In-Vehicle ECU Substitution via Virtual Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECU systems lack the ability to seamlessly substitute for abnormal in-vehicle control units, potentially disrupting vehicle operations and safety when an abnormal ECU is detected, without considering the restoration of normal functions.
Innovation Solution
A substitution apparatus and method that includes a control unit and a substitute unit, which identifies abnormal ECUs, disables them, and applies a program to the substitute unit to replicate the abnormal ECU's functions, using CAN or Ethernet communication protocols, and allows for external program updates, enabling efficient restoration of normal operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an abnormal ECU is detected and disabled, then vehicle safety is improved, but vehicle operation is disrupted due to loss of the abnormal ECU's functions
Solution Approach 1:
The substitution apparatus creates a virtual copy of the abnormal ECU's functions by applying its program to a substitute unit. This copy allows the vehicle to continue operating with the substituted functions while the abnormal ECU remains disabled, thus maintaining both safety and operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state of ECUs by disabling the abnormal one and enabling the substitute unit. This parameter change (from active abnormal ECU to active substitute) resolves the contradiction by transferring functionality while maintaining system safety
2Productivity
If a substitute unit is introduced to replace abnormal ECUs, then operational continuity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substitute unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of replacing multiple different abnormal ECUs by applying different programs. This universal design reduces the need for multiple dedicated substitute units, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The substitution apparatus acts as an intermediary between the abnormal ECU and the vehicle's control system. It intercepts the abnormal ECU's program, applies it to the substitute unit, and manages the substitution process, thereby adding minimal complexity while enabling operational continuity
3Speed
If the substitute unit is included in the relay path before program application, then real-time substitution is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The substitute unit is prepared in advance but not activated in the relay path until the program is successfully applied. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid substitution when needed, while the conditional activation maintains system stability by preventing premature or incorrect substitutions
Data Source
AI summary
A substitution apparatus for installation in a vehicle in which a plurality of in-vehicle control apparatuses are implemented, the substitution apparatus including a control unit and a substitute unit. The control unit is configured to control the substitute unit based on transmission data transmitted from the in-vehicle control apparatuses, specify an abnormal in-vehicle control apparatus based on the transmission data, disable the specified abnormal in-vehicle control apparatus, and apply, to the substitute unit, a program for exhibiting functions otherwise normally executed by the specified abnormal in-vehicle control apparatus. The substitute unit is configured to substitute for the disabled in-vehicle control apparatus by executing the applied program.