Vehicle Software Update via Mobile Relay and Battery Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle computing systems face challenges in software updates due to limited internet connectivity and the inconvenience of manual updates, which can be risky and time-consuming, especially when updating while the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile device processor to wirelessly communicate with a remote server and a vehicle computing system, querying for module versions, checking battery sufficiency, and facilitating automatic download and installation of updates, while locking out vehicle functionality during the process to ensure successful installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual USB update method is used, then connectivity issues are solved, but user convenience deteriorates due to required manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically checks for updates, downloads them, and installs them without requiring user intervention. The vehicle computing system autonomously manages the entire update process including querying remote servers, receiving update packages, and executing installation, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically checking for updates and preparing download tasks before user interaction is needed. Update checks are performed automatically at scheduled intervals or when connectivity is available, ensuring updates are ready for installation without requiring manual user initiation.
2Loss of time
If update is performed while vehicle is in motion, then user time is saved, but safety deteriorates due to potential update failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts update installation timing based on vehicle state. It monitors whether the vehicle is in motion or parked, and automatically schedules update installation only when the vehicle is stationary. This dynamic adaptation ensures safety while minimizing user time loss by performing updates during naturally occurring idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle operational state and uses this feedback to determine appropriate update timing. By detecting vehicle motion status and connectivity availability, the system intelligently schedules update operations to occur only when conditions are favorable, thereby ensuring both safety and time efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If automatic wireless update is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional communication modules
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle computing system performs multiple functions using existing components. The processor that normally handles vehicle operations also manages update checking, downloading, and installation. The communication interface used for vehicle telematics is also utilized for update package reception, eliminating the need for dedicated update hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If battery check is performed before update, then update reliability improves, but process time increases due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary battery level checks automatically as part of the update preparation process. Before initiating a download or installation task, the system checks battery status to ensure sufficient power is available, preventing update failures due to power depletion and ensuring reliable completion without requiring additional user time for manual verification.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first illustrative embodiment, a system includes a mobile device processor configured to communicate wirelessly with both a remote server and a vehicle computing system (VCS). The processor is further configured to query the VCS for a module version, relay the module version to a remote system and receive information relating to an updated module version and module. The processor is also configured to query the VCS for vehicle battery information, inform a user of battery sufficiency for a recommended installation of the updated module, and, responsive to a user instruction to proceed with installation, instruct the VCS to download and install the updated module.