Vehicle ECU Update Scheduling via Priority and Size
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating electronically controlled units (ECUs) in vehicles are inefficient, often requiring manual intervention and may overlook compatibility issues between ECUs, leading to inconvenience and potential operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for remotely updating multiple ECUs, determining an installation order based on priority levels and update package sizes, allowing concurrent installation of update packages through a communication interface and processor, facilitating parallel or serial updates to ensure compatibility and minimize downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ECUs are updated sequentially one by one, then compatibility issues between ECUs can be managed, but the total update time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update process into multiple parallel streams, each handling a subset of ECUs. The system divides ECUs into different update groups that can be updated simultaneously through different communication buses, reducing total update time while maintaining compatibility within each group through controlled segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of parallelism by utilizing multiple communication buses simultaneously. Instead of updating ECUs sequentially along a single time dimension, the system updates multiple ECUs concurrently across multiple communication bus dimensions, achieving both speed and compatibility
2Loss of time
If multiple ECUs are updated concurrently through multiple communication buses, then update time is reduced, but system complexity and potential conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway as an intermediary that coordinates updates across multiple communication buses. The gateway manages the complexity of concurrent updates by acting as a central controller that schedules and monitors multiple parallel update streams, reducing conflicts while maintaining efficient parallel processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic update scheduling where the system can adaptively adjust the number of concurrent updates based on available communication resources and system state. The update process is made flexible and dynamic rather than static, allowing optimal resource utilization while managing complexity
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required for ECU updates, then compatibility can be verified, but the update process becomes labor-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically verifies compatibility, schedules updates, and monitors installation progress without manual intervention. The gateway and ECU system work together to autonomously manage the entire update process, maintaining reliability through automated compatibility checks while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors update progress and compatibility status, automatically adjusting the update schedule based on real-time information. This closed-loop feedback system ensures compatibility verification while maintaining high efficiency through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
Technical solutions are described for updating a plurality of electronically controlled units (ECU) in a vehicle with multiple communication buses. An example method includes determining an installation order for updating the plurality of ECU based on a priority level assigned to each of the ECU, and a size of each update package for each of the ECU. The method also includes updating the ECU concurrently by installing the respective update packages according to the installation order.