In-Vehicle Software Distribution via Hierarchical Campaign Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle software distribution systems face challenges in managing software updates efficiently, particularly when software needs to be distributed non-uniformly to vehicles based on different regional regulations and requirements, as they are designed for uniform distribution across vehicles with the same ECU ID.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle software distribution system and method that utilizes a telematics center, software update apparatus, and terminal to manage software updates by creating campaigns (main, test, and distribution) based on vehicle location and configuration, allowing flexible distribution and verification of updates, including geocoding to determine vehicle location and segmenting updates by region and usage frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If software is distributed uniformly to all vehicles with the same ECU ID, then distribution simplicity is improved, but adaptability to regional regulations and specific verification needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uniform distribution process into multiple hierarchical levels: main campaigns (by ECU ID), sub-campaigns (by region/country), and further subdivisions for verification purposes. This allows software to be distributed uniformly at the ECU level while enabling regional customization and selective distribution to specific vehicles or groups through sub-campaigns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different software versions and distribution conditions to be applied to different regions, countries, or specific vehicles based on local regulations and verification needs. Each sub-campaign can have its own target vehicle specifications, geographic constraints, and distribution criteria, enabling customized software distribution while maintaining the overall uniform distribution framework.
2Speed
If software updates are distributed to all vehicles simultaneously, then update speed is improved, but control over verification and testing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by creating and executing sub-campaigns for verification and testing before full-scale distribution. Software updates are first distributed to selected vehicles or regions for validation, and only after successful verification are they rolled out more broadly. This ensures controlled verification while maintaining efficient update deployment through the hierarchical campaign structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the distribution process adaptable and flexible through the hierarchical campaign system. Distribution speed and scope can be dynamically adjusted by creating multiple sub-campaigns with different target vehicles, regions, and timing. This allows simultaneous updates at different speeds and stages across various vehicle groups, maintaining overall update efficiency while enabling granular control over verification processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software distribution is customized for each vehicle based on region and verification status, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by creating a hierarchical structure where main campaigns contain multiple sub-campaigns, which in turn can contain further subdivisions. This nested structure allows customized distribution for different vehicles and regions while managing complexity through hierarchical organization. The system handles customization at appropriate levels of the hierarchy, reducing the computational and managerial burden compared to fully individualized distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the campaign system to handle multiple distribution scenarios through a single unified framework. The same main campaign can spawn multiple sub-campaigns serving different purposes (verification, regional distribution, phased rollouts) without requiring separate systems. This multi-functional approach enables customized distribution across various vehicles and regions while maintaining system simplicity through a universal campaign management structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Control for the flexible distribution of update software is realized. An in-vehicle software distribution system 1 is configured comprising an in-vehicle software distribution server (telematics center 10) which manages updates to an identical function by means of a campaign for an in-vehicle system (an engine ECU 241, for example) of a plurality of vehicles 20 and distributes software of the campaign remotely to target vehicles, a terminal 30, and a software update apparatus 210 which is mounted in each of the plurality of vehicles 20. Furthermore, in the telematics center 10, a campaign management unit 112 categorizes the campaign target vehicles into groups based on a predetermined criterion and creates a plurality of sub-campaigns which are subordinate to the campaign for each of the categorized groups, and a software distribution unit (an update software distribution unit 113) distributes software remotely to the target vehicles for each of the sub-campaigns.