Software Update Device Coordinating ECU Updates via Network Triggers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update systems for electronic control units (ECUs) cannot update software while satisfying software dependencies, as described in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A software update device connected to other devices and a server via a network, including a reception unit for update data, an update unit for software updates, a communication unit for inter-device communication, an update timing reception unit for determining update conditions, a notification information reception unit for transmitting update triggers, and an update start determination unit that initiates updates when all conditions are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If software updates are performed remotely without technician intervention, then update efficiency and productivity are improved, but software dependency satisfaction cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the ECU transmit its software version information to the server before the update process. The server then determines the appropriate update package based on this preliminary information and transmits it to the ECU, ensuring that dependency requirements are satisfied before the actual update occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the ECU provides version information to the server, which then uses this feedback to determine and transmit the appropriate update package. This closed-loop feedback ensures that software dependencies are properly satisfied while maintaining automated update efficiency.
2Speed
If automated update determination is implemented, then update speed is improved, but complexity of update condition management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between the ECU and the update package. It receives version information from the ECU, determines the appropriate update package based on stored update conditions and software dependencies, and transmits the selected package to the ECU. This intermediary approach simplifies the ECU's role while maintaining automated update determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages update conditions by changing and comparing software version parameters. The ECU transmits its current version, the server compares this with stored version information and dependency requirements, and determines the appropriate update package. This parameter-based approach enables automated decision-making without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A software update device includes a reception unit that receives update data from the server; an update unit that updates software using the update data; a communication interface that communicates with the other software update devices; an update timing reception unit that receives from the server an update timing in which conditions for updating the software including a reception of an update trigger are described; a notification information reception unit that receives notification information including conditions for transmitting the update trigger to another software update device; an update trigger notification unit that transmits the update trigger to the other software update devices; an update trigger reception unit that receives the update trigger from the other software update devices; and an update start determination unit that causes the update unit to update the software when it is determined that all the conditions described in the update timing are satisfied.