Patent ID: 9229704
Filing Date: 2016-01-05
CPC Classification: B60L,G06F,Y02T

Claim Text:
1. A method comprising the steps of: maintaining in a server system a database of update files for reflashing of respective electronic modules installed in respective vehicles models within a vehicle fleet; maintaining in the server system data identifying a respective current draw by the electronic modules involve in reflashing and a respective reflash time associated with each respective update file when applied in each respective vehicle model; sending pedigree information from a particular one of the respective vehicle models to the server system; identifying in the server system relevant update files and corresponding current draw and reflash time data for outdated modules in the particular vehicle model in response to the pedigree information; sending the relevant update files and corresponding data to the particular vehicle model; determining a state of charge of a battery in the particular vehicle model; estimating a depleted state of charge that would remain after applying a relevant update file, wherein the depleted state of charge is determined by 1) multiplying the respective current draw and the respective reflash time, and 2) adding a current draw corresponding with other modules operating within the particular vehicle model while a relevant update file is applied to one of the outdated modules; applying the update file if the depleted state of charge is greater than a predetermined state of charge and not applying the update file if the depleted state of charge is less than the predetermined state of charge; reporting an actual reflash time to the server system after applying a respective update file; reporting an actual current draw to the server system after applying a respective update file; and updating the data maintained on the server system in response to the reported actual flash time and actual current draw.