Watercraft ECU Rewriting Using Batch and Device-Specific Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for rewriting programs in a watercraft system with multiple marine propulsion devices are inefficient, leading to increased time requirements due to the need for separate rewriting of each electronic control device.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine whether to execute batch rewriting or discrete rewriting based on compatibility and program version, using a common identifier for compatible devices and unique identifiers for incompatible devices, thereby optimizing the program rewriting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate rewriting of each electronic control device is performed, then individual device accuracy is ensured, but the total time required for rewriting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rewriting process into two distinct modes: batch rewriting for compatible devices and individual rewriting for incompatible devices. This segmentation allows the system to apply the appropriate rewriting approach to each device based on its compatibility status, thereby optimizing both time efficiency and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic rewriting system that automatically adjusts the rewriting approach based on device compatibility detection. The system dynamically switches between batch rewriting mode (for compatible devices) and individual rewriting mode (for incompatible devices), making the rewriting process adaptive rather than static.
2Loss of time
If batch rewriting with common identifier is used, then rewriting time is reduced, but device specificity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compatibility detection before executing the rewriting operation. By checking whether devices are compatible with batch rewriting in advance, the system can determine the appropriate rewriting mode beforehand, ensuring that batch rewriting is only applied when it is safe to do so, thus preventing any compromise in device-specific accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces compatibility detection as an intermediary step between device identification and program rewriting. This intermediary mechanism verifies whether devices can safely undergo batch rewriting, acting as a gatekeeper that ensures device specificity is maintained while enabling time-efficient batch processing when appropriate.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual rewriting with unique identifiers is performed for all devices, then device specificity is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device population into two groups: compatible devices that can undergo batch rewriting and incompatible devices that require individual rewriting. This segmentation enables the system to apply the most efficient rewriting method to each group, maximizing overall productivity while maintaining accuracy for devices that require it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rewriting parameter (batch vs. individual mode) based on device compatibility status. By adjusting this parameter dynamically according to device characteristics, the system optimizes rewriting efficiency for compatible devices while ensuring accuracy for incompatible ones, thereby improving overall productivity without sacrificing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present method of rewriting programs of first and second electronic control devices includes transmitting data for rewriting each of the programs to each of the first and second electronic control devices with a common identifier through the communication network when batch rewriting of the programs is determined to be executed with respect to each of the first and second electronic control devices, transmitting the data for rewriting each of the programs to the first electronic control device with a first identifier when the batch rewriting of the programs is determined not to be executed with respect to the first electronic control device, and transmitting the data for rewriting each of the programs to the second electronic control device with a second identifier when the batch rewriting of the programs is determined not to be executed with respect to the second electronic control device.