Vehicle ECU Update Routing via Portable Terminal Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update systems for electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles are unable to update software when communication between the server and the vehicle is not possible, due to radio wave conditions or the absence of a communication module.
Innovation Solution
A server and software update system that allows for software updates of ECUs even when communication with the server is not possible, by utilizing a portable terminal that can communicate with the vehicle's software update device and receive update data from the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software updates are performed through OTA (Over-the-Air) technology requiring direct communication between the server and vehicle, then update convenience and speed are improved, but the system becomes inapplicable when communication is not possible due to radio wave conditions or absence of communication module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable terminal as an intermediary device that bridges the server and the vehicle's software update device. When direct communication between server and vehicle is not possible, the server transmits update data to the portable terminal, which then relays the data to the vehicle for installation. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining update convenience through automated processes while expanding applicability to scenarios where direct vehicle-server communication is unavailable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a communication module is mounted on the vehicle for OTA updates, then update capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable terminal a multi-functional device that serves both as a communication bridge for software updates and as a user interaction interface. The terminal can display update information, receive user consent, and transmit update data to the vehicle. This universality resolves the contradiction by providing update capability through an existing multi-purpose device rather than adding dedicated communication hardware, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If update data are transmitted through the portable terminal instead of direct server-vehicle communication, then adaptability to communication limitations is improved, but transmission time and process duration may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the portable terminal receive and store update data from the server in advance, before the actual update installation on the vehicle. The terminal can buffer the update data and make it ready for transmission to the vehicle when the user is present and gives consent. This preliminary preparation reduces the actual update time by eliminating the need for real-time server-vehicle communication during the update process, thus resolving the time loss while maintaining communication flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A server (1) is configured to distribute update data for software for an electronic control unit (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) mounted on a vehicle. The server includes: a first storage unit (25) that stores device identification information in which information that specifies a communication module (12) mounted on the vehicle and information that specifies a portable terminal (3) configured to communicate with an update control device (11) mounted on the vehicle are associated with each other; a second storage unit (26) that stores the update data; a determination unit (28) configured to determine whether communication with the update control device (11) is possible; and a communication unit (27) configured to transmit the update data to the portable terminal that is associated with the communication module (12) when the determination unit (28) determines that the communication with the update control device (11) is not possible.