Automotive Computer Reset Control via Function Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle computer control systems require a large number of electronic components to maintain function states during resets, leading to increased complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a control module that classifies functions into maintained, interruptible, and temporarily interruptible categories, using a monitoring module to detect malfunctions and send reset signals, and a storage module to save output states, reducing the need for additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If demultiplexers with storage modules (latches) are used to maintain function states during reset, then function control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the state storage function from individual demultiplexers and concentrates it in a dedicated storage module. This separation allows the demultiplexers to focus solely on signal distribution while the centralized storage module handles state retention, reducing the complexity of each individual component while maintaining overall system precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage module serves as a universal state storage unit that supports multiple functions simultaneously - it stores states for all maintained functions and provides them to respective demultiplexers. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate storage modules for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If demultiplexers with storage modules are used for each maintained function, then reliability of function control during reset is improved, but the number of electronic components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of function controlVSAvoidnumber of electronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the storage functionality of multiple individual demultiplexers into a single centralized storage module. This consolidation maintains the reliability of function control during reset by ensuring all maintained function states are preserved, while simultaneously reducing the total number of electronic components required in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a computer reset is performed to correct malfunctions, then system reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs during the reset process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidreset duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary actions by pre-classifying functions into maintained, interruptible, and temporarily interruptible categories before the reset occurs. This pre-classification allows the system to quickly determine which functions need state preservation and which can be interrupted, enabling a faster reset process while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments functions into three distinct categories based on their reset behavior requirements. This segmentation allows the reset process to be optimized by applying different handling strategies to different function groups, reducing the overall reset time while ensuring that critical maintained functions receive appropriate attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3513294B1Device for controlling the reinitialization of a computer on board an automobile
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3513294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3513294B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention pertains to a control device (1) for a computer (10) for an automotive vehicle, said control device (1) being able to cooperate with the computer (10) to perform a plurality of functions, said control device (1) comprising: a command module (20); a reinitialization module (30), adapted to reinitialize said command module (20) for a duration of reinitialization less than a predetermined maximum duration of reinitialization, and a monitoring module (40), adapted to dispatch a reinitialization signal to said reinitialization module (30) should a malfunction be detected, the control device (1) being noteworthy in that the command module (20) comprises a sub-module of at least one temporarily interruptible function (23), said at least one temporarily interruptible function (23) exhibiting a permitted maximum duration of interruption greater than said predetermined maximum duration of reinitialization.