ECU Event Data Locking via Segmented Memory and Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle data recording systems fail to protect event data recorded at or near the time of a vehicle crash, as they either overwrite critical information or require manual removal of recording devices for data access, which is inefficient and insecure.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an electronic control unit (ECU) with a processor and memory that locks event data upon receiving an authorized signal from an electronic tool, storing it in a dedicated, non-overwriteable section for preservation, and includes a data unlocking mechanism for authorized access and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If event data is stored in programmable memory of ECU, then data can be accessed and analyzed, but the data can be overwritten or unintentionally modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The memory is divided into separate sections: a first section for storing event data that can be overwritten, and a second section for storing locked event data that cannot be overwritten. This segmentation allows the system to preserve critical event data while maintaining operational flexibility for other data storage needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a separate authorized tool is used to update ECU, then event data protection is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ECU incorporates an authorization module that automatically verifies authorization information and locks event data in memory without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate authorized tools while maintaining robust data protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If recording device is removed for data access, then data security is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoiddata access efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an authorization module as an intermediary that controls data access through verification of authorization information. This allows authorized users to access event data directly from the ECU without removing the recording device, while still maintaining security through the authorization verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If event data is locked in memory, then data preservation is achieved, but data modification capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata preservationVSAvoiddata modification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10275366B2Protect information stored in ECU from unintentional writing and overwriting

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods that facilitate protecting vehicle impact event data from overwrite include an electronic control unit (ECU) having a processor that records event data related to vehicle operation, a memory that stores the event data, and an electronic tool that communicates with the ECU and comprises a data locking module that sends a data lock signal to the ECU to lock the stored event data as locked data such that the stored event data cannot be overwritten. The ECU, in response to the data lock signal, stores the event data as locked data in a dedicated portion of the memory to preserve the event data for subsequent review.