Control Apparatus for Dynamic Integrated Circuit Function Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle information systems face increased development and maintenance efforts due to the need for hardware adaptation and software updates across different vehicle types, with deactivated circuit areas being irreversible, limiting flexibility in responding to changing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows dynamic adaptation of integrated circuit functions using a control signal authenticated through a cryptographic method, enabling or disabling circuit functions and areas securely, with an integrated circuit that includes a function register unit and a function control unit for authorized changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circuit areas are deactivated through selective line cutting to adapt component functionality, then development effort and coordination requirements are reduced, but the hardware modification becomes irreversible and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality adaptation by replacing irreversible physical line cutting with reversible software-controlled activation/deactivation of circuit areas. The control unit can dynamically enable or disable specific circuit functions based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its functionality without permanent hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from physical state (cut/uncut lines) to logical state (enabled/disabled in control unit). This parameter transformation allows functionality to be modified through software control rather than physical hardware changes, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining the same hardware structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform components are used across different information system versions, then the number of variants is reduced and maintenance effort decreases, but the ability to respond to changing requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control unit that can manage multiple different circuit configurations within a single component. The control unit is designed to handle various information system versions and requirements, enabling one component to serve multiple functions and adapt to different operational needs without requiring separate hardware for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit provides dynamic reconfiguration capabilities that allow the uniform component to adapt to changing requirements over time. Functions can be activated or deactivated based on current operational needs, enabling the system to evolve and respond to new requirements while maintaining hardware uniformity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware modifications are made to adapt components to desired functionality, then the information system can be customized for different vehicle types, but the modifications are irreversible and cannot be reactivated later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a logical copy of the activation mechanism, replacing physical line cutting with software-based enable/disable control. Instead of permanently altering hardware connections, the system uses control signals to replicate the effect of activation/deactivation, allowing functions to be turned off and on again without permanent changes to the hardware structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical activation method (line cutting) with an electronic/software-based control method. The control unit uses electrical signals and software logic to enable or disable circuit areas, replacing the irreversible mechanical modification with a reversible electronic control mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control apparatus (1) for enabling functions, comprising an integrated circuit (3). The control apparatus (1) has a function register unit (4) for storing at least one entry (5) relating to an enabled state of a respective circuit function (6) and/or of a respective circuit area (7) of the integrated circuit (3). The integrated circuit (3) is configured to enable the respective circuit function (6) and/or the respective circuit area (7) for use in accordance with the at least one entry (5) in the function register unit (4). The control apparatus (1) has a function control unit (8) configured to respond to a predetermined actuation signal (9) by changing the at least one entry (5) in the function register unit (4), wherein the change is made only if a predetermined authenticity check based on a cryptographic method confirms a source (10) of the actuation signal (9) is authorised, so that the function control unit (8) is actuatable only by a trusted source (10).