Variable Software Update Request Frequency for Vehicle Onboard Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle onboard computer systems face inefficiencies in software update requests, as they either make unnecessary requests consuming resources or miss rare updates due to fixed scheduling, lacking awareness of software availability and vehicle age.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjust the frequency of software update requests based on the number of ignition cycles since the last update, using a communication module, control logic, and software update scheduling module to reduce frequency as the vehicle ages, thereby optimizing resource usage and update necessity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicles continue to request software downloads at the same frequent schedule programmed when new, then important software updates are not missed, but unnecessary requests consume substantial resources including wireless communication bandwidth and remote server processing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed software update request schedule to a variable schedule that adapts based on vehicle age and time since last update. Newer vehicles and those recently updated request updates more frequently, while older vehicles with mature software request less frequently, optimizing resource usage while maintaining update reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of request frequency based on vehicle conditions. The system monitors vehicle age and time since last software update, then adjusts the request schedule accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to reduce unnecessary requests for older vehicles while maintaining frequent checks for newer vehicles that may need updates.
2Loss of energy
If vehicles reduce the frequency of software update requests to conserve resources, then resource consumption is reduced, but the risk of missing rare but important software updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the request frequency parameter based on vehicle age and software maturity. Older vehicles with stable software receive reduced request frequencies to conserve resources, while newer vehicles or those recently updated maintain higher request frequencies to ensure critical updates are not missed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the update request strategy to individual vehicle conditions rather than using a uniform approach. Each vehicle receives a customized request schedule based on its specific age and software update history, optimizing the balance between resource conservation and update reliability for each case.
3Ease of operation
If fixed schedule software update requests are used, then implementation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to vehicle age and software maturity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static fixed schedule into a dynamic adaptive schedule that automatically adjusts based on vehicle conditions. The system monitors vehicle age and time since last update, then dynamically modifies the request frequency without requiring complex manual configuration, achieving both adaptability and operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting a variable rate of requesting software data for a computer system onboard a vehicle is provided. The method determines a number of ignition cycles executed after first software data has been retrieved; and when the number of ignition cycles is greater than a threshold value, reduces a frequency for generating a software request, to obtain a reduced frequency.