Vehicle Control Unit Configuration Using Broadcast Activation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle electronics communication systems require high programming effort due to the need for function-specific activation and response signals, leading to heavy utilization of data lines and limited transmission capacity for other data.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a main computer and subcomputers uses an event data set to standardize communication, allowing all subcomputers to receive activation states efficiently, reducing the need for cyclic bus signals and enabling standardized interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If function-specific activation signals are sent cyclically via dedicated data lines to configure subcomputers, then vehicle functionalities can be activated and deactivated, but the data line is heavily utilized for a relatively long period, limiting the transmission of other data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple function-specific activation signals into a single configuration data structure that contains activation states for multiple vehicle functions. This consolidated data structure is transmitted once to the subcomputer, eliminating the need for multiple separate cyclic transmissions and reducing data line utilization time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the complete configuration data structure with all necessary activation states before transmission to the subcomputer. This preliminary preparation allows the subcomputer to receive all configuration information in one operation and then autonomously configure itself, eliminating the need for continuous cyclic signal transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specifically adapted interfaces are used for each subcomputer to transmit activation signals, then each subcomputer can be configured for specific vehicle functions, but the programming effort required is comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration data structure and interface that can be used across multiple subcomputers regardless of their specific functions. The standardized interface format allows the same communication protocol to configure different types of subcomputers (lighting, power windows, audio), eliminating the need to develop and maintain separate adapted interfaces for each subcomputer type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneous data structures and interface formats for configuring different subcomputers. All subcomputers receive configuration data in the same standardized format, making the programming effort consistent and reducing the complexity of maintaining multiple different interface adaptations.
3Reliability
If each subcomputer sends function-specific response signals to the main computer, then the activation status can be confirmed, but a specific pair of activation and response signals exists for each vehicle function, increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple function-specific response signals into a single consolidated response that confirms the configuration status. The subcomputer processes all activation states from the configuration data structure and sends back a unified response indicating which functions are active, eliminating the need to manage multiple separate activation-response signal pairs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the main computer sends cyclic bus signals via dedicated data lines to configure subcomputers, then vehicle functionalities can be activated, but the effort required to configure the respective subcomputers is comparatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the complete configuration data structure with all necessary activation states before transmission to the subcomputer. This preliminary preparation allows the subcomputer to receive all configuration information in one operation and then autonomously configure itself, eliminating the need for continuous cyclic signal transmission and reducing configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The subcomputer autonomously configures itself based on the received configuration data structure without requiring continuous control signals from the main computer. The subcomputer independently processes the activation states and configures its control programs, reducing the time and effort required for configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle, comprising a main computer (1) and at least one sub computer (2) connected for communication to the main computer (1), wherein a respective sub computer (2) is designed to execute at least one control program (3) for controlling a vehicle component for providing a vehicle functionality (4), and the main computer has a release module (5) which is designed to send a release signal (6) to the at least one sub computer (2) for activating or deactivating the control program (3), wherein the release module (5) comprises an event data set (7), wherein the event data set (7) contains a compilation of all generally available vehicle functionalities (4) and their respective target activation state (t8). The vehicle according to the invention is characterised in that the release module (5) is designed to send the event data set (7) as a release signal (6) to all connected sub computers (2), wherein a respective sub computer (2) is designed to receive the event data set (7), to read from the event data set (7) at least the target activation state (8) for the vehicle functionalities (4) which can be provided by the respective sub computer (2) and to configure the underlying control program (3) in accordance with the respective target activation state (8).