Since the fix for our cars is simply a firmware update, do you think, in the near future, our cars will connect to Toyota via WiFi and be able to install firmware updates via the internet? I know current models won't, but with more functions being controlled by software, why not?
Sure, and it could be done like a bittorrent, where previously updated cars could seed the network. Tom
ROTFLOL! Sure, and then we'll have "car viruses" that take over your car and just allow car thieves to remotley control your car,and drive it directly to them, hell, never mind "car jacking", this would be a new high tech form Mitch
If you have a wireless router, the Vendor is adamant you don't attempt to update the firmware of the router via wireless. Why would you trust a safety feature on a ton and a half car going 60 MPH to WiFi? I can only think you hate going to the dealer so bad you would rather die.
It would probably be more reliable to use a cellular link like the Kindles use to update their firmware.
This is because the router has no internal buffer for temporary storage of updates. With a simple device like a router, you have to transfer and flash all in one throw. With more sophisticated devices you can buffer data until all of a package has been downloaded and verified. The actual flash can be done later, at a safe time, after the verification. Of course this doesn't address weak batteries and other similar hazards. It will be a long time before the benefits outweigh the risks for this sort of updating. Not necessarily. Look at the bittorrent model. It will pull data from multiple sources for as long as it takes to get a complete package. A cellular data system would provide a larger range of coverage, but not necessarily any more reliability. Tom
If you buy the $8000 wireless downloader, with $100 per month subscription fee. Then sign a waver saying that if the software damages your car its your own fault and don't hold toyota liable. Then maybe. Liability and the dealer profit for changing your sofware are the reasons why it won't happen anytime soon for toyota.
I wouldn't mind this if it was taken into account: * Digital signing and encryption of updates to prevent malicious attack * Uses licensed spectrum, not Wi-Fi (far too crowded) * Each ECU should have two flash segments with the ability to fall back if the flash update fails (they may already). * Updates are performed only when the car is not being operated * Toyota has a clear means of tracking which cars did and did not receive such an update, and, can optionally generate a friendly alert on the vehicle screen advising customer next steps Some challenges to this would be remote use cases where the car is rarely parked. Could you imagine making a 100 mile road trip into a metropolitan area just so your car will upgrade itself? Overcoming the Big Brother perception is another large one. Finally - is this service only offered during the warranty period, and subscription thereafter?
Would you really trust a "patch tuesday" for your car? Read this: Slashdot Technology Story | Windows Patch Leaves Many XP Users With Blue Screens
I can't even begin to remember the number of times I've had to do flash updates on computers and computer networking equipment. Most of the time it goes ok. I'd guess that about 5 % of the time I've had to modify the procedure, or re-flash a couple of times in order to accomplish the task. Consequently, I feel very uncomfortable about the proposed "Automatic Flash Update" process. In the case of a car as complex as a Prius, I can see where under some circumstances where it may be necessary to flash multiple systems for the "full update". For an automobile, I feel that it is best to have a certified service station perform the upgrade, then run a simple test to ensure that the upgrade was successful. For the "Auto-Flash Update" scenario presented in this thread, how many owners/drivers would be willing (and are competent) to perform a proper validation test? (Rick, you and I are in the minority.) Keith
Why not send the firmware through safety connect and notify driver when the car is turned off. Driver can say yes or no to the 5 minute procedure. If the flashing fails, have the car towed to the dealership and have it fixed. Even a hitless upgrade should be possible while the car is moving.
If you are at the dealer and he 'bricks' your ECU, he has another one in Parts, not your problem. If you take the update in your garage and it fails, you have a major problem.
Yep!!! Now that I think about it, maybe Toyota should implement automatic updates via wireless. I could start another lucrative career doing field flash updates for Auto-Update Failures. (Bob Wilson, Patrick Wong, and Rick Johnson, do you want to start a new business with me?) Keith
These is because of customary practice. The manufacturer could also assume liability for distributed updates if it suits their purpose. At the point it becomes more cost effective we will see this sort of thing. Until then, we won't. Tom
