Control Unit Signal Network Check for OBD-Relevant Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex modern vehicle on-board networks with multiple control units, it is difficult to determine which input signals are relevant to on-board diagnostics (OBD) compliance, making it time-consuming to ensure legal requirements are met.
Innovation Solution
A method is proposed to automatically check, using a signal network representation, whether an input signal of a control unit is potentially relevant to on-board diagnostics by verifying the presence of a signal connection between the input signal and OBD-relevant output signals, indicating potential OBD relevance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of OBD relevance is performed for all input signals in complex vehicle networks, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex vehicle network into multiple control units, each with its own signal network representation. This division allows OBD relevance checking to be performed independently for each control unit rather than analyzing the entire vehicle network at once, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining accuracy through systematic coverage of all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates signal network representations that pre-map all signal connections between control units before OBD relevance checking begins. This preliminary structuring of signal flow information allows the checking process to quickly determine OBD relevance by tracing pre-established signal paths rather than performing complex real-time analysis, thereby reducing checking time while ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2Reliability
If comprehensive signal network analysis is performed to ensure complete OBD compliance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified signal network representations that copy and abstract the essential signal flow relationships from the complex actual vehicle network. These representations capture the necessary connectivity information for OBD compliance checking without replicating the full complexity of the original system, allowing comprehensive analysis to be performed on a manageable model that ensures reliability while reducing perceived complexity.
3Measurement precision
If detailed signal connection verification is performed for all signals, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces signal network representations as intermediary structures that mediate between the complex actual signal connections and the OBD relevance determination process. These representations simplify the verification task by organizing signal connection information in an accessible format, allowing operators to easily trace signal paths and determine OBD relevance without directly navigating the complexity of the actual vehicle network connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method automatically checks, in an approval procedure for a vehicle, whether an input signal of a control unit for the vehicle is potentially relevant to on-board diagnostics. The method includes using a signal network which represents a signal flow in the control unit. The signal network includes the input signal and at least one on-board diagnostics-relevant output signal. The method also includesbverifying whether a signal connection is present between the input signal and the at least one on-board diagnostics-relevant output signal. The method further includes indicating that the input signal is potentially on-board diagnostics-relevant if the signal connection is present between the input signal and the at least one output signal.