Vehicle Control Device Flash Memory Reprogramming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The initialization of storage regions in vehicle control devices, such as those using flash ROM, takes a long time, which prolongs the updating process of control programs.
Innovation Solution
Separating the initialization processing from the rewriting process, where the storage region for the old control program is initialized only until the next update, allowing the rewriting process to be completed in a shorter time by utilizing a microcomputer to manage and write the updated program to a separate, unused area during vehicle downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If initialization processing is performed before rewriting the control program, then the storage region is properly prepared for new data, but the updating time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs initialization processing in advance during periods when the control device is not in use (such as when the vehicle is parked or the control unit is idle). By completing the time-consuming initialization beforehand, the actual rewriting operation can proceed quickly without being delayed by preparation steps, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring proper storage preparation and minimizing updating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the rewriting process into separate phases: initialization phase and actual rewriting phase. These phases are executed at different times - initialization during idle periods and rewriting when needed. This segmentation allows the system to prepare storage regions in advance without extending the critical rewriting path, effectively separating the time-consuming preparation from the essential update operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control program size is increased to handle more complicated processing, then the functionality is improved, but the rewriting time becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
By performing initialization processing in advance during idle periods, the patent prepares the storage infrastructure before large program updates are needed. This allows the system to accommodate larger, more sophisticated control programs without proportionally increasing the actual rewriting time, as the preparation work is decoupled from the update execution.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a vehicle control device with which it is possible to reduce the time required to rewrite a control program. In the vehicle control device according to the present invention, after an updated version of the control program has been stored in a second storage unit, a first storage unit is initialized in advance before the instruction to update the control program has been executed.