Vehicle ECU Update Sequencing for Multi-Node Software Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle electronic control systems face challenges in managing the simultaneous execution of different software update methods for multiple nodes, leading to unintended software combinations during updates.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle electronic control device with a first execution instruction section for download processing, a second execution instruction section for installation and activation processing, and an execution request section that manages these operations in units of update methods, ensuring appropriate sequencing and avoidance of simultaneous or inappropriate execution of update methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple software update methods are executed simultaneously for multiple nodes, then update efficiency is improved, but unintended software combinations occur and system reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the software update process by creating separate execution instruction sections for different update methods (first execution instruction section for download processing, second execution instruction section for installation and activation processing). Each section handles specific update methods independently, preventing unintended combinations while maintaining efficient parallel execution where appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The execution request section dynamically manages the execution of update methods by transmitting execution requests in units of update methods based on their specific requirements. The system adaptively determines which update methods can be executed simultaneously and which must be sequenced, optimizing both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If different update methods are managed without unified control, then system complexity is reduced, but update order cannot be ensured and harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidunintended software combinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The execution request section serves as a universal control mechanism that manages multiple types of update methods (download processing, installation processing, activation processing) through a unified interface. It transmits execution requests to appropriate execution instruction sections based on the specific update method requirements, ensuring proper sequencing without adding significant system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The execution request section acts as an intermediary between the update management system and the execution instruction sections. It receives update method information, determines the appropriate execution sequence, and transmits execution requests to the corresponding sections, preventing unintended software combinations while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If update processing is centralized in one section, then control precision is improved, but processing time increases due to sequential handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate control precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the update control function into separate execution instruction sections (first execution instruction section for download processing, second execution instruction section for installation and activation processing). Each section handles specific update methods with precise control, while the execution request section coordinates between them, reducing sequential processing time through optimized execution request transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The execution request section implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring the execution status of update methods and dynamically adjusting the transmission of execution requests to appropriate sections. This ensures precise control over update sequencing while minimizing processing delays through intelligent request scheduling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12585457B2Vehicle electronic control device, update program, and data structure

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A vehicle electronic control device includes a first execution instruction section that instructs a download processing execution section to execute the download processing, a second execution instruction section that instructs an update target node to execute installation processing and activation processing, and an execution request section that transmits an execution request to the first execution instruction section or the second execution instruction section in units of update methods, and requests execution of any of the download processing, the installation processing, and the activation processing in units of update methods.