Mobile Firmware Delivery System with Cache for Engine Control Computers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automobile manufacturers face challenges in efficiently delivering firmware updates to remotely located engine-control computers due to bandwidth limitations and high costs associated with cellular internet connections, as well as the need for frequent firmware revisions that make pre-loading obsolete.

Innovation Solution

A mobile firmware delivery system that provides a local area network connection and cellular internet access, utilizing a cache memory to intercept firmware file requests and either retrieve from cache or download from the cloud, minimizing data transfer over cellular networks by prioritizing and managing cache storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If firmware files are downloaded from the internet using a cellular hotspot, then the ECC configuration device can obtain the latest firmware revisions, but the download process becomes slow and expensive due to bandwidth limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to obtain latest firmware revisionsVSAvoiddownload speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads firmware files into a local cache memory storage device before they are needed for configuration. This allows the ECC configuration device to quickly access firmware files from local storage rather than downloading them over the cellular network at the moment of need, thereby resolving the contradiction between obtaining latest revisions and download speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A local cache memory storage device acts as an intermediary between the internet and the ECC configuration device. The mobile device downloads firmware files and stores them locally, serving as a buffer that eliminates the need for direct cellular downloads during configuration, thus improving download speed while maintaining access to latest revisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If firmware files are downloaded from the internet using a cellular hotspot, then the ECC configuration device can obtain updated firmware, but the cost for data downloads becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to obtain updated firmwareVSAvoiddata download cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the ECC configuration device is pre-loaded with firmware files, then configuration can be performed quickly, but the firmware files become obsolete quickly due to frequent revisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration speedVSAvoidfirmware revision currency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements an automated firmware update mechanism where the mobile device periodically checks for firmware updates and automatically downloads new versions to the cache memory storage device. This self-service approach ensures the cache is continuously updated with latest revisions without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between quick local access and maintaining currency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If a large inventory of automobiles is parked in expansive lots for engine-control computer installation, then supply-chain difficulties are addressed, but providing local area network access throughout the entire lot becomes very expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory capacityVSAvoidnetwork infrastructure cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A mobile device with cellular connectivity acts as a portable network intermediary, bringing internet access to remote locations where infrastructure deployment is prohibitively expensive. The mobile device creates a local Wi-Fi network that the ECC configuration device can join, eliminating the need for extensive wired network infrastructure across the expansive parking lots

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static network infrastructure model (wired LAN throughout the lot) to a dynamic mobile network model. The mobile device can be moved to different locations as needed, providing flexible network access without requiring permanent infrastructure installation, thus reducing costs while maintaining inventory capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12039051B2Efficiently delivering firmware to be installed in a plurality of remotely located engine-control computers

Publication Date: 2024.07.16 INSIGHT DIRECT USA INC

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to delivering firmware to be installed in a plurality of remotely located engine-control computers in an efficient manner. Local-area-network connection is provided to an engine-control computer configuration device (ECC configuration device) via a mobile firmware delivery system. Cellular internet connection is also provided to the ECC configuration device via a mobile firmware delivery system. The ECC configuration device makes a request of the mobile firmware delivery system to download a firmware file. The mobile firmware delivery system downloads the firmware file requested if the firmware file requested is not stored in a cache memory. Instead of downloading the firmware file, the mobile firmware delivery system provides the firmware file stored in the cache memory if it is found to be stored there.