Dynamic CAN DBC Access for Real-Time ECU Signal Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle data access methods rely on intermittent, large-scale updates of CAN bus databases, limiting real-time, on-demand access to additional ECU signals, and prohibiting immediate customization and innovation.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic controller area network database (DBC) configuration system that allows for real-time, on-demand access to ECU signals through an abstraction layer, enabling programmable customization of DBC settings to access any available ECU signals, including powertrain, chassis, and active safety controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional DBC updates are used, then system stability is maintained, but data access timeliness deteriorates due to infrequent updates every few years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DBC configuration that allows the database to be updated and reconfigured in real-time without requiring full system reinitialization. The ECU can load new DBC files and apply configuration changes during operation, enabling timely data access while maintaining system stability through controlled update mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and configuration checks before applying DBC updates. The abstraction layer prepares and verifies new DBC configurations in advance, ensuring that updates can be applied smoothly without disrupting overall system stability, thus enabling frequent updates without compromising reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If DBC updates are performed frequently, then data access flexibility improves, but system complexity increases due to update coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an abstraction layer that serves as an intermediary between the application layer and the DBC configuration. This abstraction layer handles the complexity of DBC updates, validation, and application automatically, allowing frequent updates and high flexibility without increasing overall system complexity. The abstraction layer shields upper layers from update coordination complexities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access to additional ECU signals is enabled, then functionality expands, but signal filtering effectiveness decreases due to increased data volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements signal filtering and selection at the ECU level, allowing each ECU to filter and prioritize its own output signals based on local requirements. The dynamic DBC configuration enables selective activation of specific signal groups, maintaining data quality and reducing filtering complexity even as overall system functionality expands to access additional signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic controller area network database (DBC) configuration and electronic control unit (ECU) signal access system and method for a vehicle each include a controller area network (CAN) of the vehicle and an ECU of the vehicle, the ECU being connected to the CAN and including a DBC defining a plurality of ECU signals that are accessible from the ECU via the CAN, an application layer, and an abstraction layer between the application layer and the DBC, wherein the DBC is configured to be dynamically customized based on a set of desired ECU signals provided by the application layer via the abstraction layer, and wherein the set of desired ECU signals are in addition to the plurality of ECU signals defined by the DBC.