Vehicle Automation Controller Using Triggered Action Plans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle data management systems require direct access, impose significant costs and risks due to downtime and version management, and have limited functionality, making it expensive and complex to implement new vehicle features and updates, especially with increasing regulatory demands and network complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a network of endpoints, including a controller with automation definition, management, and execution circuits, allowing for automated vehicle responses without direct vehicle access, enabling broader entity access and reducing costs by interpreting automation descriptions to provide automated action plans and commands, thus simplifying feature implementation and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If direct vehicle access or OTA software updates are used to update vehicle operational capabilities, then vehicle functionality can be updated, but significant costs and risks are incurred due to downtime, version management, and potential operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a message generator, message broker, and message consumer that mediates between external update sources and vehicle controllers. This intermediary architecture allows functionality updates without direct access to vehicle systems, eliminating the need for downtime and reducing risks associated with traditional OTA updates. The message broker pattern enables asynchronous, non-intrusive communication that maintains vehicle operational reliability while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical update process (direct access, software installation, vehicle shutdown) with a message-based communication system. Instead of physically accessing vehicle controllers to install updates, the system uses electronic messages transmitted through a standardized interface. This substitution eliminates the need for vehicle downtime and reduces the complexity of version management, as updates are applied through controlled message processing rather than direct software manipulation.
2Ease of manufacture
If direct vehicle access is required for updates, then full vehicle knowledge and authority are obtained, but significant management expenses are imposed including keeping multiple software versions and access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal message interface that can handle multiple types of vehicle updates and configurations through a single standardized communication channel. The message broker system is designed to work with different vehicle controllers, software versions, and update types without requiring separate access mechanisms. This universality simplifies the update implementation process and reduces the complexity of managing multiple software versions, as the same message interface handles all update scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more devices and data are connected to vehicle communication networks, then enhanced connectivity and features are achieved, but the burden on network latency and performance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle communication network into distinct message publishing and subscribing components. By dividing the network into independent message producers, brokers, and consumers, the system can handle multiple devices and data streams without creating bottlenecks. Each segment operates independently, allowing parallel message processing that maintains low latency even as connectivity expands. This segmentation enables the network to scale while preserving response speed.
4Reliability
If regulations related to safety and emissions are strictly enforced, then vehicle reliability is improved, but the expense and complexity to implement new functionality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing a standardized message interface and broker system before specific functionality updates are deployed. This pre-configured communication framework ensures that safety and emissions regulations are built into the architecture from the outset, rather than being added as afterthoughts to each update. The message broker pattern provides a controlled, auditable communication channel that inherently supports regulatory compliance while simplifying the implementation of new functionality, as updates can be processed through the established safe communication protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a vehicle having a network comprising a plurality of end points and a controller, where the controller includes an automation definition circuit, an automation management circuit, and an automation execution circuit. The automation definition circuit is structured to interpret an automation trigger description and an automation action description. The automation management circuit is structured to provide a trigger detection plan and an automated action plan in response to the automation trigger description and the automation action description. The automation execution circuit is structured to determine a trigger event value in response to the trigger detection plan, and to provide an automation command in response to the trigger event value and the automated action plan, where an end point of the plurality of end points is responsive to the automation command to implement an automated vehicle response.