Vehicle Computing Architecture for Modular Head Unit Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with outdated computing systems face high replacement costs and difficulties due to seamless integration, leading operators to purchase new vehicles for access to newer technology, which is expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implement an extensible computing architecture that allows head units to interface with a supporting computing device, offloading execution to it, enabling upgrades without replacing the main computing unit, and maintaining a consistent user experience through synchronized runtime environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the head unit is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle dashboard, then the user experience is improved and the system appears more unified, but replacement and upgrade become difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the head unit (integrated into the vehicle) and the computing device (separate and replaceable). The head unit contains the display and user interface, while the computing device contains the processing components. This segmentation allows the computing device to be upgraded independently without replacing the integrated head unit, resolving the contradiction between seamless integration and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the head unit and the computing device, enabling data and control signal transmission. This intermediary connection allows the two components to work together as a unified system while maintaining physical and functional independence, facilitating easy replacement of the computing device without affecting the integrated head unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire head unit is replaced to access newer technology, then access to new features and technology is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a permanent head unit and a replaceable computing device, the invention enables selective upgrading of only the computing device component. This avoids the need to replace expensive integrated components like the display and dashboard integration, significantly reducing upgrade costs while still providing access to new technology through the computing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device is designed as a universal platform that can be upgraded independently to provide new features and functionality. This multi-functional approach allows the same head unit to work with different computing devices over time, enabling technology updates without requiring complete system replacement and reducing overall upgrade costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head unit integrates expensive components like large displays into a single housing, then the system provides comprehensive functionality, but replacement becomes necessary even for non-failing components
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates expensive components into two categories: permanent integrated components (display, dashboard housing) and replaceable components (computing device). This segmentation allows the expensive display and integration work to be done once during head unit installation, while only the less expensive computing device needs to be replaced during upgrades, significantly reducing replacement costs while maintaining full system functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A main computing device integrated into a vehicle may perform various aspects of the techniques described in this disclosure. The main computing device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory may store a first and second instance of a runtime environment. The processor may execute a first container that enables execution of a first instance of the runtime environment, and execute a second container that enables execution of a second instance of the runtime environment. The first instance of the runtime environment may detect a supporting computing device, transfer, responsive to detecting the supporting computing device, the second container to the supporting computing device, and interface with the second instance of the runtime environment to jointly present the user interface by which the operator of the vehicle controls the functionality of the vehicle.