OTA Master Parallel Update for Single and Dual Bank ECU Memory

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software update technologies for vehicle electronic control units with single and dual bank memories lack efficiency in handling memory structure differences, leading to varying recovery methods and inconsistent update processes.

Innovation Solution

An OTA master system that receives and processes separate distribution packages for electronic control units with single and dual bank memories, allowing parallel software updates based on type information, enabling efficient installation and activation of updates suitable for both memory types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate update processes are used for single bank and dual bank memories, then update reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate reliabilityVSAvoidupdate process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The update process is segmented into distinct pathways based on memory type. The system identifies whether the ECU uses single bank or dual bank memory and applies the appropriate update sequence, ensuring each memory type receives optimized handling while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The update process is made dynamic by automatically adapting the update sequence based on real-time identification of the ECU's memory configuration. The system flexibly switches between different update methodologies without requiring manual intervention or fixed process structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If separate update processes are used for single bank and dual bank memories, then update accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of the ECU's memory type before initiating the update process. By determining the memory configuration in advance, the system can select the appropriate update sequence beforehand, avoiding time-consuming trial-and-error approaches and ensuring accurate updates from the start

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The update process parameters are changed based on the identified memory type. The system adjusts critical parameters such as write sequence, verification methods, and recovery procedures to match the specific requirements of single bank or dual bank memory architectures, achieving high accuracy without unnecessary processing steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If separate distribution packages are received and processed in parallel, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments update tasks into separate distribution packages tailored to specific memory types. By organizing update data into distinct packages for single bank and dual bank memories, the system enables parallel processing while maintaining clear separation of concerns and manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The OTA master is designed with universal capabilities to handle both single bank and dual bank memory updates through a unified interface. This multi-functionality allows the system to process different memory types simultaneously while presenting a consistent operational framework, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12190100B2OTA software update based on ECU non-volatile memory type
Publication Date: 2025.01.07 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US12190100B2 patent drawing
  • US12190100B2 patent drawing
  • US12190100B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An OTA master configured to control a software update on a first electronic control unit mounted on a vehicle and a software update on a second electronic control unit mounted on the vehicle includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to separately receive a first distribution package of update data for the first electronic control unit and a second distribution package of update data for the second electronic control unit from a center. The first electronic control unit includes a non-volatile memory of a first type including one storage area. The second electronic control unit includes a non-volatile memory of a second type including two storage areas. The one or more processors are configured to perform the control of the software update in parallel on a plurality of the electronic control units to be updated, based on the received update data.