Control unit and method for activating control functions

Abstract

Control device (1000) with a plurality of control functions for controlling a technical system (1), the control device (1000) comprising a memory device (202) and a processor (200), wherein the plurality of control functions are stored in the memory device as respectively activatable software functions with a respectively definable or set function value, wherein a definable or set function activation value is further stored in the memory device (202), wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions is activatable if the function value of the at least one of the plurality of control functions or a sum of the function values ​​of the plurality of control functions is less than or equal to the function activation value.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit and a method for activating at least one control function of a control unit. The invention further relates to a computer program with program code and a computer-readable data carrier with program code of a computer program. State of the art

[0002] The development and operation of control units, especially those of complex systems such as internal combustion engines, represents a challenge in today's technological world. A key component of this challenge is the software (SW) used to control and / or optimize these control units. Software functionality requirements vary considerably depending on the application. In some scenarios, a comprehensive set of software features is required to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. These features can range from advanced diagnostics to sophisticated control mechanisms.

[0003] In other cases, a moderate range of software features may be sufficient, although specific requirements vary from case to case. This requires a flexible software architecture that can adapt to different needs. On the other hand, there are use cases where no additional software features are required beyond the basic minimum functions. These "minimal basic features" provide the basic functionality required for the basic operation of the ECU.

[0004] These different software requirements lead to pricing dynamics. If different prices are charged for different software features, this inevitably results in many separate software variants. Each variant would contain only the set of software features paid for. However, this could lead to significant additional effort in software development and release, as each software release involves additional effort. Furthermore, the large number of variants would make variant management and software support both time-consuming and costly.

[0005] Thus, the industry is faced with the challenge of finding a balance between providing tailored software solutions for different applications and managing the associated technical complexity and / or costs.

[0006] US 2007 / 0 240 233 A1 discloses a method and system for identifying and enforcing software feature limits across different hardware platforms, software releases, and tiers. Further prior art is known from US 2021 / 0 312 015 A1 and WO 2010 / 133 264 A1.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved control device and / or an improved method for activating at least one control function of a plurality of control functions of a control device.

[0008] The object is achieved by a control device according to the features of patent claim 1. The object is achieved by a method for activating at least one control function of a plurality of control functions of a control device according to the features of patent claim 9. The object is achieved by a computer program with program code according to the features of patent claim 10 and by a computer-readable data carrier with program code of a computer program according to the features of patent claim 11. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, a control unit with multiple control functions for controlling a technical system is proposed. The control unit has a memory device and a processor. The multiple control functions are stored in the memory device as activatable software functions, each with a definable or set function value. Furthermore, a definable or set function activation value is stored in the memory device. At least one of the multiple control functions can be activated if the function value of at least one of the multiple control functions or a sum of the function values ​​of the multiple control functions is less than or equal to the function activation value.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a method for activating at least one control function of a plurality of control functions of a control device for controlling a technical system is provided. The method comprises the steps: - Providing the multiple control functions as activatable software functions each with a definable or fixed function value; - Providing, in particular by setting once, a function activation value; and - Activating at least one of the plurality of control functions on the control unit, depending on a comparison as to whether the function value of at least one of the plurality of control functions or a sum of the function values ​​of the plurality of control functions is less than or equal to the function activation value.

[0011] The statements made for the control unit apply accordingly to the method. It is understood that linguistic variations of objectively formulated features can be reformulated as corresponding procedural features for the method according to common linguistic practice, without such formulations having to be explicitly listed here.

[0012] It is understood that the steps and other optional steps of the method do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown, but can also be performed in a different order. Furthermore, additional intermediate steps can be provided. The individual steps can also comprise one or more substeps without thereby departing from the scope of the method.

[0013] The control unit is equipped with several control functions. These functions are used, for example, to control various aspects or components of the technical system. The control unit has a memory device and a processor. The memory device is used to store the software functions and other relevant data, while the processor takes over the execution of these functions and, if necessary, the general control of the control unit. The various control functions are stored as software functions in the memory device. These software functions can be activated, i.e. they can be switched on and executed. Each control function is preferably provided with a definable or fixed function value. This value can be a parameter or a setting that describes the intensity, extent, or type of function and can therefore be determined accordingly.Furthermore, there is a settable or fixed function activation value stored in the memory device. This value serves as a kind of benchmark or threshold to determine whether the selected software functions can be activated. At least one of the multiple control functions can be activated if the function value of this function or the sum of the function values ​​of all control functions to be activated is less than or equal to the function activation value. This condition implies that the activation of the functions depends on the set values ​​and the relationship of these values ​​to the function activation value.

[0014] The customer of the control unit preferably has the option of changing the control unit's calibration data for activating the function values ​​themselves. This allows the customer to decide whether to activate or deactivate control functions or software features. The previously set function activation value ensures that the customer has a sufficiently high function activation value for the control functions to be activated. The customer may, for example, have paid for the amount of the function activation value. By comparing the function activation value, which is particularly stored in an unchangeable manner, with the respective function value(s) for activating control functions, it can be checked whether the customer has a sufficiently high function activation value to activate some or all control functions or software features.

[0015] This offers the possibility of creating and / or generating only one software package that contains all control functions or software features. The same software can then be made available to multiple customers. Otherwise, separate, customer-specific software would have to be provided for each set of control functions to be activated. In the case of N control functions, the present invention only requires the creation of one software package instead of two. N Software variants. Using just 10 software features as an example, this means that previously 1024 software variants were required to offer all possible combinations of control functions. Now, only one software package is required, encompassing all control functions in an activatable form.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one of the plurality of control functions can only be activated if its function value is less than or equal to the function activation value, or wherein at least a subset of the plurality of control functions can only be activated if the function values ​​of the control functions of the subset are in sum less than or equal to the function activation value.

[0017] At least one of the multiple control functions in the control unit can only be activated if its individual function value is less than or equal to the specified function activation value. This means that each control function has a specific value, and this value must not exceed a specified threshold (the function activation value) in order to activate the function. There can also be a subset within the entire set of control functions. This subset comprises a number of control functions, which are, for example, considered as a group. A collective condition is preferably specified for the activation of the control functions within this subset. This condition states that the sum of the function values ​​of all control functions in this subset must be less than or equal to the function activation value.This means that the combined values ​​of this group of functions must not exceed the function activation value in order for them to be activated.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of control functions as a whole and / or the entire control unit are deactivated or can be deactivated if the function value of at least one of the plurality of control functions or the sum of the function values ​​of the plurality of control functions is greater than the function activation value.

[0019] Deactivation preferably affects both the individual control functions within the control unit and the entire control unit itself. Deactivation occurs or can occur if the function value of at least one of the control functions or the sum of the function values ​​of all control functions is greater than the function activation value. This means that if the value of an individual function or the combined values ​​of all functions exceed the specified threshold (function activation value), this leads to deactivation.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the function activation value is stored in a non-changeable, in particular one-time programmable section of the memory device.

[0021] The function activation value is therefore preferably stored in the control unit in such a way that it cannot be changed by the customer and / or the end user. This subsequently unchangeable function activation value is then compared by the control unit (ECU) with the number or function value(s) of the activated software features or control functions. If more control functions are activated via the function values ​​than has been set for the control unit and the correspondingly set function activation value, or for example, paid for, the control unit and the control functions as a whole will not function. The control unit is preferably deactivated in this process and can be reactivated, for example, by technical support from the control unit manufacturer.Alternatively, it may be sufficient for the control unit customer to adjust the control unit's calibration data to activate the function values, thus reducing the function values ​​so that the sum of the function values ​​is less than or at least equal to the function activation value. Furthermore, it may also be the case that the control unit is not completely deactivated, so that, for example, only main functions (e.g., F1 to F7 and / or other central (control) functions) are deactivated.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the function activation value and / or the respective function value is / are stored in the form of bits or in the form of a numerical value.

[0023] The function activation value serves as a reference or threshold for enabling or disabling the control functions, while the function values ​​represent the specific settings or parameters of each individual control function. Both the function activation value and the function values ​​can be stored in the form of bits or as numeric values. "In the form of bits" means that the values ​​are stored in a binary form, represented by bits. This type of storage is typical for digital systems in which values ​​are represented as a series of 0s and 1s. "In the form of a numeric value" can mean that the respective value has a decimal, hexadecimal, or other numeric representation, depending on the design and requirements of the control unit.A value with X bits for the function activation value is preferably stored in a protected and / or one-time programmable area in the control unit's memory, particularly before the control unit is delivered to the customer. Each bit preferably represents a predetermined "value" for which the customer can decide how many bits should be set in the control unit by configuring, changing data, or calibrating the control unit. The customer can then preferably activate the control functions independently. For example, the control unit's software can perform a comparison between the function values ​​and the function activation value, and prevent regular operation of the control unit if the sum of the function values ​​is greater than the function activation value.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of control functions can be activated by activating the respective function value in the memory device if the function value of the respective control function or the sum of the function values ​​of the plurality of control functions is less than or equal to the function activation value.

[0025] To activate or deactivate control functions, the respective function value is preferably used. This is preferably equal to or less than the function activation value. The control unit compares, for example, how many bits of the function value are set with the number of "available" bits from the function activation value. If the number of active bits of the function value is greater than the number of active bits of the function activation value, the control unit is deactivated. The control unit can only be used to its full extent if the function value for selecting the activated control function is not greater than the function activation value that was written into the control unit by the supplier.This type of value comparison offers the possibility of creating a single software package that contains all possible software features and making the same software available to all customers, regardless of the number of software features ultimately used by the customer. The number of control functions a customer can use then depends on the "value" or the value of the function activation value of the control unit, which may correlate with the price of the control unit.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, activation can be carried out by occupying digital inputs of the control unit and / or by means of an input device of a manufacturer or an end user of the control unit and / or of an OEM manufacturing a vehicle with the control unit and / or by loading a specific program version onto the control unit by means of an activation device.

[0027] "Activation via digital inputs of the control unit" means that the control unit has digital inputs through which control functions can be activated. Digital inputs refer to specific interfaces or ports on the control unit that can receive digital signals. By sending suitable signals via these inputs, certain functions of the control unit can be activated.

[0028] "Activation via an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or end-user input device" describes the possibility of activating functions via a dedicated input device operated either by the manufacturer (OEM) or the end user. This input device could be a software interface, a physical control panel, or another form of user interface.

[0029] "Activation by uploading a specific program version using an activation device" refers to the ability to activate functions by uploading (or installing) a specific version of the software to the control unit. The activation device used in this process could be a computer, a specialized diagnostic device, or another electronic tool. The "specific program version" refers to a specific software version or software update that enables the activation of the functions. Alternatively, a "data version" can be changed, whereby "software functions / program versions" and / or "data" can be stored separately in the control unit. In other words, a control unit is provided with a program version with a "standard data version" that can be changed by the customer.The "standard data version" can then be overwritten so that only a customer-specific "individual data version" is stored on the control unit. All customers have the same program version, at least initially, but they can use different, individual data versions.

[0030] The present invention also claims a technical system, in particular a motor vehicle and / or a drone and / or a robot and / or a machine and / or an end-user device, with a control unit. The technical system can be individually controlled using the multiple control functions. Furthermore, the technical system can be a combined heat and power plant or an emergency power generator.

[0031] The invention also claims a computer program with program code for executing at least parts of the method according to the invention in one of its embodiments when the computer program is executed on a computer. In other words, the invention provides a computer program (product) comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method / steps of the method according to the invention in one of its embodiments.

[0032] According to the invention, a computer-readable data carrier with program code of a computer program is also proposed for executing at least parts of the method according to the invention in one of its embodiments when the computer program is executed on a computer. In other words, the invention relates to a computer-readable (storage) medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method / steps of the method according to the invention in one of its embodiments.

[0033] The described designs and further training courses can be combined as desired.

[0034] Further possible embodiments, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or below with regard to the embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. Short description of the drawings

[0035] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention.

[0036] Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages will become apparent upon review of the drawings. The elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0037] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the present method; Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram of a control unit; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a stored function activation value; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of activated function values; and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of activated function values.

[0038] In the figures of the drawings, the same reference symbols designate the same or functionally identical elements, parts or components, unless otherwise stated.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the present method.

[0040] In any embodiment, the method can be carried out at least partially by a device 100 and / or a control unit 1000. For this purpose, the device can comprise a plurality of components not shown in detail, for example, one or more provision devices and / or at least one evaluation and computing device. It is understood that the provision device can be designed jointly with the evaluation and computing device or can be different from it. Furthermore, the system can comprise a storage device and / or an output device and / or a display device and / or an input device.

[0041] The computer-implemented method for activating at least one control function of a plurality of control functions of a control unit for controlling a technical system comprises at least the following steps: In step S1, the multiple control functions are provided as activatable software functions, each with a definable or fixed function value. The order of steps S1 and S2 is only exemplary and can be interchanged. In a step S2, a function activation value is provided, in particular by setting it once. In a step S3, at least one of the plurality of control functions is activated on the control unit, depending on a comparison as to whether the function value of the at least one of the plurality of control functions or a sum of the function values ​​of the plurality of control functions is less than or equal to the function activation value.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the control unit 1000 with a plurality of control functions 400 (F1-F7) for controlling a technical system 1. The control unit 1000 has a memory device 202 and a processor 200. The plurality of control functions 400 are stored in the memory device 202 as activatable software functions with a respective definable or set function value 402.

[0043] Furthermore, a settable or fixed function activation value 300 (see Fig. 3) stored in the memory device 202 in the form of bit values. At least one of the plurality of control functions 400 can be activated if the function value 402 of the at least one of the plurality of control functions 400 or a sum of the function values ​​402 of the plurality of control functions 400 is less than or equal to the function activation value 300, as shown schematically in Fig. 3.

[0044] In Fig. 3, the function activation value 300 is set as 5 bits. The function activation value 300 is stored in the form of the 5 bits set by the control unit manufacturer in a non-modifiable, in particular one-time programmable, section 204 of the memory device 202. For example, a customer must pay X euros for each bit in order to be set accordingly in the control unit 1000.

[0045] In Fig. 4 shows that a cumulative 4 bits are set for the function values ​​402 to activate the control functions 400, or F1, F4, F5, and F7. The comparison between the sum of the function values ​​402 (cumulative 4 bits) and the function activation value 300 shows that the condition is met, since the sum of the function values ​​402 is smaller than the function activation value 300 (4 bits < 5 bits). Thus, the control functions F1, F4, F5, and F7 can be successfully activated.

[0046] In Fig. 5, the customer set 6 bits as function values ​​402 in an attempt to activate control functions 400, or F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F7. The comparison between the sum of function values ​​402 (6 bits) and the function activation value 300 set with 5 bits shows that the condition is not met, since the sum of function values ​​402 is greater than the function activation value 300 (6 bits > 5 bits). Thus, control functions F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F7 cannot be activated. The entire control unit 1000 or a defined subset (e.g., all activatable functions F1 to F7) is thus deactivated. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2007 / 0 240 233 A1

[0006] US 2021 / 0 312 015 A1

[0006] WO 2010 / 133 264 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Control device (1000) with a plurality of control functions (400) for controlling a technical system (1), the control device (1000) having a memory device (202) and a processor (200), wherein the plurality of control functions (400) are stored in the memory device (202) as respectively activatable software functions with a respectively definable or set function value (402), wherein a definable or set function activation value (300) is further stored in the memory device (202), wherein at least one of the plurality of control functions (400) is activatable if the function value (402) of the at least one of the plurality of control functions (400) or a sum of the function values ​​(402) of the plurality of control functions (400) is less than or equal to the function activation value (300). [2] Control device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the plurality of control functions (400) can only be activated if its function value (402) is less than or equal to the function activation value (300), or wherein at least a subset of the plurality of control functions (400) can only be activated if the function values ​​(402) of the control functions (400) of the subset are in sum less than or equal to the function activation value (300). [3] Control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of control functions (400) are deactivated as a whole if the function value (402) of the at least one of the plurality of control functions (400) or the sum of the function values ​​(402) of the plurality of control functions (400) is greater than the function activation value (300). [4] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the definable or fixed function activation value (300) is stored in a non-changeable, in particular once-programmable section (204) of the memory device (202). [5] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the function activation value (300) and / or the respective function value (402) is / are stored in the form of bits or in the form of a numerical value. [6] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of control functions (400) can be activated by activating the respective function value (402) in the memory device (202) if the function value (402) of the respective control function (400) or the sum of the function values ​​(402) of the plurality of control functions (400) is less than or equal to the function activation value (300). [7] Control device according to claim 6, wherein the activation can be carried out by occupying digital inputs of the control device (1000) and / or by means of an input device of a manufacturer or an end user of the control device and / or by loading a specific program version onto the control device (1000) by means of an activation device. [8] Technical system (1), in particular motor vehicle and / or drone and / or robot and / or machine and / or end-user device, with a control device (1000) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Method for activating at least one control function (400) of a plurality of control functions (400) of a control device (1000) for controlling a technical system (1), the method comprising the steps: - Providing (S1) the plurality of control functions (400) as respectively activatable software functions with a respectively definable or fixed function value (402); - providing (S2), in particular by setting once, a function activation value (300); and - activating (S3) at least one of the plurality of control functions (400) on the control device (1000), depending on a comparison as to whether the function value (402) of the at least one of the plurality of control functions (400) or a sum of the function values ​​(402) of the plurality of control functions (400) is less than or equal to the function activation value (300). [10] A computer program comprising program code for carrying out at least parts of a method according to claim 9 when the computer program is executed on a computer. [11] Computer-readable data carrier with program code of a computer program according to claim 10.

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