ECU Timeslot Allocation for Adding Real-Time Control Tasks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control software scheduling techniques require costly design and verification when updated, potentially affecting data communication and timing between tasks, especially in electronic control units (ECUs).

Innovation Solution

An electronic control device with a timeslot allocation system that determines and secures execution timings for tasks, allowing new tasks to be added without affecting existing task schedules, using a timeslot allocation unit to manage data flow and task activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If task scheduling is performed every time the vehicle control software is changed, then the software can be updated with new tasks, but the cost for design and verification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update capabilityVSAvoiddesign and verification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining timeslot allocation information that specifies execution timings of tasks before the software is updated. When a new task is added, the system searches for an empty timeslot based on this pre-defined information and data flow requirements, rather than performing complete scheduling verification. This preliminary setup of timeslot allocation allows software updates without requiring costly redesign and verification of the entire scheduling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If task sorting is performed based on resource amount and characteristic values, then resource usage efficiency is improved, but the processing timing of tasks may vary affecting data communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource usage efficiencyVSAvoiddata communication timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the task scheduling problem into two independent parts: (1) timeslot allocation that determines execution timing based on pre-defined allocation information to ensure communication reliability, and (2) resource allocation within each timeslot that optimizes CPU resource usage. By separating these functions, the system maintains fixed execution timings for data communication while allowing flexible resource allocation within each timeslot to improve overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The timeslot allocation information acts as an intermediary that mediates between resource allocation requirements and communication timing requirements. It pre-defines execution timings that serve as a stable reference for data communication, while allowing the resource allocation mechanism to optimize CPU usage within these fixed timeslots. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between variable resource usage and fixed communication timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vehicle control software is updated with new tasks, then functionality is improved, but verification of communication timing becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask addition capabilityVSAvoidverification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining timeslot allocation information that specifies execution timings before software updates. When adding a new task, the system only needs to search for an empty timeslot based on this pre-defined information and data flow requests, rather than performing complete verification. This preliminary setup simplifies the update process and reduces verification complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing timeslot allocation information as a template or copy that can be referenced when adding new tasks. Instead of creating new scheduling arrangements that require verification, the system copies the proven timing structure from existing allocations and finds an empty slot that fits this proven pattern, thereby avoiding the need for verification of communication timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20260086851A1Electronic Control Device, Vehicle Control System, and Task Control Method

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an electronic control device, in which a timeslot allocation unit receives an input of data flow request information and timeslot request information, the data flow request information including information on a task for generating data to be input to the new task and information on how many periods before a timeslot for activating the new task to use the data generated by the task and the timeslot request information including information on a number of timeslots necessary for executing the new task, searches for an empty timeslot in which the new task is executed based on the timeslot allocation information, the data flow request information, and the timeslot request information, and updates the timeslot allocation information so as to allocate the new task to the searched empty timeslot.