In-vehicle communication system, control device, and electric device

Abstract

An in-vehicle communication system includes a first control device and a plurality of first electric devices, in which the first control device includes: a first power supply unit that outputs power; a plurality of first communication units respectively corresponding to the plurality of first electric devices; a plurality of first communication paths respectively corresponding to the plurality of first communication units; and a first priority determination unit that determines a first priority at which power is supplied from the first power supply unit to the plurality of first electrical devices, the first priority determination unit transmitting first transmission requests from the plurality of first communication units to the plurality of first electrical devices via the plurality of first communication paths, and the plurality of first electrical devices transmitting the first transmission requests to the plurality of first electrical devices in response to the first transmission requests. The first priority determination unit transmits information indicating the degree of importance and power demand of the first electrical devices to the first control device via the first communication path, and determines a first priority on the basis of the information indicating the degree of importance and power demand received from the plurality of first electrical devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle communication system, a control device, and an electrical device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2022-171949 filed on October 27, 2022, and incorporates by reference the entire disclosure described in the above Japanese application. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle such as an automobile, power is supplied from an in-vehicle battery to various electrical devices mounted thereon (for example, cameras, sensors, and a car navigation system). For example, in a vehicle such as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) or an EV (Electric Vehicle), an output voltage of a high-voltage battery for driving an electric motor is converted into an appropriate voltage by a power conversion device and supplied to an electrical device inside the vehicle.

[0003] In Patent Document 1 below, a data communication system is disclosed that determines whether power supply is possible in consideration of the supply capacity on the power supply side and the capacity on the power receiving side.

[0004] Prior Art Documents Patent Documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-154964 Summary of the Invention

[0005] An in-vehicle communication system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first control device and a plurality of first electrical devices. The first control device includes: a first power supply unit that outputs power; a plurality of first communication units respectively corresponding to the plurality of first electrical devices; a plurality of first communication paths respectively corresponding to the plurality of first communication units; and a first priority determination unit that determines a first priority for supplying power from the first power supply unit to the plurality of first electrical devices. The first priority determination unit sends a first transmission request to the plurality of first electrical devices via the plurality of first communication paths from the plurality of first communication units. Each of the plurality of first electrical devices sends information indicating the importance and power requirement of the first electrical device to the first control device via the first communication path in response to the first transmission request. The first priority determination unit determines the first priority based on the information indicating the importance and power requirement received from the plurality of first electrical devices. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 the configuration of the priority determination unit shown. Figure 3 Yes means Figure 1 The structure of the PoDL (Power over Data Line) section is shown in FIG. Figure 4 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of a control unit of an electrical device shown. Figure 5 It means by Figure 1 A flowchart of a process executed by the control device shown. Figure 6 It means by Figure 1 Flowchart of a process performed by an electrical device shown. Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control device according to the first modification. Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a priority determination unit of a second control device shown in FIG. Fig.10 Yes means Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of an electric device connected to a first control unit and a second control unit. Fig.11 It means by Figure 8 Flowchart of the process executed by the first control device shown. Fig.12 It means by Figure 8 Flowchart of the processing executed by the second control device shown. Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing a process executed by the electric device according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure]

[0008] In a vehicle, electrical devices related to basic functions such as driving, turning, and stopping are of high importance and must be supplied with power in priority to other electrical devices of lower importance. However, the data communication system disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not take this into consideration.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle communication system, a control device, and an electric device capable of preferentially supplying power to an electric device having a specific function based on the importance of each electric device among a plurality of electric devices mounted on a vehicle.

[0010] [Effects of the present disclosure]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle communication system, a control device, and an electric device that can preferentially supply power to an electric device having a specific function based on the importance of each electric device among a plurality of electric devices mounted on a vehicle.

[0012] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0013] The contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described. At least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0014] (1) A vehicle-mounted communication system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first control device and a plurality of first electrical devices, wherein the first control device includes: a first power supply unit that outputs power; a plurality of first communication units that correspond to the plurality of first electrical devices, respectively; a plurality of first communication paths that correspond to the plurality of first communication units, respectively; and a first priority determination unit that determines a first priority of supplying power from the first power supply unit to the plurality of first electrical devices, the first priority determination unit sends a first transmission request from the plurality of first communication units to the plurality of first electrical devices via the plurality of first communication paths, the plurality of first electrical devices send information indicating the importance and required power of the first electrical devices to the first control device via the first communication path in response to the first transmission request, and the first priority determination unit determines the first priority based on the information indicating the importance and required power received from the plurality of first electrical devices. Thus, for the plurality of electrical devices mounted on the vehicle, power can be preferentially supplied to electrical devices having specific functions based on the importance of each electrical device.

[0015] (2) In the above (1), when the first priority determination unit sends the first transmission request, the first power supply unit can supply the plurality of first electrical devices with communication power required for each of the plurality of first electrical devices to communicate with the first control device via the plurality of first communication paths. This can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0016] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the first control device may also include at least one superposition unit of a plurality of first communication units, and the superposition unit may superimpose the communication signal output from the first communication unit with the power supplied from the first power supply unit to generate a superposition signal, and output the superposition signal to the first communication path corresponding to the first communication unit that outputs the communication signal, or may separate a signal containing information indicating importance and required power from a transmission signal transmitted from the first electrical device via the first communication path, and output the separated information to the first priority determination unit via the first communication unit corresponding to the first electrical device that outputs the transmission signal. In this way, power can be superimposed on the communication line that transmits the communication signal and supplied to the electrical device. Therefore, the number of electrical wiring can be reduced.

[0017] (4) In the above (3), the plurality of first electrical devices may each include: a separation unit that separates a signal including a first transmission request from a superimposed signal transmitted via a first communication path corresponding to the first electrical device; and a communication unit that transmits information indicating the importance and required power of the first electrical device to the first control device via the first communication path as a response to the first transmission request separated by the separation unit. Thus, the first control device can receive information indicating the importance and required power of each of the plurality of first electrical devices and can make a first priority determination.

[0018] (5) In the above (4), the separation unit may further separate power from the superimposed signal transmitted via the first communication path corresponding to the first electrical device, and each of the plurality of first electrical devices may further include a power receiving unit that first supplies the power separated by the separation unit to the communication unit. Thus, the first electrical device can send information indicating the importance and required power as a response to the transmission request from the first control device.

[0019] (6) In any of the above (1) to (5), the first priority determination unit may change the first priority according to the state of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle communication system. Thus, it is possible to determine an appropriate priority according to the state of the vehicle. The importance of each electrical device on the vehicle changes according to the state of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to preferentially supply power to an electrical device having a specific function according to the state of the vehicle.

[0020] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the vehicle communication system may also include a second control device and a plurality of second electrical devices, at least one of the plurality of first electrical devices is set as a specific electrical device, the second control device includes: a second power supply unit that outputs power; a plurality of second communication units that respectively correspond to the plurality of second electrical devices and the specific electrical devices; a plurality of second communication paths that respectively correspond to the plurality of second communication units; and a second priority determination unit that determines a second priority of supplying power from the second power supply unit to the plurality of second electrical devices and the specific electrical devices, the second priority determination unit may also send a second transmission request from the plurality of second communication units to the plurality of second electrical devices via the plurality of second communication paths, the plurality of second electrical devices may also send information indicating the importance and required power of the second electrical devices to the second control device via the second communication path in response to the second transmission request, the second priority determination unit may also determine the second priority based on the information indicating the importance and required power received from the plurality of second electrical devices, and the second priority determination unit may change the second priority in response to a decrease in the power supplied from the first power supply unit to the specific electrical device by supplying power from the second power supply unit to the specific electrical device. Thus, even when the electric power supplied from the first control unit to the specific electric device decreases, the electric power can be supplied to the specific electric device, and the specific electric device can maintain its function.

[0021] (8) In the above (7), the first priority determination unit may also notify the second priority determination unit of information indicating that the power supplied from the first power supply unit to the specific electrical device is reduced. Thus, when the power supplied from the first control device to the specific electrical device is reduced, the second control device can effectively start supplying power to the specific electrical device.

[0022] (9) In the above (7), the specific electrical device may also notify the second priority determination unit of information indicating that the power supplied from the first power supply unit to the specific electrical device is reduced. Thus, when the power supplied from the first control device to the specific electrical device is reduced, the second control device can effectively start supplying power to the specific electrical device.

[0023] (10) In (8) or (9) above, the information indicating the power reduction may include information indicating the importance and power requirement of a specific electrical device. Thus, the second control device can quickly change the priority so that power can be supplied to the specific electrical device.

[0024] (11) The control device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle, wherein the control device includes: a power supply unit that outputs power; a plurality of communication units; and a priority determination unit that determines the priority of supplying power from the power supply unit to a plurality of electrical devices via a plurality of communication paths, the plurality of communication paths corresponding to the plurality of communication units, respectively, the plurality of electrical devices being mounted on the vehicle and corresponding to the plurality of communication units, respectively, the priority determination unit sends a transmission request from the plurality of communication units via the plurality of communication paths to the plurality of electrical devices, the priority determination unit receives information indicating the importance and required power of the electrical devices from the plurality of electrical devices via the communication paths in response to the transmission request, and the priority determination unit determines the priority based on the information indicating the importance and required power received from the plurality of electrical devices. Thus, the control device can supply power to the plurality of electrical devices mounted on the vehicle based on the importance of each electrical device.

[0025] (12) A control device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle, wherein the control device includes: a power supply unit that outputs power; a plurality of communication units; and a priority determination unit that determines the priority of supplying power from the power supply unit to a plurality of electrical devices mounted on the vehicle via a plurality of communication paths, the plurality of communication paths corresponding to the plurality of communication units, respectively, at least one of the plurality of electrical devices being set as a specific electrical device, the priority determination unit sending a transmission request from the plurality of communication units via the plurality of communication paths to an electrical device other than the specific electrical device, the priority determination unit receiving information indicating the importance and required power of the electrical device from the electrical device other than the specific electrical device via the communication path in response to the transmission request, the priority determination unit determining the priority based on the information indicating the importance and required power received from the electrical device other than the specific electrical device, and the priority determination unit changing the priority in response to a decrease in power supplied to the specific electrical device from an onboard device different from the control device so that power is supplied from the power supply unit to the specific electrical device. Thus, even when a decrease in power supplied to the specific electrical device from an onboard device different from the control device is made, power can be supplied to the specific electrical device, and the specific electrical device can maintain its function.

[0026] (13) The fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electrical device mounted on a vehicle, wherein the electrical device includes: a separation unit that separates a communication signal from a superimposed signal, the superimposed signal being transmitted from a control device mounted on the vehicle via a communication path and being formed by superimposing power on the communication signal; and a communication unit that transmits information indicating the importance and required power of the electrical device to the control device via the communication path in response to a transmission request included in the communication signal. Thus, the control device can supply power to a plurality of electrical devices mounted on the vehicle based on the importance of each electrical device.

[0027] (14) In the above (13), the separation unit further separates power from the superimposed signal transmitted via the communication path, and may further include a power receiving unit that first supplies the power separated by the separation unit to the communication unit. In this way, the electrical device can transmit information indicating the importance and power required.

[0028] (15) In the above (14), the electrical device may further include a separation unit different from the separation unit, wherein the different separation unit is supplied with power from an on-board device different from the control device mounted on the vehicle via a path different from the communication path in response to a decrease in the power supplied from the control device, and the different separation unit may separate power from a superimposed signal formed by superimposing the power supplied from the on-board device via a different path with the communication signal and output it to the power receiving unit. Thus, even when the power supplied from the control unit to the electrical device decreases, power can be supplied to the electrical device, and the electrical device can maintain its function.

[0029] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure]

[0030] In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated.

[0031] (First embodiment)

[0032] (Overall structure)

[0033] Reference Figure 1 The in-vehicle communication system 100 involved in the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control device 102 and electrical devices 104, 106 and 108. The in-vehicle communication system 100 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). The control device 102 is, for example, a C-ECU (Central-Electronic Control Unit). The electrical devices 104, 106 and 108 are respectively in-vehicle cameras, sensors or car navigation systems, and are objects that are supplied with power from the control device 102. The control device 102 and the electrical devices 104, 106 and 108 are respectively connected to each other via communication lines 140, 142 and 144 in a manner that allows communication. Each communication line constitutes a communication path for connecting the electrical device to the control unit. In addition, in Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , three electrical devices are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The control device 102 may be connected in a manner that can supply power to two electrical devices. In addition, the control device 102 may be connected in a manner that can supply power to four or more electrical devices.

[0034] (Structure of control device)

[0035] The control device 102 includes a priority determination unit 110, a power control unit 112, a power supply unit 114, data I / O units 116, 118, and 120, and PoDL units 122, 124, and 126. As described later, each data I / O unit and its corresponding PoDL unit constitute a communication unit for the control device 102 to communicate with each electrical device. Figure 2 The priority determination unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 150 and a memory 152. The CPU 150 controls the memory 152. The memory 152 is, for example, a rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores a computer program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program) executed by the CPU 150. The CPU 150 appropriately stores the result of the executed processing in the memory 152. The CPU 150 outputs the data input from the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120 to the memory 152 and stores it. In addition, the CPU 150 reads out and outputs the data for output from the priority determination unit 110 to the power supply control unit 112 and the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120 from the memory 152.

[0036] As described later, the priority determination unit 110 determines the priority of power supply from the control device 102 to the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108, and outputs information indicating the priority determined by the determination (hereinafter referred to as priority information) to the power control unit 112. The power control unit 112 outputs information indicating the value of power output from a plurality of ports of the power supply unit 114 (hereinafter referred to as output power information) to the power supply unit 114 based on the priority information input from the priority determination unit 110. The power supply unit 114 outputs power (i.e., DC power) of the indicated magnitude from each output port based on the output power information input from the power control unit 112. The three output ports of the power supply unit 114 are connected to the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126, respectively, and the output power of the power supply unit 114 is input to the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126. The power output by the power supply unit 114 is generated from external power supplied from outside the control device 102 (power required for the operation of the control device 102 , for example, power obtained by converting the voltage of an onboard battery (not shown) into a predetermined voltage).

[0037] The priority determination unit 110 acquires specified information for determining the above-mentioned priority from the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108. For this purpose, the priority determination unit 110 outputs an instruction for requesting specified information (for example, specified code data. Hereinafter, referred to as a transmission request) via the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120. The specified information is information indicating the functions of the respective electrical devices and the required power. The required power refers to the power required for the electrical device to operate. The required power is, for example, the rated value of the power consumption of each electrical device and can be obtained from the specifications or user manuals of the respective electrical devices. The required power can also be determined based on the power consumption measured when each electrical device operates. The data I / O units 116, 118, and 120 output communication signals corresponding to the transmission requests input from the priority determination unit 110. The data I / O units 116, 118, and 120 are respectively connected to the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126, and the communication signals (i.e., transmission requests) output from the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120 are input to the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126.

[0038] The PoDL units 122, 124, and 126 each function as a signal superposition unit. That is, the PoDL unit 122 generates a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a superimposed signal) formed by superimposing the communication signal (for example, a transmission request) input from the data I / O unit 116 and the DC power input from the power supply unit 114, and outputs it to the communication line 140. Similarly, the PoDL unit 124 superimposes the communication signal (for example, a transmission request) input from the data I / O unit 118 and the DC power input from the power supply unit 114, and outputs the superimposed signal to the communication line 142. The PoDL unit 126 superimposes the communication signal (for example, a transmission request) input from the data I / O unit 120 and the DC power input from the power supply unit 114, and outputs the superimposed signal to the communication line 144.

[0039] The PoDL units 122, 124, and 126 are each configured to include, for example, a biaser. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the PoDL unit 122 includes a capacitor C1 disposed between the terminal T1 and the terminal T3 and an inductor L1 disposed between the terminal T2 and the terminal T3. When the communication signal (i.e., an AC signal) output from the data I / O unit 116 is input to the terminal T1 and the DC power (i.e., a DC signal) output from the power supply unit 114 is input to the terminal T2, a signal formed by superimposing the AC signal on the DC component is output from the terminal T3. In addition, each of the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126 is not limited to a circuit using a capacitor and an inductor, and may also be configured as a distributed constant circuit using a stub. The communication lines 140, 142, and 144 are realized by, for example, coaxial cables or twisted pair cables for transmitting differential signals.

[0040] In addition, each of the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126 also functions as a signal separation unit. That is, the PoDL unit 122 separates the AC component from the communication signal (that is, the signal biased by the DC power from the power supply unit 114) input via the communication line 140, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 116. Figure 3 , when the communication signal input to the PoDL unit 122 via the communication line 140 is input to the terminal T3, the AC component is output from the terminal T1. The output from the terminal T1 is input to the data I / O unit 116, and the data I / O unit 116 generates digital data and outputs it to the priority determination unit 110. Similarly, the PoDL unit 124 separates the AC component from the communication signal input via the communication line 142, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 118. The data I / O unit 118 generates digital data and outputs it to the priority determination unit 110. The PoDL unit 126 separates the AC component from the communication signal input via the communication line 144, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 120. The data I / O unit 120 generates digital data and outputs it to the priority determination unit 110. As a result, the priority determination unit 110 can receive data sent from the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108.

[0041] The PoDL unit 122 is connected to the PoDL unit 136 of the electric device 104 via the communication line 140, and the superimposed signal output from the PoDL unit 122 is transmitted to the PoDL unit 136 via the communication line 140. Similarly, the PoDL unit 124 is connected to the PoDL unit of the electric device 106 via the communication line 142, and the superimposed signal output from the PoDL unit 124 is transmitted to the PoDL unit of the electric device 106 via the communication line 142. The PoDL unit 126 is connected to the PoDL unit of the electric device 108 via the communication line 144, and the superimposed signal output from the PoDL unit 126 is transmitted to the PoDL unit of the electric device 108 via the communication line 144.

[0042] (Structure of electrical equipment)

[0043] The electric device 104 includes a control unit 130, a power receiving unit 132, a data I / O unit 134, a PoDL unit 136, a functional unit 138, and a switch 139. The functional unit 138 is an element for realizing the function of the electric device 104. The electric devices 106 and 108 also include the same elements as the electric device 104. However, the functional unit that is an element for realizing the functions of the electric devices 106 and 108 may be different from the functional unit 138 of the electric device 104.

[0044] The PoDL unit 136 functions as a separation unit in the same manner as the PoDL unit 122. That is, the PoDL unit 136 separates the input signal (i.e., the signal in which the DC power from the power supply unit 114 is biased) into an AC component and a DC component and outputs the separated AC component. The separated AC component is input to the data I / O unit 134, and the separated DC component is input to the power receiving unit 132. The PoDL unit 136 is configured in the same manner as the PoDL unit 122. The PoDL unit 136 includes, for example, a bias device. When the superimposed signal input from the communication line 140 to the PoDL unit 136 is input to the terminal T3 (refer to Figure 3 ), an AC component is output from terminal T1, and a DC component is output from terminal T2. The output from terminal T1 is input to data I / O unit 134, and the output from terminal T2 is input to power receiving unit 132.

[0045] The power receiving unit 132 receives the DC power, which is the DC component separated by the PoDL unit 136, and first supplies the input DC power to the data I / O unit 134 and the control unit 130. Therefore, the control unit 130 and the data I / O unit 134 can function, and as described later, the data I / O unit 134 and the control unit 130 can receive the communication signal transmitted via the communication line 140. In addition, the control unit 130 and the data I / O unit 134 can output the communication signal to the communication line 140. If the power supplied from the PoDL unit 136 is sufficient power for executing the function of the electrical device 104, the power receiving unit 132 also supplies power to the functional unit 138, which is an element for executing the function. As a result of the communication, the control unit 130 controls the on and off of the switch 139, and controls the power supply from the power receiving unit 132 to the functional unit 138.

[0046] The data I / O unit 134 receives the communication signal, which is the AC component separated by the PoDL unit 136, and generates digital data based on the input communication signal, and outputs it to the control unit 130. The data I / O unit 134 operates in accordance with the same communication standard as the data I / O unit 116.

[0047] Reference Figure 4, the control unit 130 includes a CPU 160 and a memory 162. The CPU 160 controls the memory 162. The memory 162 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores a program executed by the CPU 160. The CPU 160 appropriately stores the result of the executed process in the memory 162. The CPU 160 outputs the data input from the data I / O unit 134 to the memory 162 and stores it. In addition, the CPU 160 reads the data for output to the data I / O unit 134 from the memory 162 and outputs it to the data I / O unit 134. If the data input from the data I / O unit 134 to the CPU 160 is an instruction to the control unit 130 (for example, the above-mentioned transmission request), the CPU 160 executes the instructed process and outputs the result thereof to the data I / O unit 134. For example, the CPU 160 reads the information (i.e., the specified information) indicating the function and required power of the electrical device 104 stored in the memory 162 and outputs it to the data I / O unit 134. Thus, the processing result (i.e., the specified information) is sent to the control device 102 via the communication line 140 and received by the priority determination unit 110. In addition, as described later, the information indicating the function is sent to determine the importance according to the function. For example, in a vehicle, the importance of electrical devices related to basic functions such as driving, turning, and stopping is relatively high. That is, as an example of information indicating the importance, information indicating the function is used.

[0048] The function of an electrical device refers to the work that the electrical device is originally intended to do. For example, if it is a vehicle-mounted camera, it is an imaging function, if it is a sensor, it is a sensing function, if it is a car navigation system, it is a navigation function, and if it is an entertainment device, it is an entertainment function. Therefore, the information representing the function only needs to classify and predetermine the electrical devices that can be mounted on the vehicle according to their functions. For example, it is sufficient to assign a specified code to each vehicle-mounted camera, sensor, and car navigation system. In addition, even if it is an electrical device with the same function, for electrical devices used in different purposes, it is sufficient to assign different codes according to their purpose (that is, the subdivided function). For example, codes can be assigned separately to the front surveillance camera, the rear surveillance camera, the camera for the around view monitor, and the in-vehicle camera.

[0049] Each of the electrical devices 106 and 108 also operates in the same manner as the electrical device 104. That is, each of the electrical devices 106 and 108 receives a transmission request from the priority determination unit 110 of the control device 102, and transmits information (i.e., prescribed information) indicating the function and required power of each of the electrical devices 106 and 108 to the control device 102. The prescribed information is received by the priority determination unit 110.

[0050] (Control device operation)

[0051] Reference Figure 5 , the operation of the control device 102 is explained. Figure 5 The processing shown is for example performed by Figure 2 The priority determination unit 110 shown is implemented by the CPU 150 reading and executing a corresponding program from the memory 152. The program is read out when a start button of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle communication system 100 is turned on, for example.

[0052] In step 300, the CPU 150 supplies communication power to the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108, which are the objects to be supplied with power from the control device 102. After that, the control is transferred to step 302. Specifically, the CPU 150 instructs the power control unit 112 to supply communication power from the power supply unit 114. In response to this, the power control unit 112 instructs the power supply unit 114 to output the communication power from the output port, and the power supply unit 114 outputs the communication power from the output port according to the instruction of the power control unit 112. As described above, the power output from the power supply unit 114 is output to the communication lines 140, 142, and 144 as a superimposed signal through the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126. The superimposed signal transmitted via the communication lines 140, 142, and 144 is input to the PoDL units of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108, and the DC component is separated and input to the power receiving unit. Thus, power is first supplied from the power receiving unit to the data I / O unit and the control unit, and the data I / O unit and the control unit become operable. The communication power is power that is smaller than the power required by each electrical device 104, 106, and 108 to realize its function, and refers to the power required to communicate with the control device 102. The communication power can be calculated based on the communication function of each electrical device on the vehicle. For example, the maximum value of the calculated values ​​related to the plurality of electrical devices is set as the communication power and stored in the memory 152 in advance.

[0053] In step 302, the CPU 150 requests each of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 to which the control device 102 supplies power, information indicating its own function and required power. Thereafter, control is transferred to step 304. Specifically, as described above, the CPU 150 outputs a transmission request to the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120. As a result, as described above, the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126 output superimposed signals formed by superimposing the communication signals supplied from the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120 and the power supplied from the power supply unit 114 to the communication lines 140, 142, and 144, respectively. The superimposed signals transmitted via the communication lines 140, 142, and 144 are input to the PoDL units of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108, and are separated into a DC component and an AC component. The DC component is input to the power receiving unit, and power is supplied from the power receiving unit to the data I / O unit and the control unit, and the data I / O unit and the control unit maintain a state in which they can operate. The AC component is input to the data I / O unit, converted into digital data, and input to the control unit. Thus, the control units of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 can receive the transmission request sent from the control device 102.

[0054] In step 304, CPU 150 determines whether or not reply information has been received in response to the transmission request transmitted in step 302. The reply information is information indicating the function and required power (i.e., predetermined information). If it is determined that the reply information has been received, control is transferred to step 306. Otherwise, control is transferred to step 308.

[0055] In step 306 , the CPU 150 stores the data (ie, the reply information) received in step 304 in the memory 152 . Thereafter, the control is transferred to step 308 .

[0056] In step 308, the CPU 150 determines whether reply information has been received from all the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 to which the control device 102 supplies power. If it is determined that they have been received, the control is transferred to step 310. Otherwise, the control returns to step 304 to wait for reply information from the electrical devices.

[0057] In step 310, CPU 150 reads the reply information (i.e., information indicating the function and required power) stored in memory 152 in step 306, and determines the priority of power supply from control device 102 based on the function and required power. Priority includes priority order. For example, if it is known from the reply information that electrical device 104 is a camera for object detection, electrical device 106 is a car navigation system, and electrical device 108 is an entertainment device, CPU 150 can determine the priority order (i.e., priority) to be the highest for electrical device 104 and to be lower in the order of electrical devices 104, 106, and 108. For example, in the case where the sum of the required power of electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 exceeds the maximum output of power supply unit 114, power is supplied in the order of electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 within the range of the maximum output of power supply unit 114.

[0058] In step 312, the CPU 150 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 114 to the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 according to the priority determined in step 310. Specifically, as described above, the CPU 150 outputs the priority information to the power control unit 112. Thus, the power control unit 112 outputs the output power information to the power supply unit 114 according to the priority information input from the priority determination unit 110. The power supply unit 114 outputs power (i.e., DC power) from each output port according to the output power information input from the power control unit 112. The output power of the power supply unit 114 is input to the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126, and is supplied to the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 via the communication lines 140, 142, and 144.

[0059] In step 314 , CPU 150 determines whether data has been received from the electric device being supplied with power. If it is determined that data has been received, control proceeds to step 316 . Otherwise, control proceeds to step 318 .

[0060] In step 316, CPU 150 outputs the data received in step 314 to the corresponding device. Then, control is transferred to step 318. For example, if the data is from the object detection camera, it is output to the automatic driving ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The automatic driving ECU analyzes the output data of the object detection camera to understand the situation around the vehicle and controls the mechanisms related to automatic driving (engine, transmission, steering device, brakes, etc.).

[0061] In step 318, the CPU 150 determines whether an end instruction has been received. If it is determined that an end instruction has been received, the present routine ends. Otherwise, control is transferred to step 314. The end instruction is performed, for example, when the start button of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle communication system 100 is turned off.

[0062] (Operation of electrical equipment)

[0063] The operation of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 will be described. The operation of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108 is the same. Figure 6 , the operation of the electrical device 104 is described. Figure 6 The processing shown is done by Figure 4 The CPU 160 of the control unit 130 shown in the figure reads the corresponding program from the memory 162 and executes it. Figure 5 In step 300 shown, the power supply unit 114 of the control device 102 supplies the communication power to the electric device 104, and the power is read when the control unit 130 becomes operable.

[0064] In step 400, CPU 160 determines whether a transmission request has been received. If it is determined that a transmission request has been received, control is transferred to step 402. Otherwise, step 400 is repeated.

[0065] In step 402, the CPU 160 transmits information indicating the function and required power of the electrical device 104 to the control device 102. Specifically, as described above, the CPU 160 reads the information indicating the function and required power of the electrical device 104 from the memory 162 and outputs it to the data I / O unit 134. Thus, the information indicating the function and required power is transmitted as reply information to the transmission request from the control device 102 (specifically, the priority determination unit 110). After that, this routine ends.

[0066] After the reply information is sent to the control device 102, when the electric power that can execute the function of the electric device 104 as much as possible (that is, the electric power corresponding to the required power) is supplied from the control device 102, the electric device 104 executes its own function. That is, the CPU 160 of the control unit 130 turns on the switch 139 that is off in the initial state, and supplies the electric power for executing the function of the electric device 104 from the power receiving unit 132 to the function unit 138. On the other hand, if the priority of the electric device 104 is low, and after the reply information is sent to the control device 102, the electric device 104 is not supplied with electric power from the control device 102, the electric device 104 cannot be started. That is, the switch 139 remains off.

[0067] Thus, priorities can be determined for a plurality of electrical devices mounted on a vehicle, and power can be supplied based on the determined priorities. For example, if priorities are determined based on the importance of each electrical device, power can be preferentially supplied to an electrical device having a specific function based on the importance of each electrical device.

[0068] As described above, the control device 102 supplies each electrical device with communication power that enables the electrical device to communicate with the control device 102 while power is not supplied to each electrical device. This can suppress unnecessary power consumption.

[0069] As described above, the control device 102 includes the PoDL units 122, 124, and 126, which superimpose the DC power from the power supply unit 114 on the communication signals from the data I / O units 116, 118, and 120, and output the superimposed signals. Thus, the control device 102 can superimpose DC power on the communication lines 140, 142, and 144 that transmit the communication signals and supply them to the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108. Therefore, the number of electrical wiring can be reduced.

[0070] As described above, each electrical device includes: a PoDL unit having a function of separating a communication signal from a superimposed signal transmitted via a communication line; and a data I / O unit having a communication function of transmitting information indicating its own importance (specifically, function) and required power via the communication line to the control device 102 as a response to the separated transmission request. Thus, the control device 102 can receive information indicating the importance (specifically, function) and required power of each electrical device from a plurality of electrical devices, and can determine the priority.

[0071] As described above, the PoDL unit of each electrical device separates the DC power from the superimposed signal transmitted via the communication line, and each electrical device includes a power receiving unit, which first supplies the separated DC power to the data I / O unit having a communication function. Thus, each electrical device can send information indicating the importance (specifically, function) of each electrical device and the required power as a reply to the transmission request from the control device 102.

[0072] In the above description, the operation is performed when the start button of the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication system 100 is turned on. Figure 5 If the structure of the electric device mounted on the vehicle has not changed, the CPU 150 only needs to execute once. Figure 5 The steps 300 to 308 are sufficient. Since the function and required power of each electrical device are stored in the memory 152, the CPU 150 can also read the stored data to determine the priority next time or later.

[0073] (First Modification)

[0074] The importance of each electrical device mounted on a vehicle varies according to the state of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted communication system according to the first modified example determines the priority according to the state of the vehicle on which the vehicle-mounted communication system is mounted.

[0075] The structure of the vehicle-mounted communication system according to the first variant Figures 1 to 4 The difference is the processing related to the determination of the priority in the control device 102. Therefore, in the following, reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 The numbers are not repeated, and the different points are mainly explained.

[0076] Reference Figure 7 , the operation of the control device 102 involved in the first modification example is described. Figure 7 The processing shown is similar to Figure 5 Similarly, for example, this can be achieved by: when a start button of a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication system 100 is turned on, Figure 2 The CPU 150 of the priority determination unit 110 shown reads out the corresponding program from the memory 152 and executes it. Figure 7 The flowchart shown is in Figure 5 The flowchart shown is a flowchart in which step 330 is used instead of step 310 and step 332 is added.

[0077] and Figure 5 Similarly, through steps 300 to 308, the CPU 150 obtains information indicating the functions and power requirements of the respective electrical devices 104, 106, and 108. Thereafter, in step 330, the CPU 150 reads the reply information (i.e., information indicating the functions and power requirements) stored in the memory 152, and determines the priority of the power supply from the control device 102 based on the functions and power requirements and the current state of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle communication system 100. The state of the vehicle includes, for example, parking operation and normal driving. The CPU 150 can determine the state of the vehicle using output data of various sensors (cameras and acceleration sensors, etc.) installed in the vehicle and position information from the GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0078] For example, it is assumed that the reply information shows that the electrical device 104 is a front camera for object detection, the electrical device 106 is a rear camera for object detection, and the electrical device 108 is a camera for panoramic monitor. If it is during normal driving, the CPU 150 determines that the electrical device 104 has the highest priority and the priority becomes lower in the order of the electrical devices 104, 106, and 108. If it is a parking operation, the CPU 150 determines that the electrical device 108 has the highest priority and the priority becomes lower in the order of the electrical devices 108, 106, and 104. During normal driving, the front camera for object detection and the rear camera for object detection are important, but the camera for panoramic monitor is not important. On the other hand, during parking operation, the camera for panoramic monitor is the most important, and the importance of the front camera for object detection and the rear camera for object detection is low.

[0079] Then, according to the priority determined in step 330, power supply is started in step 312. If it is determined in the subsequent step 314 that no data has been received, in step 332, CPU 150 determines whether the state of the vehicle has changed. If it is determined that it has changed, control returns to step 330, and the priority is re-determined based on the current state of the vehicle and the reply information as described above. Otherwise, control is transferred to step 318.

[0080] Thus, the control device 102 can determine an appropriate priority according to the state of the vehicle. The importance of each electrical device on board the vehicle changes according to the state of the vehicle. Therefore, power can be supplied preferentially to an electrical device having a specific function according to the state of the vehicle.

[0081] In addition, the state of the vehicle also includes a state in which the function of the electrical device is turned off by the user. In this case, the priority can also be changed in such a way that the priority of power supply to the electrical device whose function is instructed to be turned off is the lowest. For example, the user can turn off the automatic driving function (such as the automatic tracking driving function). When it is turned off, there is no need to supply power to the sensors and radars used only for this function.

[0082] (Second embodiment)

[0083] In the above description, a case has been described in which one control device supplies electric power to a plurality of electric devices. However, in the second embodiment, electric power can be supplied from a plurality of control devices to a part of the electric devices.

[0084] (Overall structure)

[0085] Reference Figure 8The in-vehicle communication system 200 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first control device 102A, electrical devices 106 and 108, a second control device 202, a specific electrical device 204, and electrical devices 206 and 208. The in-vehicle communication system 200 is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). Figure 1 The in-vehicle communication system 100 shown is a system in which a specific electric device 204 is used instead of the electric device 104 and a second control device 202 and electric devices 206 and 208 are added. The first control device 102A is the same as the control device 102 described in the first embodiment, but different reference numerals and names are used for convenience.

[0086] The first control device 102A is, for example, a C-ECU. The specific electrical device 204 and the electrical devices 106 and 108 are objects to which power is supplied from the first control device 102A. The first control device 102A is connected to the specific electrical device 204 and the electrical devices 106 and 108 via communication lines 140, 142, and 144, respectively, in a manner capable of communication. The second control device 202 is, for example, a Z-ECU (Zone-Electronic Control Unit). The specific electrical device 204 and the electrical devices 206 and 208 are objects to which power is supplied from the second control device 202. The second control device 202 is connected to the specific electrical device 204 and the electrical devices 206 and 208 via communication lines 240, 242, and 244, respectively, in a manner capable of communication. The specific electrical device 204 and the electrical devices 106, 108, 206, and 208 are, respectively, vehicle-mounted cameras, sensors, or car navigation systems, etc. The specific electrical device 204 is different from the electrical devices 106, 108, 206, and 208, and is connected to the first control device 102A and the second control device 202, and can be supplied with power from the first control device 102A and the second control device 202. The first control device 102A and the second control device 202 are connected to a bus 246. The bus 246 is, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0087] In addition, Figure 8 In the embodiment, the first control device 102A and the second control device 202 are connected in a manner that can supply power to three electrical devices, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first control device 102A and the second control device 202 may be connected in a manner that can supply power to two electrical devices. In addition, the first control device 102A and the second control device 202 may be connected in a manner that can supply power to four or more electrical devices. In addition, Figure 8In the embodiment, one specific electrical device 204 is connected to the first control device 102A and the second control device 202, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Two or more electrical devices may be connected to the first control device 102A and the second control device 202.

[0088] (Structure of Second Control Device)

[0089] The second control device 202 includes a priority determination unit 210, a power control unit 212, a power supply unit 214, data I / O units 216, 218, and 220, and PoDL units 222, 224, and 226. Fig. 9 The priority determination unit 210 includes a CPU 250 and a memory 252. The CPU 250 controls the memory 252. The memory 252 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores a program executed by the CPU 250. The CPU 250 appropriately stores the result of the executed processing in the memory 252. The CPU 250 outputs the data input from the data I / O units 216, 218, and 220 to the memory 252 and stores it. In addition, the CPU 250 reads out the data for output from the priority determination unit 210 to the power supply control unit 212, the data I / O units 216, 218, and 220 from the memory 252 and outputs it.

[0090] The priority determination unit 210 determines the priority of supplying power from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204 and the electrical devices 206 and 208, and outputs priority information indicating the priority determined by the determination to the power supply control unit 212. The power supply control unit 212 outputs output power information indicating the value of power output from the plurality of ports of the power supply unit 214 to the power supply unit 214 based on the priority information input from the priority determination unit 210. The power supply unit 214 outputs power (i.e., DC power) of the indicated magnitude from each output port based on the output power information input from the power supply control unit 212. The three output ports of the power supply unit 214 are connected to the PoDL units 222, 224, and 226, respectively, and the output power of the power supply unit 214 is input to the PoDL units 222, 224, and 226. As described later, when the first control device 102A supplies power to the specific electric device 204 , the power supply unit 214 does not supply power to the PoDL unit 222 (ie, power is not supplied from the second control device 202 to the specific electric device 204 ).

[0091] The priority determination unit 210 obtains the prescribed information for determining the above-mentioned priority from the electrical devices 206 and 208. To this end, the priority determination unit 210 outputs a transmission request for requesting prescribed information (i.e., information indicating the functions and required power of the electrical devices) to the data I / O units 218 and 220. The data I / O units 218 and 220 output a communication signal corresponding to the transmission request input from the priority determination unit 210. The data I / O units 218 and 220 are connected to the PoDL units 224 and 226, respectively, and the communication signal (i.e., the transmission request) output from the data I / O units 218 and 220 is input to the PoDL units 224 and 226.

[0092] The PoDL units 222, 224, and 226 each function as a signal superposition unit. That is, the PoDL unit 222 generates a superposition signal formed by superimposing the communication signal input from the data I / O unit 216 and the DC power input from the power supply unit 214, and outputs it to the communication line 240. The PoDL unit 224 superimposes the communication signal (e.g., a transmission request) input from the data I / O unit 218 and the DC power input from the power supply unit 214, and outputs the superposition signal to the communication line 242. The PoDL unit 226 superimposes the communication signal (e.g., a transmission request) input from the data I / O unit 220 and the DC power input from the power supply unit 214, and outputs the superposition signal to the communication line 244. The PoDL units 222, 224, and 226 are each configured to include a bias device, for example.

[0093] In addition, the PoDL units 222, 224, and 226 also function as signal separation units. That is, the PoDL unit 222 separates the AC component from the communication signal (i.e., the signal biased by the DC power from the power supply unit 214) input via the communication line 240, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 216. The data I / O unit 216 generates digital data and outputs it to the priority determination unit 210. Similarly, the PoDL unit 224 separates the AC component from the communication signal input via the communication line 242, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 218. The data I / O unit 218 generates digital data and outputs it to the priority determination unit 210. The PoDL unit 226 separates the AC component from the communication signal input via the communication line 244, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 220. The data I / O unit 220 generates digital data and outputs it to the priority determination unit 210.

[0094] The PoDL unit 222 is connected to the PoDL unit 236 of the specific electrical device 204 via the communication line 240, and the superimposed signal output from the PoDL unit 222 is transmitted to the PoDL unit 236 via the communication line 240. Similarly, the PoDL unit 224 is connected to the PoDL unit of the electrical device 206 via the communication line 242, and the superimposed signal output from the PoDL unit 224 is transmitted to the PoDL unit of the electrical device 206 via the communication line 242. The PoDL unit 226 is connected to the PoDL unit of the electrical device 208 via the communication line 244, and the superimposed signal output from the PoDL unit 226 is transmitted to the PoDL unit of the electrical device 208 via the communication line 244.

[0095] (Structure of electrical equipment)

[0096] The specific electrical device 204 includes a control unit 230, a power receiving unit 232, data I / O units 134 and 234, PoDL units 136 and 236, a function unit 238, and a switch 239. The function unit 238 is an element for realizing the function of the specific electrical device 204. The electrical devices 206 and 208 include Figure 1 However, the functional unit, which is the element for realizing the functions of the electrical devices 206 and 208 (not shown), may be different from the functional unit 138 of the electrical device 104.

[0097] The data I / O unit 134 and the PoDL unit 136 are as described above. Figure 1 The PoDL unit 136 functions as described above with reference to the electrical device 104 shown in FIG. That is, the PoDL unit 136 functions as a separation unit, separates the input signal into an AC component and a DC component, and outputs the separated AC component. The separated DC component is input to the data I / O unit 134, and the separated DC component is input to the power receiving unit 232. The data I / O unit 134 receives the AC component separated by the PoDL unit 136, that is, the communication signal, generates digital data based on the input communication signal, and outputs it to the control unit 230.

[0098] The PoDL unit 236 functions as a separation unit similar to the PoDL unit 136. That is, the PoDL unit 236 separates the input signal into an AC component and a DC component and outputs the separated AC component. The separated AC component is input to the data I / O unit 234, and the separated DC component is input to the power receiving unit 232. The PoDL unit 236 and the PoDL unit 122 (see Figure 3 ) is similarly configured. The PoDL unit 236 includes, for example, a bias device.

[0099] The power receiving unit 232 receives the DC component separated by the PoDL unit 136, that is, the DC power, and first supplies the input power to the data I / O unit 134 and the control unit 230. Therefore, the control unit 230 and the data I / O unit 134 can function, and the data I / O unit 134 and the control unit 230 can receive the communication signal (for example, the transmission request) transmitted from the first control device 102A via the communication line 140. In addition, the control unit 230 and the data I / O unit 134 can output the communication signal to the communication line 140 via the PoDL unit 136. If the power supplied from the PoDL unit 136 is sufficient power for executing the function of the electrical device 104, the power receiving unit 232 also supplies power to the functional unit 238, which is an element for executing the function. That is, the control unit 230 controls the on and off of the switch 239 to control the power supply from the power receiving unit 232 to the functional unit 238.

[0100] For example, when the second control device 202 needs data output from the specific electrical device 204, the power receiving unit 232 also supplies the power supplied from the first control device 102A to the data I / O unit 234. For example, the specific electrical device 204 is a front camera for object detection, the first control device 102A outputs the image data from the specific electrical device 204 to the automatic driving ECU, and the second control device 202 outputs the image data from the specific electrical device 204 to the recording device. In this case, the power supplied from the first control device 102A is also supplied to the data I / O unit 234. On the other hand, when the second control device 202 does not need the data output from the specific electrical device 204, the power receiving unit 232 may not supply power to the data I / O unit 234.

[0101] Reference Fig.10 The control unit 230 includes a CPU 260 and a memory 262. The CPU 260 controls the memory 262. The memory 262 is, for example, a rewritable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores a program executed by the CPU 260. The CPU 260 appropriately stores the result of the executed processing in the memory 262. The CPU 260 outputs the data input from the data I / O unit 134 or 234 to the memory 262 and stores it. In addition, the CPU 260 reads the data for output to the data I / O unit 134 or 234 from the memory 262, and outputs it to the data I / O unit 134 or 234.

[0102] If power is supplied from the first control device 102A and the data input from the data I / O unit 134 to the control unit 230 (i.e., the CPU 260) is an instruction (e.g., a transmission request) to the control unit 230, the CPU 260 executes the instructed processing and outputs the result to the data I / O unit 134. For example, the CPU 260 reads out information (i.e., prescribed information) indicating the function and required power of the specific electrical device 204 stored in the memory 262 and outputs it to the data I / O unit 134. Thus, the processing result (i.e., prescribed information) is transmitted to the first control device 102A via the communication line 140 and received by the priority determination unit 110.

[0103] When power is supplied from the second control device 202, if the data input from the data I / O unit 234 to the control unit 230 (i.e., the CPU 260) is an instruction to the control unit 230, the CPU 260 executes the instructed processing and outputs the result to the data I / O unit 234. Thus, the processing result is transmitted to the second control device 202 via the communication line 240 and received by the priority determination unit 210.

[0104] The electrical devices 206 and 208 are respectively Figure 1 The electrical device 104 shown in FIG. 1 operates in the same manner. However, while the connection destination of the electrical device 104 is the control device 102, the connection destination of the electrical devices 206 and 208 is the second control device 202. Therefore, the electrical devices 206 and 208 receive the transmission request from the priority determination unit 210 of the second control device 202, and transmit information indicating the functions and required power of the electrical devices 206 and 208 to the second control device 202, respectively.

[0105] (Operation of the first control device)

[0106] Reference Fig.11 , the operation of the first control device 102A is described. Fig.11 The processing shown is for example performed by Figure 2 The CPU 150 of the priority determination unit 110 shown in the figure reads out the corresponding program from the memory 152 and executes it. For example, the program is read out when the start button of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle communication system 200 is turned on. In addition, as described above, the first control device 102A is connected to the bus 246, Figure 8 The CPU 150 of the priority determination unit 110 shown in FIG. Fig. 9 CPU 250 is shown similarly connected to bus 246 . Fig.11 The flowchart shown is in Figure 5 The flowchart shown has added flowcharts of step 340, step 342, and step 344. Therefore, the description will not be repeated, and the different points will be mainly described.

[0107] and Figure 5 Similarly, through step 300 to step 310, CPU 150 obtains information indicating the functions and power requirements of the specific electrical device 204, electrical devices 106 and 108, and determines the priority of power supply. Next, in step 340, CPU 150 determines whether to stop the power supply to the specific electrical device 204. If it is determined to be stopped, control is transferred to step 342. Otherwise, control is transferred to step 312.

[0108] In step 342, the CPU 150 reads out information (i.e., prescribed information) indicating the function and power requirement of the specific electrical device 204 to be stopped from the memory 152, generates information (hereinafter referred to as stop information) indicating the stop of power supply including the prescribed information, and notifies the second control device 202 via the bus 246. The stop information is received by the priority determination unit 210 (specifically, the CPU 250) of the second control device 202. Stopping power supply includes a case where the first control device 102A is scheduled to stop power supply and a case where power supply cannot be performed due to the disconnection of the communication line 140, etc. The inability to supply power can be detected, for example, by the CPU 150 communicating with the control unit 230 of the specific electrical device 204 periodically during the power supply of the first control device 102A. If the CPU 150 cannot communicate with the control unit 230 of the specific electrical device 204, it can be determined that the communication line 140 is disconnected. In the case where the power supply is scheduled to be stopped, the CPU 150 waits for a prescribed time and then transfers control to step 344. As will be described later, the predetermined waiting time is for the purpose of enabling uninterrupted power supply from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204. If power supply is not possible, control is quickly transferred to step 344.

[0109] In step 344, the CPU 150 changes the current priority. That is, since the power supply to the specific electrical device 204 is scheduled to be stopped or the power supply to the specific electrical device 204 has been stopped, the CPU 150 excludes the specific electrical device 204 and re-determines the priority. After that, the control is transferred to step 312, and the CPU 150 starts to supply power to the electrical device according to the new priority. That is, the power supply from the power supply unit 114 of the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped.

[0110] (Operation of the Second Control Device)

[0111] Reference Fig.12 , the operation of the second control device 202 is described. Fig.12 The processing shown is for example performed by Fig. 9The priority determination unit 210 shown is implemented by the CPU 250 reading and executing a corresponding program from the memory 252. For example, the program is read when a start button of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle communication system 200 is turned on. Fig.12 The flowchart shown is in Figure 5 The flowchart shown has the flowcharts of step 350 and step 352 added thereto. Therefore, the description will not be repeated, and the different points will be mainly described.

[0112] and Figure 5 Similarly, through step 300 to step 312, CPU 250 obtains information indicating the functions and required power of each from electrical devices 206 and 208, determines the priority of power supply, and starts power supply according to the determined priority. At this stage, as described above, power is supplied from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204, and power is not supplied from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204. Therefore, CPU 250 does not send a transmission request to the specific electrical device 204, does not receive information indicating the function and required power from the specific electrical device 204, and therefore does not include the specific electrical device 204 in the priority.

[0113] Next, if it is determined in step 314 that no data has been received, in step 350, CPU 250 determines whether there is a notification of stopping the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204. Specifically, CPU 250 determines whether a stop message has been received from the first control device 102A. If it is determined that there is a stop message, control is transferred to step 352. Otherwise, control is transferred to step 318. The stop message is received by Fig.11 Step 342 is shown, sent from CPU 150 .

[0114] In step 352, CPU 250 changes the current priority. That is, since power supply to specific electrical device 204 is started, CPU 250 includes specific electrical device 204, that is, refers to the function and required power of specific electrical device 204 included in the stop information, and re-determines the priority. The new priority does not need to be determined as the highest priority of specific electrical device 204, but it is determined that power is supplied to specific electrical device 204. After that, control is transferred to step 312, and power supply is started from power supply unit 214 of second control device 202 according to the new priority.

[0115] Thus, when the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped, the power supply from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204 can be performed, and the specific electrical device 204 can maintain its function. For example, the specific electrical device 204 is a front camera for object detection, the first control device 102A outputs the image data from the specific electrical device 204 to the automatic driving ECU, and the second control device 202 outputs the image data from the specific electrical device 204 to the recording device. During normal driving of the vehicle, the first control device 102A supplies power to the specific electrical device 204 because data from the specific electrical device 204 is required. However, during the parking operation of the vehicle, since data from the specific electrical device 204 is not required, the first control device 102A stops the power supply to the specific electrical device 204. On the other hand, during the parking operation of the vehicle, the specific electrical device 204 requires data from the specific electrical device 204 as data for recording. Therefore, the power supply state is changed in a manner that the second control device 202 supplies power to the specific electrical device 204. In addition, when the communication line 140 is cut off as described above, power cannot be supplied from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204, and the specific electrical device 204 no longer functions. By supplying power from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204, the function of the specific electrical device 204 continues, and the output data of the specific electrical device 204 is transmitted to the second control device 202.

[0116] As described above, the priority determination unit 110 (specifically, the CPU 150) of the first control device 102A notifies the priority determination unit 210 (specifically, the CPU 250) of the second control device 202 via the bus 246. Thus, when the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped, the second control device 202 can effectively start the power supply to the specific electrical device 204.

[0117] As described above, the stop information notified from the first control device 102A to the second control device 202 includes information indicating the function and power requirement of the specific electric device 204. Thus, the second control device 202 can quickly change the priority so that the specific electric device 204 can be supplied with power.

[0118] In addition, the first control device 102A may notify the second control device 202 of stop information that does not include information indicating the function and required power of the specific electrical device 204. In this case, in response to the notification of the stop information from the first control device 102A, the second control device 202 transmits a transmission request to the specific electrical device 204 from the data I / O unit 216 via the PoDL unit 222 and the communication line 240. There is also a case where the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is no longer supplied due to disconnection of the communication line 140, so the second control device 202 may supply the specific electrical device 204 with power for communication from the power supply unit 214 via the PoDL unit 222 and the communication line 240, and transmit a transmission request from the data I / O unit 216 via the communication line 240. In this way, the second control device 202 can obtain the information indicating the function and required power of the specific electrical device 204, and can change the priority so that the specific electrical device 204 can be supplied with power.

[0119] Furthermore, when the first control device 102A stops the power supply to the specific electrical device 204, in addition to the stop information, information indicating the time (for example, in seconds) until the power supply to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped may be transmitted from the first control device 102A to the second control device 202. Thus, the second control device 202 can start the power supply to the specific electrical device 204 in accordance with the moment when the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped, so that the power supply to the specific electrical device 204 is not interrupted.

[0120] In the above description, the case where the first control device 102A is a C-ECU and the second control device 202 is a Z-ECU is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first control device 102A may be a Z-ECU different from the second control device 202 .

[0121] (Second Modification)

[0122] In the above description, the case where the first control device 102A notifies the second control device 202 of the stop information before stopping the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the second modification, the first control device 102A notifies the specific electrical device 204 of the stop information, and the specific electrical device 204 requests the second control device 202 to supply power. The structure of the vehicle-mounted communication system involved in the second modification is different from Figure 8 However, since the stop information is not notified from the first control device 102A to the second control device 202, the bus 246 may not be provided.

[0123] (Operation of the first control device)

[0124] In the second modification, the priority determination unit 110 (specifically, Figure 2 CPU150 shown) as long as Fig.11 In step 342, the stop information may be notified to the specific electrical device 204 via the communication line 140. The stop information notified at this time does not include information indicating the function and the required power.

[0125] (Operation of electrical equipment)

[0126] Reference Fig.13 , the operation of the specific electrical device 204 is described. Fig.13 The processing shown is done by Fig.10 The CPU 260 of the control unit 230 shown in the figure reads the corresponding program from the memory 262 and executes it. Fig.11 This program is read out when the power supply unit 114 of the first control device 102A supplies communication power to the specific electric device 204 and the control unit 230 becomes operable in step 300 shown.

[0127] In step 410, CPU 260 determines whether the power supply is stopped. Specifically, CPU 260 determines whether stop information is notified from first control device 102A. If it is determined that the power supply is stopped, control is transferred to step 412. Otherwise, step 410 is repeated.

[0128] In step 412, CPU 260 notifies second control device 202 of the stop of power supply from first control device 102A. Specifically, CPU 260 reads information indicating its own function and required power (i.e., prescribed information) from memory 262, generates stop information including prescribed information, and notifies second control device 202 via communication line 240. After that, this routine ends.

[0129] (Operation of the Second Control Device)

[0130] In the second modification, the priority determination unit 210 (specifically, the CPU 250) of the second control device 202 only needs to execute the same Fig.12 That is, when the CPU 250 receives the stop information via the communication line 240 in step 350 , it refers to the information indicating the function and the required power included in the stop information in step 352 to determine a new priority.

[0131] Thus, when the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped, the power supply from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204 can be performed, and the specific electrical device 204 can maintain its function. As described above, in response to the specific electrical device 204 being notified of the stop of the power supply from the first control device 102A, the stop information is sent to the second control device 202, so that the second control device 202 can effectively start the power supply to the specific electrical device 204.

[0132] As described above, the stop information notified from the specific electrical device 204 to the second control device 202 includes information indicating the function and power requirement of the specific electrical device 204. Thus, the second control device 202 can quickly change the priority so that power can be supplied to the specific electrical device 204.

[0133] In the above, the case where the power supply from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is stopped and the power is supplied from the second control device 202 to the specific electrical device 204 is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the case where the power supplied from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 is reduced, the power that is insufficient in the specific electrical device 204 may be supplied from the second control device 202. In this case, if the information indicating that the power is reduced can be received in the same manner as the stop information, the second control device 202 can start the power supply to the specific electrical device 204 in the same manner as described above. If the information that the power is insufficient in the specific electrical device 204 can be received from the first control device 102A or the specific electrical device 204, the second control device 202 can supply appropriate power. In addition, reducing the power supplied from the first control device 102A to the specific electrical device 204 includes making the supplied power 0, that is, stopping the power supply from the first control device 102A.

[0134] In the above, the case where the control device has a PoDL unit corresponding to each electrical device as the power supply object is described, but it is not limited to this. The control device may not have a PoDL unit. In addition, the control device may also have at least one PoDL unit. It is also possible to supply power to a part or all of the multiple electrical devices as the power supply objects through a path different from the communication line without passing through the PoDL unit, that is, without superimposing the power and the communication signal.

[0135] In the above description, the case where the power supplied from the power supply unit is DC power is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. AC power may also be supplied from the power supply unit. If the electrical device is a device operated by AC power, it is sufficient to superimpose the AC power and the communication signal and supply them to the electrical device. The superposition of the AC power and the communication signal and their separation can be performed, for example, by PLC (Power Line Communication).

[0136] In addition, each process (function) of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. In addition to one or more processors, the above-mentioned priority determination unit can also be composed of an integrated circuit or the like formed by combining one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits. The above-mentioned one or more memories store programs (commands) that enable the above-mentioned one or more processors to perform the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned one or more processors can perform the above-mentioned processes according to the above-mentioned programs read from the above-mentioned one or more memories, or according to the logic circuits pre-designed to perform the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned processor can be a CPU, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit: Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor: Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array: Field Programmable Gate Array) and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and other various processors suitable for computer control. In addition, the above-mentioned multiple processors separated physically can also cooperate with each other to perform the above-mentioned processes.

[0137] The present disclosure is described above by describing the embodiments, but the above embodiments are illustrative and the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by each claim of the claims based on the description of the detailed description of the invention, including all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the words described herein.

[0138] Description of symbols 100, 200 Vehicle Communication System 102 Control device 102A First control device 104, 106, 108, 206, 208 Electrical devices 110, 210 Priority determination unit 112, 212 Power supply control unit 114, 214 Power supply 116, 118, 120, 134, 216, 218, 220, 234 Data I / O 122, 124, 126, 136, 222, 224, 226, 236 PoDL 130, 230 Control Unit 132, 232 Receiving Department 138, 238 Functional Department 139, 239 switch 140, 142, 144, 240, 242, 244 communication lines 150, 160, 250, 260 CPU 152, 162, 252, 262 Memory 202 Second control device 204 Specific electrical installations 246 Bus Steps 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 330, 332, 340, 342, 344, 350, 352, 400, 402, 410, 412 C1 capacitor L1 Inductor T1, T2, T3 terminals.

Claims

1. A vehicle communication system, comprising a first control device and a plurality of first electrical devices, in, The first control device comprises: A first power supply unit outputs power; a plurality of first communication units, corresponding to the plurality of first electrical devices respectively; a plurality of first communication paths, corresponding to the plurality of first communication parts respectively; and a first priority determination unit configured to determine a first priority of power supply from the first power supply unit to the plurality of first electrical devices; The first priority determination unit transmits a first transmission request to each of the plurality of first electrical devices via the plurality of first communication paths from the plurality of first communication units. In response to the first transmission request, each of the plurality of first electrical devices transmits information indicating the importance and required power of the first electrical device to the first control device via the first communication path; The first priority determination unit determines the first priority based on the information indicating the importance and the required power received from the plurality of first electrical devices.

2. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 1, in, When the first priority determination unit transmits the first transmission request, the first power supply unit supplies communication power required for each of the plurality of first electrical devices to communicate with the first control device to the plurality of first electrical devices via the plurality of first communication paths.

3. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 1 or claim 2, in, The first control device further comprises at least one superposition portion, the superimposing unit superimposes the communication signal output from the first communication unit and the power supplied from the first power supply unit to generate a superimposed signal, and outputs the superimposed signal to the first communication path corresponding to the first communication unit that outputs the communication signal, The superposition unit separates a signal including the information indicating the importance and the required power from a transmission signal transmitted from the first electrical device via the first communication path, and outputs the separated information to the first priority determination unit via the first communication unit corresponding to the first electrical device that outputs the transmission signal.

4. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 3, in, The plurality of first electrical devices respectively include: a separation unit that separates a signal including the first transmission request from the superimposed signal transmitted via the first communication path corresponding to the first electrical device; and The communication unit transmits the information indicating the importance and the required power of the first electrical device to the first control device via the first communication path in response to the first transmission request separated by the separation unit.

5. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 4, in, The separation unit further separates power from the superimposed signal transmitted via the first communication path corresponding to the first electrical device, Each of the plurality of first electrical devices further includes a power receiving unit configured to first supply the power separated by the separation unit to the communication unit.

6. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The first priority determination unit changes the first priority according to a state of a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle communication system.

7. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The vehicle-mounted communication system further includes a second control device and a plurality of second electrical devices, setting at least one first electrical device among the plurality of first electrical devices as a specific electrical device, The second control device comprises: A second power supply unit outputs power; a plurality of second communication units, corresponding to the plurality of second electrical devices and the specific electrical device respectively; a plurality of second communication paths, corresponding to the plurality of second communication parts respectively; and a second priority determination unit for determining a second priority of power supply from the second power supply unit to the plurality of second electrical devices and the specific electrical device; The second priority determination unit transmits a second transmission request to each of the plurality of second electrical devices via the plurality of second communication paths from the plurality of second communication units. each of the plurality of second electrical devices transmits information indicating the importance and required power of the second electrical device to the second control device via the second communication path in response to the second transmission request; The second priority determination unit determines the second priority based on the information indicating the importance and the required power received from the plurality of second electrical devices. The second priority determination unit changes the second priority level so that the second power supply unit supplies power to the specific electric device in response to a decrease in the power supplied from the first power supply unit to the specific electric device.

8. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 7, in, The first priority determination unit notifies the second priority determination unit of information indicating that the electric power supplied from the first power supply unit to the specific electric device has decreased.

9. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 7, in, The specific electric device notifies the second priority determination unit of information indicating that the electric power supplied from the first power supply unit to the specific electric device has decreased.

10. The vehicle-mounted communication system according to claim 8 or claim 9, in, The information indicating a decrease in electric power includes information indicating the importance and the required electric power of the specific electric device.

11. A control device mounted on a vehicle, in, The control device comprises: A power supply unit, outputting electric power; Multiple communications departments; and a priority determination unit for determining a priority of supplying power from the power supply unit to a plurality of electrical devices via a plurality of communication paths, the plurality of communication paths corresponding to the plurality of communication units, respectively, the plurality of electrical devices being mounted on the vehicle and corresponding to the plurality of communication units, respectively, The priority determination unit transmits transmission requests from the plurality of communication units to the plurality of electrical devices via the plurality of communication paths, respectively. The priority determination unit receives information indicating the importance and required power of each of the plurality of electrical devices via the communication path in response to the transmission request, The priority determination unit determines the priority based on the information indicating the importance and the required power received from the plurality of electric devices.

12. A control device mounted on a vehicle, in, The control device comprises: A power supply unit, outputting electric power; Multiple communications departments; and a priority determination unit for determining a priority of supplying electric power from the power supply unit to a plurality of electrical devices mounted on the vehicle via a plurality of communication paths, the plurality of communication paths corresponding to the plurality of communication units, respectively; At least one of the plurality of electrical devices is set as a specific electrical device, and the priority determination unit transmits a transmission request to electrical devices other than the specific electrical device from the plurality of communication units via the plurality of communication paths. The priority determination unit receives information indicating the importance and required power of the electrical device from an electrical device other than the specific electrical device via the communication path in response to the transmission request. The priority determination unit determines the priority based on the information indicating the importance and the required power received from the electrical device other than the specific electrical device. The priority determination unit changes the priority level so that the power is supplied from the power supply unit to the specific electrical device in response to a decrease in the power supplied to the specific electrical device from an in-vehicle device different from the control device.

13. An electrical device mounted on a vehicle, in, The electrical device comprises: a separation unit that separates a communication signal from a superimposed signal, the superimposed signal being transmitted from a control device mounted on the vehicle via a communication path and being formed by superimposing power on the communication signal; and The communication unit transmits information indicating the importance and required power of the electric device to the control device via the communication path in response to the transmission request included in the communication signal.

14. The electrical device according to claim 13, in, The separation unit further separates the power from the superimposed signal transmitted via the communication path, The electric device further includes a power receiving unit configured to first supply the power separated by the separation unit to the communication unit.

15. The electrical device according to claim 14, in, The electrical device further includes a separation unit different from the separation unit, wherein the different separation unit is supplied with power from an on-board device mounted on the vehicle and different from the control device via a path different from the communication path in response to a decrease in the power supplied from the control device. The different separation unit separates the electric power from a superimposed signal formed by superimposing the electric power supplied from the vehicle-mounted device via the different path and a communication signal, and outputs the separated electric power to the power receiving unit.

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