Vehicle ECU Update Path Switching During Communication Disruptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ECU update processes are hindered by communication disruptions between update data providers and gateway ECUs, leading to prolonged update times as they wait for communication abnormalities to be resolved.
Innovation Solution
A management apparatus with multiple communication units and a control unit that switches update data paths when a communication disruption is detected, allowing continuous data transmission from a different path, reducing update time and enabling resumption from a retrial point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gateway ECU waits for communication abnormality to be resolved before continuing update transmission, then communication reliability is maintained, but update time is significantly prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path switching capability where the gateway ECU can transition from a disrupted communication path to an alternative communication path when abnormality is detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain update continuity by actively changing the communication route rather than statically waiting for the original path to recover, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing update time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a path management function that acts as an intermediary between the update data source and the target ECU. This intermediary monitors communication status and automatically selects alternative paths when disruptions occur, enabling the system to bypass communication abnormalities without interrupting the update process, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing time loss.
2Device complexity
If the gateway ECU uses a single communication path for update data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but update reliability deteriorates when communication disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU is designed with multi-functional communication capability, where a single gateway device can handle multiple communication paths and switch between them based on status. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplicity in device structure while achieving high reliability through the ability to use alternative paths when needed, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and update reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the communication system by introducing path status monitoring and dynamic path selection. Instead of using a fixed single path, the system monitors communication quality and switches parameters (communication path selection) based on detected abnormalities, thereby maintaining reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the gateway ECU retransmits update data from the beginning after communication disruption, then data integrity is ensured, but update time increases due to retransmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by switching to an alternative communication path before data loss occurs or immediately upon detection of disruption. By proactively changing the transmission path rather than waiting for complete data failure, the system ensures data integrity can be maintained through the alternative path without needing to retransmit from the beginning, thus reducing time loss while preserving integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of the update action by maintaining data transmission through alternative paths when the primary path is disrupted. This continuous transmission approach prevents interruption and avoids the need to restart from the beginning, thereby ensuring data integrity through uninterrupted transmission while minimizing update time.
Data Source
AI summary
A management apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle that includes: a first communication unit; a second communication unit; a third communication unit; and a control unit configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit the update data received by the second communication unit or the third communication unit to the target ECU. The control unit performs switching from a first path through which the update data received by one of the second communication unit and the third communication unit is transmitted from the first communication unit to a second path through which the update data received by the other of the second communication unit and the third communication unit is transmitted from the first communication unit.