In-Vehicle Update Display Control for Suspended Power-Off Software Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software updating processes for in-vehicle devices can be suspended unexpectedly, leading to user confusion when the vehicle is powered off, especially if the user is unaware of the suspension status.

Innovation Solution

A controller with processing circuitry is configured to display information related to software updating on a display unit, indicating whether the updating process is being executed or suspended, particularly when the power off operation is performed on the in-vehicle device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the software updating process is executed after power off operation, then the software can be updated automatically, but the updating process may be suspended and the user may not be aware of it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic software updatingVSAvoiduser awareness of updating status

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display control unit provides visual feedback to the user by displaying suspension information when the updating process is hampered, and execution information when the process is running. This feedback mechanism ensures the user is aware of the updating status even after the vehicle is powered off, resolving the contradiction between automated updating and user awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the updating process is executed when power is turned off, then software updates can be applied, but the process may be hampered and suspended without user knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware updating executionVSAvoiduser understanding of system state

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous feedback through the display control unit, showing suspension information when updating is hampered and execution information when updating is proceeding. This maintains reliability of the updating process while improving ease of operation by keeping the user informed of the system state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display control unit acts as an intermediary between the updating process and the user, translating the system's internal state (suspended or executing) into visible information that the user can understand, thereby bridging the gap between reliable automated operation and user comprehension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250181342A1Controller, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A controller controls a display unit that displays information related to software updating, in which an updating process for software of an in-vehicle device set in a vehicle is executed in response to a predetermined operation performed to power off the in-vehicle device. The controller displays suspension information on the display unit indicating that the updating process is not being executed in a situation in which execution of the updating process is hampered when the predetermined operation is performed.