Interface Switch for Automated Embedded System Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for software validation and media testing in embedded systems, such as In-Vehicle Infotainment systems, are limited by their inability to perform multiple operations simultaneously due to the USB interface being internal to the system, requiring manual intervention and lacking efficient automation for software upgrades and media testing processes.

Innovation Solution

An interface switch with multiple ports, a relay board, and a controller board is used to establish communication channels between an automation system, a media storage device, and the embedded system, allowing for remote mounting and execution of operations, including software upgrades and media testing, through a Human Machine Interface and configuration menus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a USB interface is used for software upgrading and media testing in embedded systems, then data transfer capability is improved, but the ability to perform multiple operations simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidability to perform multiple operations simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the USB interface functionality by introducing an external USB hub that can handle multiple USB connections simultaneously. The hub divides the single USB interface capability into multiple independent connection points, allowing simultaneous software upgrading, media testing, and other operations without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An external USB hub acts as an intermediary device between the embedded system's single USB interface and multiple external devices. The hub mediates multiple USB connections, enabling the system to perform multiple operations simultaneously while maintaining stable data transfer through the intermediate hub device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used for media testing and software validation, then operational control is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational controlVSAvoidtime consumption for validation and testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service automation where the embedded system can automatically perform media testing, software validation, and upgrading operations without requiring manual user intervention. The automation scripts enable the system to test media devices, validate software updates, and complete the entire process autonomously, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining operational control through predefined test sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the USB interface is integrated internally in the embedded system, then system integration is improved, but the ability to perform external operations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidability to perform external operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB hub functionality is extracted from the embedded system's internal architecture and implemented as an external device. This extraction allows the system to maintain simple internal integration while gaining enhanced external operation capabilities through the external hub that can connect to multiple USB devices simultaneously for media testing, software upgrading, and other operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables simultaneous performance of multiple operations on embedded systems, reducing manual intervention and accelerating the development life cycle by allowing remote validation and validation of software upgrades, thus saving time and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The relay board comprises a plurality of relays, wherein each of the plurality of relays is associated with each of the plurality of ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelay switching: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS9983969B2Interface switch for automatically performing operations in an embedded system and a method thereof

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 WIPRO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for automatically performing one or more operations in an embedded system. The method comprises receiving by an interface switch, data related to one or more operations from automation system. Thereafter, the interface switch copies the data to a media storage device configured in the interface switch. Further, the interface switch mounts remotely the media storage device onto the embedded system. Upon mounting the media storage device, the interface switch facilitates access of a Human Machine Interface (HMI) and one or more configuration menus of the embedded system to the automation system. Finally, the interface switch performs the one or more operations automatically in the embedded system through the HMI and the one or more configuration menus. Upon performing the one or more operations, the media storage device is un-mounted from the embedded system and the embedded system is restarted.