Vehicle OTA Update Battery Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Over-the-air updates to vehicles can drain the battery, potentially leaving it unable to start after the update, especially when performed in long-term parking situations, as existing methods do not adequately consider the vehicle's battery state of charge (SOC) and location.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determine a vehicle battery SOC threshold based on update characteristics and modify it according to the vehicle's location, deciding whether to perform a full or partial update, ensuring the battery remains above a safe level by comparing the SOC to the threshold before proceeding with the update.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If over-the-air updates are performed to provide security and functionality improvements, then vehicle system capabilities are improved, but battery state of charge drops below safe levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the battery SOC threshold parameter based on vehicle location context. When the vehicle is in long-term parking mode, the threshold is raised to prevent updates that would deplete the battery below safe levels. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing updates only when energy conditions are sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery SOC and location conditions before initiating an over-the-air update. By checking whether the current SOC exceeds the location-specific threshold beforehand, the system prevents energy depletion issues before they occur, ensuring both update delivery and battery safety.
2Ease of operation
If over-the-air updates are performed without considering location, then update delivery is simplified, but battery depletion risk increases in long-term parking scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different SOC threshold requirements based on the vehicle's operational context or location. Long-term parking scenarios receive higher threshold protection compared to short-term or operational scenarios. This localized quality approach maintains ease of operation for most cases while providing enhanced protection where needed.
3Reliability
If the battery SOC threshold is set high to prevent depletion, then battery safety is improved, but update opportunities are lost when SOC is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The SOC threshold is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on vehicle location and operational context. The system transitions between different threshold levels depending on whether the vehicle is in long-term parking, short-term parking, or operational mode. This dynamic approach optimizes both battery safety and update delivery opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle location and operational status, using this feedback to adjust the applicable SOC threshold. When the vehicle transitions from long-term parking to operational mode, the threshold adjustment feedback mechanism allows updates to proceed that would have been blocked under the stricter parking threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for determining whether to provide an over-the-air (OTA) update to a vehicle. An example method includes determining an update characteristic of a pending software update for a vehicle. The method also includes determining a vehicle battery state of charge (SOC) threshold based on the update characteristic. The method further includes modifying the threshold based on a location of the vehicle. The method still further includes determining a SOC of a battery of the vehicle. And the method yet further includes responsively providing the pending software update to the vehicle based on the SOC and the threshold.