Slave Computer Boot Time Reduction in Driver Assistance Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The functional testing of complex data processing units in driver assistance systems is time-consuming, causing delays in activating data buses due to the need for comprehensive initialization and testing processes, which can be prolonged by the involvement of powerful and expensive microcontrollers.
Innovation Solution
A less complex slave computer is introduced between the main computer and the data bus to facilitate rapid communication and initialization, allowing the data processing unit to be integrated into the data bus sooner, with the slave computer monitoring the main computer and providing data once it is booted, while the main computer completes its initialization sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powerful main computer is used for comprehensive functional testing, then testing reliability is improved, but boot time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent computing entities: a main computer responsible for comprehensive functional testing and data processing, and a slave computer responsible for communication interface operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the main computer can perform thorough testing while the slave computer handles communication readiness, eliminating the bottleneck where a single powerful computer must sequentially complete both testing and communication setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave computer acts as an intermediary between the main computer and the data bus. It assumes the communication burden during the main computer's initialization phase, allowing the main computer to complete its comprehensive functional testing without being blocked by communication setup requirements. The slave computer mediates data bus access and can forward data during the main computer's boot sequence.
2Reliability
If comprehensive functional testing is performed, then system safety is improved, but integration time into data bus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave computer performs preliminary actions by establishing communication interface readiness and initiating data bus integration before the main computer completes its comprehensive functional testing. This preliminary setup ensures that when the main computer finishes testing, the communication infrastructure is already in place and operational, allowing immediate integration without waiting for the testing sequence to complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave computer maintains continuous useful action by managing communication protocols and data bus interactions throughout the entire initialization process. While the main computer performs its safety-critical functional testing, the slave computer continuously manages communication tasks, ensuring that integration into the data bus proceeds without interruption or idle time.
3Power
If a single powerful computer is used, then processing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing functions are segmented between two specialized computers rather than concentrated in one powerful machine. The main computer handles complex data processing and functional testing, while the slave computer handles communication interface management. This segmentation reduces the processing burden on each individual computer, allowing the use of less powerful but more manageable components while maintaining overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each computer in the system provides self-service for its designated function. The slave computer autonomously manages communication protocols, data bus access, and interface operations without requiring intervention from the main computer. This self-service capability simplifies the main computer's task list and reduces overall system complexity by distributing operational responsibilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a data processing unit of a driver assistance system, the unit including main and slave computers. The main computer ascertains surroundings data from a surroundings detection system by using a processing specification. The slave computer operates a communication interface of the data processing unit, using a communication instruction. The method includes initializing, a first testing, a carrying out, a second testing and a forwarding. In initializing, the main computer, in response to a signal, is initialized by performing an initialization instruction on the main computer. In the first testing, the slave computer, in response to the signal, is initialized by performing a self-test instruction on the slave computer. In the carrying out, the communication instruction is performed on the slave computer to send and/or receive data via the communication interface, when the slave computer is tested and while the main computer is initialized. In the second testing, the main computer is tested by performing a test instruction on the slave computer, when the main computer is initialized. In the forwarding, the surroundings data are forwarded via the communication interface by performing the communication instruction on the slave computer, when the main computer is tested.