CAN Controller Filter Object Configuration via Boolean Factorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for configuring filter objects in CAN controllers require multiple hardware-implemented filter objects, which exceed hardware resources as the number of relevant messages increases, necessitating supplemental software filters that consume additional computing power.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining and factorizing message identifiers to generate a simplified Boolean function, allowing for the configuration of fewer filter objects by selectively adding message identifiers that do not correspond to network bus messages, thereby reducing the number of necessary filter objects and conserving hardware resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hardware-implemented filter objects are used to capture more message identifiers, then the number of captured messages increases, but hardware resources are exceeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of captured message identifiersVSAvoidhardware resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter objects into a single filter object by using Boolean factorization to merge their filtering functions. Instead of implementing separate hardware filter objects for each message identifier pattern, the system factorizes the Boolean function representing all patterns and implements a unified filter that captures the same set of messages using shared hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation of message identifiers by introducing wildcard bits and Boolean function parameters. Instead of hardcoding each message identifier as a separate filter criterion, the system represents identifiers as Boolean products with configurable parameters (wildcard positions and bit patterns), allowing dynamic adjustment of filtering behavior without adding hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If supplemental software filters are used to capture additional messages, then message capture capability increases, but computing power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage capture capabilityVSAvoidcomputing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based filtering mechanisms with a hardware-implemented filter object that uses Boolean factorization. Instead of using software to evaluate multiple filter conditions and consume processor cycles, the system implements a hardware filter that directly evaluates the factorized Boolean function, eliminating the need for supplemental software filtering and reducing computing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If the number of filter objects is reduced, then hardware resources are conserved, but the number of captured message identifiers decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware resourcesVSAvoidnumber of captured message identifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single filter object universal by enabling it to capture multiple message identifier patterns simultaneously through Boolean factorization. The factorized function allows one filter object to evaluate multiple conditions and capture messages matching any of the original patterns, giving the filter multi-functional capability without requiring multiple separate filter objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the Boolean function representing message identifier patterns into factorized components (Boolean products). By dividing the overall filtering function into smaller Boolean product terms that can be efficiently evaluated, the system enables a single filter object to handle complex filtering logic that would otherwise require multiple filter objects, maintaining capture capability while reducing hardware resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10565148B2Method and system for configuring filter objects for a controller area network controller

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A system and method for configuring a filter object for a controller area network is disclosed. The method includes determining, by a processor, a plurality of message identifiers of messages that are to be captured by a filter object. The method also includes performing factorization of a function that represents the plurality of message identifiers to generate a simplified function. The method also includes configuring at least one filter object based on the generated simplified function.