Vehicle Communication Unit Distributed Function Programs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited computing power of communication units in motor vehicles restricts the number and scope of function programs that can be executed, requiring adaptations when additional processor devices are introduced for exchanging communication data with external objects.
Innovation Solution
Distributing function programs across multiple control units, each equipped with a service module that handles communication data exchange via the communication unit, allowing function programs to focus on internal data exchange with service modules rather than external objects directly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function programs are provided in the communication unit, then the communication data exchange with vehicle-external objects is enabled, but the number and scope of function programs are limited by the computing power of the communication unit
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the computational workload by separating function programs from the communication unit. Multiple control units (each with limited computing power) execute function programs locally, while the communication unit handles only communication data exchange. This segmentation allows the vehicle to support more function programs than a single communication unit could handle alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point execution model (all functions in communication unit) to a distributed execution model across multiple control units. This dimensional change in system architecture enables parallel execution of multiple function programs, effectively increasing the total computational capacity without overloading any single communication unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional processor device is provided for executing further function programs, then more function programs can be executed, but the function programs have to be adapted or restructured to exchange communication data indirectly via the communication unit
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit serves as an intermediary that manages communication data exchange between multiple control units and vehicle-external objects. Each control unit exchanges communication data with the communication unit using existing interfaces, while the communication unit handles the external exchange. This intermediary role eliminates the need for function programs to be restructured for indirect communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit is designed with universal communication capabilities that can serve multiple control units simultaneously. It provides a standardized interface for exchanging communication data with vehicle-external objects, allowing any control unit to access external communication resources without requiring program adaptations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If function programs are distributed across multiple control units, then the system becomes more scalable, but the communication data exchange architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication data exchange functionality into a centralized communication unit that all control units access. Instead of each control unit having independent external communication capabilities (which would create complex peer-to-peer communication architecture), all communication functions are combined in the communication unit, simplifying the overall architecture while maintaining scalability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle including a communication unit, which includes at least one wireless module and is configured to operate a respective wireless link, by way of the at least one wireless module, to at least one vehicle-external object for exchanging communication data. A plurality of function programs are provided in the motor vehicle, which are each configured to provide a vehicle functionality that is based on the communication data. A plurality of control units are provided, which are different from the communication unit, of which each includes a service module which is configured, independently of the function programs, to exchange the communication data from the respective control unit via the communication unit. The function programs are distributed among the control units and are configured to exchange the communication data with the respective service module of the control unit.