Dual-ECU Power State Control for Autonomous and Remote Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving systems require high-performance electronic control units (ECUs) for both autonomous driving and remote control, leading to increased power consumption and costs, especially in vehicles like electric vehicles, where power saving is crucial to extend battery life and reduce battery consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a first ECU for autonomous driving and a second ECU for remote control, where the second ECU remains in a power-saving state during autonomous driving and activates only when needed for remote control, with a third ECU arbitrating control information to ensure seamless transitions between modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a high-performance ECU is mounted to handle both autonomous driving and remote control applications, then the computational performance is improved, but the power consumption increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ECU system into two separate ECUs: a first ECU dedicated to autonomous driving applications and a second ECU dedicated to remote control applications. This segmentation allows each ECU to be optimized for its specific function and enables power saving by keeping one ECU in a low-power state when not needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between computational performance and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If two separate ECUs are mounted for autonomous driving and remote control, then power consumption is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the vehicle system to operate in two distinct modes: autonomous driving mode and remote control mode. The system can dynamically switch between these modes, with the first ECU handling autonomous driving and the second ECU handling remote control when activated. This universal design allows the system to perform multiple functions using a standardized dual-ECU architecture, reducing overall complexity while maintaining power efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the second ECU is kept in power saving state during autonomous driving, then power consumption is reduced, but the switching response time may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining the first ECU in a ready-to-execute state during remote control operations, so that when switching to autonomous driving mode is required, the first ECU can immediately activate without significant delay. Similarly, the system can pre-load necessary data and maintain communication channels in a semi-active state, enabling rapid transition from power-saving mode to full operation when switching between autonomous driving and remote control modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous driving device to be mounted on a vehicle includes a first ECU configured to autonomously drive the vehicle, and a second ECU configured to operate the vehicle under remote control from an outside. The first ECU is configured to keep an activated state while the second ECU is operating the vehicle. The second ECU is configured to keep a power saving state while the first ECU is autonomously driving the vehicle.