Server Software Update Speed Control for Vehicle Bandwidth Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software updating systems for in-vehicle devices face challenges in managing communication speed uniformly, leading to bandwidth overload and increased loads, which can result in software update delays.

Innovation Solution

A server and software updating system that control communication speed based on the usage state of the vehicle, prioritizing faster communication for vehicles with shorter usage times and higher function usage frequencies to optimize update data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If communication speed is uniformly increased for all vehicles, then software update speed is improved, but bandwidth overload and system load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidbandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating communication speed allocation based on individual vehicle usage patterns. Instead of uniform high-speed communication for all vehicles, the system assigns different communication speeds to different vehicles according to their specific usage states (usage time and function usage frequency), thereby optimizing bandwidth utilization while maintaining update efficiency for each vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making communication speed adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The communication speed is dynamically changed based on real-time or historical usage data, allowing the system to adapt communication resources to actual needs. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to respond to changing conditions and optimize performance across the vehicle fleet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If communication speed is increased for vehicles with shorter usage time, then software update delay is reduced, but bandwidth allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware update delayVSAvoidbandwidth allocation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback by using usage information (usage time and function usage frequency) to determine communication speed allocation. The system collects data about how vehicles are used and feeds this information back into the communication speed control mechanism. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of communication resources based on actual usage patterns, reducing update delays for frequently used vehicles while simplifying control through data-driven decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying communication speed as a controllable parameter based on usage conditions. The system changes the communication speed parameter dynamically according to usage time and function usage frequency metrics. This parameter-based approach allows flexible resource allocation without requiring complex structural changes to the communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If communication speed is increased for vehicles with higher function usage frequency, then software update efficiency is improved, but system load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware update efficiencyVSAvoidserver load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring communication speed to individual vehicle characteristics, specifically function usage frequency. Vehicles with higher function usage frequencies receive higher communication speeds, while those with lower frequencies receive reduced speeds. This localized optimization improves update efficiency for high-usage vehicles without uniformly increasing load across the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by allocating communication resources selectively rather than uniformly. Instead of providing high-speed communication to all vehicles regardless of need, the system provides enhanced communication speed only to vehicles that require it (those with higher function usage frequency). This partial allocation approach improves overall system efficiency while controlling total resource consumption and server load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3945418B1Server, software updating device, vehicle, software updating system, control method, and non-transitory storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3945418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945418B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A server (100) configured to transmit update data used in updating software of an in-vehicle device of a vehicle to the vehicle. The server (100) includes: a communication unit (111) configured to receive usage information representing a usage state of the vehicle, and transmit the update data to the vehicle; and a control unit (112) configured to control, based on the usage information, at least one of a timing or a communication speed of transmitting the update data to the vehicle by the communication unit (111).