Vehicle-to-Vehicle ECU Update Transfer via Proximity Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in managing the complexity and updating of electronic control units (ECUs) due to increasing software complexity, limited connectivity, and the need for frequent and secure updates, especially in environments with restricted network access.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves utilizing network connections between vehicles to transfer ECU software updates, where one vehicle detects the proximity of another and establishes a network connection to transfer update files, with compatibility checks and metadata processing to ensure secure and efficient updates, even in areas with limited connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized network connectivity is used for ECU updates, then update security and reliability are improved, but update accessibility and frequency are worsened in areas with limited network access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer vehicle as an intermediary to transfer update packages when centralized network access is unavailable. The second vehicle receives updates from the network and shares them with the first vehicle through direct communication, enabling updates in areas with limited network connectivity while maintaining security through verified transfer protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The update distribution system is segmented into multiple independent paths: direct centralized network connection and peer-to-peer vehicle-to-vehicle transfer. This segmentation allows the system to switch between update delivery methods based on network availability, improving both accessibility and maintaining reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle-to-vehicle update transfer is implemented, then update accessibility in limited connectivity areas is improved, but update compatibility and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compatibility verification before initiating vehicle-to-vehicle update transfer. The receiving vehicle checks update package metadata against its ECU specifications and requirements in advance, ensuring compatibility and security before accepting the transfer, thus preventing incompatible or insecure updates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where vehicles exchange metadata information about their ECU configurations and update requirements. This feedback enables the sending vehicle to determine compatibility before transfer and allows the receiving vehicle to verify security and compatibility, ensuring reliable updates
3Adaptability or versatility
If ECU software complexity increases, then vehicle functionality is improved, but update management complexity and difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables vehicles to autonomously manage their own update processes by automatically detecting available updates, verifying compatibility, and executing installations. The ECU controllers self-manage the complex update coordination between vehicles without requiring external intervention, simplifying update management despite increased functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The update management system is designed with universal protocols that can handle multiple ECU types, update formats, and transfer methods through a single standardized interface. This multi-functionality reduces management complexity by providing a unified approach to managing diverse and complex ECU software updates
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing applications of a first vehicle includes establishing, by a processing device of the first vehicle, a first network with a second vehicle in proximity to the first vehicle, receiving, by the first vehicle, a second vehicle identifier (ID) from the second vehicle over the first network, transmitting the second vehicle ID and a first vehicle ID of the first vehicle to an administrative device over a second network, and determining an update compatibility between the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on compatibility information received from the administrative device in view of the second vehicle ID and the first vehicle ID.