Communication network system and method for changing communication settings at time of network update

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication network system and a method for changing communication settings at the time of network update. When the network has been updated, the reception-side electronic control device transmits the request information to the first communication bus. Upon receiving request information including a service identifier corresponding to a service that can be provided by the electronic control device, the electronic control device transmits response information to the first communication bus as a providing-side electronic control device. Thereafter, the provision-side electronic control device starts provision of the service by transmitting the service information to the first communication bus. The reception-side electronic control device that has received the response information changes the setting so as to receive the service information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication network system and a method for changing communication settings during network updates. Background Technology

[0002] The communication network system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-522487 has multiple subscriber stations interconnected. The information transmitted by the subscriber stations in this communication network system is assigned an identifier. When a new subscriber station is connected and the network is updated, the information transmitted by the new subscriber station is assigned an identifier reserved as a resource for dynamic communication. Therefore, this network system can implement communications not conceived during the design phase. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In dynamic networks capable of being updated, there is a possibility that communication loads exceeding those envisioned during the design phase of the network system may be imposed due to the existence of increased communication that was not anticipated during the design phase of the network system.

[0004] In the communication network system involved in the first aspect of this disclosure, Multiple electronic control devices are connected via a communication bus, and each electronic control device selects the communication information to be received from multiple communication information being transmitted on the communication bus by confirming a first identifier contained in the communication information, and the application program stored in the electronic control device utilizes the data contained in the received communication information.

[0005] In communication network systems, With the network updated The receiving electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices that requests a service sends a request message to the communication bus. The request message includes a service identifier inherent to the requested service and is appended with the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices.

[0006] In communication network systems, Each of the plurality of electronic control devices determines whether it has received a request message containing a service identifier corresponding to the service that the electronic control device can provide by confirming the service identifier contained in the received request message.

[0007] In communication network systems, The electronic control device that receives the request information containing the service identifier corresponding to the service that can be provided, as the providing electronic control device, sends response information to the communication bus. The response information includes the service identifier contained in the received request information and is appended with the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices.

[0008] Subsequently, in the communication network system, the providing-side electronic control device initiates the provision of the service by sending communication information related to the service to the communication bus, which is the first identifier and includes a value generated based on a specific rule and appended with the value of the service identifier contained in the received request information.

[0009] In communication network systems, The receiving electronic control device that receives the response information changes the settings by receiving communication information related to the service, which is appended as the first identifier and has a value generated based on the service identifier contained in the received response information and the specific rule.

[0010] In the method for changing communication settings during network updates in the communication network system disclosed in the second aspect, The communication network system is connected to multiple electronic control devices via a communication bus. Each electronic control device selects the communication information to be received from among multiple communication information being transmitted on the communication bus by confirming a first identifier contained in the communication information. The application program stored in the electronic control device utilizes the data contained in the received communication information.

[0011] The method for changing communication settings during network updates includes the following steps: With the network updated The processing circuit of the receiving electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices performs the process of sending the request information to the communication bus. The request information includes a service identifier inherent to the requested service and is appended with the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices.

[0012] The method for changing communication settings during network updates includes the following steps: The processing circuits of each of the plurality of electronic control devices determine whether they have received request information containing a service identifier corresponding to the service that the electronic control device can provide by confirming the service identifier contained in the received request information.

[0013] The method for changing communication settings during network updates includes the following steps: The processing circuit of the electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices that receives the request information containing the service identifier corresponding to the service that can be provided serves as the processing circuit of the providing electronic control device, and performs the process of sending response information to the communication bus, the response information containing the service identifier contained in the received request information and appending the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices.

[0014] The method for changing communication settings during network updates includes the following steps: The processing circuit of the providing side electronic control device begins to provide the service by sending communication information related to the service, which is appended to the first identifier and a value generated based on a specific rule and the service identifier contained in the received request information, to the communication bus.

[0015] The method for changing communication settings during network updates includes the following steps: The processing circuit of the receiving-side electronic control device that receives the response information changes the settings in a manner that receives communication information related to the service, which is appended as the first identifier and has a value generated based on the service identifier contained in the response information and the specific rule.

[0016] Based on the aforementioned communication network system and the method for changing communication settings during network updates, it is possible to suppress the increase in communication load associated with the communication network system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of representative embodiments of the present invention will be depicted in the following drawings for reference, wherein like symbols indicate like elements.

[0018] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating the general outline of a communication network system according to an implementation method.

[0019] Figure 2 A sequence diagram to represent the processing flow performed by a communication network system.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure representing request and response information.

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a data structure representing service information. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following describes one implementation of a communication network system, with reference to... Figures 1 to 4 Let me explain.

[0023] First, the structure of the communication network system 10 will be explained. Figure 1 A communication network system 10 mounted on a vehicle is shown. The communication network system 10 includes multiple electronic control devices 20. Each of the multiple electronic control devices 20 is connected to each other via a first communication bus 11. The first communication bus 11 transmits communication information based on the CAN protocol, which is the communication protocol defined in CAN (Controller Area Network). The communication information transmitted based on the CAN protocol includes data representing a CAN-ID as a first identifier. The CAN-ID is data used to identify the content of the communication information.

[0024] The communication network system 10 includes multiple electronic control devices 21. Each of the multiple electronic control devices 21 is connected to the others via a second communication bus 12. The second communication bus 12 transmits communication information based on the Ethernet protocol, which is a communication protocol defined in Ethernet (registered trademark). Communication information transmitted based on the Ethernet protocol has identifiers used for IP (Internet Protocol) communication.

[0025] The communication network system 10 includes an electronic control device 22. The electronic control device 22 is a gateway device connected to both the first communication bus 11 and the second communication bus 12. The electronic control device 22 relays communication information between the first communication bus 11 and the second communication bus 12. The electronic control device 22 has the function of converting a first identifier contained in the communication information to an identifier used for IP communication during the relay of communication information.

[0026] Structure of electronic control device 20 Multiple electronic control devices 20 connected to the first communication bus 11 each have a processing circuit 30, a storage device 40, and a communication device 50. The storage device 40 stores the application program APL, middleware MW, and base software BSW. The electronic control devices 20 execute the application program APL stored in the storage device 40 via the processing circuit 30 to provide services corresponding to the application program APL. The application program APL is software that operates on the middleware MW. The middleware MW is software that operates on the base software BSW.

[0027] The application program (APL) is software used to enable each of the electronic control units 20 to perform specific functions. The application program APL utilizes data contained in the communication information received by the electronic control unit 20. The specific functions performed by the electronic control unit 20 include detecting vehicle speed and acting as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). The base software (BSW) is software used to implement the basic controls that constitute the hardware of the electronic control unit 20. The middleware (MW) is software that, by mediating and adjusting the base software (BSW) and the application program APL, enables each of the electronic control units 20 to perform a specific function corresponding to the application program APL stored in the electronic control unit 20.

[0028] The communication device 50 outputs communication information to the first communication bus 11. Communication information is input into the communication device 50 from the first communication bus 11. The electronic control device 20 receives the communication information, including data used by the application program APL. Specifically, the electronic control device 20 selects whether to receive the communication information by verifying the first identifier contained in the communication information through the basic software BSW.

[0029] Processing during network updates The communication network system 10 is a dynamic network capable of network updates. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication network system 10 changes the network's communication settings when the network is updated.

[0030] When the network is updated, firstly, the electronic control device 20 executes the process of S10. In the process of S10, the electronic control device 20, as the receiving side electronic control device 20B, generates request information MG1.

[0031] like Figure 3As shown, the request message MG1 includes a header area HD and a data area DT. In the header area HD, data representing the CAN-ID is stored as a first identifier. The value of the first identifier in the request message MG1 is "0x0001". Communication information containing the value "0x0001" in the first identifier is received by all electronic control devices 20 connected to the first communication bus 11. Therefore, the request message MG1 is received by all electronic control devices 20 connected to the first communication bus 11. Data representing the service identifier SID is stored in the data area DT. The service identifier SID is an identifier inherent to the service requested by the application program APL stored in the receiving electronic control device 20B. The middleware MW of the electronic control device 20 stores the service and the combination of the service identifier SID corresponding to that service. The service requested by the application program APL is determined during the design of the communication network system 10 or during network updates.

[0032] In this embodiment, the service requested by the receiving-side electronic control device 20B is "Service A". The value of the service identifier SID corresponding to "Service A" is "0x1123". Therefore, the value of the service identifier SID in the request information MG1 generated by the receiving-side electronic control device 20B is "0x1123". After generating the request information MG1 with the first identifier appended, the receiving-side electronic control device 20B causes the processing to proceed to S11.

[0033] In the S11 process, the receiving-side electronic control device 20B sends a request message MG1 with a first identifier attached to the first communication bus 11. Afterward, the receiving-side electronic control device 20B transitions to a standby state, enabling it to receive the response message MG2 (described later) from the first communication bus 11.

[0034] Multiple electronic control devices 20 that receive request information MG1 execute processing S20. In processing S20, each electronic control device 20 confirms the service identifier SID contained in the received request information MG1. Thus, the electronic control device 20 determines whether it has received request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to a service that it can provide. Specifically, it is determined that request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to a service that it can provide has been received under the following circumstances: The middleware MW of the electronic control device 20 receives request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to a service that the application program APL can provide. The services that the application program APL can provide are determined during the design of the communication network system 10 or during network updates.

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the request information MG1 contains the value of the service identifier SID, i.e., "0x1123", representing "service A", in the data area DT. Therefore, when the electronic control device 20, which is capable of providing "service A", receives the request information MG1 (S20: Yes), the electronic control device 20 decides to generate the response information MG2 as the providing side electronic control device 20A. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S21.

[0036] In the processing of S21, the side electronic control device 20A generates response information MG2. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the response information MG2 includes a header area HD and a data area DT. In the header area HD, data representing the CAN-ID is stored as a first identifier. The value of the first identifier in the response information MG2 is "0x0001". Therefore, the response information MG2 is received by all electronic control devices 20 connected to the first communication bus 11. In the data area DT of the response information MG2, data representing the service identifier SID is stored. The service identifier SID stored in the data area DT of the response information MG2 is the same as the service identifier SID stored in the data area DT of the request information MG1 received by the providing electronic control device 20A in the S20 process. Therefore, the value of the service identifier SID in the response information MG2 is "0x1123". After generating the response information MG2, the providing electronic control device 20A initiates the process in S22. In the S22 process, the providing electronic control device 20A sends the response information MG2 with the first identifier appended to it to the first communication bus 11.

[0037] When the receiving electronic control device 20B receives response information MG2 containing the service identifier SID included in the request information MG1 sent by the receiving electronic control device 20B, it performs the processing of S12.

[0038] In the S12 processing, the receiving-side electronic control unit 20B modifies the settings of the basic software BSW. Specifically, the middleware MW modifies the settings of the basic software BSW by receiving communication information that includes a service identifier SID (as the first identifier) ​​and a value GSID generated based on specific rules contained in the response information MG2.

[0039] The electronic control unit 20 uses the last two bits of the Service Identifier (SID) value as the GSID value generated based on the SID value and a specific rule. If the SID value included in the response information MG2 is "0x1123", the GSID value generated based on that SID value and the specific rule is "0x0023". The middleware MW modifies the settings of the base software BSW, causing the base software BSW to select communication information with the first identifier value of "0x0023" as the communication information to be received. Therefore, the receiving-side electronic control unit 20B becomes capable of receiving communication information with the first identifier value of "0x0023".

[0040] After sending response information MG2, the providing electronic control device 20A executes the processing in step S23. In step S23, the providing electronic control device 20A generates service information MG3. Service information MG3 is communication information related to the service provided by the providing electronic control device 20A.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the service information MG3 includes a header area HD and a data area DT. As the first identifier in the header area HD, the service information MG3 includes a value GSID generated based on a specific rule, according to the value of the service identifier SID contained in the request information MG1 received by the providing electronic control device 20A. The electronic control device 20 uses the last two digits of the service identifier SID as the value GSID generated based on the service identifier SID and a specific rule. If the value of the service identifier SID is “0x1123”, the value GSID generated based on the service identifier SID and a specific rule is “0x0023”. Therefore, the value of the first identifier stored in the header area HD of the service information MG3 is “0x0023”.

[0042] Service information MG3, located in the data area DT, contains data related to the service provided by the providing electronic control device 20A. Specifically, the data area DT of service information MG3 stores data related to "Service A". After the providing electronic control device 20A generates service information MG3, processing proceeds to S24.

[0043] In the process of S24, the providing side electronic control device 20A begins to provide services by sending service information MG3, which is communication information related to the service, to the first communication bus 11. The service information MG3 is communication information that appends a value GSID, which is generated based on a specific rule, to the value of the service identifier SID contained in the request information MG1 received by the providing side electronic control device 20A, as a first identifier.

[0044] In S12, the receiving-side electronic control device 20B, whose basic software BSW settings have been modified, is able to receive communication information with a first identifier value of "0x0023". Therefore, the receiving-side electronic control device 20B is able to receive service information MG3 with a first identifier value of "0x0023". As part of the processing in S13, the receiving-side electronic control device 20B, having received service information MG3, utilizes the service provided by the providing-side electronic control device 20A.

[0045] If the electronic control device 20 does not receive request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to the service it can provide (S20: No), it does not generate response information MG2 as per process S25. That is, the electronic control device 20, which does not receive request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to the service it can provide, does not function as a providing-side electronic control device 20A. If the receiving-side electronic control device 20B does not receive response information MG2 within a predetermined time, it releases from standby mode as per process S14. Response information MG2 contains the service identifier SID included in the request information MG1 sent by the receiving-side electronic control device 20B. Even if the receiving-side electronic control device 20B receives response information MG2 after releasing from standby mode, it does not perform the changes to the settings of the basic software BSW in process S12.

[0046] The function of this implementation method When the electronic control device 20 constituting the communication network system 10 confirms the existence of a receiving electronic control device 20B that has requested the service it can provide, it begins to provide the service as a providing electronic control device 20A. In other words, if the electronic control device 20 cannot confirm the existence of a receiving electronic control device 20B that has requested the service it provides, it will not send the service information MG3 to the first communication bus 11 as a providing electronic control device 20A.

[0047] Effects of this implementation method The communication network system 10 can suppress unnecessary communication information from flowing through the first communication bus 11. Therefore, the communication network system 10 can suppress the increase in communication load associated with it.

[0048] The providing-side electronic control unit 20A, which sent response information MG2 to the first communication bus 11, sends service information MG3 to the first communication bus 11. The receiving-side electronic control unit 20B, which sent request information MG1 and received response information MG2, changes the settings of the basic software BSW by receiving the service information MG3. Therefore, compared with a communication network system in which the electronic control unit 20 has to determine whether the communication information is necessary every time it is received, the communication network system 10 can reduce the load associated with the electronic control unit 20.

[0049] In the communication network system 10, the electronic control unit 20 stores the middleware (MW) and the basic software (BSW). The basic software (BSW) stored in the electronic control unit 20 selects the communication information to be received. Therefore, the communication network system 10 does not require the installation of a separate application program (APL) for each type of application to select the communication information to be received.

[0050] The electronic control device 20 connected to the first communication bus 11 in the communication network system 10 uses the CAN protocol as the communication protocol to transmit communication information. The communication network system 10 enables the establishment of a dynamic network that suppresses the increase in communication load associated with the communication network system 10 while using the existing CAN protocol.

[0051] The communication network system 10 includes a first communication bus 11 and a second communication bus 12. The first communication bus 11 uses the CAN protocol to transmit communication information. The second communication bus 12 uses the Ethernet protocol to transmit communication information. An electronic control device 22 is a gateway device connected to both the first communication bus 11 and the second communication bus 12. The electronic control device 22 relays communication information between the first communication bus 11 and the second communication bus 12. Furthermore, the electronic control device 22 has the function of converting a first identifier contained in the communication information to an identifier used for IP communication during the relay of communication information. Therefore, the communication network system 10 can establish a dynamic network that suppresses the increase in communication load even between multiple communication buses with different communication protocols.

[0052] The method for changing communication settings during a network update performed by the communication network system 10 includes the following step (S11). In step (S11), when the network is updated, the processing circuit 30 of the receiving electronic control device 20B among the multiple electronic control devices 20 that requests a service performs a process of sending request information MG1 to the first communication bus 11. The request information MG1 includes a service identifier SID inherent to the requested service and is appended with a first identifier received by all the electronic control devices 20. The method for changing communication settings during a network update performed by the communication network system 10 includes the following step (S20). In step (S20), the processing circuit 30 of each of the multiple electronic control devices 20 confirms the service identifier SID contained in the received request information MG1. Furthermore, it determines whether a request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to a service that the electronic control device 20 can provide has been received. The method for changing communication settings during a network update performed by the communication network system 10 includes the following step (S22). In step (S22), the processing circuit 30, as the processing circuit 30 of the providing-side electronic control device 20A, performs the process of sending the response information MG2 to the first communication bus 11. The processing circuit 30 is the processing circuit of the electronic control device 20 among the plurality of electronic control devices 20 that receives the request information MG1 containing a service identifier SID corresponding to the service that can be provided. The response information MG2 contains the service identifier SID contained in the received request information MG1, and is appended with a first identifier received by all electronic control devices 20. The method for changing the communication settings during network updates performed by the communication network system 10 includes the following step (S24). In step (S24), the processing circuit 30 of the providing-side electronic control device 20A begins the provision of service by sending the service information MG3 to the first communication bus 11 (S24). The service information MG3 is service-related communication information with a value generated based on a specific rule and appended with the value of the service identifier SID contained in the received request information MG1. The method for changing communication settings during a network update performed by the communication network system 10 includes the following step (S12). In step (S12), the processing circuit 30 of the receiving-side electronic control device 20B, which receives the response information MG2, changes the settings in a manner that receives the service information MG3. The service information MG3 is communication information related to the service, which is generated based on a value derived from the service identifier SID contained in the response information MG2 and appended as a first identifier.By implementing the communication setting change method during network updates described above, the communication network system 10 enables the electronic control device 20 to begin providing services as a providing electronic control device 20A when it confirms the existence of a receiving electronic control device 20B that has requested services that it can provide. In other words, if the communication network system 10 cannot confirm the existence of a receiving electronic control device 20B that has requested services that it can provide by executing the communication setting change method during network updates, it will not cause the electronic control device 20 to send service information MG3 to the first communication bus 11 as a providing electronic control device 20A. In the communication setting change method during network updates described above, even if the network is updated, unnecessary communication information flowing through the communication bus can be suppressed. Therefore, the communication setting change method during network updates described above can suppress the increase in communication load associated with the communication network system 10.

[0053] Change Example This embodiment can be modified and implemented in the following ways. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0054] The Service Identifier (SID) and the value GSID generated based on the SID and according to specific rules can also be the same. That is, in this case, the specific rule is to output the same value.

[0055] The electronic control unit 20 may also not store the middleware MW and the basic software BSW. In this case, the electronic control unit 20 only needs to select the communication information to be received from the multiple communication information being transmitted in the first communication bus 11 by the application program APL.

[0056] In the above embodiments, the combination of communication protocols of the multiple communication buses constituting the communication network system is not limited to a combination of CAN and Ethernet (registered trademark). For example, it could also be a combination of CAN and FlexRay (registered trademark).

[0057] The electronic control device 20 may also be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). Alternatively, the electronic control device 20 may also be configured as one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), that execute at least a portion of the various processes, or a combination thereof. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

Claims

1. A communication network system, wherein, Multiple electronic control devices are connected via a communication bus, and each electronic control device selects and receives communication information from among multiple communication messages being transmitted on the communication bus by verifying a first identifier contained in the communication information, and the application program stored in the electronic control device utilizes the data contained in the received communication information. With the network updated The receiving electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices that requests a service sends a request message to the communication bus. The request message includes a service identifier inherent to the requested service and is appended with the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices. Each of the plurality of electronic control devices determines whether it has received a request message containing a service identifier corresponding to the service that the electronic control device can provide by confirming the service identifier contained in the received request message. The electronic control device that receives the request information containing the service identifier corresponding to the service that can be provided, as the providing electronic control device, sends response information to the communication bus. The response information includes the service identifier contained in the received request information and is appended with the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices. Subsequently, the providing electronic control device initiates the provision of the service by sending communication information related to the service, which is appended to the first identifier and a value generated based on a specific rule and the service identifier contained in the received request information, to the communication bus. The receiving electronic control device that receives the response information changes the settings by receiving communication information related to the service, which is appended as the first identifier and has a value generated based on the service identifier contained in the received response information and the specific rule.

2. The communication network system as described in claim 1, wherein, The electronic control device stores middleware and basic software. The application performs actions on the middleware, and the middleware performs actions on the underlying software. The basic software selects the communication information to receive from among the plurality of communication information being transmitted in the communication bus.

3. The communication network system as described in claim 1, wherein, The communication information is transmitted using the Controller Area Network Protocol (CAN) as the communication protocol.

4. The communication network system as described in claim 1, wherein, The communication bus includes a first communication bus and a second communication bus. The first communication bus uses a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol to transmit the communication information, and the second communication bus uses an Ethernet protocol to transmit the communication information. At least one of the plurality of electronic control devices is a gateway device connected to both the first communication bus and the second communication bus. The gateway device relays the communication information between the first communication bus and the second communication bus, and has the function of converting the first identifier contained in the communication information to an identifier used for Internet Protocol communication during the relay.

5. A method for changing communication settings during network updates in a communication network system, wherein, The communication network system is connected to multiple electronic control devices via a communication bus. Each electronic control device selects and receives communication information from among multiple communication messages being transmitted on the communication bus by verifying a first identifier contained in the communication information. The application program stored in the electronic control device utilizes the data contained in the received communication information. The method for changing communication settings during network updates includes the following steps: With the network updated The processing circuit of the receiving electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices that requests a service performs the step of sending request information to the communication bus, the request information including a service identifier inherent to the requested service and an appended first identifier received by all the electronic control devices. The processing circuits of each of the plurality of electronic control devices determine whether they have received a request message containing a service identifier corresponding to the service that the electronic control device can provide by confirming the service identifier contained in the received request message. The processing circuit of the electronic control device that receives the request information containing the service identifier corresponding to the service that can be provided, in the plurality of electronic control devices, acts as the processing circuit of the providing electronic control device, and performs the process of sending response information to the communication bus. The response information includes the service identifier contained in the received request information and is supplemented with the first identifier received by all the electronic control devices. The processing circuit of the providing side electronic control device starts providing the service by sending the communication information related to the service to the communication bus, which is the first identifier and includes a value generated based on a specific rule and appended with the value of the service identifier contained in the received request information. The processing circuit of the receiving-side electronic control device that receives the response information changes the settings in a manner that receives communication information related to the service, which is appended as the first identifier and has a value generated based on the service identifier contained in the response information and the specific rule.

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