Vehicle Region Configuration Using Time-Based Software Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges when relocated to a new country due to mismatched software/firmware, which affects their operation, maintenance, and compliance with local regulations, as existing systems lack a mechanism to determine the need for software updates based on the vehicle's location and duration of stay.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computing system that determines the length of time the vehicle has been in a new country and initiates a software/firmware update if necessary, using a processor to assess the country ID and date, comparing it to stored values to decide on the installation of country-specific updates for the vehicle's electronic control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle uses fixed software/firmware configured for a specific country, then the vehicle can operate reliably in that country, but the vehicle cannot adapt when relocated to a different country with different regulations and standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic software/firmware configuration by allowing the vehicle's control system to automatically detect the current country of operation and load appropriate configuration parameters. The system transitions from static, fixed software to dynamic, adaptable software that changes based on geographic location, enabling the vehicle to maintain reliability across different countries without requiring physical software media changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes software parameters dynamically based on the vehicle's location. The system stores multiple sets of configuration parameters for different countries and automatically switches between them based on detected location data. This allows the vehicle to adapt emission settings, diagnostic procedures, and operational parameters to match local regulations without rewriting the core software.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle carries multiple software/firmware versions for different countries, then the vehicle can adapt to different regions, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software system into a core universal component and country-specific configuration modules. The main software remains identical across all vehicles, while only lightweight configuration parameters and lookup tables are customized for each country. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by separating invariant from variant elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal software platform that can serve multiple countries through parameter configuration rather than requiring separate software versions for each region. The system uses a single software binary that automatically adapts to different countries by loading appropriate configuration data, making the software multi-functional across diverse regulatory environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle manually updates software/firmware when relocated, then the vehicle can be configured for the new country, but the time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by pre-loading multiple country-specific parameter sets into the vehicle's memory during manufacturing or initial setup. When the vehicle is relocated, the system automatically detects the new country and activates the appropriate pre-configured parameters without requiring real-time updates, eliminating downtime and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the vehicle's control system to automatically detect its location, determine the appropriate country configuration, and switch parameters without human intervention. The system monitors geographic data, compares it with stored country profiles, and autonomously applies the correct settings, freeing operators from manual software update tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can have a processor configured to determine a length of time that a vehicle is in a region and to determine whether the vehicle needs to be configured for the region based on the determined length of time.