Vehicle ECU Substitution Control Using Dynamic Capability Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle control systems with multiple ECUs face limitations in utilizing computational substitution capabilities, leading to restricted function or performance after an abnormality occurs, as only one substitute program is associated with one function.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle electronic device with a communication unit and a control unit that dynamically monitors and identifies the optimal calculation unit for functional substitution by acquiring substitute capability information, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and minimization of performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one substitute program is associated with one function in conventional systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the computational substitution capability cannot be sufficiently utilized and performance degradation occurs after abnormality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single ECU to execute multiple substitute programs for different failed ECUs. The control unit stores multiple substitute programs in its storage unit, each corresponding to different failed ECUs or different functions. When abnormality occurs, the control unit selects and executes the appropriate substitute program based on the specific failure scenario, allowing one ECU to serve multiple substitution purposes rather than requiring dedicated substitute ECUs for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the dynamic selection and switching of substitute programs. The control unit includes a selection unit that dynamically determines which substitute program to execute based on real-time abnormality detection and capability assessment. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its computational substitution strategy according to the specific failure mode, available resources, and current operational requirements, rather than using a static one-to-one substitution mapping.
2Speed
If functional reconfiguration is performed immediately without monitoring substitute capability, then response time is reduced, but the optimal calculation unit for substitution may not be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple substitute programs in the control unit's storage unit before any abnormality occurs. The control unit also continuously or periodically monitors the capability status of candidate ECU units in advance. When abnormality occurs, the system can immediately select from pre-prepared substitute programs and pre-identified capable ECUs, eliminating the need for real-time program generation or capability assessment during the critical response phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the capability monitoring mechanism that continuously tracks the operational status and computational capacity of candidate ECU units. This feedback information is used by the selection unit to make informed decisions about which ECU can successfully execute the substitute program. The system adjusts its substitution strategy based on real-time feedback about ECU capability, ensuring that the selected substitute ECU actually has the required computational resources and compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle electronic device connected to a plurality of calculation units mounted on a vehicle includes a communication unit that communicates with the plurality of calculation units, and a control unit that issues an instruction of substitution control to another calculation unit when an abnormality occurs in any one of the plurality of calculation units. When an abnormality occurs in the first calculation unit among the plurality of calculation units, the control unit acquires substitute capability information indicating whether the execution content of the first calculation unit can be substituted from another calculation unit.