Redundant Domain Master Firmware Update During Travel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle communication systems cannot update the firmware of a domain master while the vehicle is traveling, as stopping the domain master's functions is required for reprogramming, which is not feasible during operational conditions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a redundant domain master that can perform alternative operations, allowing the domain master to transmit operation information before updating, enabling the redundant master to execute alternative operations and receive updated information, thus allowing firmware updates without stopping the domain master's functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If firmware reprogramming of the domain master is performed, then the embedded control program can be updated, but the domain master function must be stopped which prevents updates while the vehicle is traveling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the domain master functionality by introducing a redundant domain master that can take over operations. The original domain master is separated into update mode while the redundant unit handles continuous operations, allowing firmware updates without stopping vehicle functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The redundant domain master acts as an intermediary that receives operation information from the original domain master before update, executes alternative operations during the update process, and then receives updated operation information after the update. This mediator enables continuous operation while the original domain master undergoes firmware reprogramming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a redundant domain master is introduced to enable updates during operation, then continuous operation is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely redesigning the system architecture, the invention creates a copy (redundant domain master) of the essential domain master functionality. This copy can execute alternative operations using received operation information, providing continuous operation capability without fundamentally changing the existing domain master structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10581682B2In-vehicle communication system, domain master, and firmware update method

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

It is possible to update firmware of domain masters during travelling. An in-vehicle communication system includes a plurality of domain masters, and a redundant domain master configured to be able to perform alternative operations of the plurality of domain masters. The domain masters transmits operation information to the redundant domain master prior to update of firmware. The redundant domain master executes the alternative operation of the domain master using the received operation information. The domain master receives, after the update of the firmware, operation information generated in the alternative operation from the redundant domain master and operates in the updated firmware.