Vehicle Controller Configurable Functions Menu-Driven Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting vehicle control unit functions are complex and require significant user knowledge, making them difficult for non-experts to configure conveniently and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to easily set configurable functions of an electronic control unit in a vehicle using a menu-driven diagnostic software, allowing selection from predefined functions and storing settings in a memory, without requiring extensive programming knowledge, enabling users to define desired functions with minimal time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional programming methods are used to set control unit functions, then functional versatility is achieved, but user expertise requirements and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into distinct hierarchical levels: manufacturer-defined basic functions, user-selectable function combinations, and parameter adjustment stages. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility through modular function blocks while reducing complexity by guiding users through structured selection processes rather than requiring free-form programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration system that translates between manufacturer-defined basic functions and user-desired control behaviors. This intermediary layer includes predefined function templates, automatic parameter mapping, and validation logic that mediates between the complex underlying control unit capabilities and the simplified user configuration interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional programming methods are used to set control unit functions, then custom functionality can be created, but time expenditure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining basic functions and function templates during manufacturing. These pre-configured building blocks include common control scenarios with default parameters, allowing users to rapidly assemble custom functionality by selecting and combining predefined elements rather than programming from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables copying of predefined function templates and basic functions. Users can replicate successful configurations across different control units or scenarios by copying template definitions, significantly reducing the time required to create custom functionality while maintaining consistency and reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If expert assistance is sought for configuring control functions, then configuration accuracy improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically validate user configurations against predefined rules and constraints. The system provides real-time feedback on configuration correctness, guides users through required selections, and prevents invalid configurations, thereby maintaining high configuration accuracy through automated validation rather than requiring expert review.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service configuration through an automated guided process that adapts to user inputs and provides context-appropriate options. The system performs self-validation, automatic parameter mapping, and configuration optimization without requiring external expert intervention, allowing users to achieve accurate configurations independently while reducing costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting configurable functions of an electronic controller in a vehicle. Based on this, a method for adjusting configurable functions that is easier to handle for the user compared to the state of the art, and a suitable controller therefor, are provided. To this end, it is provided that the configurable functions comprise the output of an output signal that can be defined by the configuration, the signal being output as a function of configurable input signals, wherein the output signal is automatically determined by means of configurable links between the input signals of a computer device, and wherein by means of the configuration of an input signal a time criterion and/or a speed criterion can be associated and the output signal is determined with consideration of the time criterion.