Vehicle Computing Device Update Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current operating environment update strategies combine operating environment updates, application updates, and application data updates into a single large package, leading to increased download and installation times, higher energy demands, and inefficient update processes.

Innovation Solution

The method separates application data updates from operating environment and application updates by using metadata to link application versions with required data versions, allowing applications to independently determine and retrieve only the necessary data in a separate update package.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If application data updates are combined with operating environment and application updates in a single package, then update consistency is improved, but update size, download time, installation time, and energy demand increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate consistencyVSAvoidupdate package size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the update process into three separate components: operating environment update, application update, and application data update. Each component is packaged and transmitted independently, allowing selective updates and reducing the overall data volume while maintaining consistency through coordinated update mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a preparation phase where application data updates are performed in advance before the actual application and operating environment updates. This allows the computing device to be prepared with updated data beforehand, enabling faster installation and reducing the impact on system operation during the update process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If all updates are performed in a single package, then update consistency is improved, but download time and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate consistencyVSAvoiddownload and installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The update process is segmented into separate packages for operating environment, application, and application data. This allows parallel downloading and preparation of updates, significantly reducing the total time required compared to sequential processing of a single large package.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Application data updates are performed in a preparation phase before the main update installation. This preliminary action allows the data to be ready in advance, reducing the installation time when the actual update occurs and enabling faster system recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If all updates are combined in one package, then update consistency is improved, but energy demand increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate consistencyVSAvoidenergy demand
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the update into separate packages, the system can transmit and process only the necessary data portions, reducing the total energy consumption for data transmission, processing, and installation compared to handling a single large comprehensive package.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Performing data updates in advance during the preparation phase allows the system to batch process data efficiently, reducing the energy demand during the critical installation phase and enabling better energy management throughout the update process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If application data is updated independently from applications, then update flexibility and optimization are improved, but data consistency challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate flexibilityVSAvoiddata consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the update process to allow independent updates of application data, applications, and operating environment. This segmentation provides flexibility to update data independently while using coordination mechanisms to ensure consistency across all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the computing device receives information about the update status and consistency of different components. This feedback loop allows the system to verify data consistency after independent updates and coordinate subsequent updates to maintain integrity across all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4356240B1Method for updating a computing device, a computing device and a vehicle with a computing device
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 CARIAD SE
  • EP4356240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4356240B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention is concerned with a vehicle, a computing device and a method for updating a computing device (12). The method comprising the steps of re- ceiving an update package (26) comprising an operating environment update (18), at least one application update (20) and metadata (22), wherein the metadata (22) are providing version information for data of the application to be updated; providing (S12) the metadata (22) to the application (14) by an updater (28) of the computing device (12); determining (S14), by the at least one application (14), required data (32) for the application (14) to be updated depending on the metadata (22); retrieving (S16) the required data (32) in a separate update package and amending a data memory (34) of the application (14) with the retrieved data (32); and updating (S18) the computing device (12) with the operating environment update (18) and the application update (20).