Vehicle ECU Update Distribution Using Portable Terminal Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update systems for electronic control units in vehicles are unable to update software when communication between the server and the vehicle is not possible, due to radio wave conditions or the absence of a communication module.
Innovation Solution
A server system that stores device identification information associating communication modules and portable terminals with each vehicle, allowing it to determine if communication with the update control device is possible and transmit update data either through the communication module or a portable terminal if communication is not possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server transmits update data only through the communication module mounted on the vehicle, then the update process is simple and direct, but the system cannot perform updates when communication is not possible due to radio wave conditions or absence of communication module
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed to transmit update data through multiple communication paths: it can send data to the communication module mounted on the vehicle, or alternatively transmit to a portable terminal that communicates with the update control device. This multi-functional communication capability ensures update reliability regardless of which communication path is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal serves as an intermediary device that enables update data transmission when direct communication between the server and the vehicle's communication module is not possible. The terminal acts as a mediator to bridge the gap, allowing updates to proceed through an alternative route.
2Reliability
If the server provides multiple communication paths for update data transmission, then update reliability is improved, but the system complexity and device requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server dynamically selects the appropriate communication path based on real-time conditions. It first attempts to communicate with the update control device through the vehicle's communication module, and only when that path is determined to be unavailable does it switch to transmitting update data to the portable terminal. This dynamic adaptation maintains communication flexibility while ensuring update reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The server determines whether communication with the update control device is possible before selecting a transmission path. This feedback mechanism allows the system to assess communication availability and adjust its transmission strategy accordingly, maintaining adaptability while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A server is configured to distribute update data for software for an electronic control unit mounted on a vehicle. The server includes: a storage device that stores device identification information in which information that specifies a communication module mounted on the vehicle and information that specifies a portable terminal configured to communicate with an update control device mounted on the vehicle are associated with each other, and the update data; and a processor configured to determine whether communication with the update control device is possible, and transmit the update data to the portable terminal that is associated with the communication module when the determination unit determines that the communication with the update control device is not possible.