In-Vehicle Zone ECU Control for Communication Fault Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle network systems face challenges in maintaining high responsiveness and redundancy for specific devices, especially when communication abnormalities occur, as detour paths can lengthen signal transmission times.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a sub controller within specific devices, allowing them to control actuators based on signals from dedicated sensors, even in the absence of communication with the central control apparatus, thereby reducing communication path lengths and enhancing responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detour path is used for control signal transmission when communication abnormality occurs, then reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into a central control apparatus and distributed sub controllers. Each sub controller can independently execute control functions for its associated device, allowing local autonomy. This segmentation enables the system to maintain functionality even when communication with the central apparatus is interrupted, thus improving reliability without requiring detour paths that would increase transmission time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub controllers are designed to autonomously perform control functions without always requiring instructions from the central control apparatus. When communication is normal, the sub controllers receive commands from the central apparatus; when communication fails, they automatically switch to autonomous operation based on pre-stored control logic. This self-service capability ensures continuous operation and high responsiveness even during communication abnormalities.
2Reliability
If a detour path is established for data transmission, then redundancy is improved, but communication speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides communication functions into centralised control (for normal operation) and distributed autonomous control (for abnormal operation). This segmentation creates natural redundancy where multiple communication paths exist: the primary path through the central apparatus for normal operations, and a secondary path through local sub controller autonomy for abnormal conditions. Each path is optimised for its specific use case.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture dynamically switches between centralised control mode and autonomous control mode based on communication status. When the communication line is normal, the system uses the direct centralised path for optimal speed. When communication abnormality is detected, the system dynamically transitions to autonomous sub controller operation, maintaining functionality without requiring physical detour paths that would reduce speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle network system includes a central ECU, which generates a control signal for a plurality of devices, and a plurality of zone ECUs, which relay a control signal from the central ECU. The plurality of devices include a first specific device (power window device, etc.), which is a device unrelated to drive control or the like of a vehicle, and which includes a sub controller (third signal processing unit, etc.) capable of activating an actuator based on an ON signal from at least one or some of the sensors. The first specific device is configured to control the actuator by using the sub controller in occurrence of abnormality of communication between the central ECU and the first specific device.