Vehicle ECU Update Routing via Portable Terminal Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update methods for vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) fail when communication between the server and vehicle is not possible, such as due to radio wave conditions or lack of a communication module.
Innovation Solution
A server system that stores device identification information associating vehicle communication modules with portable terminals, enabling update data distribution to the vehicle via the communication module or portable terminal when direct communication is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If OTA update method is used requiring direct communication between server and vehicle, then update can be performed wirelessly, but update cannot be performed when communication is unavailable due to radio wave conditions or lack of communication module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable terminal (smartphone, tablet, or computer) as an intermediary device between the server and the vehicle's update control device. When direct communication between the server and vehicle is unavailable, the server transmits update data to the portable terminal, which then relays the data to the vehicle. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining update reliability while adapting to various communication conditions including scenarios where the vehicle lacks a communication module or experiences poor radio wave conditions.
2Ease of operation
If communication module is mounted on vehicle for OTA updates, then wireless updates are enabled, but vehicle cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the portable terminal serve multiple functions: it acts as a communication interface for update data transmission, a storage device for temporarily holding update data, and a relay station between the server and vehicle. By leveraging the multi-functionality of the portable terminal (which users already possess for other purposes), the system enables wireless update capability without requiring the vehicle to have dedicated communication hardware, thus reducing vehicle complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to utilize their own portable terminals (smartphones, tablets, or computers) that they already own and carry, rather than requiring the vehicle manufacturer to provide specialized communication equipment. The portable terminal's existing communication capabilities (wireless networks, data storage, processing) are leveraged to perform the update function, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional vehicle-mounted communication devices.
3Reliability
If update data is transmitted only through vehicle communication module, then direct server-vehicle communication is maintained, but update fails when communication module is absent or non-functional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic communication path selection mechanism where the system adapts its data transmission route based on the availability and functionality of communication channels. The server first attempts direct communication with the vehicle's update control device; when this fails or is unavailable, the system dynamically switches to an alternative path through the portable terminal. This dynamic adaptability ensures reliable update data transmission while accommodating various communication scenarios including absent or non-functional vehicle communication modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A server is configured to distribute update data for software for an electronic control unit mounted on a vehicle. The server includes: a storage device that stores device identification information in which information that specifies a communication module mounted on the vehicle and information that specifies a portable terminal configured to communicate with an update control device mounted on the vehicle are associated with each other, and the update data; and a processor configured to determine whether communication with the update control device is possible, and transmit the update data to the portable terminal that is associated with the communication module when the determination unit determines that the communication with the update control device is not possible.