ECU Software Update Storage Segmentation for In-Vehicle Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and size of vehicle control programs require large storage capacities, leading to insufficient storage during program updates, and restricting the timing of updates.

Innovation Solution

A program management device with a communication unit, a control unit, and multiple storage areas (first, second, and third) that allows for the storage of vehicle control and non-control update programs, enabling updates without duplicating the storage area for vehicle control programs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage areas are provided to store vehicle control programs and update programs, then program update flexibility is improved, but storage capacity requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram update flexibilityVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit is segmented into three distinct areas: first program storage area for the original vehicle control program, second program storage area for updated vehicle control programs, and third program storage area for irrespective programs. This segmentation enables simultaneous storage of multiple program versions and unrelated programs, improving update flexibility without requiring complete duplication of all storage content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different storage areas are assigned specific functions with different quality requirements. The first and second areas store critical vehicle control programs requiring high reliability, while the third area stores irrespective programs with different update characteristics. This local differentiation optimizes storage resource allocation based on specific program requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If large-capacity storage device is mounted on vehicles, then storage capacity is increased, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstorage device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large-capacity storage device, the system segments storage into three functional areas within the existing storage unit. This approach achieves the capability of large-capacity storage by organizing space efficiently rather than physically expanding storage capacity, thereby avoiding increased device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If vehicle control program is updated in place, then update speed is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential execution interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidprogram execution reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments program storage into separate areas, allowing the vehicle control program to be updated in the second program storage area while the original program remains in the first area. This physical separation enables simultaneous update operations without interfering with program execution, maintaining both update speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second program storage area acts as an intermediary buffer for updated programs. Updates are first written to this intermediate area, then selectively applied to the execution area. This intermediary mechanism decouples the update process from the execution process, eliminating interference while maintaining fast update capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250036392A1Vehicular software update management system and execution by electronic control unit

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A program management device including a communication unit that communicates with an external device, a control unit that executes a vehicle control program for controlling the vehicle, a first memory where the vehicle control program is stored, a second memory where the vehicle control program is stored, a third memory where an irrespective program is stored to perform control that is irrespective of driving of the vehicle, and a program update unit that executes first processing of storing in at least one of the first memory and the second memory a vehicle control update program received by the communication unit, the vehicle control update program being used to update the vehicle control program, and second processing of storing in the third memory a non-control update program received by the communication unit, the non-control update program being used to update the irrespective program.