Modular Vehicle Computing Architecture for Model-Specific Upgrades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current arithmetic operation devices for automobiles require separate configurations for each vehicle model and grade, leading to increased development and production costs, as well as difficulties in executing specification changes or version upgrades, as the entire device needs to be replaced when updates are needed.

Innovation Solution

The device is configured with a common first arithmetic operation section for multiple vehicle models and a second section that adapts to specific vehicle models, allowing for data transmission and processing, with separate substrates and power systems to minimize heat and power interference, and incorporating AI processing units for deep learning updates without replacing the entire device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If different arithmetic operation devices are configured as independent devices for each vehicle model or grade, then processing performance can be optimized for each specific model, but development costs and production costs are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing performanceVSAvoiddevelopment costs and production costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The arithmetic operation device is divided into a first arithmetic operation section with common configuration for multiple vehicle models and a second arithmetic operation section with model-specific configuration. This segmentation allows cost reduction through commonality while maintaining optimized processing performance for each model through the configurable second section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first arithmetic operation section is designed with a common configuration that can serve multiple vehicle models and grades. This universal section handles basic arithmetic operations that are common across different models, reducing the need for separate dedicated devices for each model and thereby lowering development and production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different arithmetic operation devices are configured as independent devices for each vehicle model or grade, then model-specific processing requirements can be met, but the entire device has to be replaced when specification change or version upgrade is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel-specific processing capabilityVSAvoidreplacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into first and second arithmetic operation sections, the patent enables independent replacement of the second section for specification changes or version upgrades without affecting the first section. This reduces replacement complexity while maintaining model-specific adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second arithmetic operation section is designed to be configurable and replaceable, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle models and grades dynamically. This dynamic configuration capability enables easy specification changes and version upgrades without replacing the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a common arithmetic operation device configuration is used for multiple vehicle models, then development costs and production costs are reduced, but processing performance cannot be optimized for each specific model

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevelopment costs and production costsVSAvoidprocessing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into a common first arithmetic operation section and a configurable second section. This allows the majority of the device to be standardized for cost reduction, while the second section can be optimized for each model's specific processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second arithmetic operation section is configured with model-specific parameters and capabilities tailored to each vehicle model's processing requirements. This local optimization ensures that processing performance is maximized for each specific model while the overall device structure remains cost-effective through commonality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3933799B1Arithmetic operation device for automobiles
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • EP3933799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3933799B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3933799B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arithmetic operation device for automobiles includes a first arithmetic operation section (301) having a common configuration for a plurality of vehicle models and a second arithmetic operation section (302) having a configuration in accordance with a vehicle model of an automobile. The first arithmetic operation section (301) includes an image processor (311) configured to perform predetermined image processing on an output of a camera installed in the automobile, and a memory (320) configured to store a generated image signal. The second arithmetic operation section (302) includes a processor (340) configured to execute an application in accordance with the vehicle model using the image signal stored in the memory (320) and to transmit an execution result to the first arithmetic operation section (301).