Connectivity architecture for prime mover system

Abstract

A prime mover system includes a prime mover located in a prime mover bay and configured to output power to drive a load, an on-system communication network, and a first electronic control unit located in the prime mover bay and operatively coupled with the on-system communication network, the first electronic control unit configured to run a real time operating system stored in a first set of non-transitory memory locations to control operation of the prime mover and configured to run an edge computing operating system stored in a second set of non-transitory memory locations to receive prime mover operation information from the real time operating system, process the received prime mover operation data to determine performance analytics, store the performance analytics in a third set of non-transitory memory locations, encode the performance analytics, and transmit the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network.

Description

CONNECTIVITY ARCHITECTURE FOR PRIME MOVER SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 599,217 filed November 15, 2023, and the same is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to connectivity architectures for prime mover system. Prime mover systems may be provided with multiple electronic control units (ECU) which may be required to communicate with one another to provide desired system functionality and which may be configured to perform different operations as part of a prime mover system. There is a need for ECU connectivity architectures to facilitate such communication, function, and operation. Present approaches to ECU connectivity architectures suffer from a number of drawbacks, limitations, and shortcomings including those related to complexity, component count, compatibility, cyber-security, robustness, durability, and cost, among others. There remains a significant need for the unique apparatuses, systems and methods disclosed herein.DISCLOSURE OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0003] For the purposes of clearly, concisely, and exactly describing example embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner, and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain example embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created, and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the example embodiments as would occur to one skilled in the art.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Some embodiments comprise systems including unique ECU connectivity architectures. Some embodiments comprise processes utilizing unique ECU connectivity architectures. Some embodiments comprise apparatuses with ECU connectivity architectures. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and is not to be used in defining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a system according to an example embodiment.

[0006] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of an example implementation of the system of Fig. 1.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of another example implementation of the system of Fig. I.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example implementation of Fig. 2.

[0009] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example implementation of Fig. 3.

[0010] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of another example implementation of the system of Fig. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0011] With reference to Fig. 1, there is illustrated an example prime mover system 100 (also referred to herein as system 100) including a prime mover disposed in a prime mover bay. In the illustrated embodiment, the prime mover of system 100 comprises an internal combustion engine 120 (also referred to herein as engine 120) and the prime mover bay is configured and provided as an engine bay 110. In other embodiments, system 100 may comprise other types of prime movers (for example, battery electric drive systems, hybrid engine and battery electric systems, fuel cell electric drive systems, or prime mover systems comprising combinations of the foregoing and / or other types of prime mover system as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure) which may be disposed in corresponding prime mover bays.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, system 100 is configured and provided as a vehicle system or vehicle powertrain system (e.g., an on-highway vehicle or vehicle powertrain system or an off-highway vehicle or vehicle powertrain system). In other embodiments, system 100 may be configured and provided as another type of prime mover system, for example, a work machine or work machine powertrain system, a genset or genset powertrain system, or a hydraulic fracturing rig or hydraulic fracturing rig powertrain system. It shall be appreciated that system 100 may include a number of other components as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure.

[0013] In the illustrated example, engine bay 110 is configured and provided as an internal combustion engine system including an engine 120, an intake air handling system 122, a fueling system 124, an exhaust system 126, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 130. It shall be appreciated that engine bay 110 may include a number of other components as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure. In other example embodiments, engine bay 110 may be configured and provided as another type of prime mover system such as, for example, a hybrid combustion engine-electric prime mover system, a battery electric prime mover system, a fuel cell prime mover system, or another type of prime mover system.

[0014] Engine 120 may be provided in a number of forms and typically includes a block including a plurality of cylinders and a head coupled with the block. The head typically includes intake ports, intake valves configured to selectively open and close the intake ports, exhaust ports, exhaust valves configured to selectively open and close the exhaust ports, injector bores, fuelinjectors disposed in the injector bores, spark plug bores, and spark plugs disposed in the spark plug bores. A plurality of pistons may be provided in respective ones of the plurality of cylinders. A crankshaft may be coupled with the plurality of pistons and configured to translate reciprocating motion of the plurality of pistons to provide torque directed to the drivetrain and transmission to propel the vehicle forward. It shall be appreciated that engine bay 110 may include a number of other components as will occur to one of skill in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure.

[0015] Intake air handling system 122 may include one or more air handling conduits, air filters, compressors (such as a compressor of a turbocharger or supercharger), coolers (such as charger air coolers, intercoolers, and / or aftercoolers which may be, for example, of an air-to-air type or an air-to-liquid type), and sensors (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, mass flow sensors, and other types of sensors), as well as other components.

[0016] Fueling system 124 may be configured and provided as a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system including a plurality of fuel injectors in fluid communication with a common fuel rail, which supplies fuel at relatively high pressure to the plurality of fuel injectors. Fuel may be supplied to the common fuel rail by a high-pressure pump which, in turn, may be fed by a relatively low-pressure fuel circuit including a booster pump, which may be immersed in a tank containing a reservoir of fuel.

[0017] Exhaust system 126 may include one or more exhaust handling conduits, turbines (such as a turbine of a turbocharger), aftertreatment components (such as oxidation catalysts, particular fdters, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts, and / or other catalysts and aftertreatment components), and sensors (such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, oxygen or lambda sensors, mass flow sensors, and other types of sensors), as well as other components.

[0018] As illustrated in Fig. 1, during typical operation of system 100, ambient air 104 is received as an input to system 100, and treated exhaust 106 from system 100 is released during typical operation of system 100.

[0019] ECU 130 preferably includes one or more programmable microcontrollers of a solid- state, integrated circuit type, and one or more non-transitory memory media configured to store instructions executable by the one or more microcontrollers. For purposes of the present application the term microcontroller shall be understood to also encompass microprocessors and other types of integrated circuit processors. ECU 130 is in operative communication with and maybe adapted and configured to control operation of and / or receive inputs from sensors or controllers of engine 120, intake air handling system 122, fueling system 124, and exhaust system 126. ECU 130 is in operative communication with and may be adapted and configured to control operation of and / or receive inputs from one or more system sensors 102 of system 100 which may include, for example, a throttle position sensor or an accelerator position sensor. It shall be appreciated that Fig. 1 depicts control relationships between the foregoing components conceptually using dashed arrows and that various communications hardware and protocols may be utilized to implement, such as one or more controller area networks (CAN) or other communications components.

[0020] ECU 130 can be implemented in any of a number of ways that combine or distribute the control function across one or more control units in various manners. The ECU 130 may execute operating logic that defines various control, management, and / or regulation functions. This operating logic may be in the form of dedicated hardware, such as a hardwired state machine, analog calculating machine, programming instructions, and / or a different form as would occur to those skilled in the art. The ECU 130 may be provided as a single component or a collection of operatively coupled components; and may be comprised of digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a hybrid combination of both of these types. When of a multi-component form, the ECU 130 may have one or more components remotely located relative to the others in a distributed arrangement. The ECU 130 can include multiple processing units arranged to operate independently, in a pipeline processing arrangement, in a parallel processing arrangement, or the like. It shall be further appreciated that the ECU 130 and / or any of its constituent components may include one or more signal conditioners, modulators, demodulators, Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs), Central Processing Units (CPUs), limiters, oscillators, control clocks, amplifiers, signal conditioners, filters, format converters, communication ports, clamps, delay devices, memory devices, Analog to Digital (A / D) converters, Digital to Analog (D / A) converters, and / or different circuitry or components as would occur to those skilled in the art to perform the desired communications.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 2, there is illustrated system 100 including engine bay 110 and vehicle compartment 160 according to an example implementation. Engine bay 110 contains engine 120, intake air handling system 122, fueling system 124, exhaust system 126, and a number of other system components 128 which shall be appreciated by one skilled in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, engine bay 110 may be configured and provided with additional or alternate prime mover components and systems,including, for example, batteries, fuel cells, electric motors, and power electronics. Accordingly, an engine bay according to the present disclosure may be referred to generally as a prime mover bay. Prime mover bays according the present disclosure, such as engine bay 110, may include one or more compartments or enclosures in which one or more prime mover components are disposed and which provide a physical barrier and separation from vehicle compartment 160 and other regions of system 100.

[0022] In example implementation of Fig. 2, engine bay 110 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 130 which comprises a multi-operating system integrated circuit (IC) 136 (also referred to as multi-OS IC 136). Multi-OS IC 136 may include one or more processors 140, an operating system (OS) memory 150, and a storage memory 155. OS memory 150 may include one or more non-transitory memory locations to store one or more operating systems. In the illustrated example, OS memory 150 is configured and provided as a partitioned memory. A first partition of OS memory 150 is configured to store real time OS 152 at a first set of non-transitory memory location to control one or more operations of engine 120. A second partition of OS memory 150 is configured to store edge OS 154 at a second set of non-transitory memory location. In the illustrated example, real time OS 152 and edge OS 154 are configured run concurrently on a common multi-OS IC 136. In other embodiments, multi-OS IC 136 may comprise structurally distinct memories configured to store real time OS 152 and edge OS 154, respectively. In other embodiments, multi-OS IC 136 may be configured to communicate with an external partitioned memory device configured to store real time OS 152 and edge OS 154 or with multiple external memory devices configured to store real time OS 152 and edge OS 154, respectively.

[0023] Real time OS 152 is preferably configured to provide predictability and determinism such that the time required for a given operation is known a priori and a given input will result in the same output over an arbitrary number of repetitions. Real time OS 152 may be configured and provided with priority -based scheduling in which operations are assigned and executed according to a priority hierarchy. Real time OS 152 may be configured and provided in a time-driven form in time-based resource scheduling is utilized to meet hard real time requirements with low latency times. Real time OS 152 may be configured and provided as a hard real time operating system including a scheduler which must execute processes within a fixed short time.

[0024] Edge OS 154 may be configured to and provided as a general purpose operating system such as LINUX or Kubemetes. Edge OS 154 may be configured to perform task scheduling usinga fairness policy to dispatch threads and processes without rigorous adherence to an assigned priority hierarchy.

[0025] Edge OS 154 may be configured to receive operation information of engine 120 via real time OS 152. The received operation information of engine 120 may be processed by Edge OS 154 to determine performance analytics on system 100. The performance analytics may be stored on storage memory 155 provided at a third non-transitory memory location in the ECU 130. ECU 130 is operatively coupled with on-vehicle network 135 and is configured to encode and encrypt the performance analytics which is transmitted to on-vehicle network 135. ECU 130 configured with edge OS 154 on multi-OS IC 136 eliminates the encoding / decoding and encryption / decryption required between ECU 130 and edge OS 154.

[0026] It shall be appreciated that performance analytics according to the present disclosure may comprise on-board or on-vehicle performance analytics comprising higher-order assessments, conclusions, predictions, or characterizations relating to an engine and which are derived by on- vehicle processing of raw engine performance data stored in the first instance by a real time OS configured to control operation of a prime mover. Such on-board or on-vehicle performance analytics may be determined by a real time OS, an edge OS, or a combination of a real time OS and an edge OS according to the present disclosure. Such on-board or on-vehicle performance analytics may be determined by processing raw engine performance data in combination with other information. For example an edge OS may be configured to determine second-order performance analytics in response to a combination of raw engine performance data provided by a real time OS and first-order performance analytics provided by the real time OS.

[0027] Vehicle compartment 160 may include a vehicle control unit (VCU) 162 to control powertrain and other vehicle functions of system 100. VCU 162 may include VCU OS 163. VCU 162 is operatively couple with on-vehicle network 135. In the example implementation, a telematics control unit (TCU) 164 is provided in vehicle compartment 160 and operatively coupled with on-vehicle network 135. TCU 164 may be configured to receive encoded and encrypted performance analytics from ECU 130 via on-vehicle network 135. The encoded and encrypted performance analytics may be wirelessly transmitted from system 100 by TCU 164.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 3, there is illustrated system 100 including engine bay 110 and vehicle compartment 160 according to another example implementation. Engine bay 110 may be configured and provided with a number of internal combustion engine system components asdescribed in Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, ECU 130 comprises an edge controller 132 and a prime mover controller 133 operatively coupled on a common circuit board within ECU 130. Edge controller 132 and prime mover controller 133 are operatively coupled to on-vehicle network 135. In this example implementation, prime mover controller 133 may be configured to run a real time operating system on a first integrated circuit to control one or more operations of engine 120. Edge controller 132 may be configured to run an edge computing operating system on a first integrated circuit to receive operation information of engine 120 from prime mover controller 133. In some example implementations, prime mover controller 133 may be configured to run and process critical timing and safety information of the vehicle. In some implementations, edge controller 132 may be configured to run and process information related to vehicle analytics, prognostics, and efficiency. Edge controller 132 and prime mover controller 133 may be configured to run independent of each other. In other example implementations, edge controller 132 and prime mover controller 133 may communicate with each other in a client-server, primary-secondary, or principal-agent format or relationship.

[0029] It shall be appreciated that engine bay 110 is one example of a prime mover bay. Other prime mover bays associated with other prime movers and components of prime mover systems are are also contemplated. Furthermore, while ECU 130 is illustrated as being contained within engine bay 110, it is also contemplated that only a portion of ECU 130 may extend into engine bay 110 with other portions being located in other other compartments or locations of system 100. Additionally, ECU 130 may in principle be substbatially located in such other compartments or locations of system 100 with only a connector or communication component therof extending into engine bay 110.

[0030] Prime mover controller 133 may include one or more circuit boards operatively coupled to the first integrated circuit. Edge controller 132 may include one or more circuit boards operatively coupled to the second integrated circuit. Edge controller 132 and prime mover controller 133 may communicate over a control area network (CAN) 134. In some aspects, edge controller 132 and prime mover controller 133 may communicate over other high-speed communication links such as, but not limited to, Ethernet, Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), High Speed Serial Link (HSSL), among others. Edge controller 132 processes operation information of engine 120 received from the prime mover controller 133 via CAN 134. In the example implementation, edge controller 132 may beconfigured with a storage memory that stores engine operation information to determine performance analytics on system 100.

[0031] ECU 130 is configured to encode and encrypt the performance analytics which is transmitted to on-vehicle network 135. Edge controller 132 sharing a common circuit board as prime mover controller 133 in a single ECU 130 eliminates the encoding / decoding and encryption / decryption required between ECU 130 and edge controller 132.

[0032] Vehicle compartment 160 includes VCU 162 to control powertrain and other vehicle functions of system 100. VCU 162 is operatively coupled to on-vehicle network 135. TCU 164 is also provided in vehicle compartment 160 and receives encoded and encrypted performance analytics from ECU 130 via on-vehicle network 135. The encoded and encrypted performance analytics is wirelessly transmitted from system 100 by TCU 164.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 4, there is illustrated a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example implementation of Fig. 2. In Fig. 4, real time OS 152 may include one or more prime mover controls 222, real time encoders / decoders (also referred to herein as "codec(s)) 224, and real time encryption components 226. Prime mover controls 222 may receive raw engine performance data comprising information on the condition, environment, and operation of system 100. The information may be received from sensors located on the engine and drivetrain that may be used to control a number of engine drivability factors that shall be appreciated by one skilled in the art with the benefit and insight of the present disclosure. Information and control on the engine including, but not limited to, engine speed, inlet air and ambient air temperature, fuel injection, fuel temperature, atmospheric, boost, and oil pressure.

[0034] Real time codec(s) 224 may be configured to encode information for communication or transmission from real time OS 152 to edge OS 154 as well as to decode encoded information received by real time OS 152 from edge OS 154. Real time encryption components 226 may be configured to encrypt information for communication or transmission from real time OS 152 to edge OS 154 as well as to decrypt encrypted information received by real time OS 152 from edge OS 154. The encoded and encrypted information may be a combination of real time operation data 232 and real time performance analytics 234 communicated or transmitted from real time OS 152 to edge OS 154.

[0035] Real time operation data 232 may comprise raw engine performance data which may be encoded according to a first encoding protocol (encoding 1) and encrypted according to a firstencryption protocol (encryption A). Real time analytics 234 may comprise first-order engine performance analytics determined by real time OS 152 in response to raw engine performance data (for example, by prime mover controls 222 or other components of real time OS 152) which may be encoded according to the first encoding protocol or a second encoding protocol (encoding 2) and which may be encrypted according to the first encryption protocol or a second encryption protocol (encryption B).

[0036] Edge OS 154 may include accumulated analytics engine 242 which may be configured to process and determine second-order perform analytics based on information received from real time OS 152. Accumulated analytics engine 242 may be configured to store and process engine operation data 232 and / or real time analytics 234 to determine second-order analytics uses to predict operations of the system 100 in advance. In the example implementation, edge OS 154 may determine performance analytics using the predictability data. Decisions on system 100 may be determined based on this real time data and information received from real time OS 152. Edge OS 154 may include edge codec(s) 244 and edge encryption components 246 to encode and encrypt the information. The encoding and encryption components performed on edge OS 154 may be a combination of accumulated analytics 252 and real time field performance analytics 254. Real time performance analytics 254 may provide actual performance of system 100 in real time based on engine operation data 232 and analytics 234 processed by edge OS 154.

[0037] Edge codec(s) 244 may be configured to encode information for communication or transmission from edge OS 154 to real time OS 152 and / or telematics OS 165 as well as to decode encoded information received from real time OS 152 and / or telematics OS 165. Edge encryption components 246 may be configured to encrypt information for communication or transmission from edge OS 154 to real time OS 152 and / or telematics OS 165 as well as to decrypt encrypted information received by edge OS 154 from real time OS 152 and / or telematics OS 165. The encoded and encrypted information may be a combination of accumulated analytics 252 and real time field performance analytics 234 (also referred to herein as “FPA 234”) communicated or transmitted from edge OS 154 to telematics OS 165.

[0038] Accumulated analytics 252 may comprise second-order analytics which may be determined in response to real time operation data 232 and / or real time analytics 234 and which may be encoded according to the first encoding protocol, the second encoding protocol, or a thirdencoding protocol (encoding 3) and encrypted according to according to the first encryption protocol, the second encryption protocol, or a third encryption protocol (encryption C).

[0039] Real time analytics 254 may comprise an accumulation or aggregation of real time analytics 234 which may be encoded according to the first encoding protocol, the second encoding protocol, the third encoding protocol, or a fourth encoding protocol (encoding 4) and encrypted according to according to the first encryption protocol, the second encryption protocol, the third encryption protocol, or a fourth encryption protocol (encryption D). Real time analytics 254 may comprise a re-encoded, re-encrypted, or encapsulated form of real time analytics 234.

[0040] Telematics OS 165 includes accumulated analytics engine 252, edge codec(s) 254, and edge encryption components 256. Telematics OS 165 receives encoded and encrypted information from edge OS 154 which is wirelessly transmitted to an external system such as an another vehicle, terrestrial telecommunication infrastructure, satellite telecommunication infrastructure, or a cloud via a vehicle to ex-vehicle (V2X) communications system including a wireless transmitted or transceiver.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 5, there is illustrated a schematic diagram depicting certain aspects of the example implementation of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 includes similar aspects, implementations, predictions, and system components as Fig. 4 which illustrate real time OS 152 and edge OS 154 running concurrently on common multi-OS IC 136. In this example illustration, real time OS 152 and edge OS 154 are running on different integrated circuits and communicating over CAN 134.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 6, there is illustrated system 200 including an ECU housing 230 containing a timing / safety critical ECM hardware apparatus 340 and an edge hardware apparatus 350. Timing / safety critical ECM hardware apparatus 340 and edge hardware apparatus 350 are configured to communicate via a high-speed communication link 360 which may be configured as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), High Speed Serial Link (HSSL), Ethernet, or CAN, among others.

[0043] Timing / safety critical ECM hardware apparatus 340 comprises a realtime processor 342, a memory 344, a memory 346, and a realtime operating system 348. Memory 344 may comprise flash, RAM, and / or other types of memory and may be configured, for example, in a megabyte range. Memory 346 may comprise flash, RAM, and / or other types of memory and may be configured to store emissions, safety or other critical information. System 200 may be configured such that timing / safety critical ECM hardware apparatus 340 has full access or readand write access to memory to memory 346, but edge hardware apparatus 350 has more restricted access, such as read only access, to memory 346.

[0044] Edge hardware apparatus 350 a processor 352, a memory 354, a telematics / cloud interface 356, and an edge computing system 358. Processor 352 may be configured and provided in an ARM-architecture form. Memory 354 may comprise flash, RAM, and / or other types of memory and may be configured, for example, a gigabyte range. Telematics / cloud interface 356 may comprise components for encoding / decoding, encrypting / decrypting or otherwise processing information for transmission via a telematics or other communication link.

[0045] As shown by this detailed description, the present disclosure contemplates multiple and various embodiments, including, without limitation, the following example embodiments.

[0046] A first example embodiment is a prime mover system comprising: a prime mover bay; a prime mover located in the prime mover bay and configured to output power to drive a load; an on-system communication network; a first electronic control unit operatively coupled with the prime mover in the prime mover bay and operatively coupled with the on-system communication network, the first electronic control unit being configured to run a real time operating system stored in a first set of non-transitory memory locations to control operation of the prime mover and configured to run an edge computing operating system stored in a second set of non-transitory memory locations to receive prime mover operation information from the real time operating system, process the received prime mover operation data to determine performance analytics, and store the performance analytics in a third set of non-transitory memory locations. The first first electronic control unit may be located in the prime mover bay or located elsewhere in the system.

[0047] A second example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, comprising a second electronic control unit located outside of the prime mover bay and operatively coupled with the on-system communication network.

[0048] A third example embodiment includes the features of the second example embodiment, wherein the second electronic control unit is configured to receive the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network and transmit a wireless transmission including the encoded performance analytics from the system.

[0049] A fourth example embodiment includes the features of the second example embodiment, wherein the second electronic control unit is configured to run a telematics operating system.

[0050] A fifth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to run the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system on a common integrated circuit.

[0051] A sixth example embodiment includes the features of the fifth example embodiment, wherein the common integrated circuit comprises a first set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the real time operating system and a second set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the edge computing operating system.

[0052] A seventh example embodiment includes the features of the sixth example embodiment, wherein the edge computing operating system comprises a second real time operating system.

[0053] An eighth example embodiment includes the features of the fifth example embodiment, wherein the first set of one or more processors and the second set of one or more processors are communicatively coupled by an on-IC communication interface and, optionally, wherein the on- IC communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

[0054] A ninth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to run the real time operating system on a first integrated circuit and to run the edge computing operating system on a second integrated circuit.

[0055] A tenth example embodiment includes the features of the ninth example embodiment, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are communicatively coupled by communication interface, optionally, wherein the communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

[0056] An eleventh example embodiment includes the features of the ninth example embodiment, wherein the first integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a first circuit board, the second integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a second circuit board.

[0057] A twelfth example embodiment includes the features of the ninth example embodiment, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are operatively coupled with a common circuit board.

[0058] A thirteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the real time operating system is configured to control timing critical and safety critical operations of the prime mover system, and the edge computing operating system is configured to control one or more of analytics operations, prognostics operations, and efficiency improvement operations of the prime mover system.

[0059] A fourteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system are updatable independently from one another.

[0060] A fifteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system have one of a client-server relationship and a principal-agent relationship.

[0061] A sixteenth example embodiment includes the features of the fifteenth example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to run a supervisory program to supervise operation of the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system.

[0062] A seventeenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the first control unit is configured to encrypt the performance analytics and transmit the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network.

[0063] An eighteenth example embodiment includes the features of the seventeenth example embodiment, wherein the second electronic control unit is configured to receive the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network and transmit the encrypted performance analytics from the load.

[0064] A nineteenth example embodiment includes the features of the first example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to encode the performance analytics, and transmit the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network.

[0065] A twentieth example embodiment is a process comprising: providing a system including a prime mover bay, a prime mover located in the prime mover bay and configured to output power to drive a load, and an on-system communication network; and operatively coupling a first electronic control unit with the prime mover in the prime mover bay and with the on-system communication network, the first electronic control unit running a real time operating system stored in a first set of non-transitory memory locations to control operation of the prime moverand running an edge computing operating system stored in a second set of non-transitory memory locations to receive prime mover operation information from the real time operating system, process the received prime mover operation data to determine performance analytics, and store the performance analytics in a third set of non-transitory memory locations. The first first electronic control unit may be located in the prime mover bay or located elsewhere in the system.

[0066] A twenty-first example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, comprising operatively coupling a second electronic control unit located outside of the prime mover bay with the on-system communication network.

[0067] A twenty-second example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-first example embodiment, wherein the second electronic control receives the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network and transmits a wireless transmission including the encoded performance analytics from the system.

[0068] A twenty-third example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-first example embodiment, wherein the second electronic control unit runs a telematics operating system.

[0069] A twenty-fourth example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit runs the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system on a common integrated circuit.

[0070] A twenty-fifth example embodiment includes the features of the twenty -fourth example embodiment, wherein the common integrated circuit comprises a first set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the real time operating system and a second set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the edge computing operating system.

[0071] A twenty-sixth example embodiment includes the features of the twenty -fifth example embodiment, wherein the edge computing operating system runs a second real time operating system.

[0072] A twenty-seventh example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-fourth example embodiment, wherein the first set of one or more processors and the second set of one or more processors are communicatively coupled by an on-IC communication interface and, optionally, wherein the on-IC communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

[0073] A twenty-eighth example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit runs the real time operating system on a first integrated circuit and to run the edge computing operating system on a second integrated circuit.

[0074] A twenty-ninth example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-eighth example embodiment, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are communicatively coupled by communication interface, optionally, wherein the communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

[0075] A thirtieth example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-eighth example embodiment, wherein the first integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a first circuit board, the second integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a second circuit board.

[0076] A thirty-first example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-eighth example embodiment, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are operatively coupled with a common circuit board.

[0077] A thirty-second example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, wherein the real time operating system controls timing critical and safety critical operations of the prime mover system, and the edge computing operating system controls one or more of analytics operations, prognostics operations, and efficiency improvement operations of the prime mover system.

[0078] A thirty-third example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, comprising updating the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system independently from one another.

[0079] A thirty-fourth example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, wherein the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system have one of a client-server relationship and a principal-agent relationship.

[0080] A thirty-fifth example embodiment includes the features of the twenty -fourth example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit runs a supervisory program to supervise operation of the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system.

[0081] A thirty-sixth example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, wherein the first control unit encrypts the performance analytics and transmits the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network.

[0082] A thirty-seventh example embodiment includes the features of the twenty-sixth example embodiment, wherein the second electronic control unit receives the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network and transmits the encrypted performance analytics from the load.

[0083] A thirty-eighth example embodiment includes the features of the twentieth example embodiment, wherein the first electronic control unit encodes the performance analytics, and transmits the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network.

[0084] It shall be appreciated that terms such as “a non-transitory memory,” “a non-transitory memory medium,” and “a non-transitory memory device” refer to a number of types of devices and storage mediums which may be configured to store information, such as data or instructions, readable or executable by a processor or other components of a computer system and that such terms include and encompass a single or unitary device or medium storing such information, multiple devices or media across or among which respective portions of such information are stored, and multiple devices or media across or among which multiple copies of such information are stored.

[0085] It shall be appreciated that terms such as “determine,” “determined,” “determining” and the like when utilized in connection with a control method or process, an electronic control system or controller, electronic controls, or components or operations of the foregoing refer inclusively to a number of acts, configurations, devices, operations, and techniques including, without limitation, calculation or computation of a parameter or value, obtaining a parameter or value from a lookup table or using a lookup operation, receiving parameters or values from a datalink or network communication, receiving an electronic signal (e.g., a voltage, frequency, current, or pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal) indicative of the parameter or value, receiving output of a sensor indicative of the parameter or value, receiving other outputs or inputs indicative of the parameter or value, reading the parameter or value from a memory location on a computer- readable medium, receiving the parameter or value as a run-time parameter, and / or by receiving a parameter or value by which the interpreted parameter can be calculated, and / or by referencing a default value that is interpreted to be the parameter value.

[0086] While example embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain example embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A prime mover system comprising: a prime mover bay; a prime mover located in the prime mover bay and configured to output power to drive a load; an on-system communication network; and a first electronic control operatively coupled with the prime mover in the prime mover bay and operatively coupled with the on-system communication network, the first electronic control unit being configured to run a real time operating system stored in a first set of non- transitory memory locations to control operation of the prime mover and configured to run an edge computing operating system stored in a second set of non-transitory memory locations to receive prime mover operation information from the real time operating system, process the received prime mover operation data to determine performance analytics, and store the performance analytics in a third set of non-transitory memory locations.

2. The prime mover system of claim 1, comprising a second electronic control unit located outside of the prime mover bay and operatively coupled with the on-system communication network.

3. The prime mover system of claim 2, wherein the second electronic control unit is configured to receive the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network and transmit a wireless transmission including the encoded performance analytics from the system.

4. The prime mover system of claim 2, wherein the second electronic control unit is configured to run a telematics operating system.

5. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to run the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system on a common integrated circuit.

6. The prime mover system of claim 5, wherein the common integrated circuit comprises a first set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the real time operating system and a second set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the edge computing operating system.

7. The prime mover system of claim 6, wherein the edge computing operating system comprises a second real time operating system.

8. The prime mover system of claim 5, wherein the first set of one or more processors and the second set of one or more processors are communicatively coupled by an on-IC communication interface and, optionally, wherein the on-IC communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

9. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to run the real time operating system on a first integrated circuit and to run the edge computing operating system on a second integrated circuit.

10. The prime mover system of claim 9, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are communicatively coupled by communication interface, optionally, wherein the communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

11. The prime mover system of claim 9, wherein the first integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a first circuit board, the second integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a second circuit board.

12. The prime mover system of claim 9, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are operatively coupled with a common circuit board.

13. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the real time operating system is configured to control timing critical and safety critical operations of the prime mover system, and the edge computing operating system is configured to control one or more of analytics operations, prognostics operations, and efficiency improvement operations of the prime mover system.

14. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system are updatable independently from one another.

15. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system have one of a client-server relationship and a principal-agent relationship.

16. The prime mover system of claim 15, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to run a supervisory program to supervise operation of the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system.

17. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the first control unit is configured to encrypt the performance analytics and transmit the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network.

18. The prime mover system of claim 17, wherein the second electronic control unit is configured to receive the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network and transmit the encrypted performance analytics from the load.

19. The prime mover system of claim 1, wherein the first electronic control unit is configured to encode the performance analytics, and transmit the encoded performance analytics via the on- system communication network.

20. A process comprising: providing a system including a prime mover bay, a prime mover located in the prime mover bay and configured to output power to drive a load, and an on-system communication network; and operatively coupling a first electronic control unit with the prime mover in the prime mover bay and with the on-system communication network, the first electronic control unit running a real time operating system stored in a first set of non-transitory memory locations to control operation of the prime mover and running an edge computing operating system stored in a second set of non-transitory memory locations to receive prime mover operation information from the real time operating system, process the received prime mover operation data to determine performance analytics, and store the performance analytics in a third set of non- transitory memory locations.

21. The process of claim 20, comprising operatively coupling a second electronic control unit located outside of the prime mover bay with the on-system communication network.

22. The process of claim 21, wherein the second electronic control receives the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network and transmits a wireless transmission including the encoded performance analytics from the system.

23. The process of claim 21, wherein the second electronic control unit runs a telematics operating system.

24. The process of claim 20, wherein the first electronic control unit runs the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system on a common integrated circuit.

25. The process of claim 24, wherein the common integrated circuit comprises a first set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the real time operating system and a second set of one or more processors dedicated to operation of the edge computing operating system.

26. The process of claim 25, wherein the edge computing operating system runs a second real time operating system.

27. The process of claim 24, wherein the first set of one or more processors and the second set of one or more processors are communicatively coupled by an on-IC communication interface and, optionally, wherein the on-IC communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

28. The process of claim 20, wherein the first electronic control unit runs the real time operating system on a first integrated circuit and to run the edge computing operating system on a second integrated circuit.

29. The process of claim 28, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are communicatively coupled by communication interface, optionally, wherein the communication interface may comprise one or more of a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a high speed serial link (HSSL), or another type of high speed communication link.

30. The process of claim 28, wherein the first integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a first circuit board, the second integrated circuit is operatively coupled with a second circuit board.

31. The process of claim 28, wherein the first integrated circuit and the second integrated circuit are operatively coupled with a common circuit board.

32. The process of claim 20, wherein the real time operating system controls timing critical and safety critical operations of the prime mover system, and the edge computing operating system controls one or more of analytics operations, prognostics operations, and efficiency improvement operations of the prime mover system.

33. The process of claim 20, comprising updating the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system independently from one another.

34. The process of claim 20, wherein the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system have one of a client-server relationship and a principal-agent relationship.

35. The process of claim 24, wherein the first electronic control unit runs a supervisory program to supervise operation of the real time operating system and the edge computing operating system.

36. The process of claim 20, wherein the first control unit encrypts the performance analytics and transmits the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network.

37. The process of claim 26, wherein the second electronic control unit receives the encrypted performance analytics via the on-vehicle communication network and transmits the encrypted performance analytics from the load.

38. The process of claim 20, wherein the first electronic control unit encodes the performance analytics, and transmits the encoded performance analytics via the on-system communication network.

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