Vehicle communication network system and communication method

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle communication network system, the communication network system comprising: - a plurality of computers (ECU1-ECU6), - a communication gateway (P), the communication gateway including a discovery unit (UD), a map drawing unit (UC), and a gateway unit (UP), wherein the discovery unit (UD) is configured to send a service discovery message to each of the computers (ECU1-ECU6), wherein the map drawing unit (UC) is configured to store and update a service map, and wherein the gateway unit (UP) is configured to: - receive a service message from one of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) for another of the computers (ECU1-ECU6), - send an identification request to the map drawing unit (UC), the identification request being used to identify the service message in the service map, - send the service message to the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a communication network system and communication method for motor vehicles in situations where multiple computers are installed in a vehicle and do not necessarily use the same communication protocol. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, a vehicle with multiple computers is known, some of which do not use the same communication protocol. Specifically, document US20140086242 describes a particular message routing based on a message protocol.

[0003] However, this system is not universal because only a predefined number of routes and protocols exist. The number of protocols and routes used by the vehicle's computer, however, varies depending on each vehicle model, the available options within the same model, and even later when a customer chooses to connect one or another mobile device. Therefore, the system described above, with its assumed architecture known from the outset, is either unusable or requires extensive reference. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, and in particular, to propose a communication network system and / or communication method that can be used in a motor vehicle equipped with multiple vehicle computers using at least two different communication protocols, without requiring cumbersome configuration operations and / or multiple references.

[0005] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicle communication network system, the communication network system comprising:

[0006] - A vehicle has multiple computers that use at least two different communication protocols. Each of the multiple computers includes a service directory, wherein each service directory stores a list of services for the computer, and the service list lists at least one communication protocol and at least one communication route for the computer for each service.

[0007] - At least one communication gateway, which is connected to each of the plurality of computers, and includes a discovery unit, a map drawing unit, and a gateway unit.

[0008] The discovery unit is configured to send a service discovery message to each of the plurality of computers' service directories, in response to receive a service list for each computer from each of the service directories.

[0009] The map drawing unit is configured to store and update a service map, which has a list of services received from each of the computers therein, so as to identify communication protocols and communication routes associated with service messages.

[0010] • The gateway unit is configured to:

[0011] - Receive a service message from one of the computers for use by the other computer.

[0012] - Send an identification request to the map drawing unit, the identification request being used to identify the service message in the service map.

[0013] - Receive from the map drawing unit an identification of the communication protocol and communication route associated with and to be used in relation to the received service message, in order to send the service message to the other computer.

[0014] - The service message is sent to the other computer using an identified communication protocol and communication route.

[0015] According to the invention, the computer is installed in the vehicle, and the gateway performs a scan toward each of the computers via the discovery unit to receive, in response, the services performed and their key characteristics (protocol, address, or route to be used). Thus, a service map can be established and maintained to identify which second computer a message is intended for and, if necessary, which protocol the message should be translated according to when received from a first computer. This initial scanning or learning phase can be applied to any vehicle, even network modifications within the same vehicle.

[0016] The communication network system is loaded, and even if the gateway itself is loaded, the gateway can be very well configured to communicate with the vehicle's computer or a remote server or an unloaded server.

[0017] The gateway can be designed to include:

[0018] - Communication ports dedicated to certain predetermined communication protocols, such as those conforming to communication protocols specifically designed for motor vehicles (e.g., Internet Diagnostic Protocol (DoIP), Intermediate Message Control Protocol (SOME / IP), Service Discovery Protocol (SOME / IP-SD), etc.).

[0019] - A dedicated communication port for some other predetermined communication protocols that are not related to the field of motor vehicles (publish-subscribe protocol (MQTT), secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS), communication protocol for Internet browsers (WebSocket), etc.).

[0020] Advantageously, the gateway unit is configured to:

[0021] - Receive the service message from one of the computers according to the first communication protocol.

[0022] - The service message is sent to another computer using a second communication protocol different from the first communication protocol.

[0023] Advantageously, the service catalog includes, in addition to the communication protocol and the computer's communication routes, the following:

[0024] - Service name, and / or

[0025] - The computer's communication port name and / or communication port address; and / or

[0026] - The computer name and / or computer address of the computer; and / or

[0027] - The subnet name and / or subnet address of the computer.

[0028] Advantageously, the discovery unit is configured to send discovery messages at regular time intervals, for example:

[0029] -When the vehicle starts

[0030] -When a new computer connection is detected,

[0031] - During the reset phase. In other words, the scanning of the network is regular, with the aim of updating the service map.

[0032] A second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a communication network system according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0033] A third aspect of the invention relates to a communication method implemented by a communication network system according to a first aspect of the invention, and includes a learning phase comprising the steps of:

[0034] - Send a service discovery message to each of the plurality of computers' service directories.

[0035] - In response, receive a list of services for each computer from each of the aforementioned service directories.

[0036] - Store and update a service map, which has a list of services received from each of the computers therein, so that communication protocols and communication routes associated with service messages can be identified.

[0037] Advantageously, the step of sending a service discovery message to each of the service directories of the plurality of computers is repeated regularly, for example:

[0038] -When the vehicle starts

[0039] -When a new computer connection is detected,

[0040] - During the reset phase.

[0041] Advantageously, the communication method includes a preparatory step of loading the service directory in each of the plurality of computers, wherein each service directory stores a list of services for the computer, the list of services listing at least one communication protocol and a communication route for the computer for each service.

[0042] Advantageously, the communication method includes a communication phase, wherein the communication phase comprises the steps of:

[0043] - Receive a service message from one of the computers for use by the other computer.

[0044] - Send an identification request to the map drawing unit, the identification request being used to identify the service message in the service map.

[0045] - Receive identification of the communication protocol and communication route associated with and to be used in relation to the received service message, in order to send the service message to the other computer.

[0046] - The service message is sent to the other computer using an identified communication protocol and communication route.

[0047] Advantageously, the service catalog includes, in addition to the communication protocol and the computer's communication routes, the following:

[0048] - Service name, and / or

[0049] - The computer's communication port name and / or communication port address; and / or

[0050] - The computer name and / or computer address of the computer; and / or

[0051] - The subnet name and / or subnet address of the computer.

[0052] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising program code instructions for performing steps of the communication method according to a third aspect of the invention when the program is executed on a computer.

[0053] The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a medium available in a computer, the medium including computer-readable programming components for performing steps of the communication method according to the third aspect of the invention when the program is run on the computer. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are given as non-limiting examples:

[0055] Figure 1 An overall view of a vehicle equipped with multiple vehicle computers is shown, the multiple vehicle computers using at least two different communication protocols connected to each other via a communication gateway;

[0056] Figure 2 The first step of the autonomous learning phase of a communication method for communication between different computers is shown.

[0057] Figure 3 The second step of the autonomous learning phase of a communication method for communication between different computers is shown;

[0058] Figure 4 The communication phase for communication between two computers in different computers of the vehicle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Figure 1 The illustration shows a vehicle based on this simplified example, equipped with multiple computers ECU1 to ECU6. Each computer ECU1-ECU6 typically includes a computing unit, one or more memory units, and, in particular, each computer ECU1-ECU6 includes a service catalog (denoted R1 to R6 respectively). Services are generally referred to here as computer-ensured functions or any control or management operations.

[0060] Based on the example shown, computers ECU1-ECU3 are defined as motor vehicle computers (typically built according to an AUTOSAR-compliant architecture), meaning that these computers are dedicated to the operation of the vehicle. These computers may include engine computers, safety computers, computers for controlling vehicle components (e.g., air conditioning units, car radios, etc.). As an example, computers ECU1-ECU3 may implement specific communication protocols related to the motor vehicle field, such as the Internet Diagnostic Protocol (DoIP), the Intermediate Message Control Protocol (SOME / IP), and the Service Discovery Protocol (SOME / IP-SD).

[0061] As illustrated in the example, computers ECU3-ECU6 are not vehicle computers and run on other systems (UNIX, Linux, Android, etc.) using other protocols (publish-subscribe protocol (MQTT), secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS), communication protocols for internet browsers (WebSocket)). For example, computers ECU3-ECU6 can connect to remote networks via the Internet (3G, 4G, 5G radio waves, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0062] This invention schematically proposes Figure 1 The gateway P shown connects computers ECU1-ECU6 and includes a discovery unit UD, a map-making unit UC, and a gateway unit UP. Each computer ECU1-ECU6 is connected to this gateway to transmit service messages. Typically, service messages relate to service requests (i.e., control requests) for operations performed by the computers, which are requested by another computer (e.g., display request sending, vehicle component control request, etc.).

[0063] To this end, the present invention provides a communication method having a learning phase and a subsequent communication phase. During the learning phase, the gateway performs a scan for each computer ECU1-ECU6 to build a list of services provided by each computer ECU1-ECU6, so that service messages sent by one computer can be identified during the communication phase and redirected to another computer using appropriate communication protocols and routing.

[0064] In particular, Figure 2 The first step of the learning phase is shown, during which the discovery unit UD of gateway P sends a service discovery message to each of the computers ECU1 to ECU6.

[0065] In response, such as Figure 3As shown, each service directory R1-R6 is sent to the gateway P, and a service list IS is specifically sent to the map drawing unit UC, which includes, in particular, the following for each service provided by the involved computer:

[0066] -At least, the name or type of the communication protocol used by the computer.

[0067] -At least, the computer's communication routing,

[0068] -At least, the service name, and / or

[0069] - For example, the computer's communication port name and / or communication port address; and / or

[0070] - For example, the computer name and / or computer address of the computer; and / or

[0071] - For example, the computer's subnet name and / or subnet address.

[0072] The map-making unit UC can therefore store all this received information to build a service map that integrates the service list IS of each of the computers ECU1-ECU6. Therefore, after this scan during the learning phase, the map-making unit reassembles all the services of the vehicle's computers ECU1-ECU6, along with at least the service names, the protocols used, and the routes to be used, in the service map.

[0073] During this phase, the gateway is thus able to rediscover the offered services and identify the communication protocols to be used and the associated communication routes. This scanning or learning phase can, of course, be designed to be repeated to keep the service map up-to-date, taking into account changes in the computer connected to the vehicle's network. This learning phase can be performed regularly (daily, hourly, etc.) at each vehicle start-up, during maintenance operations, or during updates to the vehicle's computer system.

[0074] In any case, once the learning phase is completed and the first version of the service map is defined, the communication phase can be performed using gateway P.

[0075] according to Figure 4For example, computer ECU2 sends a service message MS to gateway unit UP of gateway P according to a first communication protocol P1. Upon receiving the service message MSP1, gateway unit UP may query map drawing unit UC to identify the destination of the service message and the communication protocol to be used in the service map. In response, the map drawing unit provides the gateway unit with data related to the service in question, thanks to the data obtained during the learning phase, namely, at least the (second) communication protocol and communication route associated with the service in question.

[0076] Therefore, the gateway unit UP can translate the service message into the communication protocol to be used (i.e., the second communication protocol P2) and send the service message MS according to the identified communication route (that is, to the computer ECU6 in this example).

[0077] It is understood that various modifications and / or improvements that will be obvious to those skilled in the art can be added to the different embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0078] Note that Gateway P represents a separate module comprising Discovery Unit UD, Mapping Unit UC, and Gateway Unit UP, but can be designed as a distributed or exploded architecture, or even replicated as a duplicate of Gateway P and / or different and separate Discovery Unit UD, Mapping Unit UC, and Gateway Unit UP.

[0079] Similarly, computers ECU1-ECU6 can share a common service catalog, or include multiple service catalogs as needed.

Claims

1. A communication network system for a vehicle, the communication network system comprising: - Multiple computers (ECU1-ECU6) of the vehicle, configured to use at least two different communication protocols (P1, P2), each of the multiple computers (ECU1-ECU6) including a service catalog (R1-R6), the service catalog storing a service list (IS) of the computers (ECU1-ECU6), the service list listing at least one communication protocol (P1, P2) and at least one communication route of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) for each service. - At least one communication gateway (P), said at least one communication gateway being connected to each of the plurality of computers (ECU1-ECU6), and including a discovery unit (UD), a mapping unit (UC), and a gateway unit (UP). The discovery unit (UD) is configured to send a service discovery message to each of the service directories (R1-R6) of the plurality of computers (ECU1-ECU6), and in response receive a service list (IS) of each computer (ECU1-ECU6) from each of the service directories (R1-R6). The map drawing unit (UC) is configured to store and update a service map having a service list (IS) received from each of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) to identify communication protocols (P1, P2) and communication routes associated with service messages (MS). • The gateway unit (UP) is configured to: - Receive a service message (MS) from one of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) for the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6). - Send an identification request to the map drawing unit (UC), the identification request being used to identify the service message (MS) in the service map. - Receive from the map drawing unit an identification of the communication protocol (P1, P2) and communication route associated with and to be used in connection with the received service message (MS) in order to send the service message (MS) to the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6). - The service message (MS) is sent to the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) using the identified communication protocol (P1, P2) and communication route.

2. The communication network system according to claim 1, wherein, The gateway unit (UP) is configured to: - Receive the service message (MS) from one of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) according to the first communication protocol (P1). - The service message (MS) is sent to another of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) using a second communication protocol (P2) different from the first communication protocol (P1).

3. The communication network system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In addition to the communication protocols (P1, P2) and the computer's communication routes (ECU1-ECU6), the service catalog (R1-R6) also includes: - Service name, and / or - The communication port name and / or communication port address of the computers (ECU1-ECU6); and / or - The computer name and / or computer address of the computers (ECU1-ECU6); and / or - The subnet name and / or subnet address of the computer (ECU1-ECU6).

4. A motor vehicle comprising a communication network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A communication method, implemented by a communication network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and comprising a learning phase, wherein the learning phase includes the steps of: - Send a service discovery message to each of the multiple computers (ECU1-ECU6) in the service catalog (R1-R6). - In response, receive a service list (IS) for each computer (ECU1-ECU6) from each of the said service directories (R1-R6). - Store and update a service map, which has a service list (IS) received from each of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) to identify communication protocols (P1, P2) and communication routes associated with service messages (MS).

6. The communication method according to claim 5, the communication method comprising a preparatory step, the preparatory step being to load the service catalog (R1-R6) in each of the plurality of computers (ECU1-ECU6), the service catalog storing a service list (IS) of the computers (ECU1-ECU6), the service list listing at least one communication protocol (P1, P2) and a communication route of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) for each service.

7. The communication method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the communication method includes a communication phase, and the communication phase comprises the following steps: - Receive a service message (MS) from one of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) for the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6). - Send an identification request to the map drawing unit (UC), the identification request being used to identify the service message (MS) in the service map. - Receive identification of the communication protocol (P1, P2) and communication route associated with and to be used in connection with the received service message (MS) in order to send the service message (MS) to the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6). - The service message (MS) is sent to the other of the computers (ECU1-ECU6) using the identified communication protocol (P1, P2) and communication route.

8. The communication method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, In addition to the communication protocols (P1, P2) and the computer's communication routes (ECU1-ECU6), the service catalog (R1-R6) also includes: - Service name, and / or - The communication port name and / or communication port address of the computers (ECU1-ECU6); and / or - The computer name and / or computer address of the computers (ECU1-ECU6); and / or - The subnet name and / or subnet address of the computer (ECU1-ECU6).

9. A computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-usable medium, the computer-usable medium including computer-readable programming components, the programming components being configured to perform the steps of the communication method according to any one of claims 5 to 8 when the program is run on the computer.

Images