Center Device Phased Data Distribution for Connected Cars

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Solution Overview

Problem

In data communication systems for connected cars, unexpected events can occur due to external factors, potentially causing significant damage even if the distributed data is of high quality. This poses a challenge in minimizing the impact of such events.

Innovation Solution

The center device distributes data to vehicles and expands the distribution target for the data only after confirming normal operation on the vehicle. This approach includes increasing the number of distribution destinations, the distribution amount, and expanding the functionality and performance of the distributed data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the center device distributes data to a large number of vehicles simultaneously, then the productivity and coverage of the data distribution system is improved, but the risk of widespread impact from unexpected events increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata distribution efficiencyVSAvoidrange of influence from unexpected events
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vehicle fleet into multiple groups and implements phased data distribution. The center device distributes data to vehicles in sequential batches rather than all at once, allowing isolation of potential issues to specific groups. This segmentation enables controlled rollback to previous versions for affected groups while maintaining updated versions for other groups, thus limiting the range of influence from unexpected events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary testing by distributing data to a small subset of vehicles first (pilot group) before widespread distribution. The system monitors operation results from this initial group and only proceeds to broader distribution if results are normal. This preliminary action allows detection of potential issues before they can affect a large number of vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the center device monitors operation results from all vehicles, then the reliability of data quality control is improved, but the loss of time and communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata quality controlVSAvoidmonitoring time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements selective monitoring by focusing attention on whether operation results are abnormal rather than comprehensively analyzing all operation details. The center device primarily checks for abnormal conditions and triggers detailed analysis only when anomalies are detected. This partial monitoring approach maintains reliability by catching issues while reducing time loss by avoiding exhaustive analysis of normal operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the center device rolls back data for vehicles with abnormal operation, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the productivity and distribution efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem safetyVSAvoiddata distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vehicle fleet into groups with different data versions. When abnormal operation is detected in one group, only that specific group undergoes rollback while other groups continue with the updated data. This selective rollback approach maintains system safety by correcting issues in affected groups while preserving productivity by allowing unaffected groups to continue operating with the new data version.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3944087B1Center device, data communication system, and distribution control program
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 DENSO CORP
  • EP3944087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3944087B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A center device (2) includes a distribution control unit (14a) that is configured to control distribution of data to a vehicle, a normal operation determination unit (14f) that is configured to determine whether operation of distributed data on a vehicle is normal, and a distribution target expansion unit (14g) that is configured to expand a distribution target for the data when the normal operation determination unit determines that operation of the distributed data on the vehicle is normal after the data was distributed to the vehicle.