Communication device, vehicle having the communication device, and method of controlling the communication device

By storing wake-up packets in the vehicle communication device and sending them when the device is ready, the problem of not being able to receive data packets during the wake-up of the device is solved, and effective sharing of data packets and improving system communication efficiency is achieved.

CN111464584BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-11HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN201911041876.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-01-22
Filing Date
2019-10-30
Publication Date
2025-03-11
Estimated Expiration
2039-10-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In a vehicle, the device cannot receive data packets from other devices during wake-up from one controller to startup completion, resulting in data sharing failure.

Method used

A communication device is designed to store data packets when a wake-up signal is sent from the first controller to the second controller, and upon receiving the ready signal, the stored data packets are sent to the second controller.

Benefits of technology

Through this method, it is ensured that the device can receive and share data packets during the wake-up process, solve the problem of packet loss, and improve the communication efficiency of the vehicle system.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication device, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device. The vehicle includes a controller and a communication device. When a wake-up data packet to be sent from a first controller to a second controller is received, the communication device stores the wake-up data packet, sends a wake-up signal to the second controller, and sends the wake-up data packet to the second controller when a ready signal is received from the second controller. The communication device includes a port connected to the controller. When a wake-up data packet is received from a first controller connected to one of the ports, a switching unit identifies the second controller to send the wake-up data packet, and performs data exchange with the port to which the identified second controller is connected. A queue stores the wake-up data packet, and a first microcomputer sends a wake-up signal to the second controller. When a ready signal is received from the second controller, the first microcomputer sends the wake-up data packet stored in the queue to the second controller.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device for sending a wake-up data packet to a controller executing a sleep mode, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device. Background Art

[0002] In addition to basic driving functions, the vehicle also performs other functions that provide convenience to the user, such as audio functions, video functions, navigation functions, air conditioning functions, seat heating functions, and communication with external terminals. In order to perform various functions, by utilizing various communication devices such as controller area network (CAN), FlexRay, media oriented system transport (MOST), and Ethernet, the vehicle shares various data by communicating with an electronic control unit (ECU) or a controller configured to perform various functions, a power device (or power system), a braking system, a steering system, a camera, various sensors, an input device, and a display device.

[0003] Various devices provided in the vehicle can be switched to a sleep mode or can be awakened by a communication device. In other words, various devices provided in the vehicle can be switched to a sleep mode by a communication device when not in operation, and can be awakened by the communication device when data provision is requested in another device or when a function is to be executed. The various devices receive a wake-up signal transmitted from another device, and then receive a data packet including a message transmitted from the other device.

[0004] Specifically, various devices require a certain period of time from when the wake-up signal is received to when the startup is completed. If a data packet is sent from another device between a certain time point after the wake-up signal is received and a certain time point before the startup is completed, the data packet sent from the other device cannot be received, resulting in data being unable to be shared between devices. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a communication device, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device, wherein the communication device stores a data packet when a wake-up signal is sent from a first controller to a second controller, and sends the stored data packet to the second controller when a ready signal is received from the second controller.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a communication device, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device, wherein the communication device may include a first microcomputer configured to perform wake-up of at least one controller and a second microcomputer configured to convert the at least one controller into a sleep mode.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication device may include: a plurality of ports, each of which is connected to a plurality of controllers, respectively; a switching unit, which is configured to, when a wake-up data packet is received from a first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports, identify a second controller to send the received wake-up data packet, and perform data switching with the port to which the identified second controller is connected; a queue, which is configured to store the received wake-up data packet; and a first microcomputer, which is configured to send a wake-up signal to the second controller, and when a ready signal is received from the second controller, send the wake-up data packet stored in the queue to the second controller.

[0008] The switching unit may be configured to store identification information of the plurality of controllers. The communication device may further include a second microcomputer configured to identify the operation status of the plurality of controllers. The second microcomputer may be configured to: when at least one of the plurality of controllers has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, convert the at least one controller from an operation mode to a sleep mode. The second microcomputer may be configured to: when the at least one controller is in the operation mode, perform an operation of sending and receiving data with another controller.

[0009] The first microcomputer may be configured to, when receiving a ready signal from the second controller, send a message in a wake-up packet stored in the queue. The switching unit may be configured to, when a packet sent by the first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports is a wake-up packet, generate a wake-up signal. The switching unit may be configured to store identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of controllers in a table. The first microcomputer may be configured to, when sending of the wake-up packet stored in the queue is completed, delete the wake-up packet stored in the queue.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle may include: multiple controllers and a communication device; the communication device is configured to, when receiving a wake-up data packet to be sent from a first controller among the multiple controllers to a second controller, store the received wake-up data packet, send a wake-up signal to the second controller, and when receiving a ready signal from the second controller, send the stored wake-up data packet to the second controller.

[0011] The communication device may include: a plurality of ports, the plurality of ports being respectively connected to the plurality of controllers; a plurality of first microcomputers, the plurality of first microcomputers being respectively connected to the plurality of ports and configured to perform storage and transmission of wake-up data packets; a plurality of queues, the plurality of queues being respectively connected to the plurality of first microcomputers and configured to store the wake-up data packets; a switching unit, configured to identify a second controller to send a wake-up data packet and to perform data exchange with a port to which the identified second controller is connected; and a second microcomputer, connected to the plurality of ports and configured to execute a sleep mode of the plurality of controllers and to perform operations of sending and receiving data between controllers executing an operating mode among the plurality of controllers.

[0012] The switching unit of the communication device may be configured to store identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of controllers in a table. The second microcomputer of the communication device may be configured to identify the operation status of the plurality of controllers, and when at least one of the plurality of controllers has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, convert the at least one controller from an operation mode to a sleep mode. The switching unit of the communication device may be configured to generate a wake-up signal when a data packet sent by a first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports is a wake-up data packet.

[0013] The communication device may be configured to store the received wake-up data packet in a queue, send the wake-up data packet stored in the queue when a ready signal is received from the second controller, and delete the wake-up data packet stored in the queue when the sending of the wake-up data packet stored in the queue is completed. The communication device may include an Ethernet switch hub. The second controller may be configured to perform startup when the wake-up signal is received, and send a ready signal to the communication device when the startup is completed.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a communication device may include: when a wake-up data packet is received from a first controller connected to one of a plurality of ports, identifying a second controller to send the received wake-up data packet; performing data exchange with the port to which the identified second controller is connected; storing the received wake-up data packet in a queue; sending a wake-up signal to the identified second controller; and when a ready signal is received from the second controller, sending the wake-up data packet stored in the queue to the second controller.

[0015] The method for controlling a communication device may further include: generating a wake-up signal when the data packet sent by the first controller is a wake-up data packet; and deleting the wake-up data packet stored in the queue when the sending of the wake-up data packet stored in the queue is completed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and / or other aspects of the present invention will become clear and more readily understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a communication device and a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A block diagram of a communication device and a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle;

[0019] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a communication device and a network architecture of a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a communication device provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a wake-up data packet transmitted and received between a communication device provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment and a plurality of devices; and

[0022] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method of a communication device for communicating between a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be understood that the terms "vehicle" or "vehicle-based" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, ships including various boats, vessels, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-fossil energy).

[0024] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it is understood that the exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules. In addition, it is understood that the term "controller / control unit" refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes further described below.

[0025] In addition, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-volatile computer readable medium on a computer readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, a controller / control unit, etc. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to: ROM, RAM, compact disk (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed on a network-connected computer system so that the computer readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, through a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0026] The terms used in this article are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be further understood that when the terms "include" and / or "comprise" are used in this book, it is indicated that there are the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but it is not excluded that there are or add one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their groups. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items.

[0027] Unless otherwise stated or apparent from the context, the term "about" as used herein is understood to be within the normal tolerance range in the art, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" may be understood to be within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the specified value. Unless clearly indicated from the context, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "about".

[0028] In the following description, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. Known functions or structures are not described in detail because they can obscure one or more exemplary embodiments with unnecessary details. Terms such as "unit", "equipment" and "device" can be implemented as hardware or software. According to the embodiment, multiple "units", "equipment" and "device" can be implemented as single components, or single "unit", "equipment" and "device" can include multiple components.

[0029] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, the element may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element, wherein the indirect connection includes a connection through a wireless communication network. Throughout the specification, when a member is "on" another member, this includes not only when the member is in contact with another member, but also when there is another member between the two members. It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. are used here to describe each component, these terms should not be limited. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. The reference numerals are used for convenience of description, but are not intended to illustrate the order of each step. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, each step can be implemented in an order different from the order shown.

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a communication device and a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of a communication device and multiple devices provided in a vehicle. Figure 3A and Figure 3B is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a communication device and a network architecture of a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 100 may include at least one device for performing at least one function. The number of devices may be one or more. By utilizing the communication device 160 provided in each device, the plurality of devices 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may be configured to communicate with each other, and to send and receive various messages for performing at least one function during the communication.

[0032] The vehicle may include a communication device 160, which is configured to set a message transmission path to at least one other device and control the message transmission when a message is sent from one of the multiple devices 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 to at least one other device. The communication device 160 can be configured to communicate between at least two devices using at least one of wired communication and wireless communication and relay communication. The communication device 160 can be an Ethernet switching hub for sending a data packet received from one port to another device through another port. The communication device 160 may include one of an access point (AP), a pather and a point-to-point. The communication device 160 can be implemented as a single device.

[0033] As an example, a plurality of devices (or apparatuses) provided in a vehicle will be described. The plurality of devices provided in the vehicle 100 may include at least two of a lamp, an antenna, a combined instrument panel, a head unit, an audio / video / navigation (AVN) terminal, at least one camera, a head-up display (HUD), and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0034] The vehicle lights may be arranged on the outside of the vehicle body and configured to allow the user to identify information about the surrounding environment when observing the scene ahead, and configured to perform signal and communication functions with other vehicles and pedestrians. The antenna may be configured to receive signals from global positioning system (GPS) satellites and broadcast stations, and enable wireless vehicle networks (vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication) with other vehicles, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. The combined instrument panel may be arranged on the inside of the vehicle body, and the head unit may be configured to receive operating instructions for audio equipment and air conditioning. At least one camera may be configured to collect images of the vehicle's surroundings for the safety and convenience of the user. Then, the head-up display (HUD) may be configured to project navigation information onto the front window glass, so that the front window glass displays the navigation information corresponding to the navigation function.

[0035] The plurality of devices may further include an input device, a display device, a gear lever, a parking button (EPB button) (not shown) for inputting an operation instruction of an electronic parking brake system, a power system, a steering system, a braking system configured to apply braking force to wheels, and a suspension device configured to adjust a vehicle suspension. The plurality of devices may further include detectors, such as a wheel speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a steering angle sensor, a rain sensor, a yaw sensor, a pressure sensor, and an obstacle sensor.

[0036] The multiple devices may further include a warning system, an automatic emergency braking system (AEBS), an airbag control system, an electronic stability control (ESC), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and an anti-lock braking system (ABS); the warning system is configured to output alarm information in a risk situation to provide the driver with notification about the risk situation of an accident; when another vehicle is within a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle, the automatic emergency braking system (AEBS) performs emergency braking by operating the braking system and reducing the output of the engine; the electronic stability control (ESC) is used to maintain vehicle stability during acceleration or cornering; the anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking.

[0037] The warning system may include a lane departure warning system (LDWS), a fatigue driving warning system, a blind spot warning system (BSW, BSA or BSD), a forward collision warning system (FCWS) and a rear warning system (BWS); the lane departure warning system (LDWS) indicates lane departure; the fatigue driving warning system indicates that the driver is in a drowsy state; the blind spot warning system (BSW, BSA or BSD) indicates the risk of collision with other vehicles located on the left and right sides of the vehicle's lane; the forward collision warning system (FCWS) and the rear warning system (BWS) indicate the risk of collision with other vehicles located in front and behind the same lane of the vehicle.

[0038] However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and therefore, the plurality of devices may further include various electronic devices arranged in the vehicle. For example, the first device 110 may be an audio video navigation (AVN) terminal, the second device 120 may be a HUD, the third device 130 may be a combined instrument panel, the fourth device 140 may be a head unit, and the fifth device 150 may be an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of devices 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may be electrically connected to each other through a communication device 160, and may be configured to send or receive data between each other through the communication device 160. Each of the devices 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 may include: a communication unit 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151 configured to communicate with other devices via the communication device 160; a controller 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 configured to generate a control signal based on a message received via the communication unit 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151; an internal program load 113, 123, 133, and 143 configured to operate in response to the generated control signal; and a memory 114, 124, 134, 144, and 154 configured to store identification information of another device to which a message is to be sent based on the identification information of the message, and store a destination IP address.

[0040] A portion of the plurality of devices 110, 120, 130, and 140 may include loads 113, 123, 133, and 143 that operate in response to a control signal of the controller. The remaining devices 150 of the plurality of devices may be configured to send a control signal of the controller 152 to another device, thereby causing a load of the other device to operate. In other words, the controller of each device may be a load controller that controls the operation of the load.

[0041] In addition, the controller of each device may be a function execution controller configured to execute some functions that can be executed in the load of another device. For example, when the first device is a device that performs a navigation function, the first load of the first device may be a display, and the first controller of the first device may be a controller configured to generate route information, control the generated route information to match the map information for display, and control the output of route guidance information.

[0042] When the fifth device performs a driving assistance function, the fifth controller of the fifth device can be configured to obtain the distance to an obstacle in the blind spot when the vehicle is traveling, determine whether there is a risk of collision with the obstacle in the blind spot based on the distance to the obstacle in the blind spot, and send blind spot warning information to the first device in response to determining that there is a risk of collision with the obstacle, thereby triggering the blind spot warning information to be displayed on the display (which is the first load of the first device).

[0043] The communication units 111 , 121 , 131 , 141 and 151 of each device may be configured to perform data transmission / reception operations based on control instructions of the controllers 112 , 122 , 132 , 142 and 152 , and send a wake-up signal to the controller upon receiving a wake-up signal in the sleep mode.

[0044] The controller 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device may be configured to operate each of the communication units 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151 to send a message corresponding to the control signal to another device. The controller 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device may include a communication function. Each device may include a communication terminal electrically and mechanically connected to a port of the communication device 160.

[0045] The controller of each device may be configured to assign an IP address when sending and receiving a message to and from another device connected via the communication terminal. The controllers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device may be configured to execute an operation mode for executing at least one function when a power button is turned on in a state where commercial power is supplied, and to execute a sleep mode when the button is turned off in a state where commercial power is supplied. Commercial power may be external power.

[0046] The controllers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device may be configured to convert the current mode to the operating mode when a wake-up signal is received in the sleep mode, and convert the current mode to the sleep mode when a signal indicating execution of the sleep mode is received in the operating mode. The controllers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device may be configured to convert to the sleep mode when a signal indicating execution of the sleep mode is received in the operating mode, and convert to the operating mode for executing at least one function selected by the user when a wake-up signal is received in the sleep mode.

[0047] In addition, the controllers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device allow only the communication units 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151 to be supplied with power in the sleep mode to use the minimum power, and allow driving power to be supplied to all elements in the operation mode. The controllers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 of each device may be respectively provided inside the memories 114, 124, 134, and 144, or the controllers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 may be provided separately from the memories 114, 124, 134, and 144.

[0048] The memory 114, 124, 134 and 144 of each device can be configured to store IP addresses in the form of a table. Specifically, the memory 114, 124, 134 and 144 of each device can be a memory storing a program for performing the operation of the load, and can be a memory storing a program for performing at least one function. The controller of each device can be implemented using a memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown), wherein the memory is configured to store an algorithm for performing the operation of the components in the device and data related to the program implementing the algorithm, and the processor performs the above operations using the data stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be implemented in a separate chip or in a single chip.

[0049] The memory of each device may be implemented using at least one of a nonvolatile storage element, a volatile storage element, or a storage medium, wherein the nonvolatile storage element is, for example, a cache, a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and a flash memory, a volatile storage element is, for example, a random access memory (RAM), and a storage medium is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) and a CD-ROM. The implementation of the memory is not limited thereto.

[0050] Each memory may be a memory implemented by a chip separate from the processor associated with the above controller, or may be implemented by a single chip with the processor. The plurality of devices 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 , and 150 may be electrically, mechanically, and communicatively connected to each other via the communication device 160 .

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of devices may perform Ethernet communication via a communication device. A process of performing Ethernet communication in a communication device of a plurality of devices will be briefly described. When a message is sent from one of the plurality of devices performing Ethernet communication to another device, the communication device 160 may be configured to identify whether the communication network of the other device is occupied. In response to determining that the communication network of the other device is not occupied, the communication device 160 may be configured to send a message to the other device. In response to determining that the communication network of the other device is occupied, the communication device 160 waits for a predetermined period of time and may then be configured to identify again whether the communication network of the other device is occupied.

[0052] In addition, when a message is sent from one of the multiple devices performing Ethernet communication to two devices in the other devices, the communication device 160 can be configured to identify whether the communication networks of the two other devices are occupied. In response to determining that the communication networks of the two other devices are not occupied, the communication device 160 can be configured to send the message to the two other devices. However, sending the message to the two other devices at the same time may cause a conflict. Accordingly, the communication device 160 can be configured to identify whether the message to be sent is damaged, and in response to determining that the message is damaged, the communication device 160 can be configured to identify again whether the communication networks of the two other devices are occupied after waiting for a predetermined period of time, and send the message.

[0053] In addition, in response to determining that a conflict occurs, the communication device 160 may be configured to send a message to the two other devices at a predetermined time interval. Accordingly, when sending a message to another device, each device may be configured to send the message to the other device via a path generated in the communication device 160. The communication device 160 and the plurality of devices performing Ethernet communication may have the same network architecture. In other words, the plurality of devices and the communication device may be configured to communicate based on the network architecture. This will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B to describe.

[0054] The network architecture may include a total of seven layers. In other words, the network architecture may include a physical layer corresponding to layer 1, a data link layer corresponding to layer 2, a network layer corresponding to layer 3, a transport layer corresponding to layer 4, a session layer corresponding to layer 5, a presentation layer corresponding to layer 6, and an application layer corresponding to layer 7. A framework for executing a network protocol may be defined as seven layers. In other words, a method of moving from a device that sends a message (i.e., a sending device) to a device that receives a message (i.e., a receiving device) may be defined.

[0055] Specifically, the physical layer, corresponding to layer 1, defines a frame format for moving packets between devices and provides a set of rules for identifying how communicators react when two devices simultaneously utilize a single channel. In other words, the physical layer coordinates the functions required to send a bit stream over a physical medium. The data link layer, corresponding to layer 2, sends packets from one device to another. The network layer, corresponding to layer 3, sends packets from one device to another across a multi-network link. The transport layer, corresponding to layer 4, manages control and errors between the sending and receiving devices.

[0056] The network layer, corresponding to layer 3, and the transport layer, corresponding to layer 4, utilize Internet standards, known as the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) suite, to send messages to one or more devices. TCP / IP provides the communication protocol functions necessary to implement a functional network (i.e., address assignment rules and mechanisms for establishing connections and exchanging data between individual devices).

[0057] When the connection is lost, the session layer corresponding to layer 5 will try to restore the connection. If the connection fails for a long period of time, the session layer will stop the connection and then restart the connection. In other words, the session layer can identify and set whether the port connection is valid. As for the session layer corresponding to layer 5, the port for forming a communication session is provided. The session layer corresponding to layer 5 performs synchronization while maintaining the interaction between communicators.

[0058] The presentation layer corresponding to layer 6 serves as a data converter for the network. Specifically, the presentation layer corresponding to layer 6 is a part of the operating system. The presentation layer corresponding to layer 6 converts input or output data into a representation form. For example, the presentation layer corresponding to layer 6 performs serialization, encoding, and encryption. The application layer corresponding to layer 7 allows users to access the network.

[0059] like Figure 3AAs shown, a message sent from the first device 110 to the second device 120 will be described as an example. The application layer of the first device 110 can be configured to send a message to the transport layer. Specifically, the transport layer of the first device 110 can be configured to receive a message from the application layer, divide the message into data packets, add a TCP header, and then send the message to the network layer. The network layer of the first device 110 can be configured to add a destination IP to the received data packet, add a tail for error detection to the received data packet, and send the IP data packet including the tail to the data link layer.

[0060] The data link layer of the first device 110 may include an Ethernet protocol, which may be configured to assign a media access control (MAC) address corresponding to the physical address and send a data packet assigned the MAC address to the physical layer. The physical layer of the first device 110 may then be configured to send the data packet to the communication device 160 in a hardware manner. In addition, when assigning the MAC address of the first device 110, the MAC address may be mapped one-to-one to the destination IP address.

[0061] In addition, the data link layer of the first device 110 can be configured to add an Ethernet header to the IP data packet. The data link layer of the first device 110 can be configured to perform framing on the IP data packet message based on the network transmission method, and send the framed data packet to the physical layer. The framed data packet can be a frame, and the frame can include a message, a header, and a tail. The header can include a MAC address. In other words, the data link layer of the first device 110 can be configured to send the frame to the physical layer. Then, the physical layer of the first device 110 can be configured to change the frame into bits, change the bits into signals, and send the signal to the communication device 160.

[0062] The communication device 160 may be configured to receive a data packet of the first device 110 via the physical layer and send the received data packet to the data link layer. The data link layer of the communication device 160 may be configured to identify a destination IP address mapped one-to-one with a MAC address, select a device to which a message is to be sent based on the identified destination IP address, and set a path based on identification information of the selected device. When the selected device is the second device 120, the communication device 160 may connect the first device 110 to the second device 120 through communication.

[0063] The second device 120 may be configured to receive a data packet through the physical layer and send the received data packet to the data link layer. The physical layer of the second device 120 may be configured to convert the received signal into bits and send a frame corresponding to the bits. Then, the data link layer of the second device 120 may be configured to send an IP data packet to the network layer, in which the Ethernet header is stripped from the received frame. The data link layer of the second device 120 may be configured to identify whether there is an error in the received IP data packet. In response to determining that there is no error, the data link layer of the second device 120 may be configured to send the IP data packet to the network layer, and in response to detecting an error, the data link layer of the second device 120 may be configured to delete the IP data packet.

[0064] The network layer of the second device 120 may be configured to identify the destination IP address and determine whether the second device 120 is a message reception target based on the identified destination IP address. In response to determining that the second device 120 is a message reception target, the network layer of the second device 120 may be configured to determine whether there is a message to be received. In response to determining that there is a message to be received, the network layer of the second device 120 strips off the IP header and sends the data packet to the transport layer. In response to determining that the second device 120 is not a message reception target, or in response to determining that there is no message to be received, the network layer of the second device 120 may be configured to delete the received data packet and return the received data packet to the data link layer and the physical layer.

[0065] When the TCP header exists, the transport layer of the second device 120 strips the TCP header and sends the message to the application layer via the session layer and the presentation layer. The application layer of the second device 120 may be configured to detect the message and output a user interface based on the recognized message.

[0066] like Figure 3B As shown, the message is sent from the first device 110 to the second device 120 and the fourth device 140 as an example. The communication device 160 can be configured to select a device to which the message is to be sent based on the data packet of the first device 110. When the selected devices are the second device 120 and the fourth device 140, the communication device 160 can connect the first device 110 to the second device 120 through communication, and connect the first device 110 to the fourth device 140 through communication.

[0067] In the same manner as the second device 120, the fourth device 140 can be configured to receive a data packet of the first device 110 through the physical layer and send the received data packet to the data link layer. The physical layer of the fourth device 140 can be configured to convert the received signal into bits and send a frame corresponding to the bits. The data link layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to send an IP data packet to the network layer, in which the Ethernet header is stripped from the received frame. The data link layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to determine whether there is an error in the received IP data packet. In response to determining that there is no error, the data link layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to send the IP data packet to the network layer, and in response to detecting an error, the data link layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to delete the IP data packet.

[0068] The network layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to identify the destination IP address and to identify whether the fourth device 140 is a message receiving target based on the identified destination IP address. In response to determining that the fourth device 140 is a message receiving target, the network layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to determine whether there is a message to be received. In response to determining that there is a message to be received, the network layer of the fourth device 140 strips off the IP header and sends the data packet to the transport layer. In response to determining that the fourth device 140 is not a message receiving target or there is no message to be received, the network layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to delete the received data packet and return the received data packet to the data link layer and the physical layer.

[0069] When the bit assigned to the fourth device 140 in the destination IP address is "1", the network layer of the fourth device 140 can be configured to recognize that the fourth device 140 is a message receiving target. When the TCP header is present, the transport layer of the fourth device 140 strips the TCP header and sends the message to the application layer through the session layer and the presentation layer.

[0070] The application layer of the fourth device 140 is configured to identify the message and output a user interface based on the identified message. In addition, the first device 110 can be configured to send the message to the fourth device 140 after sending the message to the second device 120. In this way, a message can be sent from one device to at least one other device.

[0071] Figure 41 is a block diagram showing a communication device provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. The communication device 160 may include a plurality of ports 161, a switching unit 162, a plurality of first microcomputers 163, a plurality of queues 164 and a second microcomputer 165. The plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d and 161e) may be connection terminals for connecting devices. The controllers 112, 122, 132, 142 and 152 of the plurality of devices may be connected to the plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d and 161e), respectively.

[0072] The communication units 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151 of the plurality of devices may be connected to the plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d, and 161e), respectively. The plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d, and 161e) may be connected to the plurality of first microcomputers 163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e, respectively, and may be configured to send received data packets to the first microcomputers connected thereto. The switching unit 162 may be connected to the plurality of first microcomputers 163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e, and may be connected to the second microcomputer 165. The switching unit 162 may connect the controllers of the two devices that send and receive data packets.

[0073] When a wake-up packet is received from a controller connected to one of the multiple ports, the switching unit 162 is configured to identify another controller to send the received wake-up packet and perform conversion using the port to which the other controller is connected. The switching unit 162 is configured to store identification information of the multiple controllers. The switching unit 162 may be configured to store identification information of each wake-up packet corresponding to the multiple controllers in a table.

[0074] In response to determining that a data packet received by a port is a wake-up data packet, the switching unit 162 is configured to identify identification information of the wake-up data packet, identify a controller corresponding to the identified identification information, and select the identified controller as the controller to which the wake-up data packet is sent. When receiving the wake-up data packet, the switching unit 162 is configured to generate a wake-up signal and send the generated wake-up signal to the identified controller.

[0075] A plurality of first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may be connected to a plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d, and 161e), respectively, and may be connected to a switching unit 162. A plurality of first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may be connected to a plurality of queues 164 (164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e), respectively.

[0076] When a wake-up packet is received via the switching unit 162, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) is configured to send the received wake-up packet to the controller via the port connected thereto. When a wake-up packet is received via the switching unit 162, the switching unit 162 may be configured to control the queue so that the received wake-up packet is stored in the queue connected thereto. When a wake-up packet is received, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may be configured to store only the message in the received wake-up packet in the queue.

[0077] Each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) is configured to send a wake-up signal to a controller of a device connected to the port through a port, and when a ready signal is received from the controller of the device connected to the port, send a wake-up data packet stored in a queue to the controller of the device through the port. When a ready signal is received from the controller connected to the port, each first microcomputer may be configured to send only a message in a wake-up data packet stored in a queue.

[0078] In addition, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) is configured to delete the wake-up data packet stored in the queue. Specifically, when a reception completion signal of the wake-up data packet is received via the port, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) can be configured to delete the wake-up data packet stored in the queue. When a predetermined time has passed since the wake-up data packet was sent, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) can be configured to delete the wake-up data packet stored in the queue.

[0079] Each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may be a controller configured to perform operations of each queue. Each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may remain in a closed state and may be turned on by the switching unit 162. In other words, when a wake-up signal is sent to a controller of the device via a port through the switching unit 162, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may be turned on. When each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) is turned on, each of the first microcomputers 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e) may be configured to control storage of a wake-up packet. The wake-up packet P may be a packet including wake-up information for performing wake-up of the device in the sleep mode and operation information for setting a function to be performed after wake-up.

[0080] like Figure 5A As shown, the wake-up data packet P may include a header P1, wake-up information P2, and operation information P3. The header P1 may be generated based on a network scheme or protocol format between devices. The wake-up information P2 may include a control instruction or control information for waking up a device selected by a user, and the operation information P3 may include a control instruction or control information for setting a function selected by the user after the device is woken up. The positions of the wake-up information P2 and the operation information P3 may be interchangeable in the wake-up data packet. The operation information P3 may include an operation code for each function of the device.

[0081] like Figure 5B As shown, the header P1 in the wake-up data packet P may include a link header P11, an IP header P12, and a TCP header P13. The header P1 may include address information of the communication device 160 and address information of another device that receives the wake-up data packet P. In other words, when the wake-up data packet includes address information of multiple devices, the wake-up data packet may be sent to multiple devices.

[0082] When the wake-up packet includes address information of a device, the wake-up packet may be sent to the device. The link header P11 may include a media access control (MAC) address or an Ethernet address of the communication device 160 and the plurality of devices. The IP header P12 may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the communication device 160 and the plurality of devices. The TCP header P13 may include a port address of the communication device 160 and the plurality of devices.

[0083] like Figure 5CAs shown, the wake-up information P2 of the wake-up data packet P may include a wake-up identification (ID) P21 and a device address P22. The wake-up ID P21 corresponds to a wake-up control instruction, for example, a control instruction to power on a device or wake up a device from a sleep mode, which may be implemented by Wake-up on LAN (WOL), Wake-up on Wireless LAN (WoWLAN), etc., but is not limited thereto. The device address P22 refers to the identification information of the device to be awakened. The positions of the wake-up ID P21 and the device address P22 in the wake-up data packet may be interchangeable.

[0084] In addition, the wake-up information P2 can be implemented based on a predetermined standard protocol, for example, a predetermined standard protocol corresponding to the device to be awakened. In addition to the header P1, the wake-up information P2 and the operation information P3, the wake-up data packet P can further include password information. The password information can include a password length field and a password field. The password length refers to the length of the set password, and its value can be between 0 and 16. When the value of the password length is 0, it means that there is no set password. The password length field can be, for example, 1 byte long. The password can be a password for performing a wake-up operation, or a password for performing a function setting operation.

[0085] A plurality of queues 164 (164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e) may be provided in a plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d, and 161e). A plurality of queues 164 (164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e) may be connected to a first microcomputer 163 (163a, 163b, 163c, 163d, and 163e), respectively. Each of the queues 164 (164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e) is configured to store a received wake-up packet in response to a control instruction of the first microcomputer. Each of the queues 164 (164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e) may be configured to store a message only in a received wake-up packet corresponding to a control instruction of the first microcomputer. Each of the queues 164 (164a, 164b, 164c, 164d, and 164e) may be configured to delete a stored wake-up packet corresponding to a control instruction of the first microcomputer. The queue 164 may be integrally provided with the first microcomputer connected thereto.

[0086] The second microcomputer 165 may be connected to the plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d, and 161e), and may be connected to the switching unit 162. The second microcomputer 165 is configured to detect the operation status of the plurality of devices based on signals transmitted and received via the plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d, and 161e), and when at least one of the plurality of devices is not operated for a predetermined time or longer, convert the at least one device from the operation mode to the sleep mode. The second microcomputer 165 may be configured to convert a device determined to be not operating among the plurality of devices into the sleep mode.

[0087] When at least two devices are in the operation mode, the second microcomputer 165 is configured to perform data transmission and reception between the at least two devices. The second microcomputer 165 can be configured to send and receive data packets for data transmission and reception. When a wake-up data packet is sent from one controller to another controller via the switching unit 162, the second microcomputer 165 can be configured to receive the transmission and reception information of the wake-up data packet from the switching unit 162.

[0088] The second microcomputer 165 can be connected to a plurality of ports and can be configured to identify the sending and receiving information of a wake-up data packet from one controller to another controller by monitoring the plurality of ports. In response to determining that the startup of a device in sleep mode is completed, the second microcomputer 165 can be configured to operate the one device so that the operation mode is executed in the one device. The second microcomputer 165 can be configured to receive a mode change signal for changing from sleep mode to operation mode through a controller of one device. When the two devices are in operation mode, the second microcomputer 165 is configured to identify the destination IP address in the data packet received by the controller of one of the two devices, and send the data packet to the controller of the other device having the identified destination IP address.

[0089] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of a communication device for communicating between a plurality of devices provided in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment. The second microcomputer 165 of the communication device 160 is configured to monitor the operating states of the plurality of devices by communicating with the controllers of the plurality of devices via the plurality of ports 161 (161a, 161b, 161c, 161d and 161e).

[0090] In other words, the second microcomputer 165 of the communication device is configured to recognize each operating state of the plurality of devices, and when at least one of the plurality of devices is not operated for a predetermined time or longer, transmit a switching signal for switching the sleep mode to the at least one device (201). At this time, when the switching signal for switching the sleep mode is received, the at least one device executes the sleep mode (202).

[0091] When the at least one device does not operate for a predetermined time or longer, the at least one device automatically switches to a sleep mode, and can be configured to send a conversion signal for switching the sleep mode to the second microcomputer 165 of the communication device. If it is determined that the at least one device does not need to be operated, the at least one device automatically switches to a sleep mode. The predetermined time is the time required to determine whether the at least one device does not need to be operated. For example, in response to determining that the second device 120 has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, the communication device 160 can be configured to send a conversion signal for switching the sleep mode to the second controller of the second device. At this time, the second controller of the second device is configured to change the operating mode to the sleep mode when the conversion signal is received. The predetermined time can be a time corresponding to the start-up time. For example, if the start-up time is 5 seconds, the predetermined time can be 5 seconds or longer.

[0092] When the first controller of the first device provides information to the second device or receives information from the second device during the execution of the operation mode, the first controller of the first device is configured to determine the current mode of the second device. In response to determining that the current mode is the sleep mode, the first controller can include a message to be sent to the second device in a wake-up packet and is configured to send the wake-up packet containing the message to the communication device (203).

[0093] At this time, the switching unit 162 of the communication device can be configured to sense the wake-up data packet received at the first port 161a. The switching unit 162 of the communication device is configured to determine the identification information of the wake-up data packet, determine the device with the identified identification information, and perform data exchange with the port to which the identified device is connected. For example, when the device with the identified identification information is the second device, the switching unit of the communication device can perform a connection between the first port 161a and the second port 161b.

[0094] In addition, in response to determining that the current mode of the second device is the operation mode, the first controller of the first device can be configured to send a data packet to the second device. At this time, the communication device can be configured to send the data packet received by the first port 161a to the second microcomputer 165. The communication device can be configured to perform data exchange with the second port 161b by operating the switching unit 162 in response to the control instruction of the second microcomputer 165. When receiving the wake-up data packet, the switching unit 162 of the communication device can be configured to generate a wake-up signal and send the generated wake-up signal to the second controller of the second device via the second port 161b (204).

[0095] When a wake-up signal is sent through the second port 161b of the communication device, the first microcomputer 163b can be changed from a closed state to an open state. The queue 164b can also be changed from a closed state to an open state. Among the plurality of first microcomputers 163 provided in the communication device, the first microcomputer 163b connected to the second controller of the second device is configured to operate the queue 164b to store the wake-up data packet in the queue 164b. At this time, the queue 164b can be configured to store the wake-up data packet (205). The queue 164b can be configured to store only the message of the wake-up data packet.

[0096] When a wake-up signal is received through the second port of the communication device, the second controller 122 of the second device is configured to perform startup (206), and when the startup is completed, a ready signal is generated (207), and the generated ready signal is sent to the first microcomputer 163b (208) through the second port 161b of the communication device. When the ready signal is received, the first microcomputer 163b of the communication device is configured to send the wake-up data packet stored in the queue 164b to the second controller of the second device via the second port 161b (209). At this time, the first microcomputer 163b of the communication device can be configured to only send the message of the wake-up data packet to the second controller of the second device.

[0097] The second controller 122 of the second device is configured to receive the wake-up data packet sent via the second port 161b (210), determine the reception completion status of the received wake-up data packet, and in response to determining that the reception of the wake-up data packet is completed, send a reception completion signal to the communication device (211). When the reception completion signal is received from the second controller 122 of the second device, the first microcomputer 163b of the communication device is configured to delete the wake-up data packet stored in the queue 164b (212).

[0098] When the second microcomputer of the communication device determines that the booting of the second device is completed, the second microcomputer of the communication device is configured to recognize the current mode of the second device as the operation mode and perform transmission and reception of data between the first controller of the first device and the second controller of the second device.

[0099] It is obvious from the above description that a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device can operate some controllers that are unnecessary during vehicle operation, such as CAN (CAN local network), even in Ethernet communication, and in sleep mode, thereby minimizing the power consumption of the vehicle.

[0100] In addition, a communication device, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can transmit a data packet at a high speed by transmitting a wake-up signal and a data packet using relatively inexpensive hardware without adding software for data packet transmission. Therefore, the speed of executing functions in the controller can be increased.

[0101] In addition, a communication device, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method of controlling the communication device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can send a wake-up signal, store a data packet in a queue, and then send the data packet stored in the queue when the receiving object controller is ready to receive the data packet, thereby improving the success rate of data packet transmission. Therefore, the number of data packet retransmissions can be reduced, and the network between controllers can be effectively used.

[0102] Finally, a communication device, a vehicle having the communication device, and a method for controlling the communication device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can solve the problem that the receiving object controller does not receive a data packet (including a message) due to the sending time of the wake-up signal and the start-up time of the controller for wake-up. The quality of the communication device and the vehicle can be improved, and the user's satisfaction can be further improved, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[0103] At the same time, the disclosed exemplary embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions that can be executed by a computer. The instructions can be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions can generate a program module to perform the operation of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a non-volatile computer-readable recording medium. The non-volatile computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording media in which instructions that can be decoded by a computer are stored. For example, there can be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, a disk, a flash memory, and an optical data storage device.

[0104] While several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A communication device that communicates with a plurality of controllers and is configured to convert at least one of the plurality of controllers from an operation mode to a sleep mode and wake up the controller in the sleep mode, the communication device comprising: a plurality of ports, the plurality of ports being connected to the plurality of controllers respectively; a plurality of first microcomputers, which are respectively connected to the plurality of ports; a plurality of queues, which are respectively connected to the plurality of first microcomputers; a switching unit connected to the plurality of first microcomputers and configured to: when a wake-up packet is received from a first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports among the plurality of controllers, identify a second controller from among the plurality of controllers to send the received wake-up packet, identify a first microcomputer connected to the identified second controller from among the plurality of first microcomputers, send the wake-up packet to a queue connected to the identified first microcomputer among the plurality of queues, and perform data exchange with the port to which the identified second controller is connected; The queue stores the wake-up data packets sent from the switching unit. The identified first microcomputer sends a wake-up signal to the second controller, and when a ready signal is received from the second controller, the identified first microcomputer sends a message in a wake-up data packet stored in a queue to the second controller, When the transmission of the wake-up data packet stored in the queue is completed, the identified first microcomputer deletes the wake-up data packet stored in the queue.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The switching unit is configured to store identification information of the plurality of controllers.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: A second microcomputer is configured to recognize an operation state of the plurality of controllers and, when at least one of the plurality of controllers has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, shift the at least one controller from an operation mode to a sleep mode.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The second microcomputer is configured to transmit and receive data with another controller when the at least one controller is in an operation mode.

5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein: The switching unit is configured to generate a wake-up signal when a data packet sent by a first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports is a wake-up data packet.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein: The exchange unit is configured to store identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of controllers in a table.

7. A vehicle comprising: Multiple controllers; as well as a communication device in communication with the plurality of controllers and configured to switch at least one of the plurality of controllers from an operating mode to a sleep mode and to wake up the controller in the sleep mode, Wherein, the communication device includes: a plurality of ports, the plurality of ports being connected to the plurality of controllers respectively; a plurality of first microcomputers, the plurality of first microcomputers being connected to the plurality of ports respectively; a plurality of queues, the plurality of queues being connected to the plurality of first microcomputers respectively; a switching unit connected to the plurality of first microcomputers and configured to, when receiving a wake-up packet from a first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports among the plurality of controllers, identify a second controller from among the plurality of controllers to send the received wake-up packet, identify a first microcomputer connected to the identified second controller from among the plurality of first microcomputers, send the wake-up packet to a queue connected to the identified first microcomputer among the plurality of queues, and perform data exchange with the port to which the identified second controller is connected; The queue stores the wake-up data packets sent from the switching unit. The identified first microcomputer sends a wake-up signal to the second controller, and when a ready signal is received from the second controller, the identified first microcomputer sends a message in a wake-up data packet stored in a queue to the second controller, When the transmission of the wake-up data packet stored in the queue is completed, the communication device deletes the wake-up data packet stored in the queue.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The communication device further comprises: A second microcomputer is connected to the plurality of ports and is configured to execute a sleep mode of the plurality of controllers and to perform transmission and reception of data between controllers executing an operation mode among the plurality of controllers.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The switching unit of the communication device is configured to store identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of controllers in a table.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The second microcomputer of the communication device is configured to recognize an operation state of the plurality of controllers and, when at least one of the plurality of controllers has not been operated for a predetermined time or longer, shift the at least one controller from an operation mode to a sleep mode.

11. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The switching unit of the communication device is configured to generate a wake-up signal when a data packet sent by a first controller connected to one of the plurality of ports is a wake-up data packet.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the communication device comprises an Ethernet switch hub.

13. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The second controller is configured to perform booting when a wake-up signal is received, and to send a ready signal to the communication device when the booting is completed.

14. A method for controlling a communication device, the communication device communicating with a plurality of controllers and configured to switch at least one of the plurality of controllers from an operation mode to a sleep mode and wake up the controller in the sleep mode, the method comprising: identifying a second controller from the plurality of controllers to send the received wake-up packet when a wake-up packet is received from a first controller of the plurality of controllers connected to one of the plurality of ports; identifying a first microcomputer connected to the identified second controller from a plurality of first microcomputers, the plurality of first microcomputers being connected to the plurality of ports, respectively; sending a wake-up data packet to a queue among the plurality of queues connected to the identified first microcomputer, and storing the received wake-up data packet in the queue; performing data exchange with the port to which the identified second controller is connected; sending a wake-up signal to the identified second controller; When a ready signal is received from the second controller, sending the message in the wake-up packet stored in the queue to the second controller; When the transmission of the wake-up packet stored in the queue is completed, the wake-up packet stored in the queue is deleted.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: When the data packet sent by the first controller is a wake-up data packet, a wake-up signal is generated.

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