Control Unit Configuration via Category Default Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for configuring control units are complex and prone to errors, particularly when identical functionalities need to be parameterized at different locations, as they require individual selection and setting of parameters for each element.
Innovation Solution
A method that assigns functionalities to categories, with default values stored for parameters, allowing automatic reconfiguration of all functionalities within a category by changing the default values, and enabling configuration of control units through program code generation and execution, either on the unit or a simulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual parameterization is used for each functionality, then each functionality can be configured independently, but the configuration process becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual functionality configurations into a single category-level configuration. By grouping functionalities into categories and configuring parameters at the category level, the system reduces the number of separate configuration operations needed while maintaining individual adaptability through the inheritance mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration structure where a single category configuration can serve multiple functionalities. The category acts as a template that can be applied to multiple functionalities, allowing one configuration to perform multiple functions and reducing overall configuration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parameters are set individually for each functionality, then each functionality has its own parameters, but reconfiguration requires manual adjustment of each element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring parameter values at the category level before they are applied to individual functionalities. This preliminary configuration establishes a template that automatically applies to all functionalities in the category, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration of each element when changes are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a master configuration at the category level that is then copied to multiple functionalities. When the category parameters are changed, the updated configuration is automatically copied to all associated functionalities, enabling efficient bulk reconfiguration without manual intervention for each element.
3Productivity
If default categories with predetermined values are used, then reconfiguration becomes automated, but the system requires a category structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration system into hierarchical levels: categories and functionalities. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by dividing the configuration task into manageable parts, where categories serve as containers with predetermined values that can be applied to multiple functionalities, reducing overall system complexity through structured organization.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for configuring a functionality of real and/or simulated control units, comprising a functionality belonging to a functionality class, such that the functionality has one or more functions and parameters dependent on the functionality class. The functionality is further assigned to at least one control unit. The functionality class has categories, including an else category and a default category and its functionalities each belong to a category. A predetermined value is stored for parameter and if the functionality is assigned to the default category, the predetermined value is adopted for the parameter. If the predetermined value of the parameter changes, the change is adopted for all functionalities which have already been assigned to the default category. And the control unit assigned to the functionality is configured with the function and the values of the parameters of the functionality.