Wireless ECU Software Update via Differential Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating vehicle software require physical visits to dealerships, incurring significant costs and inefficiencies due to the need for manual installation and notification processes, with owners often failing to respond timely or at all.
Innovation Solution
A method for wireless remote updating of vehicle software using a server-hosted manager software that generates differential update packages, establishes wireless communication links with telematics control units, and updates electronic control units via reflashing their flash memories, allowing for automated scheduling and reporting of update status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software updates are provided through dealer installation, then software updates can be implemented, but significant costs are incurred for dealer reimbursement and notification
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to automatically receive and install software updates themselves through wireless communication. The update manager in each vehicle autonomously handles the update process, eliminating the need for dealer intervention and reimbursement, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable update implementation and high dealer costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical dealer installation with an electronic wireless update mechanism. Software updates are transmitted wirelessly to vehicles and installed automatically, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated electronic system that eliminates dealer involvement and associated costs
2Reliability
If vehicle owners are notified to return to dealer for software updating, then software updates can be provided, but vehicle owners often fail to respond timely or at all
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for owner response by making the update process fully automated. Vehicles automatically receive updates through wireless communication without requiring owner action or dealer visits, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable update delivery and delayed response time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs updates automatically without waiting for owner response. The update manager proactively manages the update process, downloading and installing updates at appropriate times without requiring preliminary owner action, thus eliminating the time loss associated with owner non-response
3Reliability
If full software images are transmitted for ECU updates, then complete software updates can be provided, but transmission time and bandwidth are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary portions of software updates that need to be transmitted. By identifying and transmitting only the changed or missing code segments rather than complete software images, the system maintains update completeness while dramatically reducing transmission time and bandwidth requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating a vehicular electronic control unit (ECU) comprising a flash memory storing a digital content image and a boot loader is provided. The method comprises: generating a differential update package (DUP) for said ECU to update the digital content image to an updated digital content image, said DUP comprising instructions to perform one or more of copying bytes from said flash memory, and applying a set of modifications to said copied bytes; transmitting said DUP over a wireless carrier system to a telematics device of the vehicle; storing an original block portion of said digital content image; modifying said original block portion in accordance with said DUP to produce a modified block portion; erasing said original block portion from said flash memory; and writing said modified block portion into said flash memory in place of said original block portion.