Vehicle OTA Broadcast Using Aggregate Common Update Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-air (OTA) software update methods for vehicles face inefficiencies due to varying vehicle configurations, leading to increased resource usage and the need for multiple broadcasts, which can exceed cellular resource costs when targeting low vehicle volumes.
Innovation Solution
An OTA approach utilizing aggregated common packages, where a broadcast delivers updates common to multiple vehicle models via ATSC, supplemented by unicast delivery of specific updates via cellular network, optimizing network resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate broadcasts are performed to target different vehicle configurations, then all vehicles receive their necessary updates, but network resource usage increases and costs exceed cellular resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update delivery process into two distinct phases: (1) a broadcast phase using ATSC 3.0 to deliver common update packages to multiple vehicles simultaneously, and (2) a unicast phase using cellular networks to deliver vehicle-specific updates. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the efficiency of broadcast for common updates while using targeted unicast only when necessary, thereby reducing overall network resource consumption compared to using cellular unicast for all updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hybrid delivery system that combines two different transmission modes (broadcast and unicast) into a single unified update delivery solution. The ATSC 3.0 broadcast channel serves as a universal platform for delivering common updates to diverse vehicle configurations, while the cellular network provides supplemental targeted delivery. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive update coverage without the high resource costs of pure unicast delivery.
2Use of energy by moving object
If broadcast transmission is used to deliver updates to multiple vehicles, then network resource usage decreases, but vehicles with specific configurations may not receive their required updates
Solution Approach 1:
The update delivery is segmented into common updates suitable for broadcast and vehicle-specific updates requiring unicast. The system identifies which updates can be universally applied versus those that require targeted delivery based on individual vehicle configurations, allowing efficient use of broadcast resources while ensuring all vehicles receive their specific requirements through supplemental unicast delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary update management system that acts as a mediator between the broadcast transmission and individual vehicles. This intermediary receives the broadcast update package, analyzes vehicle-specific requirements, and coordinates supplemental unicast deliveries to ensure each vehicle receives its complete update set. The intermediary enables the system to leverage broadcast efficiency while adapting to diverse vehicle configurations.
3Reliability
If technician manually applies software updates at dealership, then updates are reliably installed, but service time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service update mechanism where vehicles automatically receive and install software updates over-the-air without requiring technician intervention. The system handles the entire update process autonomously: receiving broadcast updates, managing installation, and ensuring reliability through automated verification. This eliminates the need for vehicles to be transported to dealerships, thereby eliminating service time loss while maintaining update reliability through automated quality control processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical update media transfer and manual installation with a wireless digital delivery system. Instead of technicians physically transferring update files or installing software manually, the system uses ATSC 3.0 broadcast and cellular unicast to digitally deliver updates, which are then automatically installed by the vehicle's onboard systems. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual processes while maintaining reliability through automated error checking and installation verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Delivering software updates is provided. An update server in communication with an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) transmitter and with a cellular network broadcasts a probe message to a plurality of vehicles. The update server receives probe results from the plurality of vehicles, responsive to the broadcasting. The update server analyzes the probe results to determine software updates to send to the plurality of vehicles. The update server generates an aggregate common package including the software updates in common with at least a subset of the plurality of vehicles. The update server, sends using the ATSC transmitter, the aggregate common package to the plurality of vehicles. The update server sends, over the cellular network, any remaining portion of the software updates not included in the aggregate common package to the plurality of vehicles.