Vehicle Firmware Upgrade via Plug-and-Play Card Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle firmware upgrade systems are difficult for users to install, require dealer assistance, and do not notify users of affected applications or available updates, making them inefficient and user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
An upgradable firmware system featuring a plug-and-play interface and card that allows users to easily install updates by recognizing new components and automatically adjusting firmware, while notifying users of affected blocks and available applications for download or purchase, using a non-volatile memory card and over-the-air communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual firmware upgrade process is used with docking station in vehicle cockpit, then firmware can be updated, but user installation becomes extremely difficult and dealer installation is required
Solution Approach 1:
An electronic portable media (upgrade card) is introduced as an intermediary carrier between the user and the vehicle's firmware update system. The card contains the firmware instructions and can be easily inserted into an electronic port in the dashboard, mediating the complex update process into a simple user action without requiring dealer intervention or complex docking station operations.
2Extent of automation
If automatic component recognition is implemented, then firmware adjustment becomes automated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's electronic control unit automatically recognizes the inserted upgrade card and identifies the new component without user intervention. The system self-services by automatically determining which firmware blocks need updating and executing the update process, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated routines.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive user notification system is implemented to alert users of affected applications and available updates, then user awareness improves, but system complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the electronic control unit communicates with the user interface to notify users of new components, affected firmware blocks, and available applications. This feedback loop provides comprehensive information to users about the update process and resulting changes, improving user awareness while using standardized communication protocols to manage system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The aspects of the present disclosure provide an upgradable firmware system and a method of adjusting or upgrading firmware through an upgradable firmware system within a vehicle cockpit. The upgradable firmware system may include a plug & play interface designed to interface with the vehicle cockpit. The plug & play interface may be configured to receive a plug & play card with a set of instructions for performing a task such as, updating one or more hardware and firmware blocks. The plug & play interface may be configured to recognize the plug & play card and adjust one or more hardware and firmware vehicle cockpit blocks based on the hardware and firmware block's configuration.