Programmable Interface for Automotive Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, aftermarket peripheral devices often have communication protocols that are incompatible with the OEM head units, leading to communication failures between these devices.
Innovation Solution
A programmable interface is used to bridge the incompatibility by identifying and translating between different communication protocols, allowing the head unit and peripheral devices to communicate effectively, even without prior programming, and can harvest power from the vehicle or a mobile device to access remote networks for necessary protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable interface is used to translate between different communication protocols, then compatibility between head units and peripheral devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A programmable interface module is introduced as an intermediary device between the head unit and peripheral devices. This module receives communication signals from either party, translates between incompatible protocols, and forwards the translated signals to the other party, thereby enabling compatibility without modifying the original head unit or peripheral devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable interface module is designed to support multiple communication protocols simultaneously (CAN, LIN, MOST, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). By implementing a universal translation capability across multiple protocols, the interface can adapt to various head units and peripheral devices without requiring protocol-specific hardware modifications.
2Ease of operation
If wireless configuration and programming is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/wired configuration method with wireless communication technology. Instead of requiring physical connection through cables for programming and configuration, the system uses wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to transmit configuration data and software updates, thereby improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable interface module is designed to autonomously configure itself by automatically detecting the vehicle's communication network architecture and peripheral devices. The module performs self-diagnosis and self-programming without requiring manual intervention or external programming tools, thereby reducing the need for continuous external power supply during configuration operations.
3Productivity
If the interface autonomously updates software, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential update failures
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous software update system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the update process in real-time. The system checks for update availability, validates download integrity, monitors installation progress, and verifies successful completion. If any failure is detected during the update process, the system automatically rolls back to the previous stable version, thereby maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicles typically include a communication system for communicating with and controlling devices and sensors installed in the vehicle. The vehicle may include a radio head unit. The head unit other devices and may provide functionality sensors installed in the for controlling vehicle. Devices and sensors installed in a vehicle may operate using incompatible communication protocols. An interface may be provided that detects the communication protocol used by a device/sensor and locates an information exchange protocol. The information exchange protocol may be executed by the interface. The information protocol may translate one communication protocol into another communication protocol. Translating communication protocols may allow two (or more) otherwise incompatible devices/sensors to work together and be integrated into a vehicle.