CAN-to-Ethernet Relay Message Packing for ECU Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay systems face inefficiencies in communication due to the use of multiple types of lower protocols with different communication speeds and the need for higher protocol conversion, particularly when diagnosing ECUs with external Ethernet tools.
Innovation Solution
A relay system and device that performs mutual conversion between higher and lower protocols, combining messages and using frames with longer payloads to improve communication efficiency, including a protocol conversion unit, packing unit, and unpacking unit to handle different communication speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple CAN messages are packed into an Ethernet frame for relay, then communication efficiency improves, but protocol conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple CAN messages into a single Ethernet frame by creating a packed data structure that multiplexes several lower-protocol messages within one higher-protocol frame. This merging approach improves communication efficiency by reducing the number of individual frame transmissions while managing protocol conversion through structured data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay ECU acts as an intermediary device that performs protocol conversion between CAN and Ethernet protocols. It receives CAN messages, packs them into Ethernet frames with appropriate header information, and transmits them over the Ethernet network, thereby mediating between the two different protocol domains.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sequential relay of CAN communication frames is performed over Ethernet, then protocol compatibility is maintained, but communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relaying CAN frames sequentially one by one, the patent merges multiple CAN messages into a single Ethernet frame. This combining approach maintains protocol compatibility through proper header structuring while dramatically improving communication efficiency by reducing transmission overhead and increasing data throughput.
3Quantity of substance
If frames with longer payload are used for relay, then data transmission capacity improves, but compatibility with existing protocols decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the Ethernet frame into distinct portions: a header section containing protocol conversion information and a payload section containing the packed CAN messages. This segmentation allows the frame to carry larger amounts of data while maintaining compatibility by clearly delineating protocol-specific information from the actual message data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the data structure by introducing a header field that contains protocol conversion information alongside the expanded payload. This dimensional addition allows the system to handle longer payloads while maintaining backward compatibility through the structured format that separates control information from data content.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay system, a relay device, a computer-readable storage medium storing a program performs mutual conversion between a first message using a first higher protocol and a first lower protocol and a second message using a second higher protocol and a second lower protocol, transmits a combined message obtained by combining at least one second message, and supplies an extracted second message.