Electronic device and start management method

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic device and a startup management method. The electronic device (2) has: a reception unit (61) that receives an execution request of a function in which at least one of a plurality of processing devices (441, 442, 443, 444) participates; and a startup unit (62) that causes all or a part of the processing devices to shift to a startup state when the execution request is received by the reception unit, the startup unit performing, in order from high to low according to a startup order corresponding to each of the processing devices, a shift processing that causes the plurality of processing devices to shift to the startup state, and in the shift processing, a processing device having a startup order lower than one determined according to the received execution request does not shift to the startup state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electronic device that manages the startup of a plurality of processing devices and a processing device startup management method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a technology is described in which, in a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of execution function sections such as a print function section, a copy function section, a FAX function section, and the like, a separate initialization sequence is executed for each of these execution function sections by parallel processing.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-144565

[0004] However, depending on the usage pattern of the MFP by the user, there can be a situation in which, for example, the print function section and the copy function section are frequently used, but the FAX function section is rarely used. In the above-described existing MFP, the initialization sequence for each execution function section is processed in parallel, whereby the plurality of execution function sections are each initialized at the same time, and therefore, for example, the rarely used FAX function section can be waiting for an operation instruction in the initialized state for a long time.

[0005] Therefore, in an electronic device having a plurality of processing devices such as processors in a control system in a vehicle, in the case where the above-described existing technology is applied, processing devices that are not used in recent vehicle operation are unnecessarily started up, and consume power uselessly in a standby state (idle state), which is not preferable from the viewpoint of energy efficiency. SUMMARY

[0006] An object of the present application is to suppress the number of processing devices that are unnecessarily started up and reduce power consumption in an electronic device that manages the operation of a plurality of processing devices.

[0007] The above object is, for example, useful in suppressing useless power consumption in a vehicle, and can contribute to improvement of energy efficiency in the automotive industry, and can contribute to achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG 7.3, 9.4, 12.2, etc.).

[0008] One embodiment of the present application is an electronic device including: a reception unit that receives an execution request of a function in which at least one of a plurality of processing devices participates; and a start unit that causes all or a part of the processing devices to shift to a started state when the reception unit receives the execution request, wherein the start unit executes shift processing that causes the plurality of processing devices to shift to the started state in order from a highest order of a start order corresponding to each of the processing devices when the reception unit receives the execution request, and in the shift processing, the processing devices having a lower order of the start order than one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request do not shift to the started state.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present application, the plurality of processing devices include physical machines and / or virtual machines implemented within a processor.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present application, the plurality of processing devices include physical machines and / or virtual machines implemented within processor cores included in a multi-core processor.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present application, the processing devices are devices mounted on a vehicle and participating in control of an action of the vehicle, and the processing devices include: an entry processing device that participates in a function related to entry of a user into the vehicle; a travel function processing device that participates in a function related to a travel device of the vehicle; a monitoring processing device that participates in a function related to monitoring of a state of the vehicle and / or a driver; and an information communication processing device that participates in a function related to a human-machine interface on board the vehicle and / or a function related to a communication connection between the vehicle and an external device.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present application, the start order is previously assigned in order from a highest order to the entry processing device, the travel function processing device, the monitoring processing device, and the information communication processing device.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present application, a key unlock request related to an unlock operation of a door of the vehicle using an electronic key is included in the execution request, the one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the entry processing device when the execution request received by the reception unit is the key unlock request, and in the shift processing, the start unit does not cause the travel function processing device, the monitoring processing device, and the information communication processing device having a lower order of the start order than the entry processing device to shift to the started state.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present application, the execution request includes a door handle unlock request related to unlocking of a driver's seat door based on a door handle operation, when the execution request received by the reception section is the door handle unlock request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the travel function processing device, and in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device having the start order lower than the travel function processing device to the started state.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present application, the execution request includes a driver's seat door association request related to opening operation of a driver's seat door, when the execution request received by the reception section is the driver's seat door association request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the monitoring processing device, and in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the information communication processing device having the start order lower than the monitoring processing device to the started state.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present application, the execution request includes a non-driver's seat door association request related to opening operation of a door other than a driver's seat door, when the execution request received by the reception section is the non-driver's seat door association request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the travel function processing device, and in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device having the start order lower than the travel function processing device to the started state.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present application, the execution request includes a charging association request related to charging of the vehicle from an external charging device, when the execution request received by the reception section is the charging association request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the travel function processing device, and in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device having the start order lower than the travel function processing device to the started state.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a startup management method executed by a computer of an electronic device that manages the startup of a plurality of processing devices, wherein the startup management method comprises the following steps: receiving an execution request for at least one of the plurality of processing devices to participate in a function; and upon receiving the execution request, causing all or part of the processing devices to transition to a startup state, wherein in the transition step, according to the startup priority corresponding to each of the processing devices, a transition process is performed to transition the plurality of processing devices to the startup state in descending order of the startup priority, wherein in the transition process, a processing device having a startup priority lower than that of a processing device determined according to the received execution request is not transitioned to the startup state.

[0019] Invention Effects

[0020] According to the present invention, in an electronic device that manages the operation of multiple processing devices, it is possible to suppress the number of processing devices that are unnecessarily activated, thereby reducing power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a vehicle control system that includes a central ECU, an electronic device as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the central ECU.

[0023] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the starting sequence of the processing unit during the transfer process performed by the starting unit of the central ECU.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the range of processing devices initiated during transfer processing when the received execution request is a key release request.

[0025] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of the range of processing devices initiated during transfer processing when the received execution request is a door handle unlocking request, a non-driver's seat door association request, or a charging association request.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the range of processing devices initiated during the transfer process when the received execution request is a driver's seat door associated request.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the process that starts the processing unit, executed by the receiving and starting units of the central ECU.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 1: Control system; 2: Central ECU; 3a, 3b: First communication line; 4a, 4b, 4c: Second communication line; 6: IVI; 10: Instrument panel; 12: TCU; 18: DMC; 23: First area ECU; 24: Second area ECU; 29: Third area ECU; 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, 30h: ECU; 36: Input ECU; 40: Processor; 41: Memory; 42: Multi-core processor; 43: Processor core; 431: First processor core; 2: Second processor core; 433: Third processor core; 44: Processing device; 441: Entry processing device; 442: Driving function processing device; 443: Monitoring processing device; 444: Information and communication processing device; 451: Entry processing unit; 452: Driving function processing unit; 453: Monitoring processing unit; 454: Information and communication processing unit; 46: First communication device; 47: Second communication device; 48: Control program; 49: First program; 50: Second program; 51: Third program; 60: Communication control unit; 61: Receiving unit; 62: Starting unit. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the vehicle's control system 1.

[0031] The control system 1 has a central ECU 2 that performs all vehicle control and information processing. The central ECU 2 is connected to communication lines including first communication lines 3a and 3b and second communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c. The central ECU 2 functions as a gateway managing the transmission and reception of communication data between these communication lines. Furthermore, the central ECU 2 performs OTA (Over-The-Air) management. OTA management includes controls related to downloading updates for the vehicle's onboard devices from an external server and applying the downloaded updates to the onboard devices.

[0032] Communication lines 3a and 3b (first communication) and 4a, 4b, and 4c (second communication) are constructed from buses that communicate based on standards such as CAN and Ethernet (registered trademark), or from communication lines that perform P2P (Peer-to-Peer) communication. Furthermore, communication lines 3a and 3b (first communication) can be constructed from multiple communication lines that communicate based on the same standard, or from multiple communication lines that communicate based on different standards. The same applies to communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c (second communication).

[0033] The IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) 6, instrument panel 10, and TCU (Telematics Control Unit) 12 are connected to communication line 3a. The IVI 6 provides various information and entertainment to vehicle occupants using speakers (not shown), microphones, GNSS sensors, and a touch panel. The instrument panel 10 displays information related to the vehicle's operating status, including vehicle speed. The TCU 12 is a wireless communication device based on mobile communication system communication standards.

[0034] A DMC (Driver Monitoring Camera) 18 for monitoring the driver is connected to the first communication line 3b.

[0035] Communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c are respectively connected to ECU 23 (Region 1), ECU 24 (Region 2), and ECU 29 (Region 3). ECU 30a, 30b, and 30c are connected to ECU 23 (Region 1), and ECU 30d, 30e, and 30f are connected to ECU 24 (Region 2). Furthermore, ECU 29 (Region 3) is connected to access ECU 36 and ECUs 30g and 30h. Access ECU 36 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's electronic key. The electronic key is an electronic device with wireless communication capabilities, also known as a smart key or FOB key. Alternatively, the electronic key can be a portable terminal such as a smartphone. Access ECU 36 collaborates with other onboard ECUs to process user access from outside the vehicle towards control system 1, enabling so-called smart entry.

[0036] Hereinafter, ECU30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, 30g, and 30h will be collectively referred to as ECU30.

[0037] ECU30 may include, for example, an MPU (Map Positioning Unit), an MVC-ECU (Multi View Camera), a PKS-ECU (Parking Support), and / or an ADAS-ECU (Advanced Driver-Assistance System), as well as other ECUs that control the operation of various devices or sensors present in the vehicle. Such devices or sensors may include drive motors that propel the vehicle, accelerator or brake actuators, VSA (Vehicle Stability Asist) devices, batteries, headlights and other light sources, window motors that drive doors and windows, actuators that drive door lock mechanisms, door sensors, door opening and closing sensors, temperature sensors, exterior cameras, interior cameras, etc.

[0038] In the first area ECU23, the second area ECU24 and the third area ECU29, there are multiple ECUs30 configured in the same partition of the vehicle body space, or multiple ECUs30 that control the operation of devices or sensors configured in the same partition.

[0039] In addition to connecting to ECU23 (Region 1), ECU24 (Region 2), and ECU29 (Region 3), the central ECU2 can also connect to other control devices or equipment. These control devices or equipment can include cameras, speakers, microphones, turn signals, GNSS sensors, touch panels, etc.

[0040] [Implementation Method]

[0041] Figure 1 The central ECU2 shown is an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the central ECU2 has multiple processing units that, in addition to performing the aforementioned gateway function and OTA management function, also perform prescribed functions in conjunction with or in cooperation with other ECUs such as the third-region ECU29. Furthermore, the central ECU2 switches these processing units to a startup state in response to receiving an execution request from other ECUs.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the central ECU2.

[0043] The central ECU2 includes a processor 40, a memory 41, a first communication device 46, a second communication device 47, and an access processing device 441, a driving function processing device 442, a monitoring processing device 443, and an information communication processing device 444, which are computers implemented by a multi-core processor 42. Here, the access processing device 441, the driving function processing device 442, the monitoring processing device 443, and the information communication processing device 444 correspond to multiple processing devices in this disclosure, which are devices mounted on the vehicle and involved in the control of the vehicle's movements.

[0044] The multi-core processor 42 has multiple processor cores capable of performing processing independently. In this embodiment, the multi-core processor 42 has three processor cores: a first processor core 431, a second processor core 432, and a third processor core 433. Hereinafter, the first processor core 431, the second processor core 432, and the third processor core 433 will be collectively referred to as processor core 43.

[0045] The memory 41 is, for example, composed of volatile and / or non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory 41 pre-stores a control program 48 executed by the processor 40, a first program 49 executed by the first processor core 431, a second program 50 executed by the second processor core 432, and a third program 51 executed by the third processor core 433. Furthermore, these programs can be pre-stored on any computer-readable storage medium such as an optical disc, magnetic disk, or flash memory. The control program 48, the first program 49, the second program 50, and the third program 51, as well as update programs for these programs, can be downloaded from an external server device (not shown) that is communicatively connected to the vehicle, according to existing technology. Here, in this specification, "vehicle" refers to a vehicle equipped with... Figure 1 The vehicle with control system 1 shown.

[0046] The first processor core 431 implements an entry processing device 441, which includes an entry processing unit 451 as a functional unit. The entry processing device 441 is started according to a start instruction from a start unit 62 of the processor 40 (described later). Specifically, the first processor core 431 executes a first program 49 according to the start instruction from the start unit 62, thereby implementing the entry processing device 441 within the first processor core 431 and starting operation (i.e., starting).

[0047] Access processing device 441 participates in functions related to user access to the vehicle. Access processing device 441, for example, receives data from access ECU 36 (see reference 441). Figure 1 The ECU 29 in the third zone of the connected ECU is activated upon receiving an execution request, and the ECU 36 receives radio waves from the electronic key.

[0048] The second processor core 432 implements a driving function processing device 442, which includes a driving function processing unit 452 as a functional unit. The driving function processing device 442 is started according to a start instruction from the start unit 62 of the processor 40. Specifically, the second processor core 432 executes a second program 50 according to the start instruction from the start unit 62, thereby implementing the driving function processing device 442 within the second processor core 432 and starting its operation.

[0049] The driving function processing unit 442 participates in functions related to the driving mechanism of the vehicle. The driving function processing unit 442, through the driving function processing section 452, collaborates with, for example, a second-area ECU 24 connected to a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a vehicle drive motor, to manage the operation of the driving mechanism. For example, the driving function processing unit 442 is activated when a user outside the vehicle attempts to unlock the door by grasping the door knob or similar operation. Specifically, the driving function processing unit 442 is activated based on an execution request from a third-area ECU 29 connected to a door sensor (not shown).

[0050] The third processor core 433 implements a monitoring processing device 443, which includes a monitoring processing unit 453 as a functional unit, and an information communication processing device 444, which includes an information communication processing unit 454 as a functional unit. The monitoring processing device 443 and the information communication processing device 444 are each started according to a start instruction from the start unit 62 of the processor 40. In this embodiment, the third processor core 433 executes a third program 51, thereby implementing the monitoring processing device 443 as a so-called physical machine. Furthermore, the third processor core 433 executes a fourth program 511, thereby implementing the information communication processing device 444 as a so-called virtual machine. Both the third program 51 and the fourth program include an operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS).

[0051] Specifically, the third processor core 433 executes the third program 51 according to the startup instruction from the startup unit 62, thereby implementing the monitoring processing device 443 on the hardware of the third processor core 433 and starting its operation (i.e., startup). At this time, the third processor core 433 executes the OS contained in the third program 51, thereby forming a virtual machine platform provided by the OS within the third processor core 433.

[0052] Then, according to the start instruction from the start unit 62, the third processor core 433 executes the fourth program 511 on the virtual machine platform, thereby realizing the information communication processing device 444 as a virtual machine.

[0053] That is, the OS provided by the third program 51 is a so-called host OS, and the OS provided by the fourth program 511 is a so-called guest OS that runs on a virtual machine platform provided by the host OS. The monitoring processing unit 453 of the monitoring processing device 443 can be implemented by an application running on the aforementioned host OS, and the information communication processing unit 454 of the information communication processing device 444 can be implemented by an application running on the aforementioned guest OS.

[0054] The monitoring processing unit 443 participates in the function of monitoring the status of the vehicle and / or the driver. The monitoring processing unit 443 acquires an image of the driver from the DMC18 via the monitoring processing unit 453, for example, when the driver's side door of the vehicle is opened. Based on the driver's image received from the monitoring processing unit 443, the driver is personally authenticated, thereby enabling the setting of vehicle settings (seat position, music, display layout, etc.) corresponding to the driver identified when the vehicle is started.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, the monitoring and processing unit 443 detects, via information from the second area ECU 24, that a charging device external to the vehicle is connected to the battery (not shown), as indicated on the instrument panel 10. Figure 1 It displays information related to the charging status.

[0056] The monitoring and processing device 443 is activated, for example, based on an execution request from the third area ECU 29 connected to the door sensor, or from the second area ECU 24 connected to the battery.

[0057] The information and communication processing unit 444 is involved in functions related to human-machine interfaces such as the IVI6 and / or touch panels and turn signals not shown mounted on the vehicle, as well as functions related to communication between the vehicle and external devices via the TCU12 and / or V2X communication devices not shown, GNSS sensors, etc.

[0058] The information communication processing unit 444, through the information communication processing section 454, enables the IVI6, touch panel, turn signal switches, and other human-machine interfaces to start operating when, for example, an ignition switch or power switch (neither shown) is turned on, which is one of the operating mechanisms. Furthermore, the information communication processing unit 444, through the information communication processing section 454, establishes communication connections between the TCU12, V2X communication device, GNSS sensor, and other corresponding external devices when the ignition switch or power switch is turned on, enabling the execution of navigation and telephone functions provided by the IVI6. Alternatively, it can be configured such that when the power switch is turned on, a voltage change is detected, and the IVI6, touch panel, turn signal switches, and other human-machine interfaces automatically start. In this case, each unit performs the start-up determination independently.

[0059] The information communication processing device 444 is activated, for example, based on voltage changes when the power switch is turned on. Furthermore, the information communication processing device 444 is activated, for example, based on an execution instruction from a second-region ECU 24 connected to a control unit (not shown).

[0060] The processor 40 is a computer included in the central ECU2, for example, consisting of one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units). The processor 40 may also be configured to have ROM (Read Only Memory) for writing programs, RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporary data storage, etc.

[0061] The processor 40 has a communication control unit 60, a receiving unit 61, and a starting unit 62 as functional elements or units. For example, as a computer, the processor 40 executes a control program 48 stored in the memory 41, thereby realizing these functional elements of the processor 40. Specifically, the control program 48 includes a communication program 481 and a starting management program 482. The processor 40 executes the communication program 481, thereby realizing the communication control unit 60, and the processor 40 executes the starting management program 482, thereby realizing the receiving unit 61 and the starting unit 62.

[0062] The communication control unit 60, according to existing technology, functions as a gateway for managing the transmission and reception of communication data between communication lines, including the first communication lines 3a and 3b and the second communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c. Furthermore, the communication control unit 60, according to existing technology, performs OTA management, which includes control related to the processing of downloading update programs for the vehicle's onboard devices from an external server and the application of the downloaded update programs to the onboard devices.

[0063] The central ECU2 manages the starting of the entry processing device 441, the driving function processing device 442, the monitoring processing device 443 and the information communication processing device 444 through the receiving unit 61 and the starting unit 62.

[0064] The receiving unit 61 receives, for example, an execution request for a function involving at least one of the following: the input processing unit 441, the driving function processing unit 442, the monitoring processing unit 443, and the information communication processing unit 444, via the first communication device 46 or the second communication device 47. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 61 receives the aforementioned execution request from the second region ECU 24 and / or the third region ECU 29, for example, via the first communication device 46.

[0065] The execution requests received by the receiving unit 61 may include, for example, key unlocking requests related to unlocking operations of doors using electronic keys, door handle unlocking requests related to unlocking the driver's side door based on door handle operation, and / or driver's side door association requests related to opening operations of the driver's side door. The execution requests received by the receiving unit 61 may also include non-driver's side door association requests related to opening operations of doors other than the driver's side door, start-up requests related to starting operations based on start-up operations of drive devices such as ignition switches or power switches (which are operating mechanisms), and / or charging association requests related to charging of the vehicle from an external charging device.

[0066] For example, a key release request is received from the third-zone ECU 29, which is connected to the entry ECU 36 that receives radio waves from the electronic key. For example, a door handle unlock request, a driver's side door association request, and a non-driver's side door association request are received from the third-zone ECU 29, which is connected to the door sensor. For example, a start request and a charging association request are received from the second-zone ECU 24, which is connected to the control unit and the battery. Furthermore, a start request can be output based on the voltage change (becoming above a specified voltage) when the power switch is turned on. Additionally, the first processor core 431 can also output a start request based on the electronic key authentication result received from the third-zone ECU 29.

[0067] When the receiving unit 61 receives an execution request, the starting unit 62 causes all or part of the entry processing device 441, the driving function processing device 442, the monitoring processing device 443, and the information communication processing device 444 to be switched to the starting state. Hereinafter, the entry processing device 441, the driving function processing device 442, the monitoring processing device 443, and the information communication processing device 444 will be collectively referred to as the processing device 44.

[0068] In this embodiment, specifically, when the receiving unit 61 receives an execution request, the starting unit 62 performs a transfer process that transfers the processing devices 44 to the starting state in descending order of their starting order, according to the starting order corresponding to each processing device 44. Furthermore, in the above transfer process, processing devices 44 having a starting order lower than that determined according to the received execution request are not transferred to the starting state.

[0069] The starting sequence corresponding to each processing device 44 can be determined according to the usage scenario of the processing object of the processing device 44 (in this embodiment, the door lock mechanism, battery, and DMC18 of the vehicle, etc.). As an example, in this embodiment, the starting sequence corresponding to each processing device 44 is determined according to the sequence of a series of user actions from when the vehicle user enters the vehicle until driving begins.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, the starting order is pre-assigned sequentially from the highest order to the entry processing device 441, the driving function processing device 442, the monitoring processing device 443, and the information communication processing device 444. More specifically, regarding the above starting order, the highest level 1 corresponds to the entry processing device 441, the second highest level 2 corresponds to the driving function processing device 442, the next lowest level 3 corresponds to the monitoring processing device 443, and the lowest level 4 corresponds to the information communication processing device 444. These starting order correspondences can be predetermined and stored in the memory 41.

[0071] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the starting sequence in the transfer process performed by the starting unit 62. Figure 3 In the example shown, when the receiving unit 61 receives the execution request, the starting unit 62 first starts the hardware of the central ECU2 (S100). The hardware startup may include, for example, startup processing of peripheral devices that serve as startup preparations for the processor core in the multi-core processor 42 (or recovery processing to restore normal operation mode if the peripheral devices have transitioned to sleep mode).

[0072] After the hardware is started, the starting unit 62 starts the entry processing device 441 with the highest starting order according to the above-mentioned starting order (S102), and then starts the driving function processing device 442 (S104), the monitoring processing device 443 (S106) and the information communication processing device 444 (S108) in sequence.

[0073] However, as described above, in this embodiment, during the transfer process, the starting unit 62 does not transfer the processing device 44 having a lower starting priority than the processing device 44 determined according to the received execution request to the starting state. The processing device 44 determined according to the execution request can, for example, be predetermined and stored in the memory 41.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a key unlocking request received from the third area ECU 29, the processing device 44 determined based on the received execution request is an entry processing device 441. Furthermore, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a door handle unlocking request received from the third area ECU 29, the processing device 44 determined based on the received execution request is a driving function processing device 442. Moreover, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a driver's side door association request received from the third area ECU 29, the processing device 44 determined based on the received execution request is a monitoring processing device 443.

[0075] Furthermore, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a non-driver's seat door association request from the third zone ECU 29 or a charging association request received from the second zone ECU 24, the processing device 44 determined based on the received execution request is a driving function processing device 442. Furthermore, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a start request received from the second zone ECU 24, the processing device 44 determined based on the received execution request is an information communication processing device 444.

[0076] Then, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a key unlocking request, in the transfer process, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the starting unit 62 does not transfer the driving function processing device 442, the monitoring processing device 443, and the information communication processing device 444, which have a starting order lower than that of the entry processing device 441, which is determined as a processing device 44 according to the above-mentioned execution request, to the starting state.

[0077] Furthermore, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a door handle unlocking request, a non-driver's seat door association request, or a charging association request, during the transfer processing, such as Figure 5 As shown, the starting unit 62 does not transfer the monitoring processing device 443 and the information communication processing device 444, which have a starting priority lower than that of the driving function processing device 442 determined as a processing device 44 according to the above-mentioned execution request, to the starting state.

[0078] Furthermore, when the execution request received by the receiving unit 61 is a driver's seat door association request, during the transfer process, such as Figure 6 As shown, the starting unit 62 does not transfer the information communication processing device 444, which has a lower starting order than the monitoring processing device 443, which is a processing device 44 determined according to the above-mentioned execution request, to the starting state.

[0079] Furthermore, if there are already running processing devices 44 when the receiving unit 61 receives the execution request, the starting unit 62 keeps these running processing devices 44 in operation without restarting them.

[0080] Based on the above structure, the central ECU2 can prevent unnecessary activation of the processing device 44 according to the usage scenario of the vehicle. The operation of the central ECU2 will be explained below using several usage scenarios as examples.

[0081] The first example of this application scenario is a vehicle user, acting as the driver, entering the vehicle and starting to drive. In this example, the vehicle user first unlocks the door using the electronic key from a position separate from the vehicle. This door unlocking operation is received by the entry ECU 36. The entry ECU 36 notifies the third-zone ECU 29 of the receipt of the door unlocking operation, and the third-zone ECU 29 sends a key unlocking request as an execution request to the central ECU 2. The central ECU 2 receives the aforementioned key unlocking request as an execution request through the receiving unit 61.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the starting unit 62 of the central ECU2 starts the processing device 44 according to the starting sequence, until the entry processing device 441, which is determined as a key unlocking request based on the received execution request, is activated. The activated entry processing device 441 unlocks the door lock, for example, by performing authentication processing related to the key code received from the electronic key through the entry processing unit 451.

[0083] Next, when the vehicle user, acting as the driver, opens the driver's side door and enters the vehicle, the third-zone ECU 29 detects the opening operation of the driver's side door via the door sensor and sends a driver's side door association request as an execution request to the central ECU 2. The central ECU 2's starter unit 62 then... Figure 4 Starting from the state, such as Figure 6 The processing unit 44 is activated in the order of activation until the monitoring processing unit 443, which is determined as a processing unit 44 based on the aforementioned execution request being a driver's seat door association request, is activated. The activated monitoring processing unit 443 performs personal authentication of the driver based on the image of the driver obtained from the DMC18, thereby enabling vehicle settings corresponding to the driver identified when the vehicle is started.

[0084] Then, when the vehicle user, acting as the driver, turns on the ignition switch or power switch, which serves as one of the operating controls, the second-zone ECU24 detects this operation and sends a start request as an execution request to the central ECU2. Consequently, the central ECU2's starter unit 62 activates all processing devices 44, including the information communication processing device 444, and the vehicle becomes capable of performing all its functions.

[0085] Similar to the first example, the second example involves a vehicle user, acting as the driver, entering the vehicle and starting to drive. In this second example, unlike the first, the vehicle user does not perform a key-based door unlocking operation. Instead, they approach the vehicle and grasp the driver's side door handle to unlock the door. The third-zone ECU 29 detects this unlocking operation via the door sensor and sends a door handle unlocking request as an execution request to the central ECU 2, which receives the execution request.

[0086] The starting unit 62 of the central ECU2, as shown Figure 5 The starting sequence of the starting processing device 44 continues until the driving function processing device 442 is started, which is determined as a processing device 44 based on the received execution request being a door handle unlocking request. The driving function processing device 442 is started only when a door handle unlocking request is received as an execution request because there is a high probability that the vehicle user will enter the vehicle and start driving if the driver's side door is unlocked. The started entry processing device 441, for example, performs authentication processing related to the key code received from the electronic key via the entry processing unit 451, and unlocks the door lock. Furthermore, the started driving function processing device 442 then instructs the second-zone ECU 24 to perform diagnostics related to whether there are any abnormalities in the drive unit, battery, and control mechanisms, and begins preparations for driving the vehicle.

[0087] The subsequent activation of the processing device 44 is performed in the same manner as in the first example of the aforementioned application scenario. That is, when the vehicle user, acting as the driver, subsequently opens the driver's side door and enters the vehicle, the third-area ECU 29 detects the unlocking operation via the door sensor and sends a driver's side door association request as an execution request to the central ECU 2. The activation unit 62 of the central ECU 2 is as follows... Figure 6 The processing unit 44 is further driven according to the starting order until the monitoring processing unit 443, which is determined as a processing unit 44 based on the aforementioned execution request being a driver's seat door association request, is activated. The activated monitoring processing unit 443 performs personal authentication of the driver based on the image of the driver obtained from the DMC18, thereby enabling vehicle settings corresponding to the driver identified when the vehicle is started.

[0088] Furthermore, when the vehicle user, acting as the driver, turns on the ignition switch or power switch, which serves as one of the control mechanisms, the second-zone ECU24 detects this operation and sends a start request as an execution request to the central ECU2. Consequently, the central ECU2's starter unit 62 activates all processing devices 44, including the information communication processing device 444, enabling the vehicle to perform all its functions.

[0089] The third example of the application scenario involves a non-driver vehicle user (e.g., a passenger in the passenger seat) entering the vehicle. In this example, the vehicle user first unlocks the door using the electronic key from a position separate from the vehicle. This door unlocking operation is received by the entry ECU 36. The entry ECU 36 notifies the third zone ECU 29 of the receipt of the door unlocking operation, and the third zone ECU 29 sends a key unlocking request as an execution request to the central ECU 2. The central ECU 2 receives the aforementioned key unlocking request as an execution request through the receiving unit 61.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, the starting unit 62 of the central ECU2 starts the processing device 44 according to the starting sequence, until the entry processing device 441, which is determined as a key unlocking request based on the received execution request, is activated. The activated entry processing device 441 unlocks the door lock, for example, by performing authentication processing related to the key code received from the electronic key through the entry processing unit 451.

[0091] Next, when a vehicle user opens a door other than the driver's seat, such as the passenger side door, to enter the vehicle, the third-zone ECU 29 detects the unlocking operation of the passenger side door via a door sensor and sends a non-driver's side door association request as an execution request to the central ECU 2. The central ECU 2's starting unit 62, as... Figure 5 The driving function processing device 442, as shown, is driven by the starting sequence driving processing device 44 until it is determined as a processing device 44 that is a non-driver's seat door association request based on the execution request received above.

[0092] When a non-driver's seat door association request is received as an execution request, unlike when a driver's seat door association request is received, the monitoring processing device 443 is not activated because the user of the vehicle in the non-driver's seat is not the driver. Therefore, it is not necessary to obtain an image through DMC18 for driver personal authentication, and it is not necessary to activate the monitoring processing device 443.

[0093] The fourth example of its application scenario is as follows: When the vehicle is being used by a driver or non-driver (e.g., after the vehicle's power has been disconnected, or when the vehicle is parked in an area with charging equipment), a charging operation is performed to charge the battery from an external charging device while all processing devices 44 are disconnected. This charging operation may be, for example, connecting the charging cable of the aforementioned charging device to the battery's charging connector (not shown), or opening the charging cover (not shown) provided on the vehicle body in order to connect the charging connector.

[0094] When a charging operation is performed, such as connecting the charging cable or opening the charging cover, the second area ECU24, which is connected to the battery, detects the charging operation and sends a charging association request as an execution request to the central ECU2. The starting unit 62 of the central ECU2... Figure 5 The driving function processing device 442 is driven according to the starting order, until it is determined as a processing device 44 based on the above-mentioned execution request being a charging-related request.

[0095] Through the above actions, the central ECU2 can prevent unnecessary starting of the processing devices 44 according to the usage scenario of the vehicle, thereby reducing the power consumed by these processing devices 44.

[0096] Next, the startup sequence of the processing unit 44 implemented by the central ECU2 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the starting process of the starting processing device 44, executed by the receiving unit 61 and the starting unit 62 of the processor 40 of the central ECU2. It is executed repeatedly. Figure 7 The processing shown.

[0097] When processing begins, the receiving unit 61 first determines whether an execution request has been received (S200). Then, if no execution request is received (S200: No), the receiving unit 61 repeats step S200, waiting to receive an execution request. On the other hand, if an execution request is received (S200: Yes), the starting unit 62 determines a processing device 44 based on the received execution request (S202).

[0098] Next, the starting unit 62 performs a transfer process (S204) up to the determined processing device 44 according to the starting sequence corresponding to the processing device 44, and ends the process.

[0099] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0100] In the above embodiments, the multi-core processor 42 that implements the processing devices (441, 442, 443) that are started in sequence and the processor 40 that implements the functional elements (60, 61, 62) including the start-up unit 62 are separate processors. However, these processing devices and functional elements may also be implemented in a single multi-core processor.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the processing device 44 is implemented using the processor cores 43 of the multi-core processor 42; however, it can also be implemented using separate processors. In this case, the processing device 44 can include virtual machines implemented on a host operating system by such separate processors.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, the starting management performed by the receiving unit 61 and the starting unit 62 of the central ECU2 is the same as the processing device 44 of the central ECU2. However, the structure is not limited to this, and the starting management may also include the processing device of other electronic devices that are different from the central ECU2.

[0103] Furthermore, it can also be configured to grant vehicle start permission and drive unit operation permission for driver personal authentication. In this case, for example, when the driver's side door of the vehicle is opened, the monitoring processing unit 443 obtains the driver's image from the DMC18 and sends it to the access processing unit 441. The access processing unit 441 can perform driver personal authentication based on the driver's image received from the monitoring processing unit 443 and grant drive unit operation permission to the second area ECU24.

[0104] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0105] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the processing device 44 is a device mounted on a vehicle and involved in the vehicle's motion control; however, it can also be any processing device with any function (such as the MFP mentioned above).

[0106] [Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0107] The above implementation supports the following structure.

[0108] (Structure 1) An electronic device comprising: a receiving unit that receives an execution request for a function involving at least one of a plurality of processing devices; and a starting unit that, upon receiving the execution request, causes all or part of the processing devices to a starting state, wherein, upon receiving the execution request, the starting unit performs a transfer process that, according to a starting order corresponding to each of the processing devices, transfers the plurality of processing devices to the starting state in descending order of the starting order, and, in the transfer process, a processing device having a starting order lower than that of a processing device determined according to the received execution request is not transferred to the starting state.

[0109] According to the electronic device of structure 1, the range of processing devices to be activated is limited based on the content of the execution request. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the number of processing devices that are unnecessarily activated and reduce power consumption.

[0110] (Structure 2) The electronic device according to Structure 1, wherein the plurality of processing devices comprise a physical machine and / or a virtual machine implemented within a processor.

[0111] According to the electronic device of structure 2, it is not only a processing device that is a separate device, but also a processing device that can be implemented in various forms within a processor. It suppresses the number of processing devices that are unnecessarily activated and reduces power consumption.

[0112] (Structure 3) The electronic device according to Structure 1, wherein the plurality of said processing devices comprise a physical machine and / or virtual machine implemented within a processor core of a multi-core processor.

[0113] According to the electronic device of structure 3, for example, not only processing devices implemented on processors that are individual semiconductor chips, but also processing devices implemented on multiple processor cores of a multi-core processor formed on a semiconductor chip, the number of processing devices that are unnecessarily activated is suppressed, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0114] (Structure 4) The electronic device according to any one of Structures 1 to 3, wherein the processing device is a device mounted on a vehicle and involved in controlling the movement of the vehicle, the processing device comprising: an access processing device involved in functions related to a user entering the vehicle; a driving function processing device involved in functions related to the driving mechanism of the vehicle; a monitoring processing device involved in functions related to status monitoring of the vehicle and / or the driver; and an information communication processing device involved in functions related to the on-board human-machine interface and / or functions related to communication connections between the vehicle and external devices.

[0115] According to the electronic device of structure 4, the number of processing devices that are unnecessarily activated can be suppressed, thereby reducing the power consumption of the vehicle, by targeting the processing devices mounted on the vehicle.

[0116] (Structure 5) The electronic device according to Structure 4, wherein the starting order is pre-assigned sequentially from the highest order to the entry processing device, the driving function processing device, the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device.

[0117] According to the electronic device of structure 5, the starting order of each processing device can be allocated in a manner that the necessary processing devices are started sequentially along a series of operations performed by the vehicle user while riding in the vehicle. Therefore, the number of processing devices that are started unnecessarily can be effectively suppressed, and the power consumption in the vehicle can be reduced.

[0118] (Structure 6) According to the electronic device of Structure 5, wherein the execution request includes a key unlocking request related to the unlocking operation of the door using an electronic key, and when the execution request received by the receiving unit is the key unlocking request, one of the processing devices determined according to the received execution request is the entry processing device, and in the transfer processing, the starting unit does not transfer the driving function processing device, the monitoring processing device, and the information communication processing device, which have a starting priority lower than the entry processing device, to the starting state.

[0119] According to the electronic device of structure 6, the necessary processing devices are activated sequentially along a series of operations performed by the vehicle user while riding in the vehicle. Therefore, the number of processing devices that are activated unnecessarily can be suppressed more effectively, and the power consumption in the vehicle can be reduced.

[0120] (Structure 7) According to the electronic device of Structure 5, wherein the execution request includes a door handle unlocking request related to unlocking the driver's seat door based on door handle operation, and when the execution request received by the receiving unit is the door handle unlocking request, one of the processing devices determined according to the received execution request is the driving function processing device, and in the transfer process, the starting unit does not transfer the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device, which have a lower starting priority than the driving function processing device, to the starting state.

[0121] According to the electronic device of structure 7, the necessary processing devices are activated sequentially along a series of operations performed by the vehicle user while riding in the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the number of processing devices that are activated unnecessarily and reduce the power consumption in the vehicle.

[0122] (Structure 8) The electronic device according to Structure 6 or 7, wherein the execution request includes a driver's door association request related to the opening operation of the driver's door, and when the execution request received by the receiving unit is the driver's door association request, one of the processing devices determined according to the received execution request is the monitoring processing device, and in the transfer process, the starting unit does not transfer the information communication processing device having a starting priority lower than the monitoring processing device to the starting state.

[0123] According to the electronic device of structure 8, the necessary processing devices are activated sequentially along a series of operations performed by the vehicle user while riding in the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the number of processing devices that are activated unnecessarily and reduce the power consumption in the vehicle.

[0124] (Structure 9) According to the electronic device of Structure 6, wherein the execution request includes a non-driver's seat door association request related to the opening operation of a door other than the driver's seat, and when the execution request received by the receiving unit is the non-driver's seat door association request, one of the processing devices determined according to the received execution request is the driving function processing device, and in the transfer process, the starting unit does not transfer the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device, which have a lower starting priority than the driving function processing device, to the starting state.

[0125] According to the electronic device of structure 9, the necessary processing devices are activated sequentially along a series of operations performed by the vehicle user while riding in the vehicle. Therefore, the number of processing devices that are activated unnecessarily can be suppressed more effectively, and the power consumption in the vehicle can be reduced.

[0126] (Structure 10) According to the electronic device of Structure 5, wherein the execution request includes a charging association request related to charging of the vehicle from an external charging device, and when the execution request received by the receiving unit is the charging association request, one of the processing devices determined according to the received execution request is the driving function processing device, and in the transfer process, the starting unit does not transfer the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device, which have a lower starting priority than the driving function processing device, to the starting state.

[0127] According to the electronic device of structure 10, the range of activated processing devices is limited based on the content of the operation performed by the vehicle user. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the number of unnecessary activated processing devices and reduce the power consumption in the vehicle.

[0128] (Structure 11) A startup management method executed by a computer of an electronic device that manages the startup of a plurality of processing devices, wherein the startup management method comprises the steps of: receiving an execution request for at least one of the plurality of processing devices to participate in a function; and upon receiving the execution request, causing all or part of the processing devices to transition to a startup state, wherein in the transition step, a transition process is performed to transition the plurality of processing devices to a startup state in descending order of the startup order corresponding to each of the processing devices, wherein in the transition process, a processing device having a startup order lower than that of a processing device determined according to the received execution request is not transitioned to a startup state.

[0129] According to the startup management method of structure 11, the scope of the processing devices to be started is limited according to the content of the execution request. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the number of processing devices that are started unnecessarily and reduce power consumption.

Claims

1. An electronic apparatus, comprising: a reception section that receives an execution request of a function in which at least one of a plurality of processing apparatuses participates; and a start section that causes all or a part of the processing apparatuses to shift to a started state when the execution request is received by the reception section, when the execution request is received by the reception section, the start section performs shift processing that causes the plurality of processing apparatuses to shift to a started state in order from a higher order to a lower order according to a start order corresponding to each of the processing apparatuses, and in the shift processing, the processing apparatuses having the start order lower than one of the processing apparatuses determined in accordance with the received execution request do not shift to the started state, the processing apparatuses are apparatuses mounted on a vehicle and participating in control of an action of the vehicle, and the processing apparatuses include: an entry processing apparatus that participates in a function related to entry of a user into the vehicle; a travel function processing apparatus that participates in a function related to a travel apparatus of the vehicle; a monitoring processing apparatus that participates in a function related to monitoring of a state of the vehicle and / or a driver; and an information communication processing apparatus that participates in a function related to a human-machine interface on board and / or a function related to a communication connection between the vehicle and an external apparatus.

2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of processing apparatuses include physical machines and / or virtual machines implemented within a processor.

3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of processing apparatuses include physical machines and / or virtual machines implemented within a processor core possessed by a multi-core processor.

4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the start order is previously assigned in order from a highest order to the entry processing apparatus, the travel function processing apparatus, the monitoring processing apparatus, and the information communication processing apparatus.

5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a key unlock request related to an unlock operation of a door of the vehicle using an electronic key is included in the execution request, when the execution request received by the reception section is the key unlock request, one of the processing apparatuses determined in accordance with the received execution request is the entry processing apparatus, in the shift processing, the start section does not cause the travel function processing apparatus, the monitoring processing apparatus, and the information communication processing apparatus having the start order lower than the entry processing apparatus to shift to the started state.

6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a door handle unlock request related to unlocking of a driver seat door based on a door handle operation is included in the execution request, when the execution request received by the reception section is the door handle unlock request, one of the processing apparatuses determined in accordance with the received execution request is the travel function processing apparatus, in the shift processing, the start section does not cause the monitoring processing apparatus and the information communication processing apparatus having the start order lower than the travel function processing apparatus to shift to the started state.

7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the execution request includes a driver seat door associated request related to an opening operation of a driver seat door, when the execution request received by the reception section is the driver seat door associated request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the monitoring processing device, in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the information communication processing device having the start order position lower than the monitoring processing device to the started state.

8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the execution request includes a non-driver seat door associated request related to an opening operation of a door other than a driver seat door, when the execution request received by the reception section is the non-driver seat door associated request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the travel function processing device, in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device having the start order position lower than the travel function processing device to the started state.

9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the execution request includes a charging associated request related to charging of the vehicle from an external charging device, when the execution request received by the reception section is the charging associated request, one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is the travel function processing device, in the shift processing, the start section does not shift the monitoring processing device and the information communication processing device having the start order position lower than the travel function processing device to the started state.

10. A start management method executed by a computer of an electronic apparatus that manages start of a plurality of processing devices, wherein the processing devices are devices mounted on a vehicle and participate in control of an action of the vehicle, the start management method has the following steps: receiving an execution request of a function in which at least one of the processing devices participates; and when the execution request is received, shifting all or a part of the processing devices to a started state, in the shifting step, in accordance with a start order position corresponding to each of the processing devices, performing shift processing of shifting the plurality of processing devices to the started state in order from high to low of the start order position, in the shift processing, the processing device having the start order position lower than one of the processing devices determined in accordance with the received execution request is not shifted to the started state, performing the following processing: an entry processing that participates in a function related to entry of a user into the vehicle; a travel function processing that participates in a function related to a travel device of the vehicle; a monitoring processing that participates in a function of monitoring a state related to the vehicle and / or a driver; and an information communication processing that participates in a function related to a human-machine interface on board and / or a function related to a communication connection between the vehicle and an external device.

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