In-vehicle device, startup control method, and startup control program

Abstract

An in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, the in-vehicle device being provided with: a selection unit that selects a device to be supplied with power from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the device to be supplied with power being the in-vehicle device to be supplied with power; an acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating a startup method for each of the in-vehicle devices; and a control unit that, on the basis of the activation method information acquired by the acquisition unit, performs activation processing for activating the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device, a start control method, and a start control program.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-198403 filed on December 13, 2022, and incorporates the entire contents disclosed therein. Background Art

[0003] In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-192108), the following technology is disclosed. That is, an in-vehicle communication system includes: a plurality of communication buses disposed in a vehicle; a plurality of communication devices respectively connected to any one of the plurality of communication buses, for transmitting and receiving information groups summarizing one or more pieces of information; and a relay device having a plurality of communication units respectively connected to the plurality of communication buses, for transmitting and receiving information groups through the plurality of communication units to relay information between different communication buses. The in-vehicle communication system is characterized in that it further includes one or more power control devices that communicate with the relay device and respectively perform power control of one or more in-vehicle devices based on information transmitted from the relay device. The relay device includes: a storage unit that rewritably stores a power state table indicating power states that the one or more in-vehicle devices should be in under each of a plurality of vehicle conditions pre-determined for the vehicle; an extraction unit that extracts information required for power control of the one or more in-vehicle devices from one or more received information groups; a determination unit that determines a vehicle condition based on the information extracted by the extraction unit; a decision unit that determines power states that the one or more in-vehicle devices should be in based on the vehicle condition determined by the determination unit and the power state table stored in the storage unit; a unit that generates an information group including control information indicating the power states determined by the decision unit; and a unit that transmits the information group generated by the unit to the power control device.

[0004] Prior Art Documents Patent Documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-192108 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The in-vehicle device of the present disclosure is used in an in-vehicle network, which includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices. Among them, the in-vehicle device has: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, and the power supply target device is the in-vehicle device to which power should be supplied; an acquisition unit that acquires startup method information, and the startup method information indicates the startup method of each in-vehicle device; and a control unit that performs a startup process based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the startup process starts the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure can be implemented not only as an in-vehicle device having such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the in-vehicle device, or as a system including the in-vehicle device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a new network in an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It is a diagram showing another example of the structure of a new network in an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a device selection table stored in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of a startup table stored in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of an updated device selection table stored in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of an updated startup table stored in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing an example of a relay table stored in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example of a power supply priority table stored in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 It is a flowchart for determining the operation steps when the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs a startup process. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0008] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed for controlling each in-vehicle device according to the state of a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices.

[0009] [Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure]

[0010] In recent years, there has been a tendency for the types of services executed in in-vehicle networks to increase. With the increase in the types of services, for example, there are cases where in-vehicle devices such as ECUs (Electronic Control Units) are added to the in-vehicle network or the connection targets of in-vehicle devices are changed. Thus, a technique is desired that can reliably start in-vehicle devices even when the structure of the in-vehicle network is changed.

[0011] The present disclosure has been completed to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a relay device, a start control method, and a start control program that can reliably start in-vehicle devices in an in-vehicle network having a new structure.

[0012] [Effects of the Present Disclosure]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, in-vehicle devices can be reliably started in an in-vehicle network having a new structure.

[0014] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0015] First, the content of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0016] (1) The in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, and the in-vehicle device includes: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the power supply target device being the in-vehicle device to which power is to be supplied; an acquisition unit that acquires start method information indicating the start method of each in-vehicle device; and a control unit that performs a start process based on the start method information acquired by the acquisition unit, the start process starting the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

[0017] In this way, with a configuration in which the power supply target device selected from a plurality of in-vehicle devices is started using the start method information, even when the structure of the in-vehicle network is changed, the power supply target device can be started according to the start method indicated by the start method information. Therefore, in-vehicle devices can be reliably started in an in-vehicle network having a new structure.

[0018] For example, in a vehicle-mounted network with a new structure, when starting a selected power supply target device, start method information corresponding to the vehicle-mounted network can be newly obtained to determine the start method of the power supply target device. Thus, the start method information can be updated to cope with changes in the structure of the vehicle-mounted network.

[0019] (2) In the above (1), it may also be that the acquisition unit further acquires characteristic information indicating the operation characteristics of each vehicle-mounted device, and it may also be that the control unit performs the start process based on the start method information and the characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0020] With such a structure, when starting the power supply target device, the power supply target device can be started in an appropriate manner considering the operation characteristics of the power supply target device.

[0021] (3) In the above (2), it may also be that the characteristic information represents the current consumption of each vehicle-mounted device as the operation characteristic, it may also be that the selection unit selects a plurality of the power supply target devices from the plurality of vehicle-mounted devices, it may also be that the control unit selects a non-power supply device from the plurality of power supply target devices based on the current consumption of each power supply target device represented by the characteristic information, the non-power supply device is a power supply target device that is not powered, and it may also be that the control unit starts the specific device according to the start method of the specific device represented by the start method information, and the specific device is a power supply target device among the plurality of power supply target devices other than the selected non-power supply device.

[0022] With such a structure, it is possible to select a device that should not be powered according to the power consumption of each power supply target device.

[0023] (4) In the above (3), it may also be that the vehicle-mounted device is provided with a plurality of switching units that switch whether to supply power to one or more corresponding vehicle-mounted devices in a vehicle equipped with the vehicle-mounted network, it may also be that the vehicle-mounted device further includes a calculation unit that calculates the total value of the current consumption of the one or more vehicle-mounted devices connected to each switching unit for each switching unit, it may also be that the plurality of power supply target devices are connected to any one of the plurality of switching units, and it may also be that the control unit selects the non-power supply device from the plurality of power supply target devices connected to the switching unit whose total value satisfies a specified condition.

[0024] Thus, by adopting a configuration in which, when the total value of the consumption currents of a plurality of power supply target devices connected to the switching unit satisfies a specified condition, a device that is not to be supplied with power is selected from among the plurality of power supply target devices, the current flowing through the switching unit can be reduced, and thus the occurrence of failures in the switching unit can be suppressed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in changing the in-vehicle network configuration can be increased.

[0025] (5) In the above (4), it may also be that the acquisition unit further acquires allowable current information indicating the allowable current of each switching unit, and it may also be that the control unit sets the specified condition based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0026] With such a configuration, for example, in order to prevent the total value of the consumption currents of a plurality of power supply target devices connected to the switching unit from exceeding the allowable current of the switching unit, a device that is not to be supplied with power can be selected, and thus the occurrence of failures in the switching unit can be suppressed. In addition, by using the allowable current information, the conditions for determining whether to select a device that is not to be supplied with power can be easily set.

[0027] (6) In any one of the above (2) to (5), it may also be that the in-vehicle device further includes a communication unit that communicates with each in-vehicle device, and it may also be that the characteristic information represents the startup time until each in-vehicle device can communicate as the operation characteristic, and it may also be that after starting the power supply to the power supply target device selected by the selection unit, the control unit makes the communication unit wait for communication with the power supply target device until the startup time of the power supply target device represented by the characteristic information has elapsed, and after the startup time has elapsed, makes the communication unit start communicating with the power supply target device.

[0028] With such a configuration, communication can be performed with the power supply target device at a timing when the power supply target device has started up reliably, and thus communication with the power supply target device can be started more stably.

[0029] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), it may also be that the startup method information further represents the position of each in-vehicle device in the in-vehicle network.

[0030] With such a configuration, the position of the power supply target device that is the object of the startup process in the in-vehicle network can be determined, and the power supply target device can be started up more reliably by an appropriate method.

[0031] (8) The startup control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a startup control method in an in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device is used in an in-vehicle network, and the in-vehicle network includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices. Among them, the startup control method includes the following steps: selecting a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, where the power supply target device is the in-vehicle device to which power should be supplied; obtaining startup method information, where the startup method information represents the startup method of each in-vehicle device; and performing a startup process based on the obtained startup method information, and the startup process starts the selected power supply target device.

[0032] In this way, with the structure of starting the power supply target device selected from a plurality of in-vehicle devices by using the startup method information, even when the structure of the in-vehicle network is changed, the power supply target device can be started according to the startup method indicated by the startup method information. Therefore, in the in-vehicle network with a new structure, the in-vehicle device can be reliably started.

[0033] For example, in the in-vehicle network with a new structure, when starting the selected power supply target device, the startup method information corresponding to the in-vehicle network can be newly obtained to determine the startup method of the power supply target device. Thus, the update of the startup method information can be performed to cope with the change in the structure of the in-vehicle network.

[0034] (9) The startup control program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used in an in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device is used in an in-vehicle network, and the in-vehicle network includes a plurality of in-vehicle devices. Among them, the startup control program is used to make a computer operate as the following units: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, where the power supply target device is the in-vehicle device to which power should be supplied; an acquisition unit that acquires startup method information, where the startup method information represents the startup method of each in-vehicle device; and a control unit that performs a startup process based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the startup process starts the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

[0035] In this way, with the structure of starting the power supply target device selected from a plurality of in-vehicle devices by using the startup method information, even when the structure of the in-vehicle network is changed, the power supply target device can be started according to the startup method indicated by the startup method information. Therefore, in the in-vehicle network with a new structure, the in-vehicle device can be reliably started.

[0036] For example, in the in-vehicle network with a new structure, when starting the selected power supply target device, the startup method information corresponding to the in-vehicle network can be newly obtained to determine the startup method of the power supply target device. Thus, the update of the startup method information can be performed to cope with the change in the structure of the in-vehicle network.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In addition, at least a part of the embodiments described below can be arbitrarily combined.

[0038] [In-Vehicle System]

[0039] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1 , the in-vehicle system 301 includes a relay device 101, a plurality of in-vehicle devices 201, a power supply unit 51, a plurality of power relays 61, and a plurality of control relays 71. The in-vehicle system 301 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The relay device 101 is an example of an in-vehicle device. The power relay 61 is an example of a switching unit.

[0040] The in-vehicle device 201 is, for example, an autonomous driving ECU, an engine ECU, a body control ECU, a TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), a sensor, a navigation device, a human-machine interface, and a camera.

[0041] The relay device 101 and the plurality of in-vehicle devices 201 constitute an in-vehicle network 401. The plurality of in-vehicle devices 201 are connected to the relay device 101 via, for example, a CAN bus 2 complying with the CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark) standard or an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 3.

[0042] The in-vehicle device 201A as the in-vehicle device 201 is connected to the relay device 101 via the CAN bus 2A as the CAN bus 2. The in-vehicle device 201B as the in-vehicle device 201 is connected to the relay device 101 via the CAN bus 2B as the CAN bus 2.

[0043] In addition, the in-vehicle devices 201C and 201D as the in-vehicle device 201 are connected to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 3.

[0044] Hereinafter, the in-vehicle device 201 connected to the relay device 101 via the CAN bus 2 will also be referred to as a "CAN device". In addition, the in-vehicle device 201 connected to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 3 will also be referred to as an "Ethernet device". In addition, the CAN bus 2A will also be referred to as "CAN1", and the CAN bus 2B will also be referred to as "CAN2".

[0045] The CAN device transitions from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode and, in addition, from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode. The CAN device communicates with other devices in the vehicle system 301 in the wake-up mode and stops communicating with other devices in the vehicle system 301 in the sleep mode. Here, the sleep mode is a mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the wake-up mode due to the stop of part of the functions of the CAN device, the stop of power supply to the CAN device, or the reduction of the clock frequency in the CAN device.

[0046] Hereinafter, the in-vehicle device 201 newly added to the in-vehicle network 401 is also referred to as the "new device", and the in-vehicle device 201 included in the in-vehicle network 401 before adding the new device is also referred to as the "existing device". In addition, the in-vehicle network 401 including the new device and the in-vehicle network 401 after the connection object of the existing device is changed are also referred to as the "new network".

[0047] The relay device 101 is used in the in-vehicle network 401 including a plurality of in-vehicle devices 201. The relay device 101 operates, for example, using the power supplied from the ignition power supply of the vehicle 1. The relay device 101 performs relay processing for relaying frames between a plurality of in-vehicle devices 201 connected to itself.

[0048] The relay device 101 and each in-vehicle device 201 generate frames containing various information described later and send them to other in-vehicle devices 201 or the relay device 101.

[0049] The in-vehicle device 201 sends vehicle information related to the vehicle 1 to other in-vehicle devices 201 or the relay device 101. The vehicle information transmitted from each in-vehicle device 201 via the CAN bus 2 is stored in a CAN frame assigned a CAN-ID (Identifier: identifier) indicating the category of the data, etc.

[0050] Each in-vehicle device 201 in the vehicle system 301 provides various services in the in-vehicle network 401 by communicating with each other.

[0051] For example, it is assumed that a service for controlling the lighting timing of the headlamp is executed in the in-vehicle network 401. In this case, a sensor as the in-vehicle device 201 sends sensor information related to the driving state or the surrounding state of the vehicle 1 to the body control ECU as another in-vehicle device 201 via the relay device 101. The body control ECU controls the lighting timing of the headlamp of the vehicle 1 using the sensor information received from the sensor.

[0052] The power supply unit 51 supplies power in the vehicle 1. The power supply unit 51 includes, for example, an ignition power supply, an auxiliary power supply, and a storage battery.

[0053] The power supply unit 51 is connected to the relay device 101 via the power line 4. The power supply unit 51 supplies power to the relay device 101 via the power line 4.

[0054] The power supply unit 51 is connected to each in-vehicle device 201 via the power line 5. The power supply unit 51 supplies power to each in-vehicle device 201 via the power line 5.

[0055] The storage battery in the power supply unit 51 is connected to each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2A via, for example, the power line 5A as the power line 5. Each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2A operates using the power supplied by the storage battery.

[0056] In addition, the storage battery in the power supply unit 51 is connected to each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2B via, for example, the power line 5B as the power line 5. Each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2B operates using the power supplied by the storage battery.

[0057] The auxiliary power supply in the power supply unit 51 is connected to the in-vehicle device 201C via, for example, the power line 5C as the power line 5. The ignition power supply in the power supply unit 51 is connected to the in-vehicle device 201D via, for example, the power line 5D as the power line 5.

[0058] The power relay 61 switches whether to supply power to one or more corresponding in-vehicle devices 201 in the vehicle 1 equipped with the in-vehicle network 401.

[0059] In Figure 1 The power relay 61A as the power relay 61 is a relay for the auxiliary power supply. Specifically, the power relay 61A is provided on the power line 5C that connects the in-vehicle device 201C to the auxiliary power supply. When the auxiliary power supply of the vehicle 1 changes from the off state to the on state, the state of the power relay 61A is the on state. In this case, the in-vehicle device 201C operates using the power supplied by the auxiliary power supply.

[0060] The power relay 61B as the power relay 61 is a relay for the ignition power supply. Specifically, the power relay 61B is provided on the power line 5D that connects the in-vehicle device 201D to the ignition power supply. When the ignition power supply of the vehicle 1 changes from the off state to the on state, the state of the power relay 61B is the on state. In this case, the in-vehicle device 201D operates using the power supplied by the ignition power supply.

[0061] The control relay 71 switches between the on state and the off state according to the control of the control unit 24 in the relay device 101 described later. The vehicle-mounted system 301 includes, for example, control relays 71A, 71B, and 71C as the control relay 71.

[0062] The control relay 71A is connected between the in-vehicle device 201C and the power relay 61A. For example, in a state where the auxiliary power supply of the vehicle 1 is switched from the off state to the on state, the state of the control relay 71A is the off state.

[0063] The control relay 71B is connected between the in-vehicle device 201D and the power relay 61B. The control relay 71C is not connected to the in-vehicle device 201. For example, in a state where the ignition power supply of the vehicle 1 is changed from the off state to the on state, the states of the control relays 71B and 71C are the off states.

[0064] Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted system 301, the structure is not limited to having two CAN buses 2, and may also be a structure having one or three or more CAN buses 2.

[0065] In addition, the multiple in-vehicle devices 201 are not limited to the structure of being connected to the relay device 101 via the CAN bus 2 and the Ethernet cable 3. For example, they may also be connected to the relay device 101 via a bus in accordance with communication standards such as CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oritend System Transport) (registered trademark), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0066] [Relay Device]

[0067] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 2 , the relay device 101 includes a plurality of communication ports 11, a switch unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The processing unit 13 includes a service detection unit 21, a selection unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a control unit 24, and a calculation unit 25. One or both of the switch unit 12 and the processing unit 13 are implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors, for example. The storage unit 14 is a non-volatile memory included in the above processing circuit, for example. The switch unit 12 is an example of a communication unit.

[0068] The communication port 11 is a terminal capable of connecting the Ethernet cable 3. Each communication port 11 is connected to the corresponding in-vehicle device 201 via the Ethernet cable 3.

[0069] More specifically, the relay device 101 includes, for example, communication ports 11A, 11B, and 11C as communication ports 11. An in-vehicle device 201C is connected to the communication port 11A via an Ethernet cable 3, and an in-vehicle device 201D is connected to the communication port 11B via an Ethernet cable 3.

[0070] (Switching unit)

[0071] The switching unit 12 includes, for example, a plurality of terminals (not shown) respectively connected to the plurality of communication ports 11. Each terminal is assigned an inherent port number.

[0072] Here, the port numbers of the terminals connected to the communication ports 11A, 11B, and 11C are #1, #2, and #3, respectively.

[0073] The switching unit 12 communicates with each in-vehicle device 201. More specifically, the switching unit 12 relays frames transmitted and received between the in-vehicle devices 201.

[0074] The switching unit 12 can perform relay processing accompanied by communication protocol conversion. Specifically, when the switching unit 12 receives a frame from a CAN device according to the CAN communication standard, it changes the format of the received frame to the format according to the Ethernet communication standard, and sends the frame with the changed format to an Ethernet device according to the Ethernet communication standard.

[0075] In addition, when the switching unit 12 receives a frame from an Ethernet device according to the Ethernet communication standard, it changes the format of the received frame to the format according to the CAN communication standard, and sends the frame with the changed format to a CAN device according to the CAN communication standard.

[0076] In addition, the switching unit 12 can perform relay processing without communication protocol conversion. Specifically, when the switching unit 12 receives a frame from an Ethernet device according to the Ethernet communication standard, it sends the received frame to another Ethernet device according to the Ethernet communication standard.

[0077] When the switching unit 12 receives a frame from a CAN device according to the CAN communication standard, it sends the received frame to another CAN device according to the CAN communication standard.

[0078] (Control unit)

[0079] The control unit 24 performs control to cause the CAN device to transition to the wake-up mode. More specifically, for example, when the CAN device operating in the sleep mode is the CAN device to be woken up, the control unit 24 generates a CAN frame including the CAN-ID and a wake-up request. Then, the control unit 24 transmits the generated CAN frame to a plurality of CAN devices connected to the CAN bus 2 via the switch unit 12 and the CAN bus 2.

[0080] When the CAN device receives a wake-up request from the relay device 101, it transitions to the wake-up mode.

[0081] More specifically, when each CAN device receives a CAN frame from the relay device 101, it confirms whether its own CAN-ID is included in the CAN frame. Here, as described above, when the operation mode of the CAN device is the sleep mode, it can stop a part of its own functions, and on the other hand, it can receive CAN frames.

[0082] The CAN device operating in the sleep mode discards the CAN frame that does not include its own CAN-ID. On the other hand, when the CAN device operating in the sleep mode receives a CAN frame including its own CAN-ID, it starts a power supply IC (Integrated Circuitry) (not shown) provided in the CAN device and transitions to the wake-up mode. Thereby, the CAN device uses the output voltage of the power supply IC to communicate with other devices in the in-vehicle system 301. In this case, the startup method of the CAN device is "communication".

[0083] The control unit 24 performs operation control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the Ethernet device from the off state to the on state. Thereby, the Ethernet device is supplied with power from the power supply unit 51 and starts operating. That is, the relay device 101 starts the Ethernet device by performing control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the Ethernet device from the off state to the on state. In this case, the startup method of the Ethernet device is "relay". In addition, the relay device 101 can also start the in-vehicle device 201 by other startup methods other than "communication" and "relay".

[0084] [Description of the problem]

[0085] In the in-vehicle network 401, in order to execute a service corresponding to the user's demand, the in-vehicle device 201 may sometimes be newly added.

[0086] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a new network in the in-vehicle system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 Shows for Figure 1The structure of in-vehicle network 401 shown adds a new in-vehicle device 201E. That is, the in-vehicle device 201E is an example of a new device.

[0087] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the in-vehicle device 201E is connected to the communication port 11C of the relay device 101 via, for example, an Ethernet cable 3.

[0088] In addition, the in-vehicle device 201E is connected to the power relay 61B via the control relay 71C. That is, the start method of the in-vehicle device 201E is "relay". In this way, in the in-vehicle network 401, even when the in-vehicle device 201E is newly added, it is desired to reliably start the in-vehicle device 201E according to the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201E.

[0089] In addition, in the in-vehicle network 401, in order to execute a service corresponding to the user's demand, the connection object of the existing device is sometimes changed.

[0090] Figure 4 is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the new network in the in-vehicle system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 Shows the structure of the in-vehicle network 401 in which the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201B is changed.

[0091] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 , the in-vehicle device 201B is connected to the communication port 11C of the relay device 101 via, for example, an Ethernet cable 3. That is, in Figure 4 the new network shown, the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201B is changed from the CAN bus 2B to the Ethernet cable 3. In addition, the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201B is sometimes changed from the CAN bus 2B to the CAN bus 2A. In addition, the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201 connected to the communication port 11 of the relay device 101 is sometimes changed to another communication port 11.

[0092] In addition, the in-vehicle device 201B is connected to the power relay 61B via the control relay 71C. That is, in Figure 4 the new network shown, along with the change of the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201B, the start method of the in-vehicle device 201B is changed from "communication" to "relay".

[0093] In this way, in the in-vehicle network 401, even when the connection object of the in-vehicle device 201 is changed or the start method of the in-vehicle device 201 is changed, it is desired to reliably start the in-vehicle device 201.

[0094] In addition, an allowable current is set for each power relay 61. InFigure 4 In the new network shown, since in - vehicle device 201B is connected to power relay 61B, the number of in - vehicle devices 201 connected to power relay 61B increases. In this case, the current flowing through power relay 61B is larger than the current flowing through the power relay 61B shown by Figure 1 and may exceed the allowable current of power relay 61B. Therefore, when the start method of in - vehicle device 201 changes from "communication" to "relay", it is necessary to suppress the current flowing through power relay 61 from exceeding the allowable current.

[0095] In addition, until the in - vehicle device 201 can communicate when the start method of in - vehicle device 201 is "communication", the start - up time is the start - up time of the power IC provided in the in - vehicle device 201. This start - up time is, for example, several tens of milliseconds.

[0096] On the other hand, until the in - vehicle device 201 can communicate when the start method of in - vehicle device 201 is "relay", the start - up time is the time obtained by adding the time required to change the control relay 71 from the off state to the on state and the time from when power is supplied from power supply unit 51 until the in - vehicle device 201 starts up. This start - up time is, for example, several hundreds of milliseconds.

[0097] Thus, when the start method of in - vehicle device 201 changes from "communication" to "relay", the time until the in - vehicle device 201 can communicate becomes longer. Therefore, when the relay device 101 attempts to start communicating with the in - vehicle device 201 while the in - vehicle device 201 is not started, this communication may fail.

[0098] In contrast, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, such problems are solved by the following structure and operation.

[0099] [Structure of Relay Device]

[0100] (Service Detection Unit)

[0101] Refer again to Figure 2 The service detection unit 21 in the relay device 101 detects the category of the service executed in the in - vehicle network 401.

[0102] More specifically, for example, the storage unit 14 stores service information (not shown) representing the start condition and end condition of each service.

[0103] When the service detection unit 21 determines that the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies the specified start condition, it refers to the service information in the storage unit 14 and detects the category of the service corresponding to the start condition as the service (hereinafter, also referred to as "execution service") executed in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0104] Specifically, the service detection unit 21 periodically monitors, for example, the output voltage of the auxiliary power supply of the power supply unit 51 to detect the on and off states of the auxiliary power supply. When the measured voltage value is equal to or higher than the specified threshold value, the service detection unit 21 determines that the auxiliary power supply is in the on state, and when the measured voltage value is less than the threshold value, the service detection unit 21 determines that the auxiliary power supply is in the off state. When the service detection unit 21 determines that the auxiliary power supply is in the on state, it detects the service of the in-vehicle device 201 connected to the power relay 61A as the execution service.

[0105] In addition, the service detection unit 21 periodically monitors, for example, the output voltage of the ignition power supply of the power supply unit 51 to detect the on and off states of the ignition power supply. When the measured voltage value is equal to or higher than the specified threshold value, the service detection unit 21 determines that the ignition power supply is in the on state, and when the measured voltage value is less than the threshold value, the service detection unit 21 determines that the ignition power supply is in the off state. When the service detection unit 21 determines that the ignition power supply is in the on state, it detects the service of the in-vehicle device 201 connected to the power relay 61B as the execution service.

[0106] The service detection unit 21 outputs detection information indicating the detection result to the selection unit 22. In addition, the service detection unit 21 can also receive, for example, category information indicating the category of the service desired by the user from a navigation device (not shown) provided in the vehicle 1 via the switch unit 12. In this case, the service detection unit 21 outputs the received category information as detection information to the selection unit 22.

[0107] (Selection unit)

[0108] When receiving the detection information from the service detection unit 21, the selection unit 22 performs a selection process of selecting the in-vehicle device 201 from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices 201 to execute the service of the category indicated by the detection information.

[0109] More specifically, the selection unit 22 selects the in-vehicle device 201 to be powered (hereinafter, also referred to as "power supply target device") from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices 201. Alternatively, the selection unit 22 selects the in-vehicle device 201 to cut off the power supply (hereinafter, also referred to as "cut-off target device") from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices 201.

[0110] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of the device selection table stored in the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the storage unit 14 stores a device selection table Tb1 representing power supply target devices or cut-off target devices for each service. The device selection table Tb1 is registered in the storage unit 14 by the vehicle 1's manufacturing operator when the vehicle 1 leaves the factory, for example.

[0112] In the device selection table Tb1, the power supply target devices when services A and B are executed are in-vehicle devices 201B, 201C, and 201D. The cut-off target device when service C is executed is in-vehicle device 201A. The cut-off target device when service D is executed is in-vehicle device 201B. The cut-off target device when service E is executed is in-vehicle device 201C.

[0113] When the selection unit 22 receives detection information from the service detection unit 21, it reads out the device selection table Tb1 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the device selection table Tb1, the selection unit 22 selects a power supply target device or a cut-off target device corresponding to the service corresponding to the category represented by the detection information. The selection unit 22 outputs the selection result to the acquisition unit 23.

[0114] The device selection table Tb1 also represents the priorities of the in-vehicle devices 201 for each service. In the device selection table Tb1, the priority of in-vehicle device 201B when service A is executed is low, and the priorities of in-vehicle devices 201C and 201D when service A is executed are high. The priorities of in-vehicle devices 201B, 201C, and 201D when service B is executed are high. The priority of in-vehicle device 201A when service C is executed is high. The priority of in-vehicle device 201B when service D is executed is high. The priority of in-vehicle device 201C when service E is executed is high.

[0115] In the device selection table Tb1, in-vehicle device 201B is a power supply target device when service A is executed and a cut-off target device when service D is executed. For example, when the category of the service represented by the detection information received from the service detection unit 21 is service A and service D, the selection unit 22 confirms the priority of in-vehicle device 201B when service A is executed and the priority of in-vehicle device 201B when service D is executed by referring to the device selection table Tb1. Moreover, since the priority of in-vehicle device 201B when service A is executed is low and the priority of in-vehicle device 201B when service D is executed is high, the selection unit 22 selects in-vehicle device 201B as the cut-off target device.

[0116] In addition, when the in-vehicle device 201 is, for example, a power supply target device with a high priority when executing a certain service and a cut-off target device with a high priority when executing other services, the in-vehicle device 201 is selected as the cut-off target device.

[0117] For example, in the device selection table Tb1, the in-vehicle device 201B has a high priority when executing both service B and service D. When the service categories indicated by the detection information received by the service detection unit 21 are service B and service D, the selection unit 22 selects the in-vehicle device 201B as the device to be cut off instead of the power supply target device.

[0118] (Acquisition unit)

[0119] The acquisition unit 23 acquires startup method information, which indicates the startup method of each in-vehicle device 201 and the position of each in-vehicle device 201 in the in-vehicle network 401 (hereinafter, also referred to as "connection position").

[0120] More specifically, the storage unit 14 stores a startup table Tb2 including the startup method information. The startup table Tb2 is registered in the storage unit 14 by the vehicle manufacturer of the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 leaves the factory, for example.

[0121] When the acquisition unit 23 receives the selection result indicating the power supply target device from the selection unit 22, the acquisition unit 23 reads out the startup table Tb2 from the storage unit 14. Then, the acquisition unit 23 determines the startup method and connection position of the power supply target device by referring to the startup table Tb2.

[0122] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing an example of the startup table stored in the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] Refer to Figure 6 , in the startup table Tb2, the startup methods of the in-vehicle devices 201A and 201B are "communication". The startup methods of the in-vehicle devices 201C and 201D are "relay".

[0124] The startup table Tb2 represents the CAN bus 2 connected to the in-vehicle device 201 and the port number of the communication port 11 connected to the in-vehicle device 201 as the connection position.

[0125] In the startup table Tb2, the CAN bus 2 connected to the in-vehicle device 201A is "CAN1". The CAN bus 2 connected to the in-vehicle device 201B is "CAN2". The port number of the communication port 11 connected to the in-vehicle device 201C is "#1". The port number of the communication port 11 connected to the in-vehicle device 201D is "#2".

[0126] The startup table Tb2 also represents the CAN-ID of the CAN frame sent from the in-vehicle device 201 whose startup method is "communication". In the startup table Tb2, the CAN-ID of the CAN frame sent from the in-vehicle device 201A is "100", and the CAN-ID of the CAN frame sent from the in-vehicle device 201B is "200".

[0127] For example, the acquisition unit 23 also acquires characteristic information indicating the operation characteristics of each in-vehicle device 201. More specifically, the acquisition unit 23, for example, the start-up table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 also includes the characteristic information.

[0128] Here, the characteristic information included in the start-up table Tb2 represents the current consumption of each in-vehicle device 201 and the start-up time until each in-vehicle device 201 can communicate as the operation characteristics.

[0129] In the start-up table Tb2, the current consumption of the in-vehicle device 201A is "3A", and the start-up time until the in-vehicle device 201A can communicate is "10 ms". The current consumption of the in-vehicle device 201B is "5A", and the start-up time until the in-vehicle device 201B can communicate is "30 ms". The current consumption of the in-vehicle device 201C is "2A", and the start-up time until the in-vehicle device 201C can communicate is "300 ms". The current consumption of the in-vehicle device 201D is "2A", and the start-up time until the in-vehicle device 201D can communicate is "200 ms".

[0130] When the acquisition unit 23 receives the selection result indicating the power supply target device from the selection unit 22, it reads out the start-up table Tb2 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the start-up table Tb2, the acquisition unit 23 determines the operation characteristics of the power supply target device indicated by the selection result received from the selection unit 22. Specifically, it determines the current consumption and start-up time of the power supply target device.

[0131] When the determined start-up method is "relay", the acquisition unit 23 outputs control information indicating the start-up method, the determined connection position, the current consumption, and the start-up time to the control unit 24.

[0132] In addition, when the determined start-up method is "communication", the acquisition unit 23 outputs control information indicating the start-up method, the determined connection position, the CAN-ID, the current consumption, and the start-up time to the control unit 24.

[0133] When the selection result received from the selection unit 22 indicates a plurality of power supply target devices, the acquisition unit 23 outputs the control information of each power supply target device to the control unit 24. That is, when a plurality of power supply target devices are selected by the selection unit 22, the acquisition unit 23 outputs a plurality of control information to the control unit 24. The acquisition unit 23 outputs, for example, a plurality of control information indicating that the start-up method is "relay" or a plurality of control information indicating that the start-up method is "communication" to the control unit 24. In addition, the acquisition unit 23 can also output, for example, one or more control information indicating that the start-up method is "relay" and one or more control information indicating that the start-up method is "communication" to the control unit 24.

[0134] (Update of device selection table and startup table)

[0135] The device selection table Tb1 and the startup table Tb2 can be updated, for example. More specifically, for example, when the structure of the in-vehicle network 401 changes after the vehicle 1 is manufactured, the dealer updates the device selection table Tb1 and the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14. Specifically, the dealer updates the device selection table Tb1 and the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14, for example, when a new device is added to the in-vehicle network 401, when the connection object of an existing device changes, or when the startup method of an existing device changes.

[0136] Figure 7 FIG. is an example of an updated device selection table stored in the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 FIG. shows an example of the device selection table Tb1 when the in-vehicle device 201E is added to the in-vehicle network 401.

[0137] Refer to Figure 7 , in the updated device selection table Tb1, it is registered that the in-vehicle device 201E is a power supply target device when executing service A. In addition, the priority of the in-vehicle device 201E when executing service A is registered as high.

[0138] Figure 8 FIG. is an example of an updated startup table stored in the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 FIG. shows an example of the startup table Tb2 when the in-vehicle device 201E is added to the in-vehicle network 401.

[0139] Refer to Figure 8 , in the updated startup table Tb2, it is registered that the port number of the communication port 11 connected to the in-vehicle device 201E is "#3". In addition, it is registered that the current consumption of the in-vehicle device 201E is "2A" and the startup time until the in-vehicle device 201C can communicate is "300 ms".

[0140] (Startup process)

[0141] The control unit 24 performs a startup process based on the startup method information and the characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit 23, and the startup process starts the power supply target device selected by the selection unit 22.

[0142] More specifically, when the control unit 24 receives control information from the acquisition unit 23, it starts the power supply target device based on the startup method indicated by the control information.

[0143] Specifically, when the startup method indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 is "relay" and the connection position indicated by the control information is the port number, the control unit 24 determines the power supply target device connected to the communication port 11 with the port number. Then, the control unit 24 performs control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the determined power supply target device from the off state to the on state. Thereby, the power supply target device is supplied with power from the power supply unit 51 and starts up.

[0144] In addition, when the startup method indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 is "communication" and the connection position indicated by the control information is the CAN bus 2, the control unit 24 generates a CAN frame including the CAN-ID indicated by the control information and a wake-up request. Then, the control unit 24 sends the generated CAN frame to a plurality of CAN devices connected to the CAN bus 2 via the switch unit 12 and the CAN bus 2.

[0145] Among the plurality of CAN devices, the CAN device that receives the CAN frame including its own CAN-ID transitions to the wake-up mode according to the wake-up request included in the CAN frame.

[0146] (Wait control)

[0147] For example, after starting the power supply to the power supply target device selected by the selection unit 22, the control unit 24 causes the switch unit 12 to wait for communication with the power supply target device until the startup time of the power supply target device indicated by the characteristic information has elapsed. After the startup time has elapsed, the control unit 24 causes the switch unit 12 to start communicating with the power supply target device.

[0148] More specifically, when the startup method indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 is "relay", the control unit 24 outputs a wait notification to the switch unit 12, and the wait notification indicates the meaning of waiting for communication with the power supply target device and the port number of the communication port 11 connected to the power supply target device. Specifically, after switching the control relay 71 connected to the power supply target device from the off state to the on state, the control unit 24 outputs the wait notification to the switch unit 12.

[0149] When the switch unit 12 receives the wait notification from the control unit 24, it waits for communication with the power supply target device connected to the communication port 11 with the port number indicated by the wait notification. Specifically, for example, the switch unit 12 waits for the transmission of a frame for controlling the power supply target device.

[0150] In addition, when the control unit 24 confirms that the start time indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 has elapsed since the timing at which the control relay 71 connected to the power supply target device is switched from the off state to the on state, the control unit 24 outputs a permission notification to the switch unit 12. The permission notification indicates the meaning of permitting communication with the power supply target device and the port number of the communication port 11 connected to the power supply target device.

[0151] When the switch unit 12 receives the permission notification from the control unit 24, the switch unit 12 starts communicating with the power supply target device of the communication port 11 connected to the port number indicated by the permission notification.

[0152] (Selection of Power Supply Target Devices Without Power Supply)

[0153] For example, in a case where any one of the plurality of power supply target devices selected by the selection unit 22 is connected to any one of the plurality of power relays 61, the control unit 24 selects a power supply target device that is not powered (hereinafter, also referred to as a "non-powered device") from the plurality of power supply target devices based on the current consumption of each power supply target device indicated by the characteristic information included in the start table Tb2.

[0154] More specifically, in a case where the control unit 24 receives a plurality of control information indicating that the start method is "relay" from the acquisition unit 23, the control unit 24 outputs the start method, connection position, and current consumption of the power supply target device indicated by each control information to the calculation unit 25.

[0155] When the calculation unit 25 receives the start method, connection position, and current consumption of the power supply target device indicated by each control information from the control unit 24, the calculation unit 25 calculates the total value of the current consumption of one or more in-vehicle devices 201 connected to the power relay 61 for each power relay 61.

[0156] More specifically, the storage unit 14 stores a relay table Tb3 that represents the correspondence relationship between the port numbers of the communication ports 11 and the power relays 61.

[0157] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing an example of the relay table stored in the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Refer to Figure 9 , in the relay table Tb3, the power relay 61 corresponding to the port number "#1" is the power relay 61A. The power relay 61 corresponding to the port numbers "#2, #3" is the power relay 61B. Regarding Figure 9 the "permissible current" shown, it will be described later.

[0159] Refer to Figure 2 andFigure 9 When the calculation unit 25 receives the startup method, connection location, and current consumption of the power supply target device indicated by each control information from the control unit 24, it reads the relay table Tb3 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the relay table Tb3, the calculation unit 25 determines the power relay 61 corresponding to the connection location, that is, the port number.

[0160] Then, the calculation unit 25 uses the current consumption indicated by each control information received from the control unit 24 to calculate the total value of the current consumption of one or more power supply target devices connected to the determined power relay 61. The calculation unit 25 notifies the control unit 24 of the calculation result.

[0161] The control unit 24 selects a non-powered device from among a plurality of power supply target devices (hereinafter, also referred to as "connected device group") connected to the power relay 61 whose total value of the current consumption indicated by the calculation result received from the calculation unit 25 satisfies a specified condition.

[0162] More specifically, the acquisition unit 23 acquires allowable current information indicating the allowable current of each power relay 61.

[0163] Specifically, the relay table Tb3 stored in the storage unit 14 also represents the correspondence between the power relay 61 and the allowable current.

[0164] In the relay table Tb3, the allowable current of the power relay 61A for the auxiliary power supply is "C1", and the allowable current of the power relay 61B for the ignition power supply is "C2".

[0165] In the case where the startup method determined using the startup table Tb2 as described above is "relay" and the determined connection location is the port number, the acquisition unit 23 reads the relay table Tb3 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the relay table Tb3, the acquisition unit 23 determines the allowable current of the power relay 61 corresponding to the port number, and outputs the relay information indicating the determined allowable current and the port number to the control unit 24.

[0166] For example, the control unit 24 sets a specified condition for selecting a non-powered device based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit 23.

[0167] Specifically, when the control unit 24 receives relay information from the acquisition unit 23, it determines the power relay 61 corresponding to the port number indicated by the relay information by referring to the relay table Tb3 in the storage unit 14. Then, the control unit 24 sets the case where the total value of the current consumption of the plurality of in-vehicle devices 201 connected to the determined power relay 61 is equal to or greater than the allowable current indicated by the relay information as a specified condition.

[0168] Then, when the total value of the consumption currents representing the calculation results received from the calculation unit 25 is equal to or greater than the allowable current, the control unit 24 selects a non-powered device by referring to the power supply priority table Tb4 in the storage unit 14. In addition, the control unit 24 may set the case where the total value of the consumption currents represented by the calculation results received from the calculation unit 25 is equal to or greater than the value obtained by subtracting a prescribed margin from the allowable current as a prescribed condition.

[0169] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing an example of the power supply priority table stored in the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0170] Refer to Figure 10 , the power supply priority table Tb4 indicates the priorities of the respective in-vehicle devices 201. In the power supply priority table Tb4, the in-vehicle devices 201A, 201C, and 201D have high priorities, and the in-vehicle devices 201B and 201E have low priorities.

[0171] For example, in Figure 3 In the new network shown, when the total value of the consumption currents of the in-vehicle devices 201D and 201E connected to the power relay 61B is equal to or greater than the allowable current, the control unit 24 selects the in-vehicle device 201E with a low priority as the non-powered device by referring to the power supply priority table Tb4.

[0172] In addition, for example, in Figure 4 In the new network shown, when the total value of the consumption currents of the in-vehicle devices 201D and 201B connected to the power relay 61B is equal to or greater than the allowable current, the control unit 24 selects the in-vehicle device 201B with a low priority as the non-powered device by referring to the power supply priority table Tb4.

[0173] Then, the control unit 24 starts the powered devices other than the selected non-powered device among the plurality of powered devices constituting the connection device group (hereinafter, also referred to as "specific devices") according to the start method of the specific devices indicated by the start table Tb2.

[0174] In Figure 3 In the new network shown, for example, when the control unit 24 selects the in-vehicle device 201E as the non-powered device, the control unit 24 determines the in-vehicle device 201D as a specific device. Then, the control unit 24 starts the in-vehicle device 201D according to the start method of the in-vehicle device 201D indicated by the start table Tb2 in the storage unit 14. Specifically, the control unit 24 performs control to switch the control relay 71B connected to the in-vehicle device 201D from the off state to the on state. Thereby, the in-vehicle device 201D is supplied with power from the power supply unit 51 and starts operating.

[0175] In Figure 4 the new network shown, when the control unit 24 selects the in-vehicle device 201B as a non-powered device, for example, similar to the new network shown Figure 3 the in-vehicle device 201D is determined as a specific device.

[0176] On the other hand, when the total value of the consumed current calculated by the calculation unit 25 is less than the allowable current, the control unit 24 does not select a non-powered device. In this case, the control unit 24 performs control to switch a plurality of control relays 71 respectively connected to a plurality of power supply target devices selected by the selection unit 22 from the off state to the on state.

[0177] (End of service)

[0178] When the service detection unit 21 determines that the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies a specified end condition, the service detection unit 21 outputs an end notification indicating that the service corresponding to the end condition should end to the control unit 24 by referring to the above service information in the storage unit 14.

[0179] When the control unit 24 receives the end notification from the service detection unit 21, the control unit 24 performs stop control to stop the operation of the in-vehicle device 201 corresponding to the service indicated by the end notification.

[0180] For example, as the stop control, the control unit 24 sends a sleep request via the switch unit 12 and the CAN bus 2 to the CAN device. The sleep request is used to change the operation mode of the CAN device corresponding to the service indicated by the end notification from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode.

[0181] Specifically, the control unit 24 sends a CAN frame including the CAN-ID indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 and the sleep request to a plurality of CAN devices connected to the CAN bus 2 indicated by the control information.

[0182] The CAN device among the plurality of CAN devices that receives the CAN frame including its own CAN-ID changes to the sleep mode according to the sleep request included in the CAN frame. Thereby, the CAN device stops communicating with other devices in the in-vehicle system 301.

[0183] In addition, for example, as the stop control, the control unit 24 performs control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the Ethernet device corresponding to the service indicated by the end notification from the on state to the off state. Thereby, the Ethernet device stops operating by being cut off from the power supply from the power supply unit 51.

[0184] [Flow of operation]

[0185] Figure 11It is a flowchart showing the operation steps when the relay device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure performs a startup process.

[0186] Refer to Figure 11 , first, when power is supplied from the power supply unit 51, the relay device 101 starts up (step S101).

[0187] Next, when the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies the start condition of the service (Yes in step S102), the relay device 101 detects the category of the service executed in the in-vehicle network 401 (step S103).

[0188] Next, the relay device 101 selects a power supply target device from among the multiple in-vehicle devices 201. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 selects a power supply target device corresponding to the detected service category by referring to the device selection table Tb1 in the storage unit 14. Here, it is assumed that the relay device 101 selects multiple power supply target devices (step S104).

[0189] Next, the relay device 101 determines the startup method and operation characteristics of each power supply target device. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 determines the startup method and operation characteristics of each power supply target device by referring to the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14 (step S105).

[0190] Next, when the determined startup method is "relay" (Yes in step S106), the relay device 101 calculates the total value of the consumption currents of one or more power supply target devices connected to each power relay 61. Here, it is assumed that the relay device 101 calculates the total value of the consumption currents of the power supply target devices included in the connection device group that are connected to the power relay 61B among the multiple selected power supply target devices (step S107).

[0191] Next, when the calculated total value of the consumption currents is equal to or greater than the allowable current (Yes in step S108), the relay device 101 confirms the priority of each power supply target device in the connection device group by referring to the power supply priority table Tb4 in the storage unit 14 (step S109).

[0192] Next, when the connection device group includes a power supply target device with a low priority (Yes in step S110), the relay device 101 selects this power supply target device as a non-powered device (step S111).

[0193] Next, the relay device 101 calculates the total value of the consumption currents of the power supply target devices other than the non-powered devices in the connection device group (step S107). When the calculated total value of the consumption currents is equal to or greater than the allowable current (Yes in step S108), the relay device 101 re-confirms the priorities of the respective power supply target devices connected to the power relay 61B (step S109).

[0194] Next, when there is a power supply target device with a low priority among the multiple power supply target devices (Yes in step S110), the relay device 101 newly selects this power supply target device as a non-powered device (step S111).

[0195] On the other hand, when the calculated total value of the consumption currents is less than the allowable current (No in step S108), the relay device 101 starts the power supply target devices other than the selected non-powered device among the multiple power supply target devices. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 performs control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the power supply target device other than the selected non-powered device from the off state to the on state (step S112).

[0196] In addition, when the determined starting method of the power supply target device is not "relay", that is, when the starting method is "communication" (No in step S106), the relay device 101 starts the multiple power supply target devices. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 sends a CAN frame including a wake-up request to the power supply target device (step S112).

[0197] Next, the relay device 101 waits for communication with the power supply target device. For example, as described above, after starting the power supply to the power supply target device, the relay device 101 waits for communication with the power supply target device until the start-up time of the power supply target device indicated by the start-up table Tb2 has elapsed (step S113).

[0198] Next, the relay device 101 starts communicating with the power supply target device after the start-up time of the power supply target device has elapsed (step S114).

[0199] Next, when the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies the end condition of the service being executed (Yes in step S115), the relay device 101 stops the operation of the power supply target device corresponding to the service (step S116). Then, the relay device 101 waits for the state of the power supply unit 51 to satisfy the start condition of another service (No in step S102).

[0200] On the other hand, when there is no power supply target device with a low priority in the connection device group (No in step S110), the relay device 101 ends the process.

[0201] In addition, in the vehicle-mounted system 301 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the relay device 101 is configured to include a service detection unit 21, a selection unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a control unit 24, and a calculation unit 25, but is not limited thereto. For example, other vehicle-mounted devices other than the relay device 101 may also include the service detection unit 21, the selection unit 22, the acquisition unit 23, the control unit 24, and the calculation unit 25, and may perform the above-described processing.

[0202] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-up table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to include start-up method information and characteristic information, but is not limited thereto. For example, the storage unit 14 may also be configured to separately store a table including start-up method information and a table including characteristic information instead of the start-up table Tb2.

[0203] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the characteristic information included in the start-up table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to represent the current consumption of each vehicle-mounted device 201 and the start-up time until each vehicle-mounted device 201 can communicate as the operation characteristics of each vehicle-mounted device 201, but is not limited thereto. For example, the characteristic information may also be configured to represent operation characteristics other than the current consumption of each vehicle-mounted device 201 and the start-up time of each vehicle-mounted device 201.

[0204] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-up table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to include characteristic information, but is not limited thereto. For example, the start-up table Tb2 may also be configured not to include characteristic information. In this case, the control unit 24 in the relay device 101 performs the start-up process without using the characteristic information.

[0205] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit 24 is configured to set a specified condition for selecting a non-powered device based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit 23, but is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 24 may also be configured to acquire the specified condition pre-registered in the storage unit 14.

[0206] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the start-up method information included in the start-up table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to represent the start-up method of each vehicle-mounted device 201 and the position of each vehicle-mounted device 201 in the in-vehicle network 401, but is not limited thereto. For example, the start-up method information may also be configured not to represent the position of each vehicle-mounted device 201 in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0207] The above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0208] Each process (each function) of the above-described embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit including one or more processors. In addition to the above one or more processors, the above processing circuit may be constituted by an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits. The above one or more memories store programs (commands) that cause the above one or more processors to execute the above respective processes. The above one or more processors may also execute the above respective processes according to the above programs read out from the above one or more memories, or may execute the above respective processes according to a logic circuit that is pre-designed to execute the above respective processes. The above processor may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In addition, the above multiple physically separated processors may also cooperate with each other to execute the above respective processes. For example, the above processors mounted on each of multiple physically separated computers may also cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet to execute the above respective processes. The above program may be installed in the above memory from an external server device or the like via the above network, or may be distributed in a state stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a semiconductor memory, and installed in the above memory from the above recording medium.

[0209] The above description includes the following features noted below.

[0210] [Appended Note 1] A vehicle-mounted device used in a vehicle-mounted network, the vehicle-mounted network including a plurality of vehicle-mounted devices, wherein, The in-vehicle device includes a processing circuit, The processing circuit selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, and the power supply target device is the in-vehicle device to which power should be supplied, obtains start method information, and the start method information indicates the start method of each of the in-vehicle devices, and performs a start process based on the obtained start method information, and the start process starts the selected power supply target device.

[0211] [Appendix 2] An in-vehicle system includes: a plurality of in-vehicle devices; and an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including the plurality of in-vehicle devices, The in-vehicle device includes: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, and the power supply target device is the in-vehicle device to which power should be supplied; an acquisition unit that acquires start method information, and the start method information indicates the start method of each of the in-vehicle devices; and a control unit that performs a start process based on the start method information acquired by the acquisition unit, and the start process starts the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

[0212] Reference numeral description 1 Vehicle 2, 2A, 2B CAN bus 3 Ethernet cable 4, 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D Power supply line 11, 11A, 11B, 11C Communication port 12 Switching unit 13 Processing unit 14 Storage unit 21 Service detection unit 22 Selection unit 23 Control unit 25 Calculation unit 51 Power supply unit 61, 61A, 61B Power relay 71, 71A, 71B, 71C Control relay 101 Relay device 201, 201A, 201B, 201C, 201D, 201E In-vehicle device 301 In-vehicle system 401 In-vehicle network.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein, the in-vehicle device includes: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the power supply target device being the in-vehicle device to which power should be supplied; an acquisition unit that acquires start method information, the start method information indicating the start method of each of the in-vehicle devices; and a control unit that performs a start process based on the start method information acquired by the acquisition unit, the start process starting the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein, the acquisition unit further acquires characteristic information, the characteristic information indicating the operation characteristics of each of the in-vehicle devices, the control unit performs the start process based on the start method information and the characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein, the characteristic information indicates the current consumption of each of the in-vehicle devices as the operation characteristic, the selection unit selects a plurality of the power supply target devices from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the control unit selects a non-power supply device from the plurality of power supply target devices based on the current consumption of each of the power supply target devices indicated by the characteristic information, the non-power supply device being the power supply target device to which power is not supplied, the control unit starts the specific device according to the start method of the specific device indicated by the start method information, the specific device being the power supply target device other than the selected non-power supply device among the plurality of power supply target devices.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 3, wherein, the in-vehicle device is provided with a plurality of switching units that switch whether to supply power to one or more corresponding in-vehicle devices in a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle device further includes a calculation unit that calculates, for each of the switching units, the total value of the current consumption of the one or more in-vehicle devices connected to the switching unit, the plurality of power supply target devices are connected to any one of the plurality of switching units, the control unit selects the non-power supply device from the plurality of power supply target devices connected to the switching unit whose total value satisfies a specified condition.

5. The in-vehicle device according to claim 4, wherein, the acquisition unit further acquires allowable current information, the allowable current information indicating the allowable current of each of the switching units, the control unit sets the specified condition based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit.

6. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, the in-vehicle device further includes a communication unit that communicates with each of the in-vehicle devices, the characteristic information indicates the start time until each of the in-vehicle devices can communicate as the operation characteristic, After starting the power supply to the power supply target device selected by the selection unit, until the start time of the power supply target device indicated by the characteristic information has elapsed, the control unit causes the communication unit to wait for communication with the power supply target device, and after the start time has elapsed, causes the communication unit to start communicating with the power supply target device.

7. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The start method information further indicates the positions of the respective in-vehicle devices in the in-vehicle network.

8. A start control method, which is a start control method in an in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device being used in an in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein The start control method includes the following steps: Selecting a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the power supply target device being the in-vehicle device to which power is to be supplied; Obtaining start method information, the start method information indicating the start methods of the respective in-vehicle devices; And Performing a start process based on the obtained start method information, the start process starting the selected power supply target device.

9. A start control program, which is used in an in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device being used in an in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, wherein The start control program causes a computer to operate as the following units: A selection unit that selects a power supply target device from the plurality of in-vehicle devices, the power supply target device being the in-vehicle device to which power is to be supplied; An acquisition unit that acquires start method information, the start method information indicating the start methods of the respective in-vehicle devices; And A control unit that performs a start process based on the start method information acquired by the acquisition unit, the start process starting the power supply target device selected by the selection unit.

Images