ECU Update File Selection Across Wireless and Wired Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity of vehicle electronic control units complicates the software update process, especially when update files are obtained via both wireless and wired communication systems without clear definitions on which files to use.

Innovation Solution

An update control device that acquires update files via both wireless and wired communication, determines common and difference files between the two sets, and decides on an application update file for each ECU, ensuring appropriate and efficient software updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If update files are obtained via both wireless and wired communication systems, then the availability and flexibility of update methods are improved, but the complexity of managing and selecting which files to use increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate method availabilityVSAvoidfile management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary comparison between the first update file group (wireless) and second update file group (wired) before execution, identifying common files and difference files in advance. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine which files to execute, eliminating the need for complex runtime decision-making and reducing operational complexity while maintaining multiple update pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The update file groups are segmented into common files (present in both wireless and wired groups) and difference files (unique to each group). This segmentation allows the system to handle different file types through different processing logic, simplifying the management complexity by breaking down the overall update management into manageable segments with clear execution rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If all update files from both communication systems are executed, then complete software updates are achieved, but resource wastage increases due to redundant file execution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update completenessVSAvoidresource wastage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and identifies common files that appear in both the wireless and wired update file groups. These common files are then excluded from redundant execution by establishing clear execution rules: common files are executed only once (typically from the wireless group), while difference files are executed selectively. This extraction of redundant elements eliminates resource wastage while maintaining complete software updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of executing all files from both communication systems (excessive action), the system performs partial execution by selectively running only the necessary files - common files once and difference files as needed. This partial action approach avoids the resource wastage of executing duplicate files while ensuring complete and accurate software updates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If update files are obtained via wireless communication, then convenience and speed are improved, but the risk of obtaining incomplete or incorrect update files increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidupdate file accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the first update file group (wireless) with the second update file group (wired). This comparison provides feedback on the completeness and correctness of the wireless received files, allowing the system to identify difference files that may be missing or incorrect in the wireless group and execute them from the wired group to ensure accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If the system determines common and difference files between two update file groups, then update precision is improved, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefile identification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The comparison and identification of common and difference files is performed as a preliminary action before the actual update execution. By completing this analytical work in advance, the system establishes a clear execution plan that guides subsequent file processing. This preliminary identification, while requiring initial processing time, actually reduces overall update time by preventing redundant file operations and enabling efficient, targeted execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12578952B2Update control device, update control method, and update control program

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DENSO CORP

AI summary

An update control device for managing update includes: a first acquisition section acquires a first update file group including at least one file via wireless communication; a second acquisition section acquires a second update file group including at least one file via wired communication; a determination section determines a common file and a difference file; a decision section configured to decide on an application update file that is a file used for the update of the electronic control device; a delivery section configured to deliver the application update file to the electronic control device; and an instruction section configured to instruct the electronic control device.