Vehicle Software Update Device with Segmented ECU Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software updating technologies for vehicles are inefficient in updating software for electronic control units, particularly due to limitations in storage capacity and power management, leading to extended downtime and incomplete updates.
Innovation Solution
A software updating apparatus that acquires new-version software via a network and performs updates for electronic control units, utilizing a storage-capable region in one unit to install new-version software in the background while the vehicle is operational, and completing updates for units without storage capacity only when the vehicle is stopped, ensuring seamless activation and minimizing user downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new-version software is installed in all electronic control units simultaneously, then update completeness is improved, but vehicle downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The software update process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first phase installing new-version software in a first electronic control unit with storage-capable region, and a second phase installing new-version software in a second electronic control unit without storage-capable region. This segmentation allows the update to proceed in stages rather than requiring all units to be updated simultaneously, thereby reducing overall vehicle downtime while ensuring complete updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The first new-version software is installed in advance in the first electronic control unit's storage-capable region before the vehicle is turned off. This preliminary action ensures that when the second electronic control unit is updated, the first unit already has its new software ready, allowing for seamless activation and reducing the time the vehicle needs to be stationary for updates.
2Productivity
If new-version software is installed in electronic control units with storage-capable regions while the vehicle is ON, then update efficiency is improved, but system stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system distinguishes between different types of electronic control units based on their storage capabilities. The first electronic control unit with storage-capable region undergoes update installation while the vehicle is ON, whereas the second electronic control unit without storage-capable region is updated only when the vehicle is OFF. This localized differentiation allows efficient updates where possible while maintaining stability for units that require complete power-off installation.
3Reliability
If sequential update installation is performed considering storage capacity, then device complexity increases, but update reliability improves
Solution Approach 1:
The update control section dynamically adjusts the update process based on the storage capabilities of different electronic control units. It automatically determines which units can receive updates during vehicle operation and which require the vehicle to be off, creating a flexible, adaptive update strategy that improves reliability without requiring manual intervention or complex external coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A software update device is provided with an update control unit that performs a software update using a new software version supplied over a network. The update control unit installs a first new software version on a first electronic control device prior to installing a second new software version on a second electronic control device, and activates the first new software version installed on the first electronic control device either after activation of the second new software version installed on the second electronic control device has started or after it is ascertained that activation of the second new software version installed on the second electronic control device has been normally completed.