehicle are adapted to ensure optimum operation of the motor vehicle.

In the following, two possible developments of a method according to the invention for the transmission of control unit data to the control unit are described, which can be combined with one another, but which can also be implemented independently of one another.

In a first possible development, control unit data are transmitted to the control unit, in particular when it is determined that the configuration of the motor vehicle has been changed, in order to adapt the control unit data to the changed configuration of the motor vehicle.

For this purpose, the comparison and selection device additionally a

A configuration comparison device configured to maintain the current configuration of a vehicle, i. in particular the type, number and / or identity of the components installed in the vehicle to compare with a previously stored configuration of the same vehicle to detect possible changes in the configuration of the vehicle and to select a new software for vehicle control and only to the controller when the current configuration of the vehicle differs from the configuration stored earlier, that is, when the type, number, and / or identity of at least one component installed in the vehicle has changed. In this way, unnecessary transmission of control unit data can be avoided if the

Configuration of the vehicle has not been changed.

Additionally or alternatively, the system may also include an in-vehicle vehicle configuration comparison device that compares the currently-determined configuration with a previously-stored configuration and transmits the current configuration only if different from the previously-stored configuration. In this way, the amount of data transfer can be reduced to the necessary degree, and the cost and power consumption for unnecessary transfer of data already stored in the storage device can be saved.

In a second possible development, new control unit data are transferred from the control unit data memory to the control unit, if in the control Device Data Store updated control device data similar to that of the

Comparison and selection device are associated with selected configuration data set and in particular may include an updated ECU software available.

For this purpose, data currently stored in the control unit of the vehicle can be read out, transmitted to the comparison and selection device and compared there with the control device data associated with the configuration data set selected by the comparison and selection device in order to transmit new control device data to the control device, if the control unit data currently stored in the control unit of the vehicle from the control unit data stored in the control unit data memory, the

different configuration data set are assigned. In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted from the control unit to the comparison and selection device, instead of the control unit data itself, at least one version number assigned to the control unit data and / or the time at which the control unit data was last updated may be transmitted and with the corresponding one Data of the control unit data stored in the control unit data memory corresponding to the selected one

Are associated with the configuration data set.

In one embodiment, the transmission of the at least one selected data set to the controller is wireless, so that it is not necessary to establish a wired connection with the controller. The transmission can therefore be carried out particularly easily and conveniently; In particular, it is not necessary to search the controller or a connector connected to the controller in the foot or engine compartment of the vehicle to update the software.

In one embodiment, the configuration data, in particular the type, the number and / or the identity of the components installed in the vehicle, are entered manually, for example by manually capturing a previously created and possibly manually updated component list and entering it into the system, for example by the vehicle and its components are viewed by a trained mechanic, who recognizes the components installed in or on the vehicle, manually detects and inputs into the system via an input device. In one embodiment, the type, number and / or identity of the components installed in or on the vehicle are detected by the components, in particular markers attached to or on the individual components, which may comprise, for example, a barcode and / or a QR code , With

Help of an optical reader ("scanner") are detected or read to read the coded in the respective marker configuration data.

In this case, the optical reader can be manually by a mechanic or automatically, e.g. from a robot-like device, are guided over the vehicle, in particular the engine compartment, in order to detect the markers optically.

In this way, the detection of the type, number and / or identity of the configuration data of the components installed in / on the vehicle can be simplified and accelerated. In addition, detection and transmission errors that may occur when manually detecting and entering the type, number and / or identity of the components due to carelessness of the mechanic can be avoided.

In one embodiment, the capture of the configuration data, in particular the type, number and / or identity of the components installed in / on the vehicle, by wirelessly, in particular by means of electromagnetic waves, readable storage elements, each associated with a component installed in the vehicle, e.g. By being attached to their respective assigned component, be read out wirelessly. In this way, the detection of the type, number and / or identity of the components installed in the vehicle can be made even easier, more reliable and faster.

Wirelessly readable memory elements, which can be read in particular with the aid of electromagnetic waves, may contain more information than an optical code, and in particular can be reliably read out independently of the illumination, possible contamination and / or mechanical wear and their respective installation position.

In one embodiment, the system includes at least one wirelessly readable passive memory device that does not have its own power source. Passive memory elements can be implemented particularly cost-effectively They are easy to install and require little maintenance because they do not require their own power supply, which needs to be regularly monitored and charged or replaced if necessary. In particular, RFID elements that are available on the market at low prices have proven to be passive memory elements.

In order to read such an RFID element, the receiving device generates a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field to which the RFI D element is exposed. The high frequency energy received by the RFID element from the alternating electromagnetic field serves as a power supply during the communication process.

The alternating electromagnetic field activates a microchip present in the RFID element, which decodes the commands sent by the receiving device. The response encodes and modulates the RFID element into the irradiated electromagnetic field by field weakening in non-contact short circuit or antiphase reflection of the field emitted by the receiving device. In this way, the RFID element transmits, for example, its own serial number, further data of the designated object and / or other information requested by the reader. The RFID element itself generates no electromagnetic field, but affects the electromagnetic field that has been generated by the receiving device.

Alternatively or additionally, the system can also at least one active

Have storage element which is equipped with its own energy source and is designed to serve itself as a transmitter for an electromagnetic field. Active memory elements can be read from a greater distance compared to passive memory elements due to their higher transmission power.

In the case of half-active tags, a separate energy source of the memory element only takes over the supply of the microchip in which the data is stored, but the data transmission takes place as previously described for an RFID element.

In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device used for

Receiving the data transmitted by the transmitting device is formed, part of the system. In a further preferred embodiment, the receiving device is connected to and / or equipped with a storage device, wherein the storage device is designed to store the data received by the receiving device. In this way, a current image of the configuration of the vehicle can always be kept in the receiving device, which is always available when needed.

In one embodiment, the transmitting and receiving devices are adapted to transmit data by means of infrared radiation or by use of a radio network, such as e.g. a mobile network, WLAN, Bluetooth® and / or the Internet to transfer. Mobile networks, WLAN, Bluetooth® and / or the Internet provide proven and cost-effective networks that are suitable for data transmission.

In one embodiment, the system also makes it possible to determine specific mounting positions of components in the vehicle. For this purpose, the installation position of a component installed ex works in the vehicle can be stored as a date in a data record assigned to the component. If the component is replaced, we transfer the existing information about the installation location to the new component, so that in the following also the installation of the replacement component is known.

Also, several data reading devices can be installed in the vehicle. In this case, the position of a memory element in the vehicle and thus the mounting position of a component can be detected by means of different relative signal strength intensities (RSSI) that occur at the different data reading devices. This is especially possible if, as e.g. for the wheels, the number of possible mounting positions is limited so that zoning is possible In such a case, a coarse location of a memory element is sufficient to associate it with a zone and a mounting position located in the zone can.

Alternatively or additionally, by suitably evaluating the received signal strengths of at least three data reading devices, a determination of the mounting position by triangulation is also possible. In particular, the system can be set up such that, when the vehicle or its engine is started and / or stopped, data is read from the memory elements present in the vehicle and emitted by the transmission device. This can be done each time the vehicle is started and / or stopped, or after a predetermined number of start and / or stop operations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The FIGURE shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention for updating data of a vehicle control unit 22 (control unit data), which are used in particular for the control of the vehicle control unit 22. A vehicle 2 has a plurality of components 41, 42, 43, 44, e.g. Wheels or

Tire 41, 42, outside mirror 44, alternator or injection pump 43, etc., on which in the embodiment shown in the figure each designed as an optical marker or as a wireless readable memory element marking element 51, 52, 53, 54 is mounted. A wirelessly readable memory element 51, 52, 53, 54 can be used either as a passive memory element 51,

52, 53, 54, which does not require its own power supply, in particular as an RFID memory element, or as an active memory element 51, 52, 53, 54, which has its own power supply, in particular an electrochemical battery or a rechargeable battery, be formed. A marking element 51, 52, 53, 54 designed as an optical marking may in particular have a barcode and / or a QR code.

The optically or electronically readable configuration data stored in the marking elements 51, 52, 53, 54 in particular comprise a unique identification number, which makes it possible for each marking element 51, 52, 53, 54 and thus also the respective marking element 51, 52, 53, 54 assigned component 41, 42, 43, 44 uniquely identify.

The vehicle 2 is additionally equipped with a detection device 6, which in particular comprises a data reading device 6a, which is designed such that it is able to read out the configuration data stored in the marking elements 51, 52, 53, 54 and to a likewise in the Vehicle 2 provided to transmit vehicle transmission device 8. In the case of optical markers 51, 52, 53, 54, the data reading device 6a is designed in particular as a scanner, which optically detects the optical markers 51, 52, 53, 54 and reads out the configuration data contained in them. The data reading device 6a can be guided manually by a mechanic or mechanically by a robot-like device via the vehicle 2, in particular the engine compartment, in order to optically detect the optical markers 51, 52, 53, 54.

The data reading device 6a can also be designed such that it makes it possible to manually acquire data from components 41, 42, 43, 44 which have no automatically detectable mark 51, 52, 53, 54 and, for example, with the aid of a keyboard, manually enter into the data reading device 6a.

The data reading device 6a, the detection device 6 and the vehicle transmission device 8 may each be formed as separate elements or devices; However, the devices 6a, 6, 8 can also be combined in a common data acquisition and transmission device 6a, 6, 8.

The vehicle transmission device 8 is designed to transmit the configuration data transmitted to it by the detection device 6, e.g. via an antenna 10, which may be arranged inside or outside the vehicle 2, to be transmitted to a in the vicinity of the vehicle 2, in particular in a workshop environment, arranged receiving device 12, which may also have an antenna 14 to transmit.

The data transmission can take place by means of electromagnetic waves in the non-optical area (for example via Bluetooth®, WLAN etc.) or in the optical area, which in particular comprises infrared light.

The transmission of the configuration data from the vehicle 2 to the receiving device 12 can also take place via a suitable for data transmission mobile network. When using a mobile network and / or the Internet, the data transmission can also take place over a greater distance, so that the

Data transmission can be performed at any time, in particular independently of visits to the workshop, and gaps in the recording can be avoided. The receiving device 12 is part of a workshop system 15 which, in addition to the receiving device 12, also comprises a comparison and selection device 24, which is designed to evaluate the configuration data transmitted to the receiving device 12, in particular by the type, the number and / or the identity of the vehicle 2 built components 41, 42, 43, 44 to determine.

For this purpose, the system also has at least one memory device 16, which is designed to store a configuration database with configuration data records, which are each assigned to a component 41, 42, 43, 44, and a comparison unit 26, which is designed to be connected to the reception device 12 transferred configuration data with the stored in the

Compare configuration data contained configuration data sets and to select a configuration record containing configuration data, which have the greatest agreement with the transmitted to the receiving device 12 configuration data.

Ideally, a configuration record is selected whose

Completely match configuration data with the configuration data transmitted to the receiving device 12. If such a configuration data record is not available, a configuration data set may be selected whose configuration data only partially match the configuration data transmitted to the receiving device 12.

If the number of matching configuration data is defined as a measure of correspondence between the transmitted configuration data and the configuration data of a stored configuration data set, it is possible in particular to select that of the stored configuration data records whose configuration data has the greatest degree of correspondence with the acquired configuration data.

If no configuration record is stored in the storage device 16, the configuration data of which completely match the acquired configuration data, and / or if the measure of the largest match detected falls below a predefinable first limit value, a warning message can be issued. In addition to the warning message, it may be indicated that a similar configuration record is being selected has been; and the degree of correspondence between the acquired configuration data and the configuration data of the selected stored configuration record can be displayed. In this case, the user may manually decide that the displayed level of agreement is sufficient to continue the process with the displayed configuration record.

If the largest match found is less than a predeterminable second threshold, which is typically less than the first

Limit is, and / or no match has been found, an error message can be issued and the process aborted.

Each stored configuration data record is associated with an entry in a control unit data memory 17, wherein the control unit data may in particular include a vehicle or engine control unit software. Thus, depending on the configuration of the vehicle 2 detected by the comparison and selection device 24, suitable control device data can be selected that is optimally matched to the current configuration of the vehicle 2.

The workshop system 15 also includes a transmitting device 13, and the vehicle 2 has a vehicle receiving device 9 adapted to receive data transmitted by the transmitting device 13, in addition to transmission of data. in particular configuration data, from the vehicle 2 to the workshop system 15 also a transmission of data, in particular control device data, in the opposite direction, ie from the workshop system 15 to the vehicle 2, in particular to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2, to enable.

The data transmission can take place by means of electromagnetic waves in the non-optical area (for example via Bluetooth®, WLAN etc.) or in the optical area, which in particular comprises infrared light.

The transmission of the data from the transmitting device 13 to the vehicle 2 can also take place via a suitable for data transmission mobile network. When using a mobile network and / or the Internet, the data transmission can also take place over a greater distance, so that the data transmission at any time, in particular independently of workshop visits, can be performed. The vehicle transmitting device 8 and the vehicle receiving device 9 as well as the transmitting device 13 and the receiving device 12 can each also be designed as a combined transmitting and receiving device.

The vehicle receiving apparatus 9 installed in the vehicle 2 is connected to a vehicle control unit 22 to enable data, in particular control unit data, to be transmitted from the workshop system 15 to the vehicle or engine control unit 22. This makes it possible to change parameters of the vehicle or engine control unit 22, in particular based on the type, number and / or identity of the components 41, 42, 43, 44 installed in the vehicle 2, and thus those in the vehicle 2 installed components 41, 42, 43, 44 adapt. In particular, an optimally adapted to the currently detected configuration of

Vehicle 2 adapted vehicle or engine control unit software from the control unit data memory 17 of the workshop system 15 read and transmitted via the transmitting device 13 and the vehicle receiving device 9 to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 to the controller 22 with a to the current Configuration of the vehicle 2 adapted vehicle or

To operate engine control unit software.

In this case, a new vehicle or engine control unit software can be transmitted in particular from the control unit data memory 17 to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 when it has been determined that the

Configuration of the vehicle 2 has changed, in particular if components 41, 42, 43, 44 of the vehicle 2 have been removed, added and / or replaced. In this way it can be achieved that the vehicle 2 is always operated with an optimally adapted to the current configuration of the vehicle 2 vehicle or engine control unit software.

A new vehicle or engine control unit software from the control unit data memory 17 can also be transmitted to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2, if the configuration of the vehicle 2 has not changed, but in the control unit data memory 17 for the current

Configuration of the vehicle 2 an updated vehicle or engine control unit software is available. So can be achieved that the vehicle 2 is always operated with the most current vehicle or engine control software available for the current configuration of the vehicle 2.

At defined times, e.g. When starting and / or when switching off the vehicle 2, in particular when starting and / or switching off the vehicle engine, at regular time intervals or after a predetermined number of start / stop operations, the detection device 6 and the vehicle transmission device 8, for example, from the control unit 22nd be activated to read out the configuration data from the markers 51, 52, 53, 54 installed in the vehicle 2 and to be transmitted to the receiving device 12 via the vehicle transmission device 8 and if required, in particular if the configuration of the vehicle 2 has changed and / or or new ECU data, such as an updated version of the control software for the control unit 22, which is tuned to the current configuration of the vehicle 2, to transmit new control unit data to the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2.

In one possible embodiment, control unit data, in particular when it is determined that the configuration of the motor vehicle 2 has been changed, is transmitted to the control unit 22 in order to adapt the control unit data to the changed configuration of the motor vehicle 22.

To this end, the comparison and selection device 24 may additionally comprise a configuration comparison device 25, which is configured to compare the currently transmitted configuration data of a vehicle 2 with configuration data of the same vehicle 2 stored in a configuration memory device 27 at an earlier time and only then to select and to select new software to the vehicle 2, in particular the control unit 22 in the vehicle 2, to transmit, if the currently transmitted configuration data does not match the last transmitted configuration data of the same vehicle 2.

Alternatively or additionally, a vehicle configuration comparison device 7 with a local memory 7a may also be provided in the vehicle 2. The local memory 7a is configured to store configuration data that has been read out from at least one of the preferably wirelessly readable markers 51, 52, 53, 54 at a first time, and the vehicle configuration comparison device 7 is configured to store configuration data a second, later time from at least one of the preferably wirelessly readable markers 51, 52, 53, 54 have been read out, with the configuration data stored in the local memory 7a, which have been read at the first, earlier time to compare and only then Help of the vehicle transmitting device 8 to transmit configuration data from the vehicle 2 to the garage system 15 when the configuration data read out at the second, later time differ from the configuration data stored in the local memory 7a. In this way, unnecessary data transfers can be avoided.

In the following, another possible embodiment will be described, which can be combined with the embodiment described above. The two embodiments can also be realized independently of each other.

In the further embodiment, control unit data is sent to the

Control unit 22 transmitted when in the control unit data memory 17 updated control unit data are available, which are assigned to the selected by the comparison and selection device 24 configuration record and in particular may include an updated control software.

For this purpose, data currently stored in the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 can be read out, transferred to the comparison and selection device 24 and compared there with the control device data associated with the configuration data set selected by the comparison and selection device 24, only to supply new control unit data to the control unit Control unit 22 to transmit when the currently stored in the control unit 22 of the vehicle 2 control unit data from the stored in the control unit data memory 17 control unit data, which are assigned to the selected configuration data set, different.

In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted from the control unit 22 to the comparison and selection device 24, at least one version number assigned to the control unit data and / or the time at which the control unit data was last updated can be transmitted instead of the control unit data itself the corresponding data of the control unit data stored in the control unit data memory 17, which are assigned to the selected configuration data set, are compared. The configuration data transmitted by the vehicle 2 to the receiving device 12 may optionally be read together with further data transmitted by the vehicle 2 to the receiving device 12, such as the current mileage, possibly from the control unit 22 and from the vehicle transmitting device 8 the receiving device 12 have been transmitted, are stored in the storage device 16, for example, to create a "log" of the vehicle 2 and its configuration, ie built in the vehicle 2 components 41, 42, 43, 44, and always up to date hold.

In this way, the configuration of the vehicle 2 at any time, especially in retrospect, can be followed and manipulations of the configuration of the vehicle 2 can be easily, reliably and quickly detected.

In addition, the vehicle and / or engine control may be adjusted by the controller 22 depending on mileage, e.g. to compensate for aging and / or wear of components 41, 42, 43, 44 and / or to protect aged / worn components 41, 42, 43, 44.

The memory device 16 can, as shown in the figure, be formed as part of the workshop system 15, but alternatively also as part of a "virtual data cloud" ("cloud"), which can be accessed via the Internet.

If the data of the vehicle 2 are stored in a "cloud of data", they are available everywhere where access to the Internet is possible and can be quickly called up as needed, in particular in the event of repair and / or breakdown become.

The configuration data of the vehicle 2 is available throughout its life and may be, e.g. for product development and / or preparation, to improve product quality.

Since the components 41, 42, 43, 44 are uniquely identifiable and clearly assignable to a vehicle 2, measurement data of the vehicle 2 for documentation of tests can be easily associated with the component 41, 42, 43, 44 concerned. As a result, tests of new components 41, 42, 43, 44 can be carried out easier and faster than before, and faulty components 41, 42, 43, 44 can be quickly and reliably identified and located.

The identification of a defective component 41, 42, 43, 44 takes place by evaluating the configuration data stored in the storage device 16.

If e.g. the sensor in the vehicle 2 determines that the injector in the first cylinder is faulty, this information can be clearly associated with the affected component 41, 42, 43, 44 in connection, as it is known which injector is installed in the first cylinder. Thus, for each injector its degree of stress, its defect image, etc. can be obtained and documented.

So far, the test documentation, the configuration of the components 41, 42, 43, 44 in the vehicle 2 via parts lists must be logged, which are created during installation and manually updated when replacing components 41, 42, 43, 44, which is error-prone , In particular, if components 41, 42, 43, 44 need to be replaced during a test drive (e.g., in case of damage), there is no guarantee that the part lists will be updated promptly and correctly. Such errors can not occur when a system according to the invention in which the parts lists are automatically updated is used. Additionally, in tests performed after the installation of a new component 41, 42, 43, 44, the necessary software customization of the controller (e.g., driver) may be accomplished through the online connection to the vehicle 2, as before

described, done automatically, so the effort for a manual

Software update no longer required.

The workshop system 15 can also have at least one input device 20, which allows manual input of configuration data into the workshop system 15 and / or to complete and / or modify configuration data sets stored in the memory device 16.

The workshop system 15 may additionally include a display device 18, which allows stored in the memory device 16

Display configuration data.

Claims

claims 1 . Method for updating control unit data of a vehicle control unit (22) comprising the steps of: a) acquiring configuration data, in particular the type, number and / or identity of at least one component (41, 42, 43) installed in or on a vehicle (2) , 44); b) comparing the acquired configuration data with configuration data contained in stored configuration records and selecting a stored configuration record whose configuration data has the greatest match with the acquired configuration data; and c) transmitting stored control device data associated with the configuration data set so selected to the controller (22). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmission of the control unit data to the control unit (22) takes place wirelessly. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring the configuration data includes manually acquiring configuration data of at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) installed in or on the vehicle (2) and inputting it manually into an input device (20). 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein acquiring the configuration data includes, wirelessly, at least one wirelessly readable memory element (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) , in particular with the help of electromagnetic waves, read out. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein acquiring the configuration data includes optically detecting at least one marker (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) , 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one mark (51, 52, 53, 54) is designed as optically detectable code, in particular as a barcode and / or as a QR code. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting the configuration data set comprises selecting a stored configuration data record in the configuration data of which all detected configuration data are contained and / or whose configuration data are completely contained in the acquired configuration data. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, if the number of configuration data of a stored configuration data record matching the acquired configuration data is defined as a measure of the correspondence between the transmitted configuration data and a stored configuration data record, that one of the stored configuration data records is selected has the greatest degree of agreement with the collected configuration data. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method comprises, a Alert when the highest level of compliance falls below a preset limit. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting a configuration record comprises selecting a stored configuration record whose configuration data completely matches the configuration data transmitted to the receiving device. 1 1. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method comprises, currently detected configuration data of a vehicle (2) with it at an earlier time detected and stored configuration data thereof Compare vehicle (2) and only then select one of the stored configuration records and transfer the control device data associated with the selected stored configuration record to the control unit (22) of the vehicle (2), if the currently acquired configuration data not with the previously detected and stored Configuration data of the same vehicle (2) match. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises comparing data currently stored in the control unit of the vehicle with the control data associated with the selected configuration data record and only then communicating the control unit data associated with the selected configuration data record transmit the controller (22) when the data currently stored in the controller (22) of the vehicle (2) is different than the controller data associated with the selected configuration record; wherein the comparing includes, in particular, comparing version numbers associated with the controller data and / or the times at which the controller data in the controller (22) and the controller data associated with the selected configuration record were last updated. 13. A system for updating control unit data of a vehicle control unit (22), comprising: a) a memory device (16) in which at least one configuration data record is stored containing configuration data, in particular the type, number and / or identity of at least one in or component (41, 42, 43, 44) installed on the vehicle (2); b) a detection device (6), which is designed to acquire configuration data, which in particular comprise the type, number and / or identity of at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) installed in or on the vehicle (2); c) a control device data memory (17) in which control device data is stored, each associated with at least one stored configuration data set; d) comparing and selecting means (24) arranged to compare the configuration data acquired by the detection device (6) with the configuration data of the stored configuration data sets and to select a stored configuration data set whose configuration data is the most consistent with the configuration data acquired by the detection device exhibit; 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising: e) a first transmission device (8, 12) comprising a vehicle transmission device (8) and a reception device (12) and configured to send configuration data from the detection device (6) to the Transfer comparison and selection device (24); and / or f) a second transmission device (9, 13) comprising a transmitter device (13) and a vehicle receiver device (9) and configured to provide control device data associated with the configuration data set selected by the comparison and selection device (24) to transmit to the control unit (22). 15. System according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the transmission devices (8, 9, 12, 13) is designed for wireless data transmission. 16. System according to any one of claims 13 to 15, additionally comprising at least one input device (6a, 20), which is provided for the manual input of configuration data. 17. System according to one of claims 13 to 16, which additionally comprises at least one wirelessly readable memory element (51, 52, 53, 54) which is associated with at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) of the vehicle (2), wherein the detection device (6) is designed to wirelessly, in particular using electromagnetic waves, read configuration data from the at least one wirelessly readable memory element (51, 52, 53, 54). 18. A system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising at least one marker (51, 52, 53, 54) associated with at least one component (41, 42, 43, 44) of the vehicle (2), and wherein the detection device (6) is designed to optically detect the at least one marking (51, 52, 53, 54), wherein the at least one marking (51, 51, 43, 44) mounted on and / or on a component (41, 42, 43) 52, 53, 54) is in particular an optically detectable code, in particular a barcode and / or a QR code. 19. System according to one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the comparison and selection device (24) additionally comprises a configuration comparison device (25) which is configured, the currently detected configuration data of a vehicle (2) with previously acquired and stored configuration data of the same vehicle (2) and only then select one of the stored configuration records and transmit the controller data associated with the selected configuration record to the controller (22) if the currently acquired configuration data does not match the previously acquired and stored configuration data of the same vehicle (2 ) to match. 20. System according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the comparison and selection device (24) is additionally designed to compare the currently stored in the control unit (22) of the vehicle (2) data with the selected stored configuration data set associated control device data and this assigned control unit data to the control unit (22) only if the current control unit data of the vehicle (2) differ from the control unit data associated with the selected stored configuration data set; wherein the comparing includes, in particular, comparing version numbers associated with the controller data and / or the times at which the controller data in the controller (22) and the controller data stored in the controller data memory (17) associated with the selected configuration record have been last updated.