The role of the OTA software update in the future of autonomous driving<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/intellias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/OTA-update-of-a-car-map.png\")
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For the autonomous driving ecosystem to thrive, OTA updating will play an essential role. Along with V2X connectivity<\/a>, OTA technology allows the cars ahead to share detailed information immediately for cars behind, to improve traffic flow. The cycle of content updates from infrastructure, vehicles, and traffic systems, must be reduced from months or years to seconds for this future to be realized.<\/p>\n Essential components of OTA software update technology for vehicles will include data on:<\/p>\n Let’s find out how to implement one of the most essential over the air software updates\u00a0that are already in use, namely map updates for connected car navigation.<\/p>\n Cloud software development<\/a> and implementation of OTA technology architecture must be a top priority for OEMs, as a certain framework must be put in place to allow this technology to be applied.<\/p>\n In-car navigation systems need a pre-installed map, and cars must have at minimum 3G wireless capabilities.<\/p>\n The updated server URL should be properly configured, so the navigation system can check the server address to see what new maps are available.<\/p>\n The list of regions to be updated must be configured before the navigation system can trigger OTA updates to connected vehicles.<\/p>\n Each vehicle\u2019s OTA service can then connect to the update server and check if the server contains updates for any given region.<\/p>\n Navigation systems have to understand and distinguish when a map region is out of range to receive an incremental update, and instead provide a full map update.<\/p>\n 1. Quarterly Map Updates<\/strong><\/p>\n The simple way of implementing over the air software updates\u00a0is to provide a patch four times a year. For each available update region, a new version of the map can be supported. Updating the map in parts saves data traffic and time since the download is much faster.<\/p>\n Quarterly updates include up to eight incremental updates, after that the map will be updated fully. BMW has been implementing OTA navigation updates using their Connected Drive system<\/a>, which informs drivers of new roads and modified traffic layouts.<\/p>\n 2. Full Map Updates<\/strong><\/p>\n When a quarterly or patch update is too large or almost equal to the whole map update size, then a full map update is required.<\/p>\n Although patches can take more time to be installed, they are much faster to download. The advantages of patches cannot be applied here, as the file size is too big. It\u2019s more efficient to update the full map, which is easier to install and can take the same amount of time to download as a big patch.<\/p>\n Also, the third type of update could be applied. This involves streaming data in real time, utilizing the benefits of V2X connectivity. Continuous updates without the participation of users are essential for autonomous driving. Connected car companies<\/a> are already working to overcome\u00a0the challenges<\/a> faced to bring this idea to life.<\/p>\n The list of car manufacturers introducing OTA updates to connected vehicles is rapidly gaining pace. Using a variety of technologies, OEMs are providing this service to enable secure over-the-air updates for cars.<\/p>\n\n
Requirements of OTA software update technology for vehicles<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/intellias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/OTA-update-requirements-for-connected-car-navigation.png\")
<\/p>\nTwo main types of OTA technology in cars\u00a0available<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/intellias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/OTA-map-updates.png\")
<\/p>\nOEMs currently competing for connected car solutions<\/h3>\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/intellias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/OEMs-currently-competing-for-connected-car-solutions.png\")
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