Method and apparatus for peer to peer distribution strategy for updates

1. A computer-implemented method comprising:

responsive to detecting a key-off a first vehicle, determining if the first vehicle possesses a file chunk having a predefined preferred distribution characteristic;

responsive to determining that the first vehicle possesses the file chunk and that the file chunk includes the distribution characteristic, setting the first vehicle in a low-power state, wherein the vehicle is capable of receiving requests from other vehicles for the file chunk based on an active process for request receipt enabled during the low-power state; and

responding to a request from another vehicle for the file chunk by delivering the file chunk, unless a power state of the first vehicle is below a predefined threshold.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predefined distribution characteristic is identified by a server remote from the first vehicle and is received by the first vehicle from the server.

3. The method of claim 2 , further wherein the responding to requests is enabled responsive to receiving the request by increasing first vehicle power, and is disabled following completion of response, and wherein the method includes returning the first vehicle to the low-power state that existed prior to increasing first vehicle power responsive to completion of the response.

4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:

responsive to determining that the first vehicle lacks a file chunk to complete a file, periodically waking the first vehicle at predefined intervals and broadcasting a request for the lacking file chunk.

5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising advertising the file chunk as available for transfer via broadcast while the first vehicle is in the low-power state.

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the setting the first vehicle in the low-power state is further responsive to determining that the first vehicle is at a location predefined as suitable for distribution.

7. The method of claim 2 , wherein the method further comprises:

monitoring remaining first vehicle power; and

terminating the low-power state responsive to first vehicle power falling below the threshold.

8. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a vehicle processor, cause the processor to perform the method comprising:

responsive to detecting a vehicle key-off, determining if the vehicle possesses a file chunk having a predefined preferred distribution characteristic;

responsive to determining that the vehicle possesses the file chunk, setting the vehicle in a low-power state, wherein the vehicle is capable of receiving requests for the file chunk based on an active process for request receipt enabled during the low-power state; and

responding to a request for the file chunk by delivering the file chunk, unless a vehicle power state is below a predefined threshold.

9. The storage medium of claim 8 , wherein the predefined distribution characteristic is identified by a server remote from the vehicle and is received by the vehicle from the server.

10. The storage medium of claim 8 , further wherein the responding to requests is enabled responsive to receiving the request by increasing vehicle power, and is disabled following completion of response, and wherein the method includes returning the vehicle to the low-power state that existed prior to increasing vehicle power responsive to completion of the response.

11. The storage medium of claim 8 , further comprising:

responsive to determining that the vehicle lacks a file chunk to complete a file, periodically waking the vehicle at predefined intervals and broadcasting a request for the lacking file chunk.

12. The storage medium of claim 8 , further comprising advertising the file chunk as available for transfer via broadcast while the vehicle is in the low-power state.

13. The storage medium of claim 8 , wherein the setting the vehicle in the low-power state is further responsive to determining that the vehicle is at a location predefined as suitable for distribution.

14. The storage medium of claim 8 , wherein the method further comprises:

monitoring remaining vehicle power; and

terminating the low-power state responsive to vehicle power falling below the threshold.

15. A system comprising:

a vehicle processor configured to:

determine if the vehicle possesses a file chunk having a predefined preferred distribution characteristic, responsive to detecting a vehicle key-off;

set the vehicle in a low-power state, wherein the vehicle is capable of receiving requests for the file chunk based on an active process for request receipt enabled during the low-power state, responsive to determining that the vehicle possesses the file chunk; and

respond to a request for the file chunk by delivering the file chunk, unless a vehicle power state is below a predefined threshold.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to enable response to requests responsive to receiving the request, by increasing vehicle power, and is enabled to disable response to the requests following completion of response by returning the vehicle to the low-power state that existed prior to increasing vehicle power responsive to completion of the response.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to:

periodically wake the vehicle at predefined intervals and broadcasting a request for the lacking file chunk, responsive to determining that the vehicle lacks a file chunk to complete a file.

18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to advertise the file chunk as available for transfer via broadcast while the vehicle is in the low-power state.

19. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to set the vehicle in the low-power state responsive to determining that the vehicle is at a location predefined as suitable for distribution in addition to being responsive to the determination that the vehicle possesses the file chunk.

20. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor is further configured to:

monitor remaining vehicle power; and

terminate the low-power state responsive to vehicle power falling below the threshold.