Management device

Abstract

The invention relates to a management device. A management device of an in-vehicle network system is provided with a processing circuit that activates a target device that operates in accordance with a predetermined function to be executed. After a change has been applied to the in-vehicle network system, the processing circuit acquires information including the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption. The first startup power consumption is power consumption that is consumed when a first startup method for controlling whether to supply power to the target device is used. The second startup power consumption is power consumption that is consumed when using a second startup method that requests startup from the target device by communicating with the target device. The processing circuit selects a startup method of the target device from the first startup method and the second startup method on the basis of the information, and causes the target device to be started by the selected startup method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device. 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 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a management device for a vehicle network system in which a plurality of devices are connected so as to be communicable. The management device includes a processing circuit configured to start up a target device, which is a device that operates according to a predetermined function to be executed, among the plurality of devices. The processing circuit is configured to obtain a message including a first startup power consumption and a second startup power consumption after a change is applied to the vehicle network system. The first startup power consumption is the power consumption consumed when the target device is started up using a first startup method, the first startup method starts up the target device by controlling whether to supply power to the target device, and the second startup power consumption is the power consumption consumed when the target device is started up using a second startup method, the second startup method starts up the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to start up. The processing circuit is configured to select a startup method for the target device from the first startup method and the second startup method based on the information. The processing circuit is configured to start up the target device using the selected startup method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle network system including a management device according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A flowchart of the process of processing related to learning processing performed by the management device.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A table of information related to power consumption when the target device is activated, which is obtained by the management device through learning processing.

[0010] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 1 A table of examples of activation methods for each target device of the bus type network selected by the management device through the learning process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 5 An embodiment of the management device will be described.

[0012] <Configuration of the in-vehicle network system 100>

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle network system 100 includes a plurality of electronic control devices. Figure 1 In 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] like Figure 1As 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.

[0016] 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 .

[0017] 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 .

[0018] 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 .

[0019] 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.

[0020] like Figure 1As shown, the management device 10 includes a processing device 11 and a storage device 12. The storage device 12 stores programs. 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 storage device 12 includes a memory such as a RAM and a ROM.

[0021] 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 the object devices to be started varies depending on the function to be achieved.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 .

[0024] 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. Since the sixth ECU26 is connected to a bus-type network different from the first ECU21 and the second ECU22, there is also a case where the management device 10 uses a startup method different from the first ECU21 and the second ECU22 to start the sixth ECU26.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] When the object device is started by the first startup method, the management device 10 starts multiple object devices by power control. Specifically, the management device 10 sends a signal requesting startup to multiple 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 electronic control devices that receive the signal requesting startup are started. That is, all electronic control devices directly connected to the management device 10 through the power control line, including electronic control devices that are not 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 through 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. In this way, the management device 10 sends a signal requesting activation through the power control line in the first activation method. Thus, the management device 10 controls whether to supply power to the target device.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The management device 10 transmits a signal indicating that the plurality of electronic control devices activated by the first activation method or the second activation method to the management device 10 through the communication line together with the identification information of the transmission source. Thus, the management device 10 can identify the activated electronic control devices.

[0034] The target devices corresponding to the functions to be implemented among the activated multiple electronic control devices communicate with each other and execute processing to implement the specified functions. While implementing the specified functions in this way, the target devices implementing the functions periodically send a signal requesting the management device 10 to continue the operation. While receiving the signal requesting the continuation of the operation from the target device, the management device 10 sends a message including the signal requesting the activation to the target device implementing the function through the communication line.

[0035] The target device started 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 to which it is connected. If the target device continues to not receive a message including a signal requesting activation from the management device 10 through the communication line to which it is connected, it stops operating and moves to a standby state.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 activated in a certain function is changed, or when the number of activated target devices is changed, the power consumption when the target device is activated using the first activation method for the function will change.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] <Flow of Learning Processing Executed by Processing Device 11>

[0042] Figure 21 shows the flow of the learning process executed by the processing device 11 .

[0043] The learning process is a process in which the management device 10 learns the startup method of the target device in the changed vehicle network system 100 by reselecting the startup method of the target device after acquiring information about the changed vehicle network system 100. Through such a learning process, the management device 10 can cope with the vehicle network system 100 after the change. Since the management device 10 selects the startup method for each bus type network, the learning process is also performed for each bus type network. The management device 10 does not perform the learning process for the bus type network to which the target device is not connected.

[0044] 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.

[0045] First, refer to Figure 2 The flow of the learning process will be described below.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, if the series of processing is started, in the processing of step S100, the processing device 11 determines whether the power consumption consumed when the target device on the bus type network is started by the first startup method is recorded. At this time, the processing device 11 determines whether it has executed the processing in step S102. Although it will be described later, in the processing of step S102, the processing device 11 causes the storage device 12 to record the power consumption consumed by the startup based on the first startup method. Therefore, the processing device 11 determines whether the power consumption consumed by the startup based on the first startup method is recorded in the storage device 12 in the processing of step S100. In the following description, the power consumption consumed by the startup based on the first startup method is sometimes referred to as the first startup power consumption.

[0047] When the processing device 11 determines that the first startup power consumption is not recorded (step S100: No), the processing proceeds to step S101. In the processing of step S101, the processing device 11 starts the target device in the bus type network using the first startup method. That is, when the management device 10 starts the target device in response to the signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function, the processing device 11 uses the first startup method to start the target device regardless of the startup method used in the bus type network in the vehicle network system 100 before the change. Then, the processing device 11 proceeds to step S102.

[0048] In the process of step S102 , the processing device 11 records the first startup power consumption.

[0049] For example, the management device 10 stores the power consumed when each electronic control device is started in the vehicle network system 100. As described above, the electronic control device sends a signal indicating that it is started when it is started. The processing device 11 grasps the started electronic control device based on such a signal. The processing device 11 can calculate the first startup power consumption by adding the power consumed when each electronic control device is started.

[0050] When the power consumption of the electronic control devices is uniform, the processing device 11 can obtain the first startup power consumption based on the number of electronic control devices started in the bus network. In this case, the processing device 11 counts the number of signals sent by the electronic control devices indicating that they are started, so as to grasp the number of started electronic control devices. The processing device 11 can obtain the first startup power consumption by multiplying the power consumed by one electronic control device when starting by the number of started electronic control devices.

[0051] The processing device 11 can obtain the first startup power consumption by receiving the power consumption spent on startup from the electronic control device that is started in the bus type network. In this case, when starting, the electronic control device sends information about the power consumed by itself when starting up, together with a signal indicating that it is started up, to the management device 10. The processing device 11 can obtain the first startup power consumption by adding the power consumed by each electronic control device on the bus type network based on such information received from the electronic control device.

[0052] The processing device 11 that has obtained the first startup power consumption in this manner causes the storage device 12 to store the obtained power consumption, thereby recording the power consumption. Figure 4 The table shown in FIG. 1 shows the first startup power consumption recorded by the processing device 11 in step S102. As described above, the first startup power consumption is recorded by the processing device 11 in step S102. Figure 2A series of processing as shown. Therefore, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the management device 10 records the first startup power consumption in each bus type network for one function executed by the management device 10. Figure 4 In the example, numbers such as "E1", "E2", and "E3" are added to indicate different functions. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the first startup power consumption obtained in the process of step S101 is also indicated by being denoted by numbers such as “ A1 ”, “ A2 ”, and “ A3 ”.

[0053] The processing device 11 having recorded the first startup power consumption completes the series of processing.

[0054] When the processing device 11 determines that the first startup power consumption is recorded (step S100: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S103. In the processing of step S103, the processing device 11 starts the target device in the bus-type network using the second startup method. That is, when the management device 10 starts the target device in response to the signal requesting the implementation of a predetermined function, the processing device 11 uses the second startup method to start the target device regardless of the startup method used in the bus-type network in the vehicle-mounted network system 100 before the change. Then, the processing device 11 proceeds to step S104.

[0055] In the process of step S104, the processing device 11 records the power consumption consumed when the target device on the bus type network is started up by the second startup method. The method of calculating the power consumption consumed when the target device on the bus type network is started up by the second startup method and the method of recording the power consumption are the same as the method performed in the process of the above-mentioned step S102. In the following description, the power consumption consumed by the startup based on the second startup method may be referred to as the second startup power consumption.

[0056] exist Figure 4 The table shown also records the second startup power consumption recorded by the processing device 11 in step S104. Figure 4 In the process of step S104, the second startup power consumption obtained is also indicated by numbers such as "B1", "B2", and "B3". When the target device is started using the second startup method, the number of electronic control devices started in the bus network does not increase compared to the case where the target device is started using the first startup method. Therefore, for the same bus network, the first startup power consumption is greater than the second startup power consumption. For example, Figure 4 In the example, "A1" will not be smaller than "B1".

[0057] In the next step S105, the processing device 11 performs an index value calculation process. The index value is a value calculated to compare the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the index value is expressed as XN.

[0058] In the process of step S105 , the processing device 11 calculates the index value XN using the following equation.

[0059] [Formula 1]

[0060]

[0061] As shown in the above equation, the processing device 11 calculates the ratio of the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption as the index value XN.

[0062] In the processing of the next step S106, the processing device 11 determines whether the index value XN calculated in the processing of step S105 is greater than a predetermined value. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the predetermined value is expressed as X. For the index value XN, the larger the value, the smaller the second startup power consumption is than the first startup power consumption. The predetermined value X is a threshold value for determining that the power consumption can be suppressed by selecting the second startup method based on the index value XN being greater than the predetermined value X.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In the example, the default value X is indicated by numbers such as "C1", "C2", and "C3". Even if the functions to be executed are the same, the default value X can be set to different values ​​for each bus type network. Even if it is the same bus type network, the default value X can be set to different values ​​according to the functions to be executed.

[0064] When the processing device 11 determines that the index value XN is greater than or equal to the predetermined value X (step S106: Yes), the processing proceeds to step S107. In the processing of step S107, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target device connected to the bus type network whose index value XN is greater than or equal to the predetermined value X is started up by the second startup method. That is, the processing device 11 selects the second startup method as the startup method from the first startup method and the second startup method.

[0065] When the processing device 11 determines that the index value XN is less than the predetermined value X (step S106: No), the processing proceeds to step S108. In the processing of step S108, the processing device 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target device connected to the bus type network whose index value XN is less than the predetermined value X is started by the first startup method. That is, the processing device 11 selects the first startup method as the startup method from the first startup method and the second startup method.

[0066] Figure 5 The table shown shows an example of the startup method stored in the storage device 12 in the processing of step S107 and step S108 by the processing device 11. The processing device 11 selects the startup method of the target device for each bus type 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 in each function.

[0067] The processing device 11 that has executed the processing of step S107 or the processing of step S108 proceeds to step S109. In the processing of step S109, 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 S109 ends the series of processing.

[0068] <Flow of Processing Related to Activation of Target Device Executed by Processing Device 11>

[0069] As mentioned above, Figure 3 The flowchart of the process related to the activation of the target device executed by the processing device 11 is shown. The series of processes is 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.

[0070] When the series of processing is started, in the processing of step S10, the processing device 11 determines whether a change has been made to the vehicle network system 100. When a change has been made to the vehicle network system 100, the execution of the functions involved in the management device 10 is also affected. Therefore, when a change has been made to the vehicle network system 100, an update of the program stored in the storage device 12 is performed. The processing device 11 makes the determination in step S10 based on whether there is a notification that a change has been made to the vehicle network system 100.

[0071] 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 2In the process of step S109, 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] When the processing device 11 determines that the learning is not completed (step S11 : NO), the processing proceeds to step S15 .

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 the startup method determination processing. The startup method determination processing is Figure 5 As shown, based on Figure 2 The process of determining the activation method of the target device for each bus type network based on the results of learning in the processes of step S107 and step S108.

[0076] 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.

[0077] <Function of this embodiment>

[0078] When the vehicle network system 100 is changed, the management device 10 obtains information on the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption in the changed vehicle network system 100. The management device 10 selects a method for starting the target device based on the information on the first and second startup power consumptions.

[0079] <Effects of the present embodiment>

[0080] (1) The management device 10 can select the activation method of the target device in consideration of the difference between the first activation power consumption and the second activation power consumption in the vehicle network system 100 after the change. Therefore, when the vehicle network system 100 is changed, the management device 10 can select the activation method of the target device again.

[0081] (2) When acquiring information, the management device 10 calculates the ratio of the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption. When selecting a startup method for the target device, the management device 10 selects the second startup method when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value. When selecting a startup method for the target device, the management device 10 selects the first startup method when the calculated ratio is less than a predetermined value.

[0082] The first startup method can start the target device faster, but the power consumption consumed for startup also increases. On the other hand, the second startup method can reduce the power consumption consumed when starting the target device compared to the first startup method, but the startup takes time. The greater the ratio of the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption, the greater the power consumption that can be reduced when the second startup method is used. On the other hand, when the ratio is small, even if the second startup method is used, it is not possible to expect a reduction in power consumption, and the startup of the target device still takes time.

[0083] The management device 10 selects a startup method for the target device by comparing the ratio of the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption with a predetermined value X. Thus, even if a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can select a startup method that takes into account both a reduction in power consumption and a quick startup.

[0084] (3) 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.

[0085] When the vehicle performs a certain function and many target devices need to be activated, the difference between the first activation power consumption and the second activation power consumption is small. Therefore, considering the entire in-vehicle network system 100, the first activation method is the best method for activating the target devices.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] <Change Example>

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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, when the management device 10 activates the target device by the second activation method, the activation is performed wirelessly without using the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43.

[0091] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 obtains information about power consumption expended by startup based on each startup method for each bus-type network. The management device 10 selects a startup method for the target 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 a startup method for each bus-type network. For example, the management device 10 may centrally execute the acquisition of information and selection of a startup method for all electronic control devices connected to the management device 10. In this case, the management device 10 may, for example, obtain information about power consumption expended by startup based on each startup method by using the same startup method for all electronic control devices connected to the management device 10, and select a startup method based on the data.

[0092] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 acquires information on power consumption consumed by the startup based on each startup method by executing the first startup method and the second startup method once each. On the other hand, if the management device 10 executes the first startup method and the second startup method more than once each, it may execute each startup method several times to acquire power consumption.

[0093] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the management device 10 obtains information on power consumption of startup by each startup method by sequentially executing both the first startup method and the second startup method. Figure 2 After the target device is started up by the first startup method in the process of step S101, Figure 2 In the process of step S103, the target device is activated by the second activation method. The order in which the processing device 11 executes the first activation method and the second activation method may be reversed.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 calculates the ratio of the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption as the index value XN. Alternatively, the management device 10 may calculate the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption as the index value XN.

[0095] At this time, the management device 10 calculates the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption when acquiring the information. When the management device 10 selects the startup method of the target device, if the calculated difference is greater than a predetermined value, the management device 10 selects the second startup method. When the management device 10 selects the startup method of the target device, if the calculated difference is less than a predetermined value, the management device 10 selects the first startup method.

[0096] The greater the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption, the greater the power consumption that can be reduced when the second startup method is used. On the other hand, when the difference between the first and second startup power consumption is small, even if the second startup method is used, it is not possible to expect much reduction in power consumption, and startup of the target device takes time.

[0097] The management device 10 selects a startup method for the target device by comparing the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption with a predetermined value. Thus, even if changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can select a startup method that achieves both reduced power consumption and rapid startup.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 calculates the ratio of the difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption as the index value XN. Alternatively, the management device 10 may calculate the ratio of the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption as the index value XN.

[0099] When acquiring the information, the management device 10 calculates the ratio of the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption. When selecting the startup method of the target device, the management device 10 selects the first startup method when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value. When selecting the startup method of the target device, the management device 10 selects the second startup method when the calculated ratio is less than a predetermined value.

[0100] The smaller the ratio of the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption, the greater the power consumption that can be reduced when the second startup method is used. On the other hand, when the ratio is high, even if the second startup method is used, it is not possible to expect much reduction in power consumption, and startup of the target device still takes time.

[0101] The management device 10 selects a startup method for the target device by comparing the ratio of the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption with a predetermined value. Thus, even if changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can select a startup method that takes into account both reduced power consumption and rapid startup.

Claims

1. A management device is a management device of a vehicle network system in which a plurality of devices are connected to be able to communicate, wherein: A processing circuit is provided for activating a target device, which is a device that operates according to a predetermined function to be executed, among the plurality of devices. The processing circuit is composed of: After the in-vehicle network system is changed, information including a first startup power consumption is obtained, and a second startup power consumption is obtained, wherein the first startup power consumption is power consumption consumed when the target device is started using a first startup method, wherein the first startup method starts the target device by power supply control that controls whether to supply power to the target device, and the second startup power consumption is power consumption consumed when the target device is started using a second startup method, wherein the second startup method starts the target device by communicating with the target device and requesting the target device to start. selecting a method for activating the target device from the first activation method and the second activation method based on the information, The target device is activated based on the selected activation method.

2. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is composed of: calculating a difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption, When the calculated difference is greater than a predetermined value, the second activation method is selected. The first activation method is selected when the calculated difference is smaller than the predetermined value.

3. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is composed of: calculating a ratio of the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption, When the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the first activation method is selected. The second activation method is selected when the calculated ratio is smaller than the predetermined value.

4. The management device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit is composed of: calculating a ratio of a difference between the first startup power consumption and the second startup power consumption to the first startup power consumption, When the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined value, the second activation method is selected. When the calculated ratio is smaller than the predetermined value, the first activation method is selected.

5. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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.

Images