In-Vehicle ECU Setting Distribution for Post-Shipment Function Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle ECU systems require individual setting changes for function modifications or additions after vehicle shipment, lacking flexibility in accommodating changes or additions to vehicle-related functions.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle device with a communication unit to receive setting information from a management device and a setting unit to perform processing based on this information, allowing for easy accommodation of function additions or changes without needing individual adjustments in each vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual setting changes are performed in each in-vehicle ECU for function modifications after vehicle shipment, then the vehicle can accommodate function changes, but the complexity of the setting process increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management device as an intermediary between the user and the in-vehicle ECUs. This management device stores master setting information and distributes it to multiple ECUs, thereby simplifying the setting process. Instead of individually configuring each ECU, the management device handles the distribution and coordination, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability to function changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The management device serves multiple functions: it stores master setting information, distributes setting information to multiple ECUs, and manages updates across the vehicle system. This universal approach allows a single device to handle all setting-related operations for multiple ECUs, improving adaptability while reducing the complexity that would arise from individual ECU configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle information cartridges are changed or added to accommodate new functions, then the vehicle can support new features, but the operation complexity and time required for modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management device creates and distributes copies of master setting information to multiple ECUs simultaneously. When a function change is needed, the setting information is copied and distributed to all relevant ECUs in one operation, rather than requiring physical changes to information cartridges in each ECU. This copying mechanism simplifies the operation of making modifications while maintaining full adaptability to new functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual setting changes are required for each ECU, then each ECU can be precisely configured, but the time and effort required for modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The management device performs preliminary actions by storing and preparing master setting information in advance. When configuration changes are needed, the pre-prepared setting information is quickly distributed to all ECUs, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual configuration. This preliminary preparation maintains precise ECU configuration while significantly reducing the time and effort required for modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle device to be installed in a vehicle, the in-vehicle device includes: a communication unit configured to receive, from a management device, setting information corresponding to a selected function and related to an in-vehicle component of the vehicle; and a setting unit configured to perform setting processing regarding the in-vehicle component based on the setting information received by the communication unit.