In-Vehicle ECU Update Control via Non-Target Device Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle update systems face inefficiencies when ECUs are unable to update control programs, leading to memory burden and delayed updates due to the need for storing large update programs and simultaneous updates across multiple ECUs.
Innovation Solution
An update control device and method that allows a communication unit to transmit a request message to a non-target ECU to execute part of the update process when a target ECU is unable to do so, distributing the update program across different storage destinations and prioritizing ECUs based on dynamic processing capability and communication line connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the target ECU stores the update program locally, then the update process can be executed autonomously, but the memory burden on the target ECU increases and update delays occur when multiple ECUs need simultaneous updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into multiple parts that can be distributed to different non-target ECUs for execution. Instead of requiring the target ECU to store and execute the entire update program, the update process is divided such that different portions can be executed by different ECUs in the network, reducing the memory burden on any single device while maintaining autonomous update capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables non-target ECUs to serve dual purposes: their normal control functions and alternative execution of update processes. By allowing ECUs that are not the primary update targets to execute parts of update programs, the system creates multi-functional nodes that can contribute to updates without requiring dedicated update hardware, thereby reducing overall memory requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the system waits for all ECUs to be ready for simultaneous updates, then update consistency is maintained, but update completion time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by having non-target ECUs prepare to execute update process parts in advance. The update control device identifies and assigns update tasks to multiple ECUs before the actual update is needed, so that when the update is triggered, multiple ECUs are already ready to execute their assigned portions simultaneously, reducing overall update completion time while maintaining consistency through coordinated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the update control device monitors the readiness and execution status of multiple ECUs. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically coordinates the execution timing and sequence of different ECUs, ensuring that updates are applied consistently across the network while minimizing delays through optimized scheduling based on real-time system state information.
3Device complexity
If the target ECU executes the entire update process, then update control is simplified, but the update process cannot proceed when the target ECU is unable to execute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an update control device as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple ECUs for update execution. This intermediary handles the task of identifying suitable non-target ECUs, assigning update process parts, and monitoring execution, thereby distributing the control burden while enabling flexible execution across multiple devices. The target ECU itself remains simple, focusing only on receiving and executing its assigned update portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to flexibly select which ECUs will execute which parts of the update process based on real-time conditions. Non-target ECUs can be dynamically identified and assigned update tasks based on their current operational state, capabilities, and availability, enabling the update process to proceed even when the original target ECU is unavailable, thus enhancing execution flexibility while maintaining manageable control through the intermediary device.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an update control device including: a communication unit configured to communicate with an on-vehicle control device via a transmission path including an in-vehicle communication line; and a control unit configured to cause the communication unit to transmit a request message when a target device defined below is unable to execute an update process for a control program, the request message requesting an alternative device, which is a non-target device defined below, to alternatively execute a part of the update process. Target device: an on-vehicle control device whose control program is to be updated. Non-target device: an on-vehicle control device whose control program is not to be updated.