Multitasking Controller Input Variable Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer programs for controlling driving dynamics systems in vehicles face challenges in ensuring that input variables are available in time for multitasking operations, particularly in transitioning between system states, which can lead to safety-critical situations due to the cyclic processing and fixed time patterns.
Innovation Solution
The method subdivides the computer program into functionally linked functionalities, defines permissible operating states, and specifies dependencies between them, ensuring that input variables are available before transitioning to a new system state, using alternative algorithms or modeling if necessary, to guarantee the availability of required input variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the computer program is processed in various time patterns with multitasking capability, then the system can handle multiple functions with different priorities, but it becomes difficult to ensure that input variables are available before function execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by computing and storing input variables in advance within their respective time patterns before the execution phase. The coordination means ensures that variables are prepared in earlier time slices (e.g., 40ms pattern) before being needed by functions in later time slices (e.g., 5ms pattern), thus guaranteeing availability without compromising multitasking capability.
2Speed
If safety-critical functions are assigned higher priority and executed in shorter time patterns, then response time is reduced, but it increases the complexity of coordinating dependencies among functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computer program into functionally independent units, each with clearly defined input and output variables. This segmentation allows the coordination means to manage dependencies between units systematically, reducing overall coordination complexity while enabling safety-critical functions to operate in shorter time patterns with guaranteed input availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordination means as an intermediary component that manages the execution sequence and variable exchange between functions. This mediator handles the complex coordination of dependencies between safety-critical and non-critical functions, allowing them to run in different time patterns without direct complex interactions, thus reducing the burden on individual functions.
3Reliability
If functions are executed in a strictly fixed sequence, then input variable availability is guaranteed, but the system lacks flexibility in handling different priorities and system states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic execution patterns where the sequence and timing of function execution adapt based on system state and priority requirements. The coordination means dynamically determines execution timing within predefined time patterns, allowing safety-critical functions to execute more frequently while non-critical functions run less frequently, thus providing both reliability and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a controller are provided for controlling the execution of a computer program having multitasking capability on a computing element of a controller for controlling and/or regulating a system. The system may take up various possible system states. At the beginning of the execution of a function, the following steps may be executed: subdividing the computer program into a plurality of functionally linked functionalities; defining possible operating states for the functionalities; defining the possible system states of the system, in that specifiable operating states are allocated to the functionalities for each system state; ascertaining the dependencies of the functionalities upon one another, a first functionality dependent upon a second functionality if at least one input variable of the first functionality is ascertained in the second functionality; and centrally specifying the operating states required for a certain system state, taking into consideration the ascertained dependencies among the functionalities and further boundary conditions.