Vehicle Information Processing Device for Consistent Multi-Task Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle network systems face challenges in maintaining consistency among multiple tasks while avoiding control interference, particularly when implementing complex actions through cooperative electronic control units and vehicle devices.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device with a processor that provides activation instructions based on vehicle operation schedules, converts received commands into vehicle control commands, and manages external and internal vehicle conditions to ensure consistent control, utilizing a control platform that can operate as a central brain, either integrated within the vehicle or in conjunction with an external cloud.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a distributed control platform structure with multiple layers is constructed for a network spanning multiple ECUs, then cooperative control can be implemented and system complexity is reduced, but control interference may occur and consistency among multiple independent tasks cannot be secured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidconsistency among tasks
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple independent layers: application layer, service layer, and ECU control layer. Each layer performs specific functions independently, with the application layer handling high-level task logic, the service layer managing communication protocols, and the ECU layer executing specific control actions. This segmentation allows complex control tasks to be divided into manageable independent units that can be coordinated without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized task management ECU acts as an intermediary between multiple independent ECUs and the application layer. This mediator coordinates task execution across the network, manages communication between layers, and ensures consistency among multiple tasks by arbitrating resource allocation and task scheduling, thereby preventing control interference while maintaining system-wide coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent and different tasks are implemented through cooperative control among ECUs, then functional versatility is improved, but control interference occurs and task consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidtask consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control platform is designed with universal communication protocols and standardized interfaces that allow different ECUs to perform multiple functions. The service layer provides universal communication capabilities that can handle various task types (climate control, navigation, entertainment, safety systems) through a common framework, enabling functional versatility while maintaining consistent task management through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the task management ECU continuously monitors task execution status across the network and adjusts coordination in real-time. Status information from multiple ECUs is fed back to the task management unit, which then modifies task scheduling and resource allocation to maintain consistency and prevent interference, enabling the system to handle diverse functions reliably.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If developers need to be aware of the vehicle's electronic platform and system configuration to implement control logic, then control precision can be optimized, but application development complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidapplication development efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standardized virtual interfaces and abstracted communication protocols that replicate the underlying complex electronic platform behavior through simplified models. Developers work with standardized service layer interfaces that copy the essential functionality needed for control tasks without requiring knowledge of the actual hardware configuration, thereby maintaining control precision through accurate virtual representations while dramatically simplifying development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The service layer acts as an intermediary that translates between application-level control requests and ECU-level implementation details. This mediator layer handles the complexity of electronic platform configuration and communication protocols, allowing developers to write applications with precise control logic without needing to understand the underlying system architecture, thus decoupling control precision requirements from development complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3995959A1Information processing device, information processing method, non-transitory storage medium, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3995959A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3995959A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3995959A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing device to be mounted on a vehicle includes a processor (20). The processor (20) is configured to provide an activation instruction for an application based on an operation schedule of the vehicle. The processor (20) is configured to receive a first command as a request from the application activated in response to the activation instruction. The processor (20) is configured to convert the received first command into a second command used to control on the vehicle for fulfilling the request. The processor (20) is configured to control a device mounted on the vehicle based on the second command.