Hierarchical Vehicle Controller Coordination Under Communication Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems lack effective coordination between multiple controllers, leading to inadequate processing and inefficient software updates, as each controller operates independently with its own application software, making it difficult to perform appropriate cooperative processes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system comprising a first controller for each device, a second controller to control one or more first controllers, and a third controller to control one or more second controllers, where the second controllers extract signal information and perform filtering, and the third controller determines operation details and switches functions based on communication traffic volume to optimize processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each controller operates independently with its own application software, then each controller can perform its designated function, but it becomes difficult to perform appropriate cooperative processes and requires individual coping with relevant ECUs during software updates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into three hierarchical levels: first controllers (device ECUs) that acquire information from devices, second controllers (zone ECUs) that perform signal extraction and filtering, and third controllers (central ECU) that perform function determination. This segmentation allows each controller to have specialized software while enabling cooperative processes through standardized communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal control architecture where multiple controllers use common communication protocols and data formats. The standardized information structures allow different ECUs to cooperate without requiring individual customization, enabling one software update framework to apply across all controller levels.
2Reliability
If the third controller performs all function determination processes, then centralized control is achieved, but communication traffic volume increases causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines which controller performs function determination based on real-time conditions. The third controller can delegate determination to second controllers when appropriate, and this delegation relationship can change dynamically based on communication traffic volume and system state, optimizing both reliability and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
Second controllers perform preliminary signal extraction and filtering processes before transmitting data to the third controller. This preliminary action reduces the amount of data that needs to be processed centrally and prepares information in advance, reducing communication delays while maintaining coordinated control.
3Productivity
If the second controller performs signal extraction and filtering, then processing efficiency is improved, but communication traffic volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second controller extracts only the essential signal information from the raw data acquired by first controllers, separating useful signal components from noise and redundant information. This extraction process improves processing efficiency by focusing on relevant data while reducing the burden on the communication network.
Solution Approach 2:
The second controller performs partial processing of signals (extraction and filtering) rather than complete processing, leaving final function determination to the third controller. This partial action approach balances processing efficiency gains against communication traffic constraints by doing just enough processing at the zone level.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a first controller provided for each device mounted in a vehicle, a second controller configured to control one or more of the first controllers, and a third controller configured to control one or more of the second controllers. Each second controller is connected to the corresponding first controller via a communication line and performs a first process based on output information output from the device connected to the first controller. The third controller is connected to the corresponding second controller via a communication line and performs a second process based on a predetermined function of the vehicle. The predetermined function of the vehicle is performed by performing the first process and the second process.