Segmented Vehicle Software Update Storage and Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of software updates for vehicle equipment poses challenges in memory requirements and operational disruptions, as existing methods do not efficiently manage storage capacity and update processes, particularly in vehicles with limited storage and during specific operating states.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for updating vehicle software by segmenting the updates into smaller parts, storing them in a central control device, and distributing them to vehicle devices, allowing for reduced storage capacity needs and controlled updates during specific operating states, enabling efficient management and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire updated software is stored in the first data memory of the central control device, then the update can be completed quickly, but the storage capacity requirements and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The updated software is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, etc.) that are stored separately in the first data memory. Each segment can be individually transferred to vehicle devices, allowing the system to manage large software updates without requiring the entire update to be stored simultaneously in high-capacity memory.
2Quantity of substance
If the updated software is stored in segments in the first data memory and transferred progressively, then material costs are reduced, but the update process takes longer and requires multiple transfer operations
Solution Approach 1:
The first segment of the updated software is transferred to the vehicle device and stored in the second data memory before the rest of the software. This preliminary transfer allows the vehicle device to begin processing or preparing for the update while the remaining segments are still being prepared in the central control device, overlapping operations to reduce total update time.
3Productivity
If the update is performed during critical vehicle operating states, then the update can be applied immediately, but vehicle functionality and safety may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether to perform the update based on the current operating state of the vehicle device. The update execution is conditional - it can be paused, interrupted, or delayed depending on whether the vehicle is in a critical operating state, allowing the system to adapt update timing to maintain safety and reliability.
4Device complexity
If the first data memory has high storage capacity to hold entire software updates, then update operations are simpler and faster, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle device's second data memory acts as an intermediary storage location. Instead of requiring the first data memory in the central control device to hold the entire updated software, the system uses the second data memory in the vehicle device to store at least the first segment during the transfer process, reducing the storage burden on the central control device.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for updating software for operating vehicle equipment are provided. The apparatus includes a control unit, having a first data store, and multiple pieces of vehicle equipment, each having a further data store, wherein the control unit is configured for storing a first segment of segmented updated software for operating a piece of vehicle equipment in the first data store, and for storing at least one part of the first segment in a second data store of a first piece of vehicle equipment of multiple pieces of vehicle equipment by shifting or copying from the first data store into the second data store.