Driving Function Activation Modeling for Consistent Data Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Highly automated driving systems face complexity in software development due to high processing power and memory requirements, along with unpredictable data transmission timing, which complicates data consistency and functional safety.

Innovation Solution

A method for automating driving functions using an abstract and generic concept for modeling activation conditions, employing a uniform modeling language based on Boolean functions and dot notation for event-based stimuli, ensuring consistent data transmission and reducing error risks through automatic checks and flexible distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If direct communication between applications is used for data transmission, then real-time data availability is improved, but data consistency and timing predictability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoiddata consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an activation table as an intermediary component between applications. This activation table stores predefined activation conditions and timing information, mediating the direct communication between applications. When data needs to be transmitted, the activation table evaluates the predefined conditions and determines the appropriate transmission timing, ensuring both real-time responsiveness and data consistency without requiring direct application-to-application communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex activation conditions are manually configured, then system functionality is improved, but development complexity and error risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation condition flexibilityVSAvoidmodeling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses template-based activation conditions that can be copied and reused across different applications and scenarios. Instead of manually configuring complex activation logic from scratch for each application, standardized templates with predefined conditions and parameters are created once and then instantiated multiple times. This copying approach maintains system adaptability while significantly reducing development complexity and minimizing errors through proven, tested configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If high processing power and memory are allocated for safety requirements, then functional safety is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional safetyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary safety checks and validations through predefined activation conditions stored in the activation table. Before complex processing occurs, the system evaluates simpler predetermined conditions (such as timing thresholds, data validity checks, and activation flags) that can be verified with minimal computational resources. This preliminary action approach ensures functional safety requirements are met while avoiding the need for continuously complex high-power processing, as the heavy validation logic is prepared in advance rather than computed in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12005932B2Method and device for automating a driving function
Publication Date: 2024.06.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US12005932B2 patent drawing
  • US12005932B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for automating a driving function. The method includes an activation of a process controlling the driving function is triggered using an activation condition modelled by a trigger, and the process is temporally controlled by an activation manager during the controlling of the driving function.