Vehicle ECU Update Control via Battery SOC Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for updating electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles, especially those associated with autonomous driving functions, often fail to complete software updates within a single driving cycle, rendering normal autonomous driving impossible due to limitations in battery state of charge (SOC) management.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that determine whether to start the vehicle based on the SOC of the battery, dividing ECUs into two groups for updates: one group during a start-on state and another during a start-off state, allowing for collective software updates to be completed without temporal gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional ECU update method is used (updating ECUs sequentially when battery SOC is sufficient), then individual ECU updates can be completed, but associated software updates of multiple ECUs cannot be completed within one driving cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into two distinct phases: a first update phase that executes when battery SOC is sufficient, and a second update phase that executes when battery SOC is insufficient. This segmentation allows the system to complete associated software updates for multiple ECUs within one driving cycle by appropriately distributing update tasks across different phases, thereby resolving the contradiction between update completion rate and update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of ECUs requiring associated software updates before the driving cycle begins. By pre-identifying which ECUs need updates and planning their execution across different phases, the system ensures that all necessary updates can be completed within the available time window, improving both productivity and time utilization.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ECU updates are performed when battery SOC is low, then power consumption is reduced, but updates cannot be completed due to insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the ECU update execution strategy based on real-time battery SOC conditions. When SOC is sufficient, the system executes updates during the first phase; when SOC is insufficient, it executes updates during the second phase. This dynamic adaptation ensures that updates are performed under appropriate power conditions, maintaining both energy efficiency and update reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the update system based on battery SOC levels. By monitoring SOC and switching between different update execution modes (first phase vs. second phase), the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and update reliability, ensuring that updates are completed successfully without causing power depletion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If associated software updates of multiple ECUs are attempted within one driving cycle, then autonomous driving function can be maintained, but conventional update methods cannot complete all updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments associated ECUs into different update groups based on their functional criticality and power requirements. Critical ECUs required for autonomous driving are updated in the first phase when power is available, while non-critical ECUs are updated in the second phase. This segmentation enables continuous autonomous driving operation while completing all necessary updates within one driving cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors battery SOC levels, ECU update status, and autonomous driving requirements in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the update execution plan to ensure that critical updates are completed before autonomous driving operations are affected, maintaining both adaptability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for controlling updates of ECUs of a vehicle are provided. A communication device receives a request for associated software updates of electronic control units (ECUs) arranged within a vehicle, and a controller determines whether to start the vehicle based on a state of charge (SOC) of a battery. The controller performs updates of ECUs in a first group in a start on state of the vehicle, and performs updates of ECUs in a second group in a start off state of the vehicle to complete a software update for a function involving the plurality of ECUs.