Management device, control program product, and control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a management device, a control program product, and a control method. The management device of an in-vehicle network system includes a processing circuit. After a change is applied to the in-vehicle network system, the processing circuit acquires information relating to a target device, which is a device operated when a predetermined function is executed in the in-vehicle network system, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system. On the basis of the information, the processing circuit selects a start-up method for the target device from: a first start-up method for starting up the target device by power supply control for controlling whether or not to supply power to the target device, and a second start-up method for starting up the target device by power supply control for controlling whether or not to supply power to the target device; the second activation method requests activation from the target device by communicating with the target device and activates the target device. The processing circuit is configured to activate the target device by the selected activation method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure relates to a management device, a control program product, and a control method. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-33321 discloses a power supply control system. The power supply control system includes a management device and a target device activated by the management device. The management device activates the target device through power supply control.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-11228 discloses an in-vehicle network system in which a management device communicates with a target device to request activation, thereby activating the target device.

[0004] Here, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system, such as adding a target device, the same startup method as the startup method used before the change is made is not necessarily suitable for the in-vehicle network system. Summary of the invention

[0005] A management device involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure is a management device for an in-vehicle network system. The management device includes a processing circuit. After a change is made to the in-vehicle network system, the processing circuit obtains information about an object device among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system, which is a device that operates when the in-vehicle network system performs a prescribed function. Based on the information, the processing circuit selects a method for starting the object device from a first start method and a second start method, wherein the first start method starts the object device by controlling a power supply to control whether power is supplied to the object device, and the second start method starts the object device by communicating with the object device and requesting the object device to start. The processing circuit starts the object device by the selected start method.

[0006] A control program product involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control program product in a vehicle-mounted network system having a management device. The control program product enables the processing circuit to obtain information about a target device, which is a device that operates when the vehicle-mounted network system executes a specified function, among multiple devices connected to the vehicle-mounted network system after a change is made to the vehicle-mounted network system. The control program product enables the processing circuit to obtain a startup method for the target device from a first startup method and a second startup method based on the information, the first startup method starting the target device by controlling a power supply to control whether power is supplied to the target device, and the second startup method starting the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to start. The control program product enables the processing circuit to start the target device by the selected startup method.

[0007] A control method involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling an in-vehicle network system having a management device. The control method includes: after applying a change to the in-vehicle network system, obtaining information about an object device that is a device that operates when the in-vehicle network system performs a specified function, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system. The control method selects a startup method for the object device from a first startup method and a second startup method based on the information, the first startup method starts the object device by controlling a power supply to control whether power is supplied to the object device, and the second startup method starts the object device by communicating with the object device and requesting the object device to start. The control method includes starting the object device by the selected startup method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle network system including a management device according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A flowchart of the process of processing related to the learning processing performed by the management device.

[0010] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 A flowchart of the process of processing related to the activation of the target device executed by the management device.

[0011] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A table of examples of information related to a target device that continues to operate along with execution of a function, which is acquired by the management device through learning processing.

[0012] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1The management device processes the table of the startup method for each target device of the selected bus type network through learning.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the method of the learning process executed by the management device in the first example.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the manner in which the management device that has completed the learning process in the first example activates the target device.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle network system including a management device according to a first modified example.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the learning processing executed by the management device according to the second modification example.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the learning processing executed by the management device according to the third modified example.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the learning processing executed by the management device according to the fourth modified example.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for selecting a process for activating a target device, which is executed by the management device according to the fifth modification.

[0020] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the learning processing executed by the management device of the sixth modification example.

[0021] Fig.14 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to the startup method determination processing executed by the management device of the sixth modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 7 An implementation of the management device will be described below.

[0023] <Configuration of the In-Vehicle Network System 100>

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle network system 100 includes a plurality of electronic control devices. Figure 1In the figure, each electronic control unit (ECU) is shown by a quadrilateral. A plurality of electronic control units are connected to each other through a first communication line 41, a second communication line 42, and a third communication line 43 so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this way, a plurality of electronic control units constitute an in-vehicle network. Each electronic control unit is supplied with power from a power supply. The electronic control unit switches between an operating state in which processing can be performed and a standby state in which the operation is stopped to reduce power consumption.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, one of the electronic control devices constituting the vehicle network is the management device 10. The management device 10 is connected to other electronic control devices constituting the vehicle network through the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42 and the third communication line 43 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Specifically, the management device 10 is directly connected to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24 and the fifth ECU 25 through the first communication line 41. The management device 10 is directly connected to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28 and the ninth ECU 29 through the second communication line 42. The management device 10 is directly connected to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32 and the thirteenth ECU 33 through the third communication line 43.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown by the dotted lines in the figure, the management device 10 is also connected to other electronic control devices constituting the vehicle network through the first power control line 51, the second power control line 52 and the third power control line 53. Specifically, the management device 10 is directly connected to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24 and the fifth ECU 25 through the first power control line 51. The management device 10 is directly connected to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28 and the ninth ECU 29 through the second power control line 52. The management device 10 is directly connected to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32 and the thirteenth ECU 33 through the third power control line 53.

[0027] In this way, the management device 10 is connected to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 via the first communication line 41 and the first power supply control line 51. Figure 1 As shown, the first communication line 41 , the first power supply control line 51 , the first ECU 21 , the second ECU 22 , the third ECU 23 , the fourth ECU 24 , and the fifth ECU 25 constitute a first bus type network 61 .

[0028] The management device 10 is connected to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 via the second communication line 42 and the second power supply control line 52. Figure 1 As shown, the second communication line 42 , the second power supply control line 52 , the sixth ECU 26 , the seventh ECU 27 , the eighth ECU 28 , and the ninth ECU 29 constitute a second bus type network 62 .

[0029] The management device 10 is connected to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 via the third communication line 43 and the third power supply control line 53. Figure 1 As shown, the third communication line 43 , the third power supply control line 53 , the tenth ECU 30 , the eleventh ECU 31 , the twelfth ECU 32 , and the thirteenth ECU 33 constitute a third bus type network 63 .

[0030] In this way, the vehicle network system 100 includes the first bus network 61, the second bus network 62, and the third bus network 63, which are respectively connected to the management device 10. The number of bus networks connected to the management device 10 is not limited to three. That is, the management device 10 can be connected to any number of bus networks. The connection method of each electronic control device, that is, the topology of the vehicle network is not limited to the same topology as in the present embodiment.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the management device 10 includes a processing device 11 and a storage device 12. Programs are stored in the storage device 12. The programs stored in the storage device 12 include control programs for controlling the startup of multiple electronic control devices in the vehicle network system 100. The processing device 11 executes the programs stored in the storage device 12 to perform various processes. The processing device 11 is a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may include one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an integrated circuit (ASIC) for a specific purpose that performs at least part of the various processes. Alternatively, the processing circuit may include a combination of one or more processors and one or more dedicated hardware circuits. The storage device 12 includes memories such as RAM and ROM, and the memories, i.e., computer-readable media, include all available media that can be accessed by general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

[0032] The management device 10 sends a signal requesting startup to other electronic control devices on the vehicle network to start the other electronic control devices. Hereinafter, the electronic control device that the management device 10 starts according to the specified function executed in the vehicle network system 100 is called the object device. The management device 10 selects multiple object devices required to achieve the function from the multiple electronic control devices connected to itself in the vehicle network system 100 and starts them. The management device 10 moves the object device from the standby state to the operating state by starting the object device. The multiple object devices started by the management device 10 communicate with each other to achieve the specified function. The combination of object devices varies depending on the function to be achieved.

[0033] In the in-vehicle network system 100, the first ECU 21 to the thirteenth ECU 33 may be the target devices. The management device 10 selects the target device from among these devices and activates it according to the function to be realized each time.

[0034] The management device 10 obtains a signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function from another device. For example, the management device 10 receives a signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function from another electronic control device connected via any one of the first communication line 41 , the second communication line 42 , and the third communication line 43 .

[0035] In this way, when a signal requesting the implementation of a specified function is obtained from other devices, the management device 10 uses the device corresponding to the function to be implemented as the target device. The management device 10 selects the startup method of the target device from the first startup method and the second startup method. At this time, the management device 10 selects the startup method of the target device according to each bus-type network. In other words, the management device 10 uses the same startup method to start the target device connected to the same bus-type network. For example, when the target device corresponding to the function to be implemented is the first ECU21, the second ECU22, and the sixth ECU26, the management device 10 uses the same startup method to start the first ECU21 and the second ECU22 connected to the same bus-type network. There is also a case where the management device 10 uses a different startup method to start the sixth ECU26 connected to a bus-type network different from the first ECU21 and the second ECU22.

[0036] The management device 10 holds information about which electronic control device is the target device for each function and which bus network is connected to at least one target device. However, the management device 10 does not hold information about which bus network each of the plurality of target devices is connected to.

[0037] In this way, the management device 10 selects a method for activating the target device in bus network units for each function to be executed. When implementing a certain function, the management device 10 does not activate an electronic control device connected to a bus network to which a target device of the function is not connected.

[0038] When the object device is started by the first startup method, the management device 10 starts a plurality of object devices by power control. Specifically, the management device 10 sends a signal requesting startup to the plurality of object devices through the power control line. The object device that receives the signal requesting startup from the management device 10 through the power control line receives power from the power supply in response to the signal and starts. At this time, when the management device 10 sends a signal requesting startup through a certain power control line, all the electronic control devices that receive the signal requesting startup are started. That is, all the electronic control devices directly connected to the management device 10 through the power control line, including the electronic control devices that are not the object devices, are started. Therefore, when the management device 10 sends a signal requesting startup through the first power control line 51, the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 are started. When the management device 10 sends a signal requesting startup through the second power control line 52, the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 are started. When the management device 10 sends a signal requesting activation via the third power control line 53, the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 are activated. Thus, the management device 10 sends a signal requesting activation via the power control line in the first activation method, thereby controlling whether power is supplied to the target device.

[0039] Thus, when the management device 10 starts up the target device by the first start-up method, it also starts up other electronic control devices connected to the power control line used to start up the target device. Therefore, in the first start-up method, excess power corresponding to starting up electronic control devices that are not target devices is consumed.

[0040] When the target device is activated by the second activation method, the management device 10 transmits a message including a signal requesting activation and identification information of the target device to which the signal is transmitted through the communication line. The management device 10 transmits the message to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 through the first communication line 41. The management device 10 transmits the message to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 through the second communication line 42. The management device 10 transmits the message to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 through the third communication line 43.

[0041] The electronic control device that has received the message from the management device 10 confirms the information indicating the destination included in the received message. When the electronic control device that has received the message determines that the message is addressed to itself, that is, when it determines that it is the target device, it starts up according to the received signal. On the other hand, when the electronic control device that has received the message determines that the message is not addressed to itself, it ignores the received signal. In this way, the management device 10 sends the message through the communication line to start up only the target device among the multiple electronic control devices.

[0042] Thus, when the target device is started by the second starting method, it is possible to prevent the electronic control device that is not the target device from being started. However, in the second starting method, compared with the first starting method, the time taken to start the target device is longer by the amount of processing performed by the electronic control device to determine whether the signal requesting the start-up is a signal sent to itself.

[0043] In this way, the management device 10 activates the target device through the power control line when the first activation method is used, and activates the target device through the communication line when the second activation method is used.

[0044] The management device 10 realizes a predetermined function by causing a plurality of target devices activated by the first activation method or the second activation method to communicate with each other and execute processing respectively. While the predetermined function is being realized in this way, the target device realizing the function periodically sends a signal requesting the management device 10 to continue the operation. While the management device 10 receives the signal requesting the continuation of the operation from the target device, it sends a message including the signal requesting the activation to the target device realizing the function through the communication line.

[0045] The target device activated by the management device 10 continues to operate for a certain period of time whenever it receives a message including a signal requesting activation through the communication line connected to itself. If the target device continues to not receive a message including a signal requesting activation from the management device 10 through the communication line connected to itself, it stops operating and moves to a standby state.

[0046] In this way, the management device 10 realizes both reduction of power consumption and rapid startup by distinguishing between the first startup method and the second startup method for each bus-type network according to the function to be realized and starting the target device. However, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100 having such a management device 10, it may not be possible to realize both reduction of power consumption and rapid startup by using the same startup method as before the change.

[0047] As a change applied to the vehicle network system 100, it is possible to consider an increase or decrease in the number of devices connected to the vehicle network system 100. For example, when an electronic control device connected to a certain bus type network is added, the power consumed to start the target device connected to the bus type network using the first startup method increases by the amount of the added electronic control device.

[0048] As a change applied to the in-vehicle network system 100, it is possible to consider the update of the software in the vehicle having the in-vehicle network system 100. For example, when the vehicle software is updated and the target device to be activated in a certain function is changed, or when the number of the activated target devices is changed, the power consumption when the target devices are activated using the first activation method for the function will change.

[0049] As a change made to the in-vehicle network system 100, it is possible to reorganize the configuration of the devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100. For example, when the configuration of the first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26 is replaced, the number of target devices to be activated in the first bus type network 61 decreases for the function that uses the first ECU 21 but does not use the sixth ECU 26. On the other hand, the number of target devices to be activated in the second bus type network 62 increases.

[0050] The management device 10 distinguishes the activation method of the target device according to the vehicle network system 100 after the change, so that even if the vehicle network system 100 is changed, it is possible to achieve both reduction in power consumption and rapid activation.

[0051] <Flow of Learning Processing Executed by Processing Device 11>

[0052] Figure 21 shows the flow of the learning process executed by the processing device 11. The processing device 11 of the management device 10 performs the process according to the control program stored in the storage device 12, thereby executing the series of processes.

[0053] The learning process is a process in which the management device 10 learns the activation method of the target device in the changed vehicle network system 100 by reselecting the activation method of the target device after obtaining information about the changed vehicle network system 100. Specifically, the information related to the changed vehicle network system 100 is information related to the target device that is operated when executing a prescribed function among a plurality of devices connected to the changed vehicle network system 100. Among such information, the management device 10 also obtains data on the number of target devices that are operated with the execution of the prescribed function.

[0054] By such learning, the management device 10 can handle the modified in-vehicle network system 100. Since the management device 10 selects a startup method for each bus network, the learning is also performed for each bus network. The management device 10 does not perform learning for a bus network to which no target device is connected.

[0055] Figure 3 The flowchart of the process related to the activation of the target device executed by the processing device 11 is shown. When the management device 10 receives a signal requesting the execution of a predetermined function from another device, the management device 10 executes Figure 3 A series of processing. Figure 2 The learning process shown in Figure 3 Therefore, when the management device 10 starts the target device after receiving a signal requesting the implementation of a specified function from another device, the management device 10 executes the processing of step S15. Figure 2 A series of processes shown in FIG.

[0056] First, refer to Figure 2 The flow of the learning process will be described below.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, if the series of processing is started, in the processing of step S100, the processing device 11 activates the target device in the bus type network by the second activation method. That is, when the management device 10 activates the target device in response to the signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function, the processing device 11 activates the target device using the second activation method regardless of the activation method used in the bus type network in the vehicle network system 100 before the change.

[0058] In the processing of the next step S101, the processing device 11 records the number of the object devices that are continuously operated. The object device periodically sends a signal requesting the continued operation to the management device 10 during the period of realizing the prescribed function. In other words, the electronic control device that sends the signal requesting the continued operation is the object device that is continuously operated in order to realize the prescribed function. The management device 10 can grasp the number of the object devices that are continuously operated based on the received signal requesting the continued operation.

[0059] Figure 4 The table shown in the figure shows an example of data of the number of target devices that are continuously operated and recorded by the processing device 11 through the processing of step S101. Figure 2 A series of processing as shown. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown, the management device 10 records the number of target devices that continue to operate in each bus-type network for one function. Figure 4 In the figure, numbers such as "E1", "E2", and "E3" are added to indicate different multiple functions.

[0060] As described above, the management device 10 has information about which bus network is connected to at least one target device to be activated, but does not have information about which bus network each target device is connected to. However, by performing such processing, the management device 10 can obtain data about how many target devices are connected to each bus network.

[0061] In this way, the management device 10 obtains information about the object device that continues to operate with the execution of the prescribed function as information about the object device that operates when the above-mentioned prescribed function is executed. The management device 10 obtains data on the number of object devices that continue to operate with the execution of the prescribed function as data on the number of object devices that operate with the execution of the above-mentioned prescribed function.

[0062] In the next step S102, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have been continuously operated has been recorded for a predetermined number of times. Figure 2 The series of processing shown is executed multiple times, and the processing of step S101 is executed a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times may be multiple times or once.

[0063] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that continue to operate has not been recorded for the predetermined number of times (step S102 : No), the processing device 11 ends the series of processing.

[0064] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that continue to operate has been recorded a predetermined number of times (step S102 : Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S103 .

[0065] In the next step S103, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that continue to operate is greater than a predetermined number. Figure 4 As shown, even if the functions to be executed are the same, the predetermined number may be set to different values ​​for each bus type network. Even if the functions to be executed are the same, the predetermined number may be set to different values ​​according to the functions to be executed.

[0066] The processing device 11 obtains data of a predetermined number of times for the number of object devices that continue to operate by recording the number of object devices that continue to operate a predetermined number of times. In the process of step S103, when comparing the number of object devices that continue to operate with the predetermined number, the processing device 11 of this embodiment uses the average value of the data of the predetermined number of times. The value compared with the predetermined number by the processing device 11 in the process of step S103 may be the median value of the data of the predetermined number of times, may be the most frequent value, or may be the total value.

[0067] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices to be operated continuously is greater than or equal to the predetermined number (step S103: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S104. In the processing of step S104, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus-type network are activated by the first activation method for the bus-type network whose number of target devices to be operated continuously is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. That is, the processing device 11 selects the first activation method as the activation method from among the first activation method and the second activation method.

[0068] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices to be continuously operated is less than the predetermined number (step S103: No), the processing proceeds to step S105. In the processing of step S105, for the bus-type network in which the number of target devices to be continuously operated is less than the predetermined number, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus-type network are activated by the second activation method. That is, the processing device 11 selects the second activation method as the activation method from among the first activation method and the second activation method.

[0069] Figure 5 The table shown shows an example of the startup method stored in the storage device 12 in the processing of step S104 and step S105 by the processing device 11. The processing device 11 selects the startup method of the target device for each bus network for each function executed by the management device 10. Figure 5 As shown, the processing device 11 learns the activation method of the target device in the in-vehicle network system 100 by causing the storage device 12 to store the activation method of the target device of each bus-type network under each function.

[0070] The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S104 or the processing of step S105 proceeds to step S106. In the processing of step S106, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to store that the learning process is completed. Specifically, the flag in the storage device 12 is switched from a state in which the learning process is not completed to a state in which the learning process is completed. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S106 ends the series of processing.

[0071] <Flow of Processing Related to Activation of Target Device by Processing Device 11>

[0072] As mentioned above, Figure 3 The flow of the process related to the activation of the target device executed by the processing device 11 is shown. The series of processes are executed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 according to the control program stored in the storage device 12. The series of processes are executed when the management device 10 receives a signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function from another device. Therefore, the processing device 11 executes the series of processes for each function to be executed by the management device 10.

[0073] When the series of processing is started, in the processing of step S10, the processing device 11 determines whether a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100. When a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100, since the execution of the functions involved in the management device 10 is also affected, the program stored in the storage device 12 is updated. The processing device 11 makes the determination in step S10 based on whether there is a notification that a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100.

[0074] When the processing device 11 determines that a change has been made to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S10: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S12. In the processing of step S12, the processing device 11 resets the learning completion flag. Figure 2 In the process of step S106, the flag is switched to the state of learning process completion. In the process of step S12, the processing device 11 resets the flag to the state of learning process incomplete. The flag is reset for each function. The processing device 11 that resets the learning completion flag advances the process to step S15.

[0075] When the processing device 11 determines that no changes have been made to the vehicle network system 100 (step S10: No), the processing proceeds to step S11. In the processing of step S11, the processing device 11 determines whether the learning is completed. The processing device 11 determines whether the learning is completed based on whether the flag is in the state of completing the learning process.

[0076] When the processing device 11 determines that the learning is not completed (step S11 : NO), the processing proceeds to step S15 .

[0077] In the process of step S15, as described above, the processing device 11 executes Figure 2 The processing device 11 that has executed the learning process in the process of step S15 ends the series of processes.

[0078] When the processing device 11 determines that the learning is completed (step S11: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S13. In the processing of step S13, the processing device 11 executes a startup method determination process. The startup method determination process is based on Figure 5 As shown in Figure 2 The process of determining the activation method of the target device for each bus type network based on the results learned in the processes of step S104 and step S105.

[0079] In the process of the next step S14, the processing device 11 activates the target device using the activation method determined in the process of step S13. The processing device 11 that has activated the target device ends the series of processes.

[0080] <Function of this embodiment>

[0081] Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The first case is shown as an example of a case where the management device 10 activates the target device. Hereinafter, a specific example of the first case is shown as a case where the management device 10 activates the target device, and the manner in which the management device 10 activates the target device is described.

[0082] Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The method in which the management device 10 activates the target device in the first example is shown. The first example assumes that after the fifth ECU 25 and the ninth ECU 29 are added to the vehicle network system 100, a signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function is received from other devices to execute the function "E1" which is one of the functions to be executed by the management device 10. The function "E1" is a function implemented by the first ECU 21, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, the fifth ECU 25, the seventh ECU 27, and the eighth ECU 28.

[0083] Figure 6 The manner in which the learning process is performed in the first example is shown.

[0084] In the first example, the processing device 11 of the management device 10 first Figure 3 In the process of step S10, it is determined that there is a change in the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S10: Yes).

[0085] Then, after resetting the learning completion flag in the process of step S12, the processing device 11 executes the learning completion flag for each bus network to which the target device is connected. Figure 2 The learning process shown (step S15).

[0086] In this case, the processing device 11 executes a learning process on the first bus type network 61 .

[0087] The processing device 11 performs Figure 2 The processing of step S100 is performed to start the target device in the first bus network 61 using the second startup method. The processing device 11 sends a message to the target device in the first bus network 61 through the first communication line 41. Figure 6 As indicated by arrows in FIG. 8 , the processing device 11 activates the first ECU 21 , the third ECU 23 , the fourth ECU 24 , and the fifth ECU 25 via the first communication line 41 .

[0088] Next, the processing device 11 performs Figure 2 The number of target devices that continue to operate is recorded by the process of step S101. Figure 6 As shown, in the first bus network 61, the number of target devices that are continuously activated when the function "E1" is executed is four, namely, the first ECU 21, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25. Figure 4 The third column of the table reflects information on the number of target devices that continue to operate, which is obtained through the learning process.

[0089] Next, the processing device 11 performs Figure 2 The processing of step S102 determines whether the recording of step S101 has been performed a predetermined number of times. When the processing device 11 has recorded the recording of step S101 a predetermined number of times, the processing proceeds to the next step S103.

[0090] In the process of step S103, the processing device 11 compares the number of target devices continuously operating with a predetermined number in the first bus network 61. The processing device 11 advances the process to step S104 or step S105 depending on the difference between the number of target devices continuously operating and the predetermined number.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown in the first example, the number of target devices that continue to operate in the first bus network 61 is greater than the predetermined number. Therefore, the processing device 11 performs the processing in step S104 as follows. Figure 5 As shown, the storage device 12 stores the first startup method to start the target device in the first bus type network 61. When the learning is completed in this way, the processing device 11 switches the learning completion flag corresponding to the function "E1" related to the first bus type network 61 to the learning processing completed state in the processing of step S106.

[0092] The processing device 11 also executes the same processing on the second bus network 62 .

[0093] The processing device 11 performs Figure 2 The processing of step S100 uses the second startup method to start the target device in the second bus type network 62. The processing device 11 sends a message to the target device in the second bus type network 62 through the second communication line 42. Figure 6 As indicated by arrows, the processing device 11 activates the seventh ECU 27 and the eighth ECU 28 via the second communication line 42 .

[0094] Next, the processing device 11 performs Figure 2 The number of target devices that continue to operate is recorded by the process of step S101. Figure 6 As shown, in the first example, in the second bus type network 62 , the number of target devices that are continuously activated when E1 is executed is two, namely the seventh ECU 27 and the eighth ECU 28 .

[0095] The processing device 11 performs the same processing as the first bus network 61 in the processing of step S102 and step S103. Figure 4 As shown in the first example, in the second bus network 62, the number of target devices that continue to operate is less than the predetermined number. Therefore, the processing device 11 performs the processing in step S105 as follows. Figure 5 As shown, the storage device 12 stores that the second startup method is used to start the target device in the second bus type network 62. When the learning is completed in this way, the processing device 11 switches the learning completion flag corresponding to the "E1" function related to the second bus type network 62 to the learning processing completion state in the processing of step S106.

[0096] In the third bus type network 63, since there is no target device that needs to be activated when the function "E1" is executed, the learning process is not performed.

[0097] In this way, the processing device 11 that has performed the learning process on the bus type network to which the target device to be activated in order to execute the function "E1" is connected uses Figure 3 The series of processing shown ends.

[0098] Figure 7 This shows a mode in which the management device 10 receives a signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function from another device after learning is completed and executes the function "E1".

[0099] When the processing device 11 executes the function "E1" again after the learning process is completed (step S11: Yes), it executes Figure 3 In the activation method determination process of step S13, the processing device 11 determines the activation method for each bus type network for the target device based on the result of the learning process.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, the processing device 11 decides to use the first startup method to start the target device connected to the first bus type network 61. Figure 5 As shown, the processing device 11 determines to use the second activation method to activate the target device connected to the second bus type network 62 .

[0101] Then, in the process of step S14, the processing device 11 uses the startup method determined in the process of step S13 to start the target device for each bus type network. Specifically, the processing device 11 uses the first startup method to start the target device connected to the first bus type network 61. Figure 7 As shown by arrows in FIG. 4 , the processing device 11 uses the first startup method through the first power supply control line 51 to start all the electronic control devices in the first bus type network 61. The processing device 11 uses the second startup method to start the target device connected to the second bus type network 62. The processing device 11 sends a message to the target device in the second bus type network 62 through the second communication line 42. Figure 7 As indicated by the arrow in the figure, the processing device 11 uses the second activation method through the second communication line 42 to activate only the target device.

[0102] In this way, when there is a change in the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 obtains information about the target device that is running when executing the function in the in-vehicle network system 100 after the change. That is, the management device 10 obtains information about the target device that needs to be activated in order to realize the specified function. The management device 10 uses the activation method selected based on the acquired information to activate the target device.

[0103] <Effects of the present embodiment>

[0104] (1) The management device 10 selects an activation method based on information acquired through the learning process, and activates the target device using the selected activation method. Therefore, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can reselect an activation method for the target device.

[0105] (2) The management device 10 selects a method for activating the target device based on the acquired information and stores the selected method for activating the target device, thereby learning the method for activating the target device. The management device 10 activates the target device using the learned method for activating the target device. Thus, the management device 10 can smoothly determine the method for activating the target device without selecting the method for activating the target device each time when executing a function.

[0106] (3) After applying a change to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 starts the object device using the second startup method, thereby obtaining information related to the object device that is operating when performing a prescribed function. When the second startup method is used to start the object device, the management device 10 can start the object device while suppressing power consumption compared to the case of using the first startup method. The management device 10 uses the second startup method to start the object device in order to obtain information related to the object device that is operating when performing a prescribed function. As a result, the management device 10 can start the object device while suppressing power consumption and obtaining corresponding information.

[0107] (4) The management device 10 acquires data on the number of target devices operating with the execution of a predetermined function among a plurality of devices in the vehicle-mounted network system 100 after the change, as information on the target devices operating when the predetermined function is executed.

[0108] The first startup method can start the object device faster, but the power consumption during startup also increases. On the other hand, compared with the first startup method, although the second startup method can reduce the power consumption when starting the object device, it takes time to start. In the case where the number of object devices that are operating along with the execution of the prescribed functions provided by the vehicle is large, the difference in power consumption between the first startup method and the second startup method becomes smaller. The management device 10 selects a startup method for the object device based on the number of object devices that are operating along with the execution of the prescribed functions provided by the vehicle. Thus, the management device 10 can select a startup method based on information that is correlated with the power consumption that can be reduced by selecting the second startup method.

[0109] (5) When selecting a method for starting a target device, when the number of target devices that are operating while executing a prescribed function is greater than a predetermined number, the management device 10 selects the first method for starting a target device. When the number of target devices that are operating while executing a prescribed function is less than the predetermined number, the management device 10 selects the second method for starting a target device. The fewer the number of target devices that are operating while executing a prescribed function, the more power consumption can be reduced by selecting the second method for starting a target device. On the other hand, if the number of target devices that are operating while executing a prescribed function is large, if the second method for starting a target device is selected, not only can little power consumption be expected to be reduced, but startup also takes time. The management device 10 selects a method for starting a target device by comparing the number of target devices that are operating while executing a prescribed function provided by the vehicle with a predetermined number. Thus, even if changes are made to the vehicle-mounted network system 100, the management device 10 can select a method for starting a target device that takes into account both reduction in power consumption and rapid startup.

[0110] (6) The in-vehicle network system 100 is composed of a plurality of bus-type networks connected to the management device 10. A power control line for activating the target device using the first activation method is provided for each bus-type network. The management device 10 obtains information for each bus-type network and selects an activation method for the target device for each bus-type network.

[0111] When many target devices need to be activated when the vehicle performs a certain function, the difference in power consumption between the first activation method and the second activation method is small. Therefore, considering the entire in-vehicle network system 100, the first activation method is the best method for activating the target devices.

[0112] However, there is a case where the bus-type network of the vehicle network system 100 includes a bus-type network in which there is no target device corresponding to the function. There is also a case where the bus-type network of the vehicle network system 100 includes a bus-type network in which only a few of the connected electronic control devices are target devices. It is preferable to use the second startup method to start the target device connected to such a bus-type network. In this way, it can be considered that the startup method that is optimal for the vehicle network system 100 as a whole is not optimal when considered as a bus-type network unit.

[0113] The management device 10 selects a method for activating the target device for each bus-type network in the in-vehicle network system 100. Thus, the management device 10 can realize activation of the power supply control device that more precisely strikes a balance between reduction in power consumption and rapid activation.

[0114] (7) Changes made to vehicle network system 100 include, for example, an increase or decrease in the number of devices connected to vehicle network system 100. Thus, when the number of devices connected to vehicle network system 100 changes, management device 10 can select a method for activating the target device in accordance with the change.

[0115] (8) Changes made to vehicle network system 100 include, for example, updating of software in a vehicle equipped with vehicle network system 100. Thus, when the software of a vehicle equipped with vehicle network system 100 is updated, management device 10 can select a method for activating a target device in accordance with the change.

[0116] (9) Changes made to vehicle network system 100 include, for example, reorganization of the configuration of devices connected to vehicle network system 100. Thus, when the configuration of devices connected to vehicle network system 100 is reorganized, management device 10 can select a method for activating the target device in accordance with the change.

[0117] (10) The control program is a control program for controlling the vehicle network system 100 having the management device 10. After applying a change to the vehicle network system 100, the control program causes the management device 10 to obtain information. The information is information about a device that is operated when the vehicle network system 100 performs a prescribed function, that is, an object device, among multiple devices connected to the vehicle network system 100. The control program causes the management device 10 to select a method for starting the object device corresponding to the function from the first start method and the second start method based on the obtained information. In the first start method, the management device 10 starts the object device by controlling the power supply to control whether power is supplied to the object device. In the second start method, the management device 10 starts the object device by communicating with the object device and requesting the object device to start. The control program causes the management device 10 to start the object device by the selected start method.

[0118] When there is a change in the vehicle network system 100, the control program causes the management device 10 to obtain information about the object device that is operating when executing the specified function in the vehicle network system 100 after the change is applied. That is, the control program causes the management device 10 to obtain information about the object device that needs to be activated in order to achieve the specified function. The control program causes the management device 10 to activate the object device based on the acquired information. Thus, when a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100, the control program can cause the management device 10 to select the activation method of the object device again.

[0119] (11) The control method is a control method in an in-vehicle network system 100 having a management device 10. The control method includes a step of obtaining information by the management device 10 after applying a change to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S101). The information obtained by the management device 10 is information related to a target device that is operated when the in-vehicle network system 100 performs a prescribed function among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100. The control method includes a step of the management device 10 selecting a start-up method for the target device corresponding to the function from a first start-up method and a second start-up method based on the obtained information (steps S103 to S106). In the first start-up method, the management device 10 starts the target device by controlling the power supply to control whether to supply power to the target device. In the second start-up method, the management device 10 starts the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to start. The control method includes a step of the management device 10 starting the target device by the selected start-up method (step S14).

[0120] The control method includes obtaining information of the object device that is operated when the vehicle network system 100 after the change is applied performs a prescribed function when there is a change in the vehicle network system 100. That is, the control method includes obtaining information of the object device that needs to be activated in order to achieve the prescribed function. The control method includes causing the management device 10 to activate the object device based on the obtained information. Therefore, by executing the control method, it is possible to cause the management device 10 to select the activation method of the object device again when a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100.

[0121] <Change Example>

[0122] This embodiment can be implemented by being modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the range that there is no technical contradiction.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 starts the target device at the timing of actually executing the function to obtain information about the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function. Alternatively, the management device 10 may obtain the information at a timing different from when the function is actually executed.

[0124] For example, the management device 10 sends a message sent when the target device is started using the second startup method, with a signal indicating that the message is sent for learning processing. The target device that is the target of the message knows that the message was sent at a different timing from when the function is actually executed and is not started, and sends a signal indicating that it responds to the message. The target device that is the target of the message is the target device that continues to operate in order to execute the function when the function is actually executed. Therefore, the management device 10 can obtain information related to the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function by receiving the signal indicating that the message is responded to.

[0125] There are two possible scenarios for applying changes to vehicle network system 100. The first scenario is applying changes to vehicle network system 100 after a vehicle equipped with vehicle network system 100 is sold. The second scenario is applying changes to vehicle network system 100 during the design and development phase of a vehicle equipped with vehicle network system 100.

[0126] In the second case, in addition to the actual pattern of applying changes to the vehicle network system 100, there is also a case where changes are applied in a simulation environment. Specifically, in a simulation environment that virtually reproduces the state of applying changes to the vehicle network system 100, there may be a pattern of adjusting the settings of each device of the vehicle. By connecting the management device 10 to the simulation model that reproduces the vehicle network system 100 to perform learning processing, it is possible to obtain information related to the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function.

[0127] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 activates a plurality of target devices to realize a function. The number of target devices required to realize a function may not be plural. The management device 10 may activate one target device.

[0128] For example, when the target device can independently realize a predetermined function, the management device 10 may activate one target device. For example, when a plurality of management devices 10 activate different target devices, the management device 10 may activate one target device.

[0129] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the plurality of electronic control devices in the vehicle network system 100 are connected to each other through the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43 so as to be able to communicate with each other. On the other hand, the electronic control devices in the vehicle network system 100 may be connected to each other wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other. In this case, the management device 10 activates the target device wirelessly without using the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43 in the second activation method.

[0130] In the above-described embodiment, the electronic control device in the vehicle network system 100 is supplied with power from a power supply. All electronic control devices in the vehicle network system 100 may be supplied with power from one power supply, or a plurality of power supplies may supply power to different electronic control devices.

[0131] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the management device 10 uses the second startup method, it transmits a message including a signal requesting startup and identification information of the target device to which the signal is sent. When the management device 10 uses the second startup method to start the target device, it is not necessary to include the identification information of the target device to which the signal is sent in the message. For example, when the management device 10 uses the second startup method to start the target device, it transmits a signal requesting startup to all electronic control devices through the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43. In this case, the management device 10 transmits a message including a signal requesting startup and identification information of an electronic control device that is not the target of the signal.

[0132] All electronic control devices that receive the message confirm the identification information included in the message. When the identification information included in the message is consistent with its own identification information, each electronic control device ignores the message. On the other hand, when the identification information included in the message is inconsistent with its own identification information, each electronic control device receives the message and starts up.

[0133] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 Figure 2 In the process of step S101, the management device 10 obtains data on the number of target devices that are to be operated continuously with the execution of the function as information related to the target devices that are to be operated continuously with the execution of the function. The information related to the target devices that are to be operated continuously with the execution of the function that the management device 10 obtains is not limited to such data. For example, the management device 10 may obtain data on the IDs of the target devices that are to be operated continuously with the execution of the function as information related to the target devices that are to be operated continuously with the execution of the function.

[0134] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the power control line and the communication line constituting the bus type network are connected to all the electronic control devices connected to the bus type network. That is, for the power control line and the communication line constituting the same bus type network, the combination of the electronic control devices connected respectively is also the same. On the other hand, even for the power control line and the communication line constituting the same bus type network, the combination of the electronic control devices connected respectively may be different. For example, for the electronic control devices connected to the bus type network, the communication line may be connected to all the electronic control devices, but the power control line may be connected to only a part of the electronic control devices.

[0135] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 obtains information related to the object device that keeps operating continuously with the execution of the function for each bus-type network. The management device 10 selects the startup method of the object device for each bus-type network. On the other hand, the management device 10 may not perform the above-mentioned acquisition of information and selection of the startup method for each bus-type network. For example, the management device 10 may centrally execute the acquisition of information and selection of the startup method for all electronic control devices connected to the management device 10. In this case, the management device 10 may, for example, obtain data on the number of object devices that keep operating continuously with the execution of the function among all electronic control devices connected to the management device 10, and select the startup method based on the data.

[0136] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle-mounted network system 100 is configured by connecting a plurality of bus-type networks each having a communication line and a power control line to the management device 10. The configuration of the vehicle-mounted network system 100 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. For example, the vehicle-mounted network system 100 may also be configured by one power control line connected to the management device 10 and a plurality of communication lines. For example, the vehicle-mounted network system 100 may also be configured by one communication line connected to the management device 10 and a plurality of power control lines. In this way, the vehicle-mounted network system 100 only needs to have both a power control line and a communication line, and the number of power control lines and communication lines is not limited.

[0137] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the management device 10 starts up the target device by the first start-up method, the management device 10 transmits a signal requesting start-up through the power control line. On the other hand, as the first start-up method, the management device 10 may start up the target device by controlling the supply of power from the power supply through the power control line.

[0138] Figure 8 The configuration of the in-vehicle network system 100 including the management device 10 according to the first modification is shown. In the first modification, the in-vehicle network system 100 includes a first relay 71 , a second relay 72 , and a third relay 73 .

[0139] The first relay 71 is connected to the first power supply control line 51. The first relay 71 controls whether power is supplied to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25. When the first relay 71 is in a closed state, power is supplied to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 through the first power supply control line 51.

[0140] The second relay 72 is connected to the second power supply control line 52. The second relay 72 controls whether power is supplied to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29. When the second relay 72 is in a closed state, power is supplied to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 through the second power supply control line 52.

[0141] The third relay 73 is connected to the third power supply control line 53. The third relay 73 controls whether power is supplied to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33. When the third relay 73 is in a closed state, power is supplied to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 through the third power supply control line 53.

[0142] In the first startup method, the management device 10 according to the first modification controls the supply of electric power to the target device through the power control line by operating the first relay 71 , the second relay 72 , and the third relay 73 .

[0143] The management device 10 of the first modification example starts the electronic control device connected to the first power supply control line 51 by closing the first relay 71. The management device 10 of the first modification example starts the electronic control device connected to the second power supply control line 52 by closing the second relay 72. The management device 10 of the first modification example starts the electronic control device connected to the third power supply control line 53 by closing the third relay 73. In this way, even when the management device 10 controls the supply of power from the power supply through the power supply control line, the first startup method can be implemented in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0144] However, when the relay is turned off, the electronic control device cannot be started by the second starting method because power is not supplied to the electronic control device. Therefore, as in the second modified example described later, the first starting method based on the control relay is executed when the learning process of starting the target device by the first starting method is performed. In addition, the first starting method based on the control relay can be executed as the first starting method for a bus-type network that knows that the target device is not started by the second starting method in any function.

[0145] Since power is not supplied to the electronic control device when the relay is in the off state, no power is consumed. Therefore, if a bus type network that uses a method of sending a signal requesting startup through a power control line as the first startup method and a bus type network that uses a method of controlling a relay as the first startup method are combined, standby power can be reduced.

[0146] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing device 11 Figure 2 In the process of step S100 of the learning process, the second activation method is used to activate the target device in order to obtain information about the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function. On the other hand, the processing device 11 may also activate the target device using the first activation method in the learning process.

[0147] Fig. 9 The following is a diagram showing the processing executed by the processing device 11 included in the management device 10 according to the second modification example in the learning process. The processing device 11 executes Fig. 9 The series of treatments shown here are replaced by Figure 2 A series of processing is shown.

[0148] In the process of step S110, the processing device 11 activates the target device in the bus type network by the first activation method. That is, when the management device 10 activates the target device in response to the signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function, the processing device 11 activates the target device by using the first activation method regardless of the activation method used in the bus type network in the vehicle network system 100 before the change.

[0149] In the process of step S111, the processing device 11 records the number of target devices that continue to operate. Figure 2 The processing of step S101 is the same.

[0150] In the process of step S112, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have been continuously operated has been recorded a predetermined number of times. Figure 2 The processing of step S102 is the same.

[0151] When the processing device 11 determines that the predetermined number of times has not been recorded with respect to the number of target devices that are continuously operated (step S112 : No), the processing device 11 ends the series of processing.

[0152] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that continue to operate has been recorded for a predetermined number of times (step S112: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S113. In the processing of the next step S113, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that continue to operate is greater than a predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S103 is the same.

[0153] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is greater than the predetermined number (step S113: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S114. In the processing of step S114, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus-type network are activated by the first activation method for the bus-type network whose number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is greater than the predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S104 is the same.

[0154] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that are continuously operated is less than the predetermined number (step S113: No), the processing proceeds to step S115. In the processing of step S115, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus type network are activated by the second activation method for the bus type network whose number of target devices that are continuously operated is less than the predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S105 is the same.

[0155] The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S114 or the processing of step S115 proceeds to step S116. In the processing of step S116, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to store that the learning processing is completed. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S106 is the same as that of step S106. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S116 ends the series of processing.

[0156] After the change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100 , the management device 10 activates the target device using the first activation method, thereby acquiring information on the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function.

[0157] For the management device 10, the case where the first activation method is used to activate the target device can activate the target device faster than the case where the second activation method is used. The management device 10 activates the target device using the first activation method in order to obtain information related to the target device that is operating when performing a predetermined function. As a result, the management device 10 can quickly activate the target device to realize the function and obtain the corresponding information.

[0158] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the processing device 11 Figure 2In the process of step S100 of the learning process, the object device is started using the second startup method in order to obtain information about the object device that continues to operate with the execution of the function. On the other hand, the processing device 11 may also start the object device in the learning process using the startup method used before the change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0159] Fig.10 FIG. 2 shows the processing executed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 according to the third modification in the learning process. The processing device 11 executes Fig.10 The series of treatments shown here are replaced by Figure 2 A series of processing is shown.

[0160] In the process of step S120, the processing device 11 determines whether the first startup method is used in the vehicle network system 100 before the change is applied. Although it will be described later, in the processing device 11 of the third modified example, in the same manner as the above-mentioned embodiment, the startup method is selected for each bus type network in the learning process and stored in the storage device 12. Therefore, the processing device 11 can grasp the startup method used by the processing device 11 in the vehicle network system 100 before the change.

[0161] In the process of step S120, when it is determined that the first activation method was used in the vehicle network system 100 before the change was applied (step S120: Yes), the processing device 11 advances the process to step S121. In the process of step S121, the processing device 11 activates the target device in the bus type network using the first activation method. This process is similar to Fig. 9 The processing of step S110 is the same.

[0162] In the process of step S120, when it is determined that the first activation method is not used in the vehicle network system 100 before the change is applied (step S120: No), the processing device 11 advances the process to step S122. In the process of step S122, the processing device 11 activates the target device in the bus type network using the second activation method. This process is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S100 is the same.

[0163] In the process of step S123, the processing device 11 records the number of target devices that continue to operate. Figure 2 The processing of step S101 is the same.

[0164] In the process of step S124, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have been continuously operated has been recorded a predetermined number of times. Figure 2 The processing of step S102 is the same.

[0165] When the processing device 11 determines that the predetermined number of times has not been recorded regarding the number of target devices that continue to operate (step S124 : No), the processing device 11 ends the series of processing.

[0166] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that continue to operate has been recorded for a predetermined number of times (step S124: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S125. In the processing of the next step S125, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that continue to operate is greater than a predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S103 is the same.

[0167] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is greater than the predetermined number (step S125: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S126. In the processing of step S126, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus type network are activated by the first activation method for the bus type network where the number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is greater than the predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S104 is the same.

[0168] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is less than the predetermined number (step S125: No), the processing proceeds to step S127. In the processing of step S127, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus type network are activated by the second activation method for the bus type network whose number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is less than the predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S105 is the same.

[0169] The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S126 or the processing of step S127 proceeds to step S128. In the processing of step S128, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to store that the learning processing is completed. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S106 is the same as that of step S106. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S128 ends the series of processing.

[0170] After the in-vehicle network system 100 is changed, the management device 10 activates the target device using the activation method used before the in-vehicle network system 100 is changed, and acquires information on the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function.

[0171] The management device 10 selects a startup method in a manner that takes into account both the reduction of power consumption and rapid startup before applying changes to the vehicle network system 100. In the case where changes are applied to the vehicle network system 100, the optimal startup method that takes into account both the reduction of power consumption and rapid startup is likely to be the same as the startup method selected by the management device 10 before the changes are applied. For example, in the case where the content of the change applied to the vehicle network system 100 is a minor change that does not affect the power consumption and the startup time, there is no need to change the startup method even if there are changes to the vehicle network system 100. In order to obtain information related to the object device that is operating when performing a specified function, the management device 10 uses the startup method used before the changes are applied to the vehicle network system 100 to start the object device. As a result, the management device 10 can obtain information while using a startup method that takes into account both the reduction of power consumption and the high possibility of rapid startup.

[0172] In the above-described embodiment, the management device 10 executes the control for all bus-type networks to which the target devices related to the function to be executed are connected. Figure 2 On the other hand, the management device 10 may execute the learning process only for the bus-type network affected by the change applied to the in-vehicle network system 100 among the bus-type networks to which the target devices related to the function to be executed are connected.

[0173] Fig.11 FIG. 4 shows the processing executed by the processing device 11 included in the management device 10 of the fourth modification example in the learning process. The processing device 11 executes Fig.11 The series of treatments shown here are replaced by Figure 2 A series of processes shown. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 has information about which electronic control device is the object device that needs to be activated in order to execute the function, and information about which bus-type network is connected to at least one object device that should be activated. The management device 10 in the fourth modification example obtains information indicating the content of the change when a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100. Thus, in addition to being able to grasp the above-mentioned information, the management device 10 can also grasp the bus-type network affected by the change due to the change applied to the vehicle network system 100.

[0174] In the process of step S130 , the processing device 11 determines whether the bus type network on which the learning process is being executed is affected by the change made to the in-vehicle network system 100 .

[0175] In the process of step S130, if it is determined that the bus type network that is performing the learning process is affected by the change applied to the vehicle network system 100 (step S130: Yes), the processing device 11 advances the process to step S131. In the process of step S131, the processing device 11 activates the target device in the bus type network by the second activation method. This process is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S100 is the same.

[0176] In the process of step S132, the processing device 11 records the number of target devices that continue to operate. Figure 2 The processing of step S101 is the same.

[0177] In the process of step S133, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have been continuously operated has been recorded a predetermined number of times. Figure 2 The processing of step S102 is the same.

[0178] When the number of target devices that continue to operate is not recorded for the predetermined number of times (step S133 : No), the processing device 11 ends the series of processing.

[0179] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that continue to operate has been recorded for a predetermined number of times (step S133: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S134. In the processing of the next step S134, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that continue to operate is greater than a predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S103 is the same.

[0180] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is greater than the predetermined number (step S134: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S135. In the processing of step S135, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus-type network are started by the first startup method for the bus-type network whose number of target devices that are to be operated continuously is greater than the predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S104 is the same.

[0181] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that are continuously operated is less than the predetermined number (step S134: No), the processing proceeds to step S136. In the processing of step S136, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices connected to the bus type network are started by the second startup method for the bus type network whose number of target devices that are continuously operated is less than the predetermined number. This processing is similar to Figure 2The processing of step S105 is the same.

[0182] The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S135 or the processing of step S136 proceeds to step S137. In the processing of step S137, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to store that the learning processing is completed. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S106 is the same as that of step S106. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S137 ends the series of processing.

[0183] In the process of step S130, when it is determined that the bus network for which the learning process is being performed is not affected by the change applied to the vehicle network system 100 (step S130: No), the processing device 11 advances the process to step S138. In the process of step S138, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to store that the learning process is completed. This process is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S106 is the same. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S138 ends the series of processing. In this way, for the bus type network that is not affected by the change applied to the vehicle network system 100, the processing device 11 can end the learning processing without relearning the startup method.

[0184] When a change is applied to the vehicle-mounted network system 100, the management device 10 grasps the bus-type network affected by the change. The management device 10 is configured to obtain information related to each bus-type network and determine whether to reselect the startup method. The management device 10 reselects the startup method only for the bus-type network affected by the change among the target devices to be started.

[0185] When the management device 10 obtains information related to an object device that continues to operate as a function is executed, it is necessary to try to restart the object device required for the execution of the function using a startup method that is not known to be the best in terms of balancing the reduction of power consumption and rapid startup. Therefore, it is desirable that the management device 10 has as few opportunities as possible to re-acquire the information. The above-mentioned management device 10 is configured to determine whether to reselect the startup method for each bus-type network when a change is applied to the vehicle-mounted network system 100. For a bus-type network that is not affected by the change applied to the vehicle-mounted network system 100, the management device 10 does not obtain information related to an object device that was operating when the specified function was re-executed. As a result, when there is a change in the vehicle-mounted network system 100, the management device 10 can reduce the number of times the information related to the object device that was operating when the specified function was executed is re-acquired.

[0186] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 performs a learning process for all functions to be executed. On the other hand, the management device 10 does not need to perform a learning process for all functions to be executed each time. For example, the management device 10 may obtain information about an object device that continues to operate with the execution of the function for each function to be executed, and decide whether to reselect the startup method.

[0187] Fig.12 FIG. 1 shows a flow of processing related to activation of a target device executed by the processing device 11 included in the management device 10 according to the fifth modification. The processing device 11 executes Fig.12 The series of treatments shown here are replaced by Figure 3 A series of processing is shown.

[0188] In the process of step S20, the processing device 11 determines whether a change has been made to the vehicle-mounted network system 100. Figure 3 The processing of step S10 is the same.

[0189] When processing device 11 determines that a change has been made to vehicle network system 100 (step S20 : ​​YES), processing proceeds to step S22 . In step S22 , processing device 11 determines whether the function to be executed is affected by the change to vehicle network system 100 .

[0190] The processing device 11 determines that the function to be executed is affected by the change when the function to be executed requires the activation of an electronic control device connected to the bus-type network affected by the change to the vehicle-mounted network system 100 as a target device. At this time, as in the fourth change example, the management device 10 needs to be able to grasp the bus-type network affected by the change applied to the vehicle-mounted network system 100.

[0191] In a case where a function to be executed requires the use of an object device that is affected by the change to the in-vehicle network system 100, the processing device 11 can determine that the function to be executed is affected by the change. For example, in a case where an electronic control device is added to the in-vehicle network system 100, the processing device 11 refers to information on whether the function to be executed requires the electronic control device to be started as an object device. In a case where the processing device 11 determines that it is necessary to start the electronic control device as an object device, it determines that the function is affected by the change. In addition, for example, in a case where the electronic control device on the in-vehicle network system 100 is removed, if the electronic control device is one of the object devices that operates to implement the function, the processing device 11 determines that the function is affected by the change.

[0192] When the processing device 11 determines that no changes have been made to the vehicle-mounted network system 100 (step S20: No), the processing proceeds to step S21. In the processing of step S21, the processing device 11 determines whether the learning is completed. This processing is similar to Figure 3 The processing of step S11 is the same.

[0193] When processing device 11 determines that the function to be executed is not affected by the change to in-vehicle network system 100 (step S22 : No), it advances the process to step S24 .

[0194] When the processing device 11 determines that the learning is completed in the process of step S21 (step S21: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S24. In the process of step S24, the processing device 11 executes the startup method determination process. This process is similar to Figure 3 The processing of step S13 is the same.

[0195] In the next step S25, the processing device 11 activates the target device using the activation method determined in step S24. Figure 3 The processing of step S14 is the same as that of step S14. The processing device 11 that has activated the target device completes the series of processing.

[0196] On the other hand, when the processing device 11 determines that the function to be executed is affected by the change to the vehicle network system 100 (step S22: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S23. In the processing of step S23, when the processing stored as learning completed is executed in the vehicle network system 100 before the change, the processing device 11 resets the learning completed flag from the learning completed state to the learning incomplete state. This processing is similar to Figure 3 The processing of step S12 is the same as that of step S13. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S23 proceeds to step S26.

[0197] When the processing device 11 determines that the learning is not completed in the process of step S21 (step S21: No), the processing proceeds to step S26. In the process of step S26, the processing device 11 performs the learning process. This process is similar to Figure 3 The processing of step S15 is the same. The processing device 11 that has completed the learning processing ends the series of processing.

[0198] When a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100 , the management device 10 is configured to obtain information on each function to be executed and determine whether to reselect the activation method.

[0199] The management device 10 is configured to reacquire information for each function to be executed and determine whether to reselect the activation method when a change is applied to the vehicle network system 100. Thus, when there is a change in the vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can reduce the number of times the information related to the object device that is operated when executing a specified function is reacquired.

[0200] The in-vehicle network system 100 is composed of a plurality of bus-type networks connected to the management device 10. In the in-vehicle network system 100, a power control line for starting a target device by a first startup method is provided for each bus-type network. When a change is applied to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 grasps the bus-type network affected by the change. The management device 10 reselects the startup method of the target device that operates when executing a function that uses the target device connected to the bus-type network affected by the change. The management device 10 does not reacquire information for a function that does not use the target device connected to the bus-type network affected by the change in the in-vehicle network system 100. As a result, the management device 10 can reduce the number of times information is reacquired.

[0201] When the above-mentioned change is applied to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 grasps the object device affected by the change. The management device 10 reselects the activation method of the object device that operates when the function using the object device affected by the change is executed. For the function of the object device affected by the change in the in-vehicle network system 100 that does not need to be activated, the management device 10 does not reacquire information. As a result, the management device 10 can reduce the number of times to reacquire information.

[0202] In the above-mentioned modification example, the management device 10 is applicable to vehicles in the design and development stage. In such a case, whether the management device 10 obtains information related to the target device that continues to operate with the execution of the function and whether to reselect the activation method can be determined by the vehicle developer for each function.

[0203] In the above-described embodiment, the management device 10 learns the startup method of the target device by storing the startup method selected for each bus type network in the learning process. Figure 3 In the startup method determination process of step S13, the startup method of the object device of each bus type network is determined by reading the learning result from the storage device 12. On the other hand, the management device 10 does not select the startup method for each bus type network in the learning process, but the processing device 11 selects the startup method for each bus type network each time in the startup method determination process.

[0204] Fig.13FIG. 6 shows the processing executed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 in the sixth modification example in the learning process. The processing device 11 executes Fig.13 The series of treatments shown here are replaced by Figure 2 A series of processing is shown.

[0205] In the process of step S140, the processing device 11 activates the target device in the bus type network by the second activation method. Figure 2 The processing of step S100 is the same.

[0206] In the process of step S141, the processing device 11 records the number of target devices that continue to operate. Figure 2 The processing of step S101 is the same.

[0207] In the process of step S142, the processing device 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have been continuously operated has been recorded a predetermined number of times. Figure 2 The processing of step S102 is the same.

[0208] When the processing device 11 determines that the predetermined number of times has not been recorded regarding the number of target devices that continue to operate (step S142 : No), the processing device 11 ends the series of processing.

[0209] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices that continue to operate has been recorded for a predetermined number of times (step S142: Yes), the processing proceeds to the next step S143. In the processing of step S143, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to store that the learning process is completed. This processing is similar to Figure 2 The processing of step S106 is the same as that of step S106. The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S143 ends the series of processing.

[0210] Fig.14 FIG. 6 shows the processing performed by the processing device 11 of the management device 10 according to the sixth modification example for each bus type network in the startup method determination processing. Figure 3 The process executed in step S13 is executed Fig.14 Processing shown.

[0211] In the process of step S200, the processing device 11 determines that Fig.13 In the learning process described above, it is determined whether the number of target devices that continue to operate is greater than a predetermined number.

[0212] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices to be operated continuously is greater than a predetermined number (step S200: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S201. In the processing of step S201, the processing device 11 determines to activate the target device connected to the bus type network by the first activation method. The processing device 11 that has completed the processing of step S201 ends the series of processing.

[0213] When the processing device 11 determines that the number of target devices to be operated continuously is less than the predetermined number (step S200: No), the processing proceeds to step S202. In the processing of step S202, the processing device 11 determines to activate the target device connected to the bus type network by the second activation method. The processing device 11 that has completed the processing of step S202 ends the series of processing.

[0214] In this way, even when a method of selecting a startup method each time in the startup method determination process is adopted, the management device 10 can select a startup method based on information acquired through the learning process and activate the target device using the selected startup method.

Claims

1. A management device is a management device of a vehicle network system, wherein: A processing circuit is provided, and the processing circuit is composed of: After the in-vehicle network system is changed, information about a target device among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system, which is a device that operates when the in-vehicle network system executes a predetermined function, is obtained; selecting a method for activating the target device from a first activation method and a second activation method based on the information, The target device is started up by using the selected startup method, The first activation method activates the target device by power supply control for controlling whether to supply power to the target device. The second activation method activates the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to activate.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is composed of: After selecting the activation method of the target device based on the acquired information, learning the activation method of the target device by storing the selected activation method, The target device is activated by using the learned activation method.

3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to acquire the information by activating the target device using the first activation method after the change is applied to the in-vehicle network system.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to acquire the information by activating the target device using the second activation method after the change is applied to the in-vehicle network system.

5. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to acquire the information by activating the target device using the activation method used before the change is made to the in-vehicle network system after the change is made to the in-vehicle network system.

6. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to obtain data on the number of the target devices that have been operated in conjunction with execution of the predetermined function as the information.

7. The management device according to claim 6, wherein: The processing circuit is composed of: selecting the first activation method when the number of the target devices operating in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is greater than a predetermined number, The second activation method is selected when the number of the target devices that have been operated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number.

8. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle network system includes a plurality of bus-type networks connected to the management device, A power supply control line for activating the target device by the first activation method is provided for each of the bus-type networks. The processing circuit is configured to obtain the information for each of the bus-type networks and select the activation method for each of the bus-type networks.

9. The management device according to claim 8, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to, when the change is applied to the in-vehicle network system, identify the bus-type network affected by the change and reselect the activation method only for the bus-type network affected by the change.

10. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to obtain the information for each function to be executed when the change is applied to the in-vehicle network system, and determine whether to reselect the activation method.

11. The management device according to claim 10, wherein: The vehicle network system is composed of a plurality of bus-type networks connected to the management device. A power supply control line for activating the target device by the first activation method is provided for each of the bus-type networks. The processing circuit is configured to grasp the bus-type network affected by the change when the change is applied to the in-vehicle network system, and reselect the startup method of the target device that operates when executing the function of the target device connected to the bus-type network affected by the change.

12. The management device according to claim 10, wherein: The processing circuit is configured to, when the change is applied to the in-vehicle network system, identify the target device affected by the change and reselect the activation method of the target device that operates when executing a function using the target device affected by the change.

13. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The change applied to the in-vehicle network system includes increasing or decreasing the number of the devices connected to the in-vehicle network system.

14. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The change applied to the in-vehicle network system includes updating software in a vehicle including the in-vehicle network system.

15. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The change applied to the in-vehicle network system includes reorganization of the configuration of the device connected to the in-vehicle network system.

16. A control program product, which is a control program product in a vehicle network system having a management device, wherein: The processing circuit of the management device is configured to execute the following processing: After the in-vehicle network system is changed, obtaining information about a target device, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system, that is a device that operates when the in-vehicle network system executes a predetermined function; selecting a method for activating the target device from a first activation method and a second activation method based on the information; as well as Activate the target device by using the selected activation method, The first activation method activates the target device by power supply control for controlling whether to supply power to the target device. The second activation method activates the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to activate.

17. A control method for controlling a vehicle network system having a management device, wherein: include: After the in-vehicle network system is changed, obtaining information about a target device, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system, that is a device that operates when the in-vehicle network system executes a predetermined function; selecting a method for activating the target device from a first activation method and a second activation method based on the information; as well as Activate the target device by using the selected activation method, The first activation method activates the target device by power supply control for controlling whether to supply power to the target device. The second activation method activates the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to activate.

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