Motor Vehicle Sensor Software Update via Communication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating software in motor vehicle sensors are laborious, expensive, and risk the vehicle operating with outdated or faulty software due to the lack of remote update capabilities, requiring physical transport to a shop for updates or sensor replacement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a motor vehicle communication system to transmit and install software updates on sensors via radio connections, including Internet, mobile networks, or car-to-car communication, with features like encrypted updates, checksums, and scheduled updates to ensure secure and timely software updates without physical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software updates are performed by physical transport to a shop, then software can be updated, but the process becomes laborious, expensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical transport (vehicle moving to shop) with an electronic communication system. Software updates are transmitted via communication interfaces (cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi) directly to the sensor in the vehicle, eliminating the need for physical transport and enabling remote updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the software source and the sensor. The server receives update requests, manages software distribution, and coordinates the update process, enabling efficient and organized remote software updates without requiring direct physical intervention.
2Reliability
If software updates require physical shop visits, then updates can be installed, but the process becomes expensive and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-updating by automatically receiving, validating, and installing software updates remotely. The sensor includes a control unit that can autonomously manage the update process, including receiving update packets via communication interfaces, verifying checksums, and installing new software without requiring external physical intervention or shop visits.
3Productivity
If sensors operate with existing software, then the vehicle can function, but outdated or faulty software may cause risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the sensor control unit monitors its own software version and compares it against available updates. The system also validates received software updates using checksum verification before installation, providing feedback loops that ensure software currency and integrity while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary validation of software updates before installation by checking checksums and verifying software integrity. This preliminary action ensures that only valid, non-corrupted software is installed, preventing security risks while maintaining system availability through pre-validated update packages.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating software of at least one sensor in a motor vehicle, which is equipped with a motor vehicle communication system, comprises transmitting the software to be updated to the motor vehicle communication system and to install it from the motor vehicle communication system on the at least one sensor.