Jump Table Program Updates for Low-Downtime ECU Function Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control system program updates, such as those using OTA techniques, often fail to reduce downtime when updating functions, especially when existing functions are modified, leading to extended periods where the system cannot execute control.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device with a storage unit and processing unit that updates a jump table to call a new function during program updates, allowing for simultaneous execution with the old function, thereby reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the program of the ECU is rewritten using OTA technique, then the program can be updated without bringing the vehicle to a maintenance factory, but the vehicle control becomes unable to execute during the rewriting process
Solution Approach 1:
The program is segmented into multiple functions, and the jump table is segmented to store addresses of these functions. During update, only the necessary function addresses in the jump table are modified rather than rewriting the entire program, enabling partial updates that maintain system operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The new function addresses are written to the jump table in advance before the actual function code is fully deployed. This preliminary update of the jump table allows the system to start calling new functions immediately while the old functions remain intact as backup, reducing downtime.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the existing function is updated in the program, then the function can be improved or modified, but the update time increases compared to adding new functions only
Solution Approach 1:
When a function needs to be updated, the system creates a new version of the function and updates the corresponding address in the jump table to point to this new version. The old function version remains in memory but is no longer called, allowing for rapid function updates without rewriting the entire program.
Solution Approach 2:
The jump table stores addresses as parameters that can be quickly changed. By modifying only the address parameters in the jump table rather than the function code itself, the system achieves rapid function updates. This parameter-based approach allows function substitution without time-consuming full program rewrites.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a technology for reducing a time when the information processing device is not controllable by a program update accompanying with a function change. An information processing device includes a storage unit and a processing unit, wherein the storage unit stores a program which contains a function and a jump table which defines calling of the function by the program, and wherein the processing unit determines the function to be called with reference to the jump table when the program is executed and, when the program is updated accompanying with a change of the function, writes a new function which is a function after the change and update the jump table to call the new function.