In-vehicle device, in-vehicle communication system, and communication control method

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted device connected to a plurality of peripheral vehicle-mounted devices each having a plurality of communication ports, the vehicle-mounted device including: a storage unit that holds port information indicating a correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and a device connected to each of the communication ports; and a transmission unit that, based on the port information held by the storage unit, transmits, to the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, in a frame, output target port information indicating a communication port that should be an output target port of control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information, together with the control information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle-mounted device, a vehicle-mounted communication system, and a communication control method.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-175700, filed on October 20, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-166213) discloses a lighting control system as follows: The lighting control system includes a first lighting device mounted on the left and right front of a vehicle to illuminate the front of the vehicle; second lighting devices mounted on the four corners of the front and rear of the vehicle to illuminate the front and rear of the vehicle; multiple subordinate control devices that individually control the first lighting devices on the left and right sides; and a main control device that controls the subordinate control devices and also controls the second lighting devices.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-166213

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-349961

[0008] Patent document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-45421. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The vehicle-mounted device disclosed herein is connected to multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each of which has multiple communication ports. The vehicle-mounted device includes: a storage unit that stores port information representing the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and devices connected to each of the communication ports; and a transmission unit that, based on the port information stored in the storage unit, includes output target port information of a communication port representing the output target port of the multiple communication ports that should be used as control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information in a frame and transmits it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices.

[0010] The vehicle-mounted device disclosed herein has multiple communication ports. The vehicle-mounted device includes: a receiving unit that receives a frame containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port and output target port information of the communication port indicating the output target port of the communication port as the output target port of the control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information; and an output unit that outputs the control information contained in the frame received by the receiving unit or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0011] The vehicle communication system disclosed herein includes an integrated vehicle-mounted device and various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each containing multiple communication ports and connected to the integrated vehicle-mounted device. The integrated vehicle-mounted device maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports. Based on the port information, the integrated vehicle-mounted device includes the output target port information of a communication port that should serve as the output target port for controlling the device or for device control information obtained based on the control information in a frame and sends it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices. The peripheral vehicle-mounted devices receive the frame sent from the integrated vehicle-mounted device and output the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0012] The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method in a vehicle-mounted device connected to multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices. Each peripheral vehicle-mounted device has multiple communication ports. The vehicle-mounted device maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each peripheral vehicle-mounted device and the devices connected to each communication port. The communication control method includes the following steps: determining, based on the maintained port information, a communication port among the multiple communication ports that should serve as the output target port for control information used to control the device or device control information obtained based on the control information; and including the output target port information of the determined communication port together with the control information in a frame and sending it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted device.

[0013] The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method in a vehicle-mounted device having multiple communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: receiving a frame containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port and output target port information of the communication port indicating an output target port that should be used as the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information; and outputting the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0014] The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method in a vehicle-mounted communication system. The vehicle-mounted communication system includes an integrated vehicle-mounted device and various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each containing multiple communication ports and connected to the integrated vehicle-mounted device. The integrated vehicle-mounted device maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: the integrated vehicle-mounted device, based on the maintained port information, determines a communication port among the multiple communication ports that should serve as the output target port for control information used to control the device or device control information obtained based on the control information; the integrated vehicle-mounted device sends the output target port information representing the determined communication port along with the control information in a frame to the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices; the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices receive the frame sent from the integrated vehicle-mounted device; and the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices output the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port represented by the output target port information.

[0015] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as an in-vehicle device with such a processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to perform the processing steps of such a feature, or as implementing a portion or all of the semiconductor integrated circuit of the in-vehicle device.

[0016] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as an in-vehicle communication system with a processing unit having such features, but also as a program for causing a computer to perform the processing steps of such features, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the in-vehicle communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a single ECU according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the integrated ECU according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of control information in the vehicle communication system involved in the comparative example.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a port table stored in the integrated ECU involved in the comparative example.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a table containing a functional overview of the integrated ECU involved in the comparative example.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a port table stored in the individual ECU involved in the comparative example.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing a summary of the functions of the individual ECU involved in the comparative example.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of control information in a vehicle communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a port table of an integrated ECU stored in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing a functional overview of the integrated ECU included in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a port table stored in an embodiment of the present disclosure for a single ECU.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing a functional overview of a single ECU included in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of actions when an integrated ECU, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, sends a frame containing control information to a separate ECU.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of actions when a single ECU outputs a drive signal according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 16This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of communication processes in an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Previously, a technology related to network architectures that can flexibly adapt to adding functions to in-vehicle communication systems was developed.

[0034] [The problem this disclosure aims to solve]

[0035] The requirement is for a technology that can more flexibly address the addition of functions to vehicle communication systems, etc., beyond the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0036] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle device, an in-vehicle communication system, and a communication control method that can more flexibly respond to the addition of functions in an in-vehicle communication system.

[0037] [The Effects of This Disclosure]

[0038] According to this disclosure, it is possible to more flexibly address the addition of functions to in-vehicle communication systems.

[0039] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0040] First, the contents of the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed for explanation.

[0041] (1) The vehicle-mounted device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is connected to a plurality of peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices having a plurality of communication ports, the vehicle-mounted device having: a storage unit that stores port information representing the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports; and a transmission unit that, based on the port information stored in the storage unit, includes the output target port information of the communication port representing the output target port of the plurality of communication ports that should be used as control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information in a frame and transmits it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices.

[0042] Here, when the vehicle-mounted device and the peripheral vehicle-mounted device each maintain information indicating the correspondence between multiple communication ports and the devices connected to those multiple communication ports, it is necessary to update the information indicating the above correspondence between the vehicle-mounted device and the peripheral vehicle-mounted device when adding a new device.

[0043] As described above, the structure that manages the information representing the aforementioned correspondence between various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices through the vehicle-mounted device allows for easy updating of the information stored in that vehicle-mounted device when a new device is added. This reduces user work time and makes it easier to add functions to the vehicle communication system. Therefore, it can more flexibly handle the addition of functions to the vehicle communication system. Furthermore, with the above structure, it is not necessary to determine the communication ports of the devices connected to the controlled devices in the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, allowing for simpler device operation.

[0044] (2) The storage unit may also store communication mode information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports and the communication mode to be used when the peripheral vehicle device sends the control information or the device control information to the device via one of the plurality of communication ports. The sending unit may also send the setting information indicating the communication mode to be used when sending the control information or the device control information together with the control information in the frame based on the communication mode information stored in the storage unit.

[0045] This structure, which manages information related to communication methods with various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices through the onboard unit, allows for more flexible handling of functional additions to the vehicle communication system when new devices are added, simply by updating the information stored in the onboard unit. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need to determine the communication method corresponding to the controlled device in the peripheral vehicle-mounted units, enabling simpler device operation.

[0046] (3) The port information may also represent the function of the device connected to each of the communication ports, and the transmitting unit may further include the identification information of the function of the device to be controlled in the frame and send it to the surrounding vehicle device.

[0047] With this structure, in a peripheral vehicle-mounted device that connects multiple devices with various functions, it is not necessary to maintain detailed information related to the functions of the devices connected to the communication port, which can reduce the storage area of ​​the peripheral vehicle-mounted device and reduce costs.

[0048] (4) If a new device is connected to the communication port that was not previously connected to a device, the information related to the device may be added to the port information without updating the information held by each of the surrounding vehicle-mounted devices.

[0049] (5) Alternatively, the port information can be updated using a device that can be wired to a vehicle equipped with the onboard device.

[0050] With this structure, port information can be updated easily in vehicle communication systems.

[0051] (6) Alternatively, the port information can be updated via OTA (Over The Air).

[0052] This structure allows for remote updates of port information, thus improving user convenience.

[0053] (7) The vehicle-mounted device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has multiple communication ports. The vehicle-mounted device includes: a receiving unit that receives a frame containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port and output target port information of the communication port indicating the output target port of the communication port as the output target port of the control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information; and an output unit that outputs the control information contained in the frame received by the receiving unit or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0054] With this structure, the in-vehicle device does not need to maintain information indicating the correspondence between its multiple communication ports and the devices connected to those ports. Therefore, even when a new device is added to the in-vehicle device, the information related to the communication ports can be updated only on the control information sending side, reducing user work time and making it easier to add functions to the in-vehicle communication system. This allows for more flexible handling of function additions to the in-vehicle communication system. Furthermore, with this structure, the in-vehicle device does not need to determine the communication port corresponding to the controlled device, allowing for simpler device operation.

[0055] (8) The vehicle-mounted device may also include a storage unit that holds information representing the transmission source of the control information in the plurality of communication ports, i.e., the communication port of the integrated vehicle-mounted device.

[0056] With such a structure, for example, when the vehicle-mounted device sends a response to the control information to the source of the control information, the communication port that should be the output target port of the response information can be easily determined.

[0057] (9) The port information may also include the identification information of the communication port connected to the integrated vehicle device, the function of the integrated vehicle device, and the communication method with the integrated vehicle device.

[0058] With this structure, the peripheral vehicle-mounted device does not need to maintain detailed information related to the devices connected to the communication port, which can reduce the storage area of ​​the peripheral vehicle-mounted device and reduce costs.

[0059] (10) The storage unit may also hold a list of functional information representing the identification information of the functions in the vehicle device, and the output unit may determine whether to output the control information or the device control information to the communication port represented by the output target port information based on the identification information of the function of the device that is the object of control contained in the frame received by the receiving unit.

[0060] With this structure, in a peripheral vehicle-mounted device that connects multiple devices with various functions, it is possible to maintain simple information related to the devices connected to the communication port while reducing storage space, and to determine whether the device to be controlled, which receives control information, is connected to the communication port.

[0061] (11) The vehicle communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure includes an integrated vehicle device and a plurality of peripheral vehicle devices, each of which includes a plurality of communication ports and is connected to the integrated vehicle device. The integrated vehicle device maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports. Based on the port information, the integrated vehicle device sends the output target port information of the communication port that represents the output target port of the plurality of communication ports, which should be used as control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information, together with the control information in a frame to the peripheral vehicle devices. The peripheral vehicle devices receive the frame sent from the integrated vehicle device and output the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0062] This structure, which integrates the information related to the communication ports of various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices into a single onboard unit, allows for easy updating of this information when new devices are added. This reduces user workload and facilitates the addition of features to the vehicle communication system. Therefore, it enables more flexible handling of feature additions. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need to determine the communication ports of the connected devices within the peripheral vehicle-mounted units, allowing for simpler device operation.

[0063] (12) The integrated vehicle-mounted device may also maintain communication mode information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports and the communication mode to be used when the peripheral vehicle-mounted device sends the control information or the device control information to the device via one of the plurality of communication ports. The integrated vehicle-mounted device may also, based on the maintained communication mode information, include setting information indicating the communication mode to be used when sending the control information or the device control information in the frame together with the control information and send it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted device. The peripheral vehicle-mounted device may also output the control information or the device control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information according to the communication mode indicated by the setting information contained in the frame received from the integrated vehicle-mounted device.

[0064] This structure, which integrates the vehicle-mounted unit to manage information related to communication methods with various peripheral vehicle-mounted units, allows for more flexible handling of functional additions to the vehicle communication system when new devices are added, simply by updating the information stored in the integrated vehicle-mounted unit. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need to determine the communication method corresponding to the controlled device in the peripheral vehicle-mounted units, enabling simpler device operation.

[0065] (13) The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method in a vehicle-mounted device connected to a plurality of peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices having a plurality of communication ports, the vehicle-mounted device maintaining port information representing the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports, the communication control method comprising the following steps: based on the maintained port information, determining a communication port among the plurality of communication ports that should be used as an output target port for control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information, and including the output target port information representing the determined communication port together with the control information in a frame and sending it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted device.

[0066] In this way, by managing information related to the communication ports of various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices through the onboard unit, when adding new devices, only the information stored on the onboard unit needs to be updated, reducing user operation time and making it easier to add functions to the vehicle-mounted communication system. Therefore, it can more flexibly handle the addition of functions to the vehicle-mounted communication system. In addition, with the above method, it is not necessary to determine the communication ports of the devices connected to the controlled devices in the peripheral vehicle-mounted units, and the devices can be driven through simpler processing.

[0067] (14) The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method in a vehicle-mounted device having multiple communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: receiving a frame containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port and output target port information of the communication port indicating an output target port that should be the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information; and outputting the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0068] This method eliminates the need for the vehicle-mounted device to maintain information indicating the correspondence between its multiple communication ports and the devices connected to those ports. Therefore, even when a new device is added to the vehicle-mounted device, the information related to the communication ports can be updated only on the control information sending side, reducing user workload and facilitating the addition of features to the vehicle-mounted communication system. This allows for more flexible handling of feature additions to the vehicle-mounted communication system. Furthermore, this method eliminates the need to determine the communication port corresponding to the controlled device, enabling simpler device operation.

[0069] (15) The communication control method disclosed herein is a communication control method in a vehicle communication system. The vehicle communication system includes an integrated vehicle device and multiple peripheral vehicle devices, each of which includes multiple communication ports and is connected to the integrated vehicle device. The integrated vehicle device maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: the integrated vehicle device determines, based on the maintained port information, a communication port among the multiple communication ports that should be used as an output target port for control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information; the integrated vehicle device sends the output target port information indicating the determined communication port together with the control information in a frame to the peripheral vehicle devices; the peripheral vehicle devices receive the frame sent from the integrated vehicle device; and the peripheral vehicle devices output the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

[0070] This structure, which integrates the information related to the communication ports of various peripheral vehicle-mounted devices into a single onboard unit, allows for easy updating of this information when new devices are added. This reduces user workload and facilitates the addition of features to the vehicle communication system. Therefore, it enables more flexible handling of feature additions. Furthermore, this structure eliminates the need to determine the communication ports of the connected devices within the peripheral vehicle-mounted units, allowing for simpler device operation.

[0071] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the same or equivalent reference numerals will be used for the same parts in the drawings, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Additionally, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0072] [Structure and Basic Movements]

[0073] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The vehicle communication system 301 includes an integrated ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (integrated vehicle device) 201, individual ECUs (peripheral vehicle devices) 101A, 101B, 101C, detection devices 51A, 51B, 51C, and actuators 61A1, 61A2, 61B1, 61B2, 61C1, and 61C2. The vehicle communication system 301 is installed in vehicle 1.

[0074] Hereinafter, detection devices 51A, 51B, and 51C will each be referred to as detection device 51, actuators 61A1, 61A2, 61B1, 61B2, 61C1, and 61C2 will each be referred to as actuator 61, and individual ECUs 101A, 101B, and 101C will each be referred to as individual ECU 101.

[0075] The integrated ECU 201 is connected to individual ECUs 101A, 101B, and 101C via cable 3. The vehicle communication system 301 is, for example, a network structure in which the integrated ECU 201 controls the driving of actuators 61 implemented by each individual ECU 101. In such a network structure, new functions can be added to the vehicle communication system 301 through simple methods such as updating the firmware of the integrated ECU 201, thus flexibly addressing the need to add functions to the vehicle communication system 301.

[0076] The testing device 51A and actuators 61A and 61B are respectively connected to the individual ECU 101A via corresponding cables 5. The testing device 51B and actuators 61B1 and 61B2 are respectively connected to the individual ECU 101B via corresponding cables 5. The testing device 51C and actuators 61C1 and 61C2 are respectively connected to the individual ECU 101C via corresponding cables 5.

[0077] Cables 3 and 5 are, for example, transmission lines conforming to standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) (registered trademark), Ethernet (registered trademark), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and CXPI (Clock Extension Peripheral Interface). Furthermore, cables 3 and 5 can also be, for example, signal lines capable of transmitting analog signals.

[0078] The detection device 51 detects information related to the vehicle 1. For example, the detection device 51 is various sensors or various switches. The sensor is, for example, an illuminance sensor that measures the illuminance around the vehicle 1, performs the measurement periodically, stores the sensor data representing the measurement results in a frame according to the CAN, LIN or CXPI standard, and sends it to the individual ECU 101.

[0079] Additionally, the switch, for example, is a switch that switches on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing of the doors of vehicle 1. It detects its own on / off state, stores monitoring data representing the detection result in a frame according to the CAN, LIN, or CXPI standard, and sends it to the individual ECU 101. Hereinafter, sensor data and monitoring data will each be referred to as detection data.

[0080] Individual ECU 101 receives detection data from the detection device 51 connected to it and sends the received detection data to the integrated ECU 201. The integrated ECU 201, for example, generates control information for driving the actuator 61 based on the detection data received from the individual ECU 101, and sends the generated control information to the individual ECU 101 or to an individual ECU 101 different from the individual ECU 101. Specifically, when the integrated ECU 201 receives detection data indicating low ambient light in the vehicle 1, it generates control information for turning on the lights in the vehicle 1 and sends the generated control information to the individual ECU 101. The individual ECU 101 receives the control information from the integrated ECU 201 and, based on the received control information, drives the actuator 61 connected to it corresponding to the lighting function of the lights.

[0081] Furthermore, the vehicle communication system 301 can also have a structure with two or more integrated ECUs 201. Alternatively, the vehicle communication system 301 can also have a structure with four or more individual ECUs 101. Additionally, there can be two or more detection devices 51 connected to each individual ECU 101. Furthermore, there can be one or three or more actuators 61 connected to each individual ECU 101.

[0082] [Individual ECU]

[0083] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a single ECU according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 The structure of individual ECU 101A is shown representatively. Individual ECUs 101B and 101C each have the same structure as individual ECU 101A. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The individual ECU 101A includes an information processing unit 10, a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, a drive unit (output unit) 40, and communication ports P1, P2, P3, and P4. The communication unit 20 includes a transmitting unit 21 and a receiving unit 22. The information processing unit 10, the communication unit 20, and the drive unit 40 are implemented, for example, by processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors). The storage unit 30 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the storage unit 30 may be located externally to the individual ECU 101A.

[0084] For example, communication ports P1, P2, and P3 are terminals that can connect to cable 5, and communication port P4 is a terminal that can connect to cable 3. Communication ports P1, P2, P3, and P4 are respectively connected to detection device 51, actuators 61A1 and 61A2, and integrated ECU 201.

[0085] The information processing unit 10 receives the detection data sent from the detection device 51 via the communication port P1, and outputs the detection data to the communication unit 20. The transmission unit 21 in the communication unit 20 receives the detection data output from the information processing unit 10, and sends the detection data to the integrated ECU 201 via the communication port P4.

[0086] The receiving unit 22 receives control information sent from the integrated ECU 201 via communication port P4, and outputs the control information to the drive unit 40. The drive unit 40 generates a drive signal containing the control information received from the receiving unit 22 or device control information obtained based on the control information, and sends the generated drive signal to the corresponding actuator 61 via communication port P2 or communication port P3, thereby driving the actuator 61. The device control information is, for example, information obtained by converting the control value represented by the control information according to a predetermined rule. Furthermore, the individual ECU 101 is not limited to the structure of sending drive signals, and may also be a structure that sends other types of signals.

[0087] Actuator 61 is a device corresponding to the lighting function of lights in vehicle 1 or the opening and closing function of doors in vehicle 1, etc. Actuator 61 receives drive signals sent from individual ECU 101 and operates according to the drive signals. In addition, actuator 61 sends, for example, a response signal to the drive signal from individual ECU 101 to the drive unit 40 in individual ECU 101 via communication port P2 or communication port P3.

[0088] [Comprehensive ECU]

[0089] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the integrated ECU according to an embodiment of this disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The integrated ECU 201 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, an information processing unit 130, and a communication port P11. The communication unit 110 includes a receiving unit 111 and a transmitting unit 112. The information processing unit 130 includes a control unit 131 and an acquisition unit 132. The communication unit 110 and the information processing unit 130 are implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU or a DSP. The storage unit 120 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the storage unit 120 may be located externally to the integrated ECU 201.

[0090] For example, communication port P11 is a terminal that can connect cable 3. Individual ECUs 101A, 101B, and 101C are connected to communication port P11. The receiving unit 111 receives detection data sent from individual ECUs 101 via communication port P11 and stores the detection data in the storage unit 120. The control unit 131 in the information processing unit 130, for example, refers to the detection data stored in the storage unit 120, generates control information for driving actuator 61, and outputs the generated control information to the transmitting unit 112. The transmitting unit 112, for example, receives the control information output from the control unit 131, stores the control information in a CAN frame, and sends the CAN frame to individual ECUs 101 via communication port 11.

[0091] [Comparative Example]

[0092] (Tables stored in the integrated ECU and individual ECUs)

[0093] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of control information in the vehicle communication system involved in the comparative example. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The comparative example involves an in-vehicle communication system 901 comprising an integrated ECU 501 and individual ECUs 401A, 401B, and 401C. Each of the individual ECUs 401A, 401B, and 401C is also referred to as an individual ECU 401. The integrated ECU 501 has the same... Figure 3 The integrated ECU 201 shown has the same structure. The individual ECU 401 has the same... Figure 2 The structure is the same as that of the individual ECU101 shown.

[0094] exist Figure 4 To concisely illustrate the flow of control information, a portion of the integrated ECU 501's structure, namely the storage unit 720 and communication port P71, and a portion of the structure of each individual ECU 401, namely the storage unit 630 and communication ports P61, P62, P63, and P64, are shown. Hereinafter, communication ports P61, P62, P63, P64, and P71 will each be referred to as communication port P. Here, it is assumed that communication port P62 in each individual ECU 401 is currently not connected to any device.

[0095] The storage unit 720 in the integrated ECU 501 stores a port table T61 that shows the correspondence between the communication port P71 and the devices connected to the communication port P71. In addition, the storage unit 720 stores, for example, a function list table T62 that shows the functions of each actuator 61 in the vehicle communication system 901.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a port table stored in the integrated ECU involved in the comparative example. (Refer to...) Figure 5Specifically, in port table T61, information indicating that the connection target of communication port P71 is a separate ECU401 and the communication method between the separate ECU401 is CAN is registered under the "Port" item, "P71" is registered under the "Function" item, "Single Connection" is registered under the "Connection Target" item, "Output" is registered under the "Connection Target" item, and "CAN" is registered under the "Communication" item.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional overview table stored in the integrated ECU involved in the comparative example. (See also...) Figure 6 On the left, the function overview table T62 shows, for example, the ID (Identification) of the function of each actuator 61 in the vehicle communication system 901. Specifically, the function overview table T62 shows, for example, that the ID corresponding to the door opening and closing function is "301".

[0098] Refer again Figure 4 In the storage unit 630 of the individual ECU 401, a port table T51 is stored, which shows the correspondence between the multiple communication ports P in the individual ECU 401 and the devices connected to each communication port P. In addition, the storage unit 630 stores a function list table T52, which shows an overview of the functions in the individual ECU 401.

[0099] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a port table stored in the individual ECU involved in the comparative example. Figure 7 Port table T51, stored in a separate ECU401B, is shown representatively. (Refer to...) Figure 7 On the left side, specifically, port table T51 indicates, for example, that the connection target of communication port P61 is a detection device 51 that measures the on or off state of a lamp, and the communication method between the detection device 51 and the device is CXPI. Additionally, port table T51 indicates, for example, that communication port P62 is a communication port used when adding a new device (hereinafter also referred to as an addition port).

[0100] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing a summary of the functions of the individual ECU involved in the comparative example. Figure 8 A representative example is shown in the function overview table T52 stored in the separate ECU401B. (Refer to...) Figure 8 On the left, the function overview table T52 indicates, for example, that for a device with the function corresponding to ID "301", the communication port P that should output the control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information is communication port P63, which sends or receives control information representing the duty ratio "100".

[0101] (Sending drive signals)

[0102] Refer again Figure 4 Here, the integrated ECU 501 is configured to generate control information for changing the opening and closing states of the left and right doors in vehicle 1. The actuator 61B2, connected to communication port P63 in individual ECU 401B, is configured to correspond to the opening and closing function of the left door in vehicle 1. Similarly, the actuator 61C2, connected to communication port P63 in individual ECU 401C, is configured to correspond to the opening and closing function of the right door in vehicle 1.

[0103] In this case, the integrated ECU501, for example, refers to... Figure 6 The function overview table T62 shown on the left stores the ID information of ID "301" corresponding to the door opening and closing function, along with the control information indicating the duty ratio when changing the door's opening and closing state, into a CAN frame. Furthermore, the integrated ECU 501 sends this CAN frame to multiple individual ECUs 401 via communication port P71.

[0104] Each individual ECU 401 receives a CAN frame sent from the integrated ECU 501 via communication port P64, and confirms the ID represented by the ID information stored in the received CAN frame. Furthermore, the individual ECU 401, for example, if the ID is not included in... Figure 8 In the case of the function overview table T52 shown, the CAN frame is discarded. On the other hand, if the ID is included in the function overview table T52, the individual ECU 401 obtains the control information stored in the CAN frame and generates a drive signal that includes the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information.

[0105] More specifically, the individual ECU 401 again refers to the function overview table T52, for example, to determine the communication port P63 corresponding to ID "301" as the communication port P that should output the drive signal. Additionally, the individual ECU 401 refers to... Figure 7 The port table T51 shown on the left identifies "LIN" as the communication mode to be used when outputting drive signals, corresponding to communication port P63. Furthermore, the individual ECU 401 stores control information or device control information in a frame format according to the LIN standard, and generates a drive signal containing that frame and modulated according to the LIN standard. The individual ECU 401 then outputs the generated drive signal to communication port P63.

[0106] Here, it is assumed that ID "301" is not included in the function list table T52 stored in individual ECU 401A, but is included in the function list tables T52 stored in individual ECUs 401B and 401C. In this case, individual ECU 401B sends a drive signal to actuator 61B2 via communication port P63. This changes the opening / closing state of the left door in vehicle 1. Additionally, individual ECU 401C sends a drive signal to actuator 61C2 via communication port P63. This changes the opening / closing state of the right door in vehicle 1.

[0107] (Table updates when additional equipment is added)

[0108] In the comparative example of the vehicle communication system 901, it is assumed that the user connects a new actuator 61 to, for example, an additional port, namely communication port P62, in a separate ECU 401B. The new actuator 61 is, for example, a device corresponding to the opening and closing function of a window. In this case, the user connects via, as... Figure 6 The right side shows the function overview table T62 stored in the integrated ECU501, which is updated by adding, for example, the ID and function corresponding to the new actuator 61.

[0109] In addition, in this case, the user can use methods such as Figure 7 As shown on the right, in the port table T51 stored in the separate ECU401B, an actuator 61 corresponding to the window opening and closing function is added to the part corresponding to the communication port P62, and the communication method between the actuator 61 is "LIN", etc., to update the port table T51.

[0110] In addition, in this case, the user can use methods such as Figure 8 The right side shows the function overview table T52 stored in the separate ECU401B. For example, the ID "300" corresponding to the function of the new actuator 61, the content of the data sent or received, and the communication port P62 connected to the actuator 61 are added to it to update the function overview table T52.

[0111] Thus, in the vehicle communication system 901 involved in the comparative example, both the integrated ECU 501 and the individual ECU 401 maintain tables representing the correspondence between multiple communication ports and the devices connected to those multiple communication ports. Therefore, when a new actuator 61 is added, the tables in both the integrated ECU 501 and the individual ECU 401 need to be updated, increasing the user's operating time.

[0112] Therefore, in the vehicle communication system 301 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the integrated ECU 201 maintains information indicating the correspondence between multiple communication ports in each individual ECU 101 and the devices connected to those multiple communication ports. This makes it easier to add functions to the vehicle communication system 301 and allows for more flexible handling of such additions. The detailed structure will be described below.

[0113] [Details of the vehicle communication system disclosed herein]

[0114] (Tables saved in the integrated ECU and individual ECUs)

[0115] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the flow of control information in a vehicle communication system according to embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 To concisely illustrate the flow of control information, a portion of the integrated ECU 201 structure, namely the storage unit 120 and communication port P11, and a portion of the structure of each individual ECU 101, namely the storage unit 30 and communication ports P1, P2, P3, and P4, are shown. Hereinafter, communication ports P1, P2, P3, P4, and P11 will each be referred to as communication port P. Here, we assume that communication port P2 is not currently connected to any individual ECU 101.

[0116] Reference Figure 9 In the storage unit 120 of the integrated ECU 201, a port table T21 is stored, which represents information related to multiple communication ports P in the vehicle communication system 301. The port table T21 includes port information indicating the correspondence between the multiple communication ports P in each individual ECU 101 and the devices connected to those multiple communication ports P. Additionally, the port table T21 also includes communication method information indicating the correspondence between the multiple communication ports P in each individual ECU 101 and the communication method to be used when each individual ECU 101 outputs control information or device control information to a device via one of the multiple communication ports P.

[0117] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a port table stored in an integrated ECU according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The port information indicates the function of devices respectively connected to multiple communication ports P. More specifically, refer to... Figure 10 On the left, port table T21 and Figure 5 Similarly, the port table T61 shown also represents, for example, the correspondence between the communication port P11 in the integrated ECU201, the functions of the devices connected to the communication port P11, and the communication methods between the devices connected to the communication port P11.

[0118] In addition, port table T21 also has Figure 7Similarly, the port table T51 shown on the left, for each individual ECU 101, represents the correspondence between multiple communication ports P, the functions of the devices connected to those multiple communication ports P, and the communication methods between the devices and the connection targets of those multiple communication ports P. Figure 10 The diagram shows, in detail, information related to multiple communication ports P in a single ECU101B.

[0119] In addition, the storage unit 120 in the integrated ECU 201 stores a function list table T22 that shows the functions of each actuator 61 in the vehicle communication system 301. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional overview table of the integrated ECU included in an embodiment of this disclosure. (See also...) Figure 11 On the left, a function overview table T22 and Figure 6 The function overview table T62 shown on the left is the same, so a detailed explanation will not be repeated here.

[0120] Refer again Figure 9 In the storage unit 30 of each individual ECU 101, for example, a port table T11 is stored, which represents the communication port P4 of the multiple communication ports P in that individual ECU 101 that connects to the integrated ECU 201. The port table T11 is an example of port information in the individual ECU 101. Additionally, the storage unit 30 stores a function overview table T12, which represents an overview of the individual ECU 101 and the functions within it. The function overview table T12 is an example of function information in the individual ECU 101.

[0121] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a port table stored in an embodiment of the present disclosure for a single ECU. Figure 12 Port table T11, stored in a separate ECU101B, is shown as a representative example.

[0122] The port information in individual ECU 101 includes the identification information of the communication port P connected to the integrated ECU 201, the function of the integrated ECU 201, and the communication method with the integrated ECU 201. That is, port table T11 only represents the port number, function, connection target, and communication method. Specifically, refer to... Figure 12 For example, port table T11 indicates that the integrated ECU201 is connected to communication port P4, and the communication method between the integrated ECU201 and the communication port is CAN.

[0123] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a table showing a functional overview of a single ECU included in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 13A representative example is the function overview table T12 stored in the individual ECU 101B. The storage unit 30 also maintains a list of function information representing identification information of the functions in the individual ECU 101. For more details, refer to... Figure 13 For example, the function overview table T12 represents a list of functions in a single ECU101B.

[0124] Furthermore, each individual ECU 101 is not limited to the structure of both the port table T11 and the function list table T12, but may also be a structure that does not retain at least one of the port table T11 and the function list table T12.

[0125] (Sending drive signals)

[0126] In the integrated ECU 201, the transmitting unit 112 further includes the identification information of the function of the device to be controlled in a CAN frame and sends it to the individual ECU 101. In the individual ECU 101, the driving unit 40 determines whether to output control information or device control information to the communication port P represented by the output target port information based on the identification information of the function of the device to be controlled contained in the CAN frame received by the receiving unit 22.

[0127] To be more detailed, refer again Figure 3 and Figure 9 Here, the control unit 131 in the integrated ECU 201 is assumed to generate control information for changing the opening and closing states of the left and right doors in the vehicle 1. The actuator 61B2, connected to the communication port P3 in the individual ECU 101B, is assumed to be a device corresponding to the opening and closing function of the left door in the vehicle 1. Similarly, the actuator 61C2, connected to the communication port P3 in the individual ECU 101C, is assumed to be a device corresponding to the opening and closing function of the right door in the vehicle 1.

[0128] In this case, the acquisition unit 132 in the integrated ECU201 refers to Figure 10 The port table T21 shown on the left side identifies, for example, the communication port P3 corresponding to the door opening and closing function as the target port for outputting control information used to change the door's opening and closing state or device control information obtained based on that control information. Additionally, the acquisition unit 132 refers to the port table T21 and determines "LIN" as the communication method to be used when the individual ECU 101 sends control information or device control information to the device.

[0129] In addition, reference 132 was obtained. Figure 11The function overview table T22 shows that "301" is identified as the ID corresponding to the door opening and closing function. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 132 outputs the ID information indicating the identified ID, the output target port information indicating the identified communication port P3, and the setting information indicating the identified communication mode "LIN" to the control unit 131.

[0130] The control unit 131 outputs the generated control information, along with the ID information, output target port information, and setting information received from the acquisition unit 132, to the transmission unit 112. The transmission unit 112, for example, stores the ID information, output target port information, and setting information received from the control unit 131 together with the control information received from the control unit 131 into the data area of ​​the CAN frame. Furthermore, the transmission unit 112 transmits this CAN frame to multiple individual ECUs 101 via the communication port 11.

[0131] Refer again Figure 2 and Figure 9 Each individual ECU 101's receiving unit 22 receives the CAN frame sent from the integrated ECU 201 via communication port P4, and confirms the ID represented by the ID information stored in the received CAN frame. Furthermore, the receiving unit 22, for example, if the ID is not included in... Figure 13 In the case of the function overview table T12 shown, the CAN frame is discarded. On the other hand, if the ID is included in the function overview table T12, the receiving unit 22 obtains the control information, output target port information and setting information stored in the CAN frame, and outputs the obtained information to the driving unit 40.

[0132] The drive unit 40 receives control information from the receiving unit 22 and generates a drive signal containing the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information. More specifically, the drive unit 40 stores the control information or device control information in a frame format according to the standard communication method indicated by the setting information received from the receiving unit 22. Furthermore, the drive unit 40 generates a drive signal containing the frame and modulated according to the standard communication method, and outputs the generated drive signal to the communication port P3 indicated by the output target port information received from the receiving unit 22. The actuator 61 connected to the communication port P3 receives the drive signal sent from the drive unit 40 via the communication port P3 and operates according to the drive signal.

[0133] (Table updates when additional equipment is added)

[0134] If a new device is connected to the communication port P of an unconnected device, the information held by each individual ECU 101 is not updated, but the information related to the device is added to the port information in the integrated ECU 201.

[0135] For example, in the vehicle communication system 301 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the user connects, for example, a new actuator 61 to an additional port, namely communication port P2, in a separate ECU 101B. The new actuator 61 is, for example, a device corresponding to the opening and closing function of a window. In this case, the user connects via, as... Figure 10 As shown on the right, in the port table T21 stored in the integrated ECU201, corresponding to the communication port P2 in the individual ECU101B, the function of the new actuator 61 and the communication method with the actuator 61 are added to update the port table T21.

[0136] In this case, the integrated ECU201 is, for example, as follows: Figure 11 As shown on the right, the function of the new actuator 61 and any ID are added to the function overview table T22. Furthermore, this ID is notified to the individual ECU 101B. The individual ECU 101B, for example, receives a notification from the integrated ECU 201 to register the new ID. Figure 13 The functions are shown in Table T12.

[0137] Thus, in the vehicle communication system 301, the integrated ECU 201 manages the port information representing the correspondence between the multiple communication ports P contained in each individual ECU 101 and the devices connected to those multiple communication ports P. Therefore, when an actuator 61 is added, only the table stored in the integrated ECU 201 needs to be updated; it is not necessary to update the tables of both the integrated ECU 501 and the individual ECUs 401 as is done in the vehicle communication system 901 of the comparative example.

[0138] Furthermore, table updates can be performed via OTA (Over-The-Air). That is, users can update the table content wirelessly by operating a terminal or other device. Integrated ECU 201s generally have high performance and are often capable of such OTA-based table updates. On the other hand, standalone ECU 101s generally have lower performance compared to integrated ECU 201s and are often unable to perform OTA-based table updates.

[0139] In contrast, as mentioned above, when the actuator 61 is added, updating the table stored in the integrated ECU 201 is sufficient. Therefore, for example, OTA can be used to more easily update the table. Furthermore, updates to the table stored in the integrated ECU 201 can also be performed using methods other than OTA.

[0140] The port form T21 can be updated using a device that can be wired to the vehicle equipped with the integrated ECU 201. For example, the user can also update the form stored in the integrated ECU 201 by wiredly connecting a diagnostic tool used for device diagnostics to the integrated ECU 201 and operating the diagnostic tool.

[0141] Furthermore, the port table T21 stored in the integrated ECU201 is not limited to Figure 10 The port table shown. For example, in the storage unit 120 of the integrated ECU 201, the above-mentioned table containing port information and the above-mentioned table containing communication method information may be stored instead of the port table T21.

[0142] Alternatively, the port table T21 may not contain communication method information. In this case, the transmitting unit 112 in the integrated ECU 201, for example, sends a CAN frame containing control information, ID information, and output target port information to the individual ECU 101. The storage unit 30 in the individual ECU 101, for example, stores... Figure 7 The port table T51 and shown Figure 8 The function overview table T52 is shown. Referring to the function overview table T52, the drive unit 40 in the individual ECU 101 determines the communication port P corresponding to the ID represented by the ID information stored in the CAN frame received from the integrated ECU 201. Furthermore, referring to the port table T51, the drive unit 40 determines the communication mode corresponding to the determined communication port P. Then, according to the determined communication mode, the drive unit 40 generates a drive signal and outputs the generated drive signal to the communication port P.

[0143] [Action Flow]

[0144] Each device in the vehicle communication system disclosed herein includes a computer containing a memory. The computer's CPU or other arithmetic processing unit reads from the memory and executes a program comprising some or all of the steps of the flowchart and sequence below. The programs for these multiple devices can be installed externally. The programs for these multiple devices are circulated in a state of being stored on a recording medium.

[0145] (The transmission of control information implemented by the integrated ECU)

[0146] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of actions when an integrated ECU, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, sends a frame containing control information to a separate ECU.

[0147] Reference Figure 14First, if the integrated ECU 201 receives detection data sent from the individual ECU 101 (step S11), it generates control information for controlling the device connected to the individual ECU 101 based on the received detection data (step S12).

[0148] Next, referencing ECU201 Figure 10 The port table T21 shown identifies the communication port P that should be the output target port of the drive signal containing the control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information, and the communication method to be used when sending the drive signal to the device. Additionally, refer to ECU201. Figure 11 The function overview table T22 shown is used to determine the ID corresponding to the function of the device being controlled (step S13).

[0149] Next, the integrated ECU 201 generates a CAN frame containing the generated control information, output target port information indicating the determined communication port P, setting information indicating the determined communication mode, and ID information indicating the determined ID (step S14). Furthermore, the integrated ECU 201 sends the generated CAN frame to multiple individual ECUs 101 (step S15).

[0150] (Output of drive signals by a separate ECU)

[0151] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of actions when a single ECU outputs a drive signal according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0152] Reference Figure 15 First, if the individual ECU 101 receives detection data sent from the detection device 51 connected to the individual ECU 101 (step S21), it sends the received detection data to the integrated ECU 201 via the communication port P4 (step S22).

[0153] Next, if the individual ECU 101 receives a CAN frame containing control information sent from the integrated ECU 201 (step S23), it checks whether the ID represented by the ID information contained in the received CAN frame is included in the... Figure 13 The function overview table T12 (step S24) is shown.

[0154] Next, if the ID is not included in the function list table T12 (in step S24 it is "No"), the individual ECU 101 may discard the CAN frame, for example. On the other hand, if the ID is included in the function list table T12 (in step S24 it is "Yes"), the individual ECU 101 may obtain the control information, output target port information and setting information contained in the CAN frame (step S25).

[0155] Next, the individual ECU101 generates a drive signal containing the acquired control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information (step S26), and outputs the generated drive signal to the communication port P represented by the output target port information according to the communication method represented by the setting information (step S27).

[0156] (Communication processing in vehicle-mounted communication systems)

[0157] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of communication processes in an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Reference Figure 16 First, for example, if each of the individual ECUs 101B and 101C receives detection data sent from the detection device 51 connected to itself (step S31), it sends the received detection data to the integrated ECU 201 via the communication port P4 (step S32).

[0159] Next, if the integrated ECU 201 receives detection data sent from individual ECUs 101B and 101C, it generates control information for controlling the device connected to individual ECU 101B and the device connected to individual ECU 101C based on the received multiple detection data (step S33).

[0160] Next, referencing ECU201 Figure 10 The port table T21 shown identifies the communication port P that should be the output target port of the drive signal containing the control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information, and the communication method to be used when sending the drive signal to the device. Additionally, refer to ECU201. Figure 11 The function overview table T22 shown is used to determine the ID corresponding to the function of the device being controlled (step S343).

[0161] Next, the integrated ECU 201 generates a CAN frame containing the generated control information, output target port information indicating the determined communication port P, setting information indicating the determined communication mode, and ID information indicating the determined ID (step S35). Then, the integrated ECU 201 sends the generated CAN frame to the individual ECUs 101A, 101B, and 101C (step S36).

[0162] Next, if individual ECUs 101A, 101B, and 101C receive a CAN frame containing control information sent from the integrated ECU 201, they will check whether the ID represented by the ID information contained in the received CAN frame is included in the... Figure 13 The function overview table T12 is shown (step S37).

[0163] Here, it is assumed that the ID is not included in the function overview table T52 stored in the individual ECU 101A. In this case, the individual ECU 101A, for example, discards the received CAN frame (step S38).

[0164] On the other hand, it is assumed that the ID is included in the function overview table T52 stored in the individual ECUs 101B and 101C. In this case, the individual ECUs 101B and 101C each obtain the control information, output target port information and setting information contained in the received CAN frame (step S39).

[0165] Next, each of the individual ECUs 101B and 101C generates a drive signal containing the acquired control information or the device control information obtained based on the control information (step S39), and outputs the generated drive signal to the communication port P represented by the output target port information according to the communication method represented by the setting information (step S40).

[0166] However, as a network architecture capable of flexibly adapting to the addition of functions to the vehicular communication system, for example, a network architecture has been developed that includes an integrated vehicular device and multiple peripheral vehicular devices connected to the integrated vehicular device, the integrated vehicular device controlling the driving of each peripheral vehicular device's equipment. In such a network architecture, for example, the integrated vehicular device and the peripheral vehicular devices each maintain a table representing the correspondence between multiple communication ports in the peripheral vehicular devices and the devices connected to those multiple communication ports.

[0167] However, in this case, when adding new equipment to the peripheral vehicle-mounted device, there are problems such as the need to update the tables of both the integrated vehicle-mounted device and the peripheral vehicle-mounted device, and the user's working time increases. There is a need for technologies that can more flexibly handle the addition of functions to the vehicle communication system.

[0168] In this regard, the integrated ECU 201, individual ECU 101, vehicle communication system 301 and communication control method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can more flexibly cope with the addition of functions in the vehicle communication system 301 through the above-described structure and method.

[0169] It should be considered that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications of the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0170] The above description includes the features noted below.

[0171] [Note 1]

[0172] A vehicle-mounted device, connected to multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices.

[0173] Each of the aforementioned peripheral vehicle-mounted devices has multiple communication ports.

[0174] The vehicle-mounted device includes:

[0175] The storage unit maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports; and

[0176] The transmitting unit, based on the port information stored in the storage unit, includes the output target port information of the communication port that should be used as the output target port for control information for controlling the device or device control information obtained based on the control information in a frame and transmits it to the peripheral vehicle-mounted device.

[0177] The port information also indicates the functionality of the devices connected to each of the communication ports and can be updated via OTA (Over The Air).

[0178] [Note 2]

[0179] A vehicle-mounted device having multiple communication ports, the vehicle-mounted device comprising:

[0180] The receiving unit receives a frame containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port and output target port information of the communication port indicating the output target port of the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information; and

[0181] The output unit outputs the control information contained in the frame received by the receiving unit, or the device control information based on the control information, to the communication port represented by the output target port information.

[0182] The vehicle-mounted device also includes a storage unit that holds information representing an overview of the functions in the vehicle-mounted device.

[0183] [Note 3]

[0184] A vehicle-mounted communication system, comprising:

[0185] Integrated vehicle-mounted devices; and

[0186] Multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each containing multiple communication ports, are connected to the integrated vehicle-mounted device.

[0187] The integrated vehicle-mounted device maintains port information indicating the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the devices connected to each of the communication ports.

[0188] Based on the port information, the integrated vehicle-mounted device includes the output target port information of the communication port that should be used as the output target port for control information or device control information obtained based on the control information in a frame and sends it to the surrounding vehicle-mounted device.

[0189] The peripheral vehicle-mounted device receives the frame sent from the integrated vehicle-mounted device, and outputs the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information obtained based on the control information to the communication port represented by the output target port information.

[0190] The port information also indicates the functionality of the devices connected to each of the communication ports and can be updated via OTA (Over The Air).

[0191] Each of the aforementioned peripheral vehicle-mounted devices maintains information indicating its own functions.

[0192] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0193] 1 vehicle

[0194] 3, 5 cables

[0195] 10, 130 Information Processing Department

[0196] 20, 110 Ministry of Communications

[0197] 21, 112 Sending Department

[0198] 22, 111 Receiving Department

[0199] Storage units 30, 120, 630, and 720

[0200] 40 Drive Unit

[0201] 51 Testing Equipment

[0202] 61 Actuator

[0203] 101, 401 Individual ECU (Peripheral Vehicle Device)

[0204] 131 Control Department

[0205] 132 Acquisition Department

[0206] 201, 501 Integrated ECU (Integrated Vehicle-Mounted Device)

[0207] 301, 901 Vehicle-mounted communication systems.

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted device, connected to multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, Each of the aforementioned peripheral vehicle-mounted devices has multiple communication ports. The vehicle-mounted device includes: The storage unit maintains port information, which represents the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the functions of the devices connected to each of the communication ports; The acquisition unit determines the identification information corresponding to the function of the device being controlled, based on a correspondence table between function and identification information. as well as The transmitting unit generates a frame containing control information, output target port information, and identification information corresponding to the function of the device being controlled, based on the port information stored in the storage unit, and transmits the frame to the surrounding vehicle-mounted device. The output target port information indicates the communication port among the plurality of communication ports that should be used as the output target port for the control information used to control the device or the device control information obtained based on the control information, and the function of the device.

2. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit also maintains communication method information, which indicates the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports and the communication method to be used when the peripheral vehicle-mounted device sends the control information or the device control information to the device via one of the plurality of communication ports. The transmitting unit, based on the communication mode information stored in the storage unit, includes setting information indicating the communication mode to be used when transmitting the control information or the device control information in the frame and transmits it to the peripheral vehicle device.

3. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When a new device is connected to the communication port that was not previously connected, the information held by each of the surrounding vehicle-mounted devices is not updated. Instead, information related to the device is added to the port information.

4. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The port information can be updated using a device that can be wired to a vehicle equipped with the onboard device.

5. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The port information can be updated via OTA (Over The Air).

6. A vehicle-mounted device having multiple communication ports, The vehicle-mounted device includes: The receiving unit receives frames containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port, output target port information, and identification information corresponding to the function of the device being controlled. The output target port information indicates the communication port that should be the output target port of the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information, and the function of the device. The output unit, upon confirming that the identification information contained in the frame received by the receiving unit is included in the function identification information table stored in the vehicle device, outputs the control information contained in the frame received by the receiving unit or the device control information obtained based on the control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information.

7. The vehicle-mounted device according to claim 6, wherein, The vehicle-mounted device also has a storage unit for storing port information, which represents the communication port of the integrated vehicle-mounted device that is the source of the transmission of the control information among the plurality of communication ports.

8. A vehicle-mounted communication system, comprising: Integrated vehicle-mounted devices; and Multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each containing multiple communication ports, are connected to the integrated vehicle-mounted device. The integrated vehicle-mounted device maintains port information that represents the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the functions of the devices connected to each of the communication ports. Based on the correspondence table between functions and identification information and the port information, the integrated vehicle-mounted device generates a frame containing control information, output target port information, and identification information corresponding to the function of the device being controlled. This frame is then sent to the surrounding vehicle-mounted devices. The output target port information indicates the communication port among the plurality of communication ports that should be used as the output target port for control information or device control information obtained based on the control information, and the function of the device. The peripheral vehicle-mounted device receives the frame sent from the integrated vehicle-mounted device. If it confirms that the identification information contained in the received frame is included in its own stored function identification information table, it outputs the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information obtained based on the control information to the communication port represented by the output target port information.

9. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 8, wherein, The integrated vehicle-mounted device also maintains communication method information, which indicates the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports and the communication method to be used when the surrounding vehicle-mounted device sends the control information or the device control information to the device via one of the plurality of communication ports. Based on the communication method information it maintains, the integrated vehicle-mounted device includes setting information indicating the communication method to be used when sending the control information or the device control information in the frame and sends it to the surrounding vehicle-mounted devices. The peripheral vehicle-mounted device outputs the control information or the device control information to the communication port indicated by the output target port information according to the communication mode represented by the setting information contained in the frame received from the integrated vehicle-mounted device.

10. A communication control method, which is a communication control method in an on-board device connected to multiple peripheral on-board devices. Each of the aforementioned peripheral vehicle-mounted devices has multiple communication ports. The vehicle-mounted device maintains port information that represents the correspondence between the plurality of communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the functions of the devices connected to each of the communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: Based on the correspondence table between functions and identification information and the maintained port information, a frame is generated containing control information, output target port information, and identification information corresponding to the function of the device as the control object. The output target port information represents the communication port among the plurality of communication ports that should be used as the output target port for control information or device control information obtained based on the control information, and the function of the device; and The frame is sent to the surrounding vehicle-mounted devices.

11. A communication control method, which is a communication control method for an on-board device having multiple communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: Receive a frame containing control information for controlling a device connected to the communication port, output target port information, and identification information corresponding to the function of the device being controlled, wherein the output target port information indicates the communication port that should be the output target port of the control information or device control information obtained based on the control information, and the function of the device; and If it is confirmed that the identification information contained in the received frame is included in the function identification information table stored in the vehicle device, the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information based on the control information is output to the communication port represented by the output target port information.

12. A communication control method, which is a communication control method in a vehicle-mounted communication system. The vehicle-mounted communication system includes: Integrated vehicle-mounted devices; and Multiple peripheral vehicle-mounted devices, each containing multiple communication ports, are connected to the integrated vehicle-mounted device. The integrated vehicle-mounted device maintains port information that represents the correspondence between the multiple communication ports in each of the peripheral vehicle-mounted devices and the functions of the devices connected to each of the communication ports. The communication control method includes the following steps: The integrated vehicle-mounted device generates a frame containing control information, output target port information, and identification information corresponding to the function of the device as the control object, based on the correspondence table between function and identification information and the port information it maintains. The output target port information represents the communication port among the plurality of communication ports that should be used as the output target port for control information or device control information obtained based on the control information, and the function of the device. The integrated vehicle-mounted device sends the frame to the surrounding vehicle-mounted devices; The peripheral vehicle-mounted device receives the frame sent from the integrated vehicle-mounted device; and When the peripheral vehicle device confirms that the identification information contained in the received frame is included in its own stored function identification information table, it outputs the control information contained in the received frame or the device control information obtained based on the control information to the communication port represented by the output target port information.

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