Hierarchical Vehicle Control System Node Agent Lifecycle Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive control systems face challenges in managing the runtime lifecycle of multiple electronic control units (ECUs) due to inflexible interaction between components, limited external control, and increased complexity, which hinders efficient debugging, fault detection, and resource management.

Innovation Solution

A hierarchical distributed architecture with node agents and a system agent that monitor and manage the lifecycle state of each node and service, enabling coherent system control and resource allocation, allowing for real-time updates and efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hierarchical distributed architecture with node agents and system agent is implemented, then control and management capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol and management capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides control functions into multiple independent agents (node agents and system agent) that operate at different hierarchical levels. Each agent manages specific aspects of node or system-wide control, allowing complex control tasks to be segmented into manageable units that can operate independently yet cooperatively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Node agents serve as intermediary components between individual ECUs and the system agent. They abstract and standardize communication interfaces, enabling the system agent to manage multiple nodes without direct complex interactions with each ECU. This intermediary layer simplifies overall system management while maintaining fine-grained control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If global rules are used for runtime lifecycle management, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability and granular control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidgranular control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static global rules to dynamic agent-based control where node agents and system agent can adapt their behavior based on real-time system state. The hierarchical architecture allows control strategies to be adjusted dynamically while maintaining overall system stability through coordinated agent interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the system can apply different control strategies and lifecycle management approaches tailored to their specific needs. Node agents manage local node characteristics while the system agent coordinates overall system behavior, allowing granular control at local levels without compromising global stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If individual nodes limit external visibility to internal element states, then node security and independence are improved, but system-level debugging and fault detection become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode independence and securityVSAvoidsystem-level debugging difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Node agents implement feedback mechanisms that provide the system agent with structured information about node and service states. This feedback maintains node independence while enabling system-level monitoring and debugging through standardized information interfaces that respect node boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Node agents act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between internal node elements and external system-level monitoring. They provide controlled visibility into internal states through standardized interfaces, allowing system-level debugging without compromising node security or independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11175991B2Vehicle control system having a hierarchical distributed architecture

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

AI summary

A control system (10) having a hierarchical distributed architecture, the system (10) comprising: a plurality of nodes (12), each node (12) hosting one or more services (18) and a respective node agent (22); a communications bus providing communication between nodes (12); and a system agent (24) hosted on one of the plurality of nodes (12), the system agent (24) being configured to monitor a lifecycle state of the system (10); wherein each node agent (22) is configured to transmit data relating to a state of its respective node (12) and a respective state of the or each service (18) hosted on its respective node (12) to the system agent (24), thereby enabling the system agent (24) to monitor the lifecycle state of the system (10). A vehicle (46) comprising said control system (10).