Asymmetric distributed compute nodes for providing software-defined vehicle functions

A method for providing software-defined vehicle functions via asymmetric distributed compute nodes in a vehicle, the method comprising:

• identifying first processes for execution on one or more higher-performance compute nodes of the asymmetric distributed compute nodes, wherein the one or more higher-performance compute nodes include one or more physical components that enhance capabilities of the one or more higher-performance compute nodes relative to one or more lower-performance compute nodes;
• identifying second processes for execution on the one or more lower-performance compute nodes of the asymmetric distributed compute nodes;
• directing the one or more higher-performance compute nodes to execute the first processes to perform a first portion of the software-defined vehicle functions for the vehicle;
• and
• directing the one or more lower-performance compute nodes to execute the second processes to perform a second portion of the software-defined vehicle functions for the vehicle, including:
• assigning a first instance of a process of the second processes to a first compute node of the one or more lower-performance compute nodes and a second instance of the process to a second compute node of the one or more lower-performance compute nodes, wherein the first instance is active and the second instance is on standby;
• and
• upon the first instance failing, activating the second instance.

An apparatus to provide asymmetric distributed compute nodes in a vehicle for software-defined vehicle functions, the apparatus comprising:

• one or more microprocessors, wherein the one or more microprocessors execute first processes for performing a first portion of the software-defined vehicle functions for the vehicle;
• input and output interfaces connected to vehicle components of the vehicle;
• and
• a network interface connected to a communication backbone to communicate with other compute nodes of the asymmetric distributed compute nodes;
• wherein the other compute nodes execute second processes for performing a second portion of the software-defined vehicle functions for the vehicle;
• wherein a first instance of a process of the second processes is active and assigned to the apparatus, and a second instance of the process is on standby and assigned to a compute node of the other compute nodes;
• and
• wherein the second instance activates upon failure of the first instance.