Vehicle-side relay device, relay device, transmission method, information processing device, information processing system and vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle-side relay device (20) connected via a vehicle-side network to two or more vehicle-side devices (10A, 10B, 10C) and forwarding a message transmitted from a first vehicle-side device (10A, 10B) as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices to a second vehicle-side device (10C) as another of the two or more vehicle-side devices, wherein the vehicle-side relay device has a processor (104) configured to: receive an authorization request to send a first message from the first vehicle-side device (10A, 10B);to determine whether the sum of the utilization rate of a bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by at least one message already authorized to be transmitted over the vehicle-side network and the utilization rate of the bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by the first message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; and to send a response authorizing the transmission of the first message to the first vehicle-side device (10A, 10B) if the sum is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold; wherein the processor (104) is further configured to: receive an authorization request to transmit a second message from a third vehicle-side device (10A) as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices connected via the vehicle-side network;to terminate the process of transmitting the first message when the processor (104) receives a notification from the first vehicle-side device (10B) indicating the completion of the transmission of the first message whose transmission has been authorized, or does not receive the notification from the first vehicle-side device within a predetermined time period, and to determine whether the sum of the utilization rate of the vehicle-side network bandwidth used by at least one message that is already authorized to be transmitted over the vehicle-side network and the utilization rate of the vehicle-side network bandwidth used by the second message that is not authorized to be transmitted is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold;and to send a response that allows the transmission of the second message to the third vehicle-side device (10A) if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold.;

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle-side relay device, a relay device, a transmission method, an information processing device, an information processing system and a vehicle. Description of the state of the art

[0002] As an example of a network system, such as a vehicle-side network system, a system was considered in which communication between participants or nodes takes place via a switch or central office using Ethernet (registered trademark). In the network system that uses Ethernet, a receiving node establishes a communication connection with a sending node using the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or similar protocol. When the connection is established, a receive buffer is used to temporarily store or buffer data received over the connection on a memory device such as random access memory (RAM). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] For example, if two or more connections are established at the receiving node to receive data with relatively low priority and relatively small size, data with relatively high priority and relatively large size may be unexpectedly transmitted from the sending node, as explained below.

[0004] In this case, prior art techniques can lead to packet loss during transmission, such as the loss of relatively low-priority data, and thus to an increase in data transmission delay. This ensures that the receive buffer for the connection used to receive the data is maintained for a longer period of time.

[0005] If, at this time, a receive buffer of a sufficiently large size for the connection used to receive the relatively high priority and relatively large data cannot be secured due to capacity limitations of the RAM contained in the receiver node, a delay in the transmission of the data may occur.

[0006] The invention aims to offer a technology that can reduce delays in communication.

[0007] A vehicle-side relay device according to a first aspect of the invention is connected via a vehicle-side network to two or more vehicle-side devices and forwards a message transmitted by a first vehicle-side device as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices to a second vehicle-side device as another of the vehicle-side devices.The vehicle-side relay device includes a processor configured to receive an authorization request for the transmission of a first message from the first vehicle-side device, to determine whether the sum of the utilization rate of a bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by at least one message already authorized to be transmitted over the vehicle-side network and the utilization rate of the bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by the first message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and to send a response allowing the transmission of the first message to the first vehicle-side device if the sum is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0008] In this configuration, the vehicle's relay device prevents the establishment of communication connections where the utilization or usage rate of the vehicle's network bandwidth exceeds the upper limit and packet loss could occur. This reduces communication delays.

[0009] In the aforementioned aspect of the invention, the bandwidth utilization rate of the vehicle network used by the first message can be a preset value. In this case, if the bandwidth utilization rate of each message is known, for example, during delivery from a factory, the communication delay can be reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned aspect of the invention, the processor can be configured to receive multiple authorization requests for the transmission of multiple messages from one or more of the two or more vehicle-side devices. The processor can be configured, upon receiving the authorization requests and if the sum of the bandwidth usage rates of the vehicle-side network used by the respective messages is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, to send a response to a corresponding one or more vehicle-side devices that permits the transmission of each of the multiple messages in descending order of priority. In this configuration, the vehicle-side relay device permits the transmission of the messages in descending order of priority.This can reduce delays in communication with relatively high priority.

[0011] In the aforementioned aspect of the invention, the relay device described above, the processor can be configured to receive an authorization request to transmit a second message from a third vehicle-side device as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices connected via the vehicle-side network.The processor can be configured to terminate the process of transmitting the first message if the processor receives a notification from the first vehicle-side device indicating the completion of the transmission of the first message whose transmission has been authorized, or if it does not receive the notification from the first vehicle-side device within a specified time period, and to determine whether the sum of the utilization rate of the vehicle-side network bandwidth used by at least one message that is already authorized to be transmitted over the vehicle-side network and the utilization rate of the vehicle-side network bandwidth used by the second message that is not authorized to be transmitted is equal to or less than a specified threshold.The processor can be configured to send a response allowing the transmission of the second message to the third vehicle-side device if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold. With this configuration, for example, after the transmission of the message whose transmission was allowed is complete, the transmission of another message is permitted. This can reduce delays in communication with relatively high priority.

[0012] In the vehicle-side relay device described above, the processor can be configured to calculate the predetermined waiting time based on the data size of the message whose transmission has been authorized and the bandwidth utilization rate of the vehicle-side network used by the message. With this configuration, the waiting time for receiving notification of the completion of the message transmission is set according to the time required for the message transmission. Accordingly, the waiting time can be adjusted as needed.

[0013] In the vehicle-side relay device described above, the processor can be configured to send a response to the first vehicle-side device, stopping the transmission of the first message whose transmission was authorized, when the processor receives an authorization request to transmit a third message from a fourth vehicle-side device (one of the two or more vehicle-side devices connected via the vehicle-side network), and to send a response to the fourth vehicle-side device authorizing the transmission of the third message. The third message can have a higher priority than the first message. With this configuration, a message, such as an urgent message, is sent after the sending or transmission of another message has been stopped. This can reduce communication delays.

[0014] A second aspect of the invention is a relay device that forwards a message transmitted between a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network. The relay device includes a processor configured to receive an authorization request for the transmission of a first message; upon receiving the authorization request, to determine whether the sum of the network bandwidth utilization rate used by at least one message already authorized for transmission over the network and the network bandwidth utilization rate used by the first message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; and to send back a response authorizing the transmission of the first message if the sum is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0015] A third aspect of the invention is a transmission method carried out by a relay device which is connected via a network to a first information processing device and a second information processing device and which forwards a message transmitted from the first information processing device to the second information processing device.The transmission procedure involves: receiving a request to permit the transmission of an initial message from the initial information processing device; determining whether the sum of the utilization rate of network bandwidth used by at least one message already permitted to be transmitted over the network and the utilization rate of network bandwidth used by the initial message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; and sending a response permitting the transmission of the initial message to the initial information processing device if the sum is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the invention is an information processing device comprising a processor. The processor is configured to send a request to a relay device to permit the transmission of a first message; and to send the first message via the relay device to another information processing device when a response is received from the relay device permitting the transmission of the first message.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the invention is an information processing system comprising a first information processing device, a second information processing device and a relay device connected via a network to the first information processing device and the second information processing device.The relay device is configured to forward a message transmitted from the first information processing device to the second information processing device, to receive an authorization request to send a first message from the first information processing device, upon receiving the authorization request, to determine whether the sum of the network bandwidth utilization rate used by at least one message already authorized to be transmitted over the network and the network bandwidth utilization rate used by the first message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and to send a response to the first information processing device allowing the transmission of the first message if the sum is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.The first information processing device is configured to send the authorization request to transmit the first message to the relay device, to receive the response from the relay device that allows the transmission of the first message, and to send the first message via the relay device to the second information processing device when the response is received.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the invention is a vehicle with the vehicle-side relay device according to the first aspect.

[0019] According to the aspects of the invention described above, the delay in communication can be reduced. List of characters

[0020] The features and advantages as well as the technical and economic significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements; here shown: Fig. 1 a view showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a view showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device and a relay device according to the embodiment; Fig. 3 a view showing an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device and the relay device according to the embodiment; Fig. 4 a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the communication system according to the embodiment; Fig. 5 a view showing an example of a query list according to the embodiment; Fig. 6. A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining whether each message stored in the request list can be transmitted; Fig. 7 a view showing an example of message management data according to the embodiment; Fig. 8 a view showing an example of bandwidth management data according to the embodiment; Fig. 9 a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation that is carried out in the information processing system according to the embodiment when an urgent message is received; and Fig. 10. A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining whether the transmission of each message is permitted when an urgent message is received. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0021] Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. System configuration

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system. 1 according to one embodiment. In Fig. 1 has the information processing system 1 an information processing device 10A , an information processing device 10B , an information processing device 10C , (which are simply called "information processing devices") 10 “are referred to as “if they do not need to be distinguished from one another.” The information processing system 1 It also has a relay device 20 The number of relay device(s) 20 is not based on the example of Fig. 1 limited.

[0023] Each of the information processing devices 10 and the relay device 20 are connected via a network, such as Ethernet. The relay device 20 is a switch or intermediary or similar device that facilitates communication between information processing devices. 10 mediated.

[0024] For example, the information processing system 1 in a vehicle 1001 (not shown) installed. Specifically, a vehicle-side system is described as an example, in which vehicle-side devices (vehicle-side electronic control units (ECUs)) serve as an example of the information processing devices. 10 through a vehicle-side LAN (vehicle-side network) via a vehicle-side relay device as an example of the relay device 20 are connected.

[0025] However, the technology of this revelation can be applied to various devices, different relay devices, etc., in various network systems, such as the information processing system. 1 , including network systems for device control within devices such as robots, aircraft, satellites and slot machines, network systems for device control in factories, etc., and Internet of Things (IoT) systems that connect sensors, etc., with clouds, etc. Hardware configuration

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device. 10 and the relay device 20 according to the embodiment. The relay device is described below. 20 shown as an example. The relay device 20 from Fig. 2 has a control device 100 , an auxiliary or additional storage device102 , a storage device 103 , a processor (CPU) 104 , an interface device 105 etc., which are connected to each other via bus B.

[0027] An information processing program that handles the processing in the relay device 20 This is realized, for example, by a storage medium 101 provided. If the storage medium 101 , on which the information processing program is stored, into the control device 100 is inserted, which is from the storage medium 101 Information processing program read out via the control device 100 in the additional storage device 102 installed. However, the information processing program does not necessarily have to be installed via the storage medium. 101It cannot be installed, but can be downloaded from another computer over a network. The auxiliary or additional storage device 102 The information processing program installed in this way saves the necessary files, data, etc.

[0028] The storage device 103 , which is, for example, a direct access or working memory (RAM), the program reads from the additional storage device 102 The CPU outputs and stores the information when a command to start the program is generated. 104 implements one of the relay devices 20 assigned function according to the storage device 103 stored program. The interface device 105 serves as an interface for connecting the relay device 20 with a network. The interface device 105is intended for each of two or more network connections, for example in the relay device 20 are planned.

[0029] As an example of the storage medium 101 A portable storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, DVD, or USB drive, can be used. As an example of an additional storage device... 102 A hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory can be used. Both storage media 101 as well as the additional storage device 102 correspond to computer-readable storage media.

[0030] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 can be the one of the relay device 20 be similar. The information processing device 10 Only one interface device can 105 include. Functional configuration

[0031] With reference to Fig. 3. The functional configuration of the information processing device will be described. 10 and the relay device 20 as described in the embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device. 10 and the relay device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0032] The information processing device 10 has a transmitter 11 , a recipient 12 and a controller 13 The broadcaster 11 , the recipient 12 and the controller 13 represent functions that are processed by the CPU of the information processing device 10 according to one or more in the information processing device 10 installed programs will be executed.

[0033] The broadcaster 11 sends a request to the relay device before sending the message.20 to allow the transmission of a message as a specific type of data that is processed by an application. The message can consist of data, such as update data generated when updating software on another information processing device. 10 can be used, or data from an image of an obstacle, for example if the obstacle is detected based on an image from a vehicle camera.

[0034] If the recipient 12 from the relay device 20 The broadcaster reports that it receives a response regarding the approval of its request. 11 the data of the message to be transmitted under the control of the controller 13 into a plurality of segments, each with a predetermined size. The transmitter then generates 11a frame of Ethernet or the like, which includes each segment into which the data is divided, and sends the frames thus generated one after the other via the relay device. 20 to another information processing device 10 .

[0035] The recipient 12 receives responses from the relay device 20 , messages from other information processing devices 10 and so forth.

[0036] The controller 13 causes the sender 11 , messages at irregular intervals to other information processing devices 10 to send. The data size of the message can be, for example, several megabytes (MB).

[0037] The relay device 20 has a storage unit 21 The storage unit 21 for example, using the additional storage device 102etc. implemented. The storage unit 21 stores a request list 211 , message management data 212 , bandwidth management data 213 , etc. The items in the request list 211 stored data, message management data 212 and the bandwidth management data 213 will be described later.

[0038] The relay device 20 has a receiver 22 , a unit of determination 23 , a response unit 24 and a relay or switching unit 25 Each of the recipients 22 , the unit of determination 23 , the response unit 24 and the mediation unit 25 represent a function that is processed by the CPU of the relay device 20 according to one or more in the relay device 20 This is implemented in installed programs.

[0039] The recipient22 receives from one or more information processing devices 10 A permission request to send or transmit a message.

[0040] The unit of determination 23 determines whether the recipient 22 The received transmission authorization request is approved or rejected. When a request to authorize the transmission of a specific message is received, the destination unit grants permission. 23 the transmission of the specific message when the sum of the usage rate and the bandwidth of a bus (an example of a "network") between the relay device 20 and the information processing device 10 , which is used by another message already authorized for transmission, and the utilization rate of the bus bandwidth used by the given message is equal to or less than a specified threshold.

[0041] Furthermore, the unit of determination calculates 23 A timeout period (an example of a "predefined time") is determined based on the data size of the message whose transmission was allowed and the bandwidth utilization rate of the bus used by the message. If a notification that the transmission of this message has been completed is not received within the timeout period, the destination unit determines 23 Whether a request for authorization to transmit another message is approved or denied. The unit of determination 23 is an example of a "computing unit" that calculates the timeout duration.

[0042] The response unit 24 sends a response indicating approval or rejection by the destination unit. 23 indicates a specific transfer authorization request, back to the appropriate information processing device 10The mediation unit 25 routes messages between two or more information processing devices 10 further.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The processing of the information processing system 1 as described in the embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram that provides an example of the processing of the information processing system. 1 as described in the embodiment. In the case described below, a priority flag is set to "normal" (OFF) for each message. The processing described below can be carried out if the vehicle has a power supply. 1001 (Ignition power supply or accessory power supply) is switched on. The following description describes the information processing device. 10Areferred to as the "first vehicle-side device" and "third vehicle-side device", and the information processing device 10B can be described as the "first vehicle-side device", while the information processing device 10C can be described as a "second vehicle-side device".

[0044] In step S1 The transmitter is broadcasting 11 the information processing device 10A a permission request to send a second message to the relay device 20 The request to allow the sending of the second message includes an ID (message ID) of the second message, the data size of the second message, and the urgency flag.

[0045] The recipient then saves 22 the relay device 20 the request to allow the sending of the second message, in the request list 211 (Step S2). Fig. 5 shows an example of the query list 211 according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 5. The data size and urgency flag, in conjunction with the message ID, are included in the request list. 211 stored. The message ID is an identification piece of information for the message to be transmitted. The data size is the size of the message to be transmitted. The urgency flag is information indicating whether the message transmission is urgent (in Fig. 5, labelled "URGENT"). In the example of Fig. 5. The data size of the message with message ID “0001” is 30 KB and the urgency level of the message transmission is “NORMAL”.

[0046] The transmitter then broadcasts 11 the information processing device 10B a permission request to send an initial message to the relay device 20 (Step S3). The request to allow the sending of the first message includes the ID of the first message, the data size of the first message, and the urgency flag.

[0047] The recipient then saves 22 the relay device 20 the request to allow the sending of the first message in the request list 211 (Step S4 ).

[0048] Then the unit of determination is determined 23 the relay device 20 , whether the transfer is for everyone on the request list 211 The saved message is permissible (step S5 This process can be carried out, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle's power supply was switched off. 1001 was switched on.

[0049] In this step, the determination unit is deleted. 23 the relay device 20a message from the request list that has already been approved for transmission 211 and stores the message in the bandwidth management data. 213 The process of step S5 will be described later. The following description assumes that the unit of determination is... 23 the relay device 20 does not allow sending the second message, but allows sending the first message.

[0050] The response unit then sends 24 the relay device 20 a response to the information processing device 10B , which indicates permission or authorization to send the first message (step S6 ). Furthermore, the response unit sends 24 the relay device 20 a response to the information processing device 10A , which indicates that the transmission of the second message is not permitted (step S7 ).

[0051] If the recipient 12 the information processing device 10B The sender receives the response indicating permission to send the first message. 11 the information processing device 10B The first message is divided into multiple segments, and frames with corresponding segments are sent via the switching unit. 25 the relay device 20 to the information processing device 10C (Step S8 ).

[0052] Then the recipient saves 12 the information processing device 10C The frames, each containing part of the first received message, are sequentially placed in a receive buffer, and the frames are sequentially deleted from the receive buffer as soon as each frame stored in the receive buffer is cleared by the controller. 13 the information processing device 10Cwas processed (step S9 The process of step S9 This occurs with each input from the information processing device. 10B in step S8 transferred framework.

[0053] The transmitter then broadcasts 11 the information processing device 10B a notification of the completion of the transmission of the first message to the relay device 20 (Step S10 ).

[0054] If the recipient 22 the relay device 20 Upon receiving notification that the transmission of the first message has been completed, it deletes the first message from the bandwidth management data. 213 (Step S11 ), and the unit of determination 23 the relay device 20 determines whether the transfer of each item in the request list is permitted. 211 stored messages are permitted (step S12 ).

[0055] In this context, the unit of determination 23 the relay device 20 also the step S11 and the following steps if the recipient 22 The notification of the completion of the transmission of the first message is not within the time frame specified in the bandwidth management data. 213 The timeout period set for the first message is retained, e.g., due to a failure of the information processing device. 10B or the information processing device 10C .

[0056] The response unit then sends 24 the relay device 20 a response to the information processing device 10A , which indicates permission to send the second message (step S13 ).

[0057] If then the recipient 12 the information processing device 10AThe sender receives the reply indicating permission to send the second message. 11 the information processing device 10A the second message is divided into a plurality of segments and sent via the relay device 20 Frame with corresponding segments to the information processing device 10C (Step S14 ).

[0058] Then the recipient saves 12 the information processing device 10C The frames, each containing a part of the received second message, are sequentially stored in the receive buffer, and the frames are sequentially deleted from the receive buffer as soon as each frame stored in the receive buffer is cleared by the controller. 13 the information processing device 10C was processed (step S15 ).

[0059] The transmitter then broadcasts 11 the information processing device 10Aa notification of the completion of the transmission of the second message to the relay device 20 (Step S16 ).

[0060] Then the recipient deletes it. 22 the relay device 20 the second message from the bandwidth management data 213 (Step S17 ).

[0061] With reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 the process will be carried out in step S5 and step S6 as well as in step S12 and step S13 from Fig. 4, which is determined by the unit of determination 23 and the response unit 24 the relay device 20 is carried out to determine whether the transfer of each of the items in the request list is permissible. 211 It is permissible to send stored messages and to send a response indicating the result of the determination, as described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a process for determining whether to transfer or send each item in the request list. 211 stored messages are permitted.

[0062] In step S101 selects the unit of determination 23 from those in the request list 211 The stored message IDs are used as the object to be processed, and a message ID is selected whose contents are stored in the message management data. 212 The stored priority is the highest.

[0063] Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of the message management data. 212 according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 7. The priority level and bandwidth usage rate of each bus, in conjunction with the message ID, are found in the message management data. 212stored. The priority level is the priority of the transmission of the message identified by the message ID. The bandwidth utilization rate of each bus is the utilization rate of the bus bandwidth between each information processing device. 10 and the relay device 20 , which is used or utilized by the message identified by the message ID. The bandwidth utilization rate of each bus can, for example, be a pre-measured value or a design or dimensioned value. The message management data 212 can be pre-installed in the relay device 20 be deposited.

[0064] Then the unit of determination initiates 23 the response unit 24 , a response indicating permission to send the message identified by the message ID to be processed back to that information processing device 10to send the request for permission to send the message in question (step S102 ).

[0065] The determination unit then deletes 23 the message from the request list identified by the message ID to be processed 211 and stores the message in the bandwidth management data. 213 (Step S103 In this step, the bandwidth usage rate (transmission speed) between each device in the message management data is determined. 212 stored device pair in the bandwidth management data 213 stored in connection with the message ID to be processed.

[0066] The unit of determination then calculates 23 The timeout period for the message identified by the message ID to be processed, based on the query list. 211stored data size and the data contained in the message management data 212 stored bandwidth usage rate and stores the calculated timeout duration in the bandwidth management data. 213 (Step S104 ). Here the unit of determination can be 23 Calculate the transmission speed from the bandwidth utilization rate and set a value as the timeout duration, which is obtained by adding a given offset value to a value obtained by dividing the data size by the transmission speed, or by multiplying the value by the offset value. In this case, if the bandwidth 100 If the data rate is 30 Mbit / s and the usage rate is 30%, the transmission speed is calculated at 30 Mbit / s. 3If the timeout duration is MB, it can be achieved by adding a given offset value to 80 ms (= 3M × 8 bits / 30 Mbit / s) or by multiplying 80 ms by the specified offset value.

[0067] Fig. Figure 8 shows an example of the bandwidth management data. 213 according to the embodiment. In the example of Fig. 8. The bandwidth usage rate of each bus and the timeout duration, in conjunction with the message ID, are found in the bandwidth management data. 213 saved.

[0068] The unit of determination is then determined 23 from those in the request list 211 stored message IDs, whether there is a message ID that was not selected as an object to be processed (step S105 ).

[0069] If one or more message IDs were not selected as object(s) to be processed (YES in step S105 ), selects the unit of determination23 From the message IDs that were not selected as objects to be processed, a message ID with the highest priority is selected, which is stored in the message management data. 212 is stored as a new object to be processed (step S106 ).

[0070] The unit of determination is then determined 23 , whether it can allow the transmission of the message identified by the message ID to be processed (step S107 In this step, the unit of determination is calculated. 23 for each bus between each device pair, a total value of the bandwidth utilization rate between the device pair associated with the message ID to be processed, and the respective bandwidth utilization rates between the device pair as recorded in the bandwidth management data. 213 are stored. The unit of determination is then determined. 23The transmission of the message is not permitted if at least one of the total values ​​calculated for the respective buses is greater than a predefined threshold (e.g., 100%). Otherwise (if the total values ​​for all buses are equal to or less than the predefined threshold), the unit of determination determines 23 that the transfer is permissible.

[0071] If the unit of determination 23 determined that the transfer can be allowed (YES in step S107 ), she drives at a pace S102 continued. If the unit of determination 23 determines that the transfer cannot be permitted (NO in step S107 ), it causes the response unit 24 , a response indicating that the transmission of the message identified by the message ID to be processed is not permitted, back to the information processing device 10to send the request for permission to send the message in question (step S108 ), and proceeds at a pace S105 on.

[0072] On the other hand, if there is no message ID that has not been selected as an object to be edited (step S105 ), the process of Fig. 6.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 9 describes a process that is carried out by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment, when an urgent message is received. Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram that shows an example of the process that the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment, when an urgent message is received. The information processing device is described below. 10A referred to as the "fourth vehicle-side device", and the information processing device10B can be described as the "first vehicle-side device".

[0074] In step S31 The transmitter is broadcasting 11 the information processing device 10B a request to the relay device 20 , in order to allow the transmission of an initial message.

[0075] The recipient then saves 22 the relay device 20 the request to allow the sending of the first message in the request list 211 (Step S32 ).

[0076] Then the unit of determination is determined 23 the relay device 20 , whether the transfer of each of the items in the request list 211 stored messages are permitted (step S33 The following description assumes that the transmission of the first message from the destination unit 23 the relay device 20 is permitted.

[0077] The response unit then sends 24 the relay device 20 a response to the information processing device 10B , which indicates permission to send the first message (step S34 ).

[0078] If the recipient 12 the information processing device 10B The sender receives the response indicating permission to send the first message. 11 the information processing device 10B The first message is divided into multiple segments, and frames containing the corresponding segments are sent via the switching unit. 25 the relay device 20 to the information processing device 10C (Step S35 ).

[0079] Then the recipient saves 12 the information processing device 10CThe frames, each containing a part of the received first message, are sequentially stored in the receive buffer, and the frames are sequentially deleted from the receive buffer as soon as each frame stored in the receive buffer is cleared by the controller. 13 the information processing device 10C was processed (step S36 The process of step S36 will be for each of the information processing devices 10B in step S35 carried out within the transferred framework.

[0080] Then the transmitter sends 11 the information processing device 10A a permission request to send a third message, which is an urgent message with the urgency flag set to "URGENT" (ON), to the relay device 20 (Step S37 ).

[0081] The recipient then saves 22 the relay device 20the request to allow the sending of the third message, in the request list 211 (Step S38 ).

[0082] Then the unit of determination is determined 23 the relay device 20 , whether the transfer of each of the items in the request list 211 stored messages are permitted when the urgent message is received (step S39 The process of step S39 will be described later. The following description assumes that the unit of determination is... 23 the relay device 20 allows the transmission of the third message, but does not allow the transmission of the first message.

[0083] The response unit then sends 24 the relay device 20 a response indicating the cessation of transmission of the first message to the information processing device 10B (Step S40 ).

[0084] Then the transmitter sends 11 the information processing device 10B via the relay or switching unit 25 the relay device 20 a request to stop the transmission of the first message to the information processing device 10C (Step S41 ). If between the information processing device 10B and the information processing device 10C Once a connection is established according to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) for sending and receiving the first message, the sender disconnects. 11 the information processing device 10B for example, the connection.

[0085] Then the recipient deletes it. 12 the information processing device 10C a portion of the first message stored in the receive buffer from the receive buffer (step S42 ).

[0086] The transmitter then broadcasts11 the information processing device 10B a notification about the stop of the transmission of the first message to the relay device 20 (Step S43 ).

[0087] If the recipient 22 the relay device 20 Upon receiving notification that the transmission of the first message has stopped, it deletes the first message from the bandwidth management data. 213 (Step S44 ).

[0088] Then the response unit sends 24 the relay device 20 a response indicating permission to send the third message to the information processing device 10A (Step S45 ).

[0089] If the recipient 12 the information processing device 10A Upon receiving the reply indicating permission to send the third message, the sender shares 11the information processing device 10A the third message is divided into a plurality of segments and sent via the relay device 20 Frame with the corresponding segments to the information processing device 10C (Step S46 ).

[0090] Then the recipient saves 12 the information processing device 10C The frames, each containing a part of the received third message, are sequentially placed in the receive buffer, and the frames are sequentially deleted from the receive buffer as soon as each frame stored in the receive buffer has been cleared by the controller. 13 the information processing device 10C was processed (step S47 ).

[0091] Then the transmitter sends 11 the information processing device 10A a notification of the completion of the transmission of the third message to the relay device 20(Step S48 The recipient then deletes it. 22 the relay device 20 the third message from the bandwidth management data 213 (Step S49 The response unit then sends 24 the relay device 20 a response indicating permission to send the first message to the information processing device 10B (Step S50 ).

[0092] If the recipient 12 the information processing device 10B The sender receives the response indicating permission to send the first message. 11 the information processing device 10B The first message is divided into multiple segments, and frames containing the corresponding segments are sent via the switching unit. 25 the relay device 20 to the information processing device 10C (Step S51). In this step, the sender can 11 the information processing device 10B resend the first message starting from the first segment. Alternatively, the sender can 11 the first message from a segment that is from the recipient 12 the information processing device 10C If it should be transmitted again, send it again.

[0093] With reference to Fig. 10. The process will be carried out in step S39 and step S40 from Fig. 9, which is determined by the unit of determination 23 and the response unit 24 the relay device 20 The process is carried out to determine whether transmission is permissible when an urgent message is received, and to send a reply, as described. Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart that illustrates an example of a process for determining whether sending any message is permissible when an urgent message is received.

[0094] In step S201 determines the unit of determination 23 , whether the transmission of a message that is currently permitted to be transmitted should be stopped. In this step, the unit of determination calculates 23 for each bus between each device pair, a total value of the bandwidth utilization rate between the device pair associated with the message ID of the received urgent message, and the respective bandwidth utilization rates between the device pair as recorded in the bandwidth management data. 213 are stored. The unit of determination is then determined. 23 The transmission of the message that is currently permitted to be transmitted is stopped if at least one of the total values ​​for the respective buses is greater than a predefined threshold (e.g., 100%). Otherwise (if the total values ​​for all buses are equal to or less than the predefined threshold), the unit of determination determines23 , that the transmission of the message that is currently allowed to be transmitted will not be stopped.

[0095] If the transmission of the message that is currently allowed to be transmitted is stopped (YES in step S201 ), selects the unit of determination 23 from the messages that are currently allowed to be transmitted, and in the bandwidth management data 213 are stored, one with the lowest priority is selected (step S202 ). The determination unit then deletes 23 the message from the bandwidth management data 213 and saves a permission request to send the message in the request list. 211 (Step S203 ). In this way, as in step S50 from Fig. 9. The message transmission will be repeated, e.g., when the transmission of the urgent message is complete.

[0096] Then the unit of determination initiates23 the response unit 24 , a response indicating a stop to the transmission of the message back to the information processing device 10 to send, which has sent the permission request to send the message (step S204 ), and proceeds at a pace S201 continues. If, however, the transmission of the currently approved message is not stopped (NO in step S201 ), the process of Fig. 10.

[0097] According to the embodiment described above, the relay device sends 20When it receives an authorization request to transmit the first message, it returns a response that permits the transmission of the first message if the sum of the network bandwidth utilization rate used by a message already authorized for transmission over the network and the network bandwidth utilization rate used by the first message is equal to or less than the specified threshold. In this way, a communication link where packet loss is possible can be prevented, thereby reducing communication latency. Since the number of concurrently established connections is also reduced, communication latency can be further reduced, even if the capacity of the information processing device is limited. 10 The installed RAM or similar is relatively small.

[0098] Although the embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, but can be carried out with various modifications or additions within the scope of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Vehicle-side relay device (20) connected via a vehicle-side network to two or more vehicle-side devices (10A, 10B, 10C) and forwarding a message transmitted from a first vehicle-side device (10A, 10B) as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices to a second vehicle-side device (10C) as another of the two or more vehicle-side devices, wherein the vehicle-side relay device has a processor (104) configured to: to receive an authorization request to send an initial message from the first vehicle-side device (10A, 10B); to determine whether the sum of the utilization rate of a bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by at least one message that is already permitted to be transmitted over the vehicle-side network and the utilization rate of the bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by the first message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; and to send a response allowing the transmission of the first message to the first vehicle-side device (10A, 10B) if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold. [2] Vehicle-side relay device according to claim 1, wherein the utilization rate of the bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by the first message is a preset value. [3] Vehicle-side relay device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the processor (104) is configured to receive multiple authorization requests to transmit multiple messages from one or more of the two or more vehicle-side devices (10A, 10B, 10C); and The processor (104) is configured to, when the processor receives the authorization requests and the sum of the utilization rates of the bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by the respective messages is equal to or less than a specified threshold, send a response to a corresponding one or more vehicle-side devices that allows the transmission of each of the plurality of messages in descending order of the priority assigned to each of the plurality of messages. [4] Vehicle-side relay device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the processor (104) is configured to receive an authorization request to transmit a second message from a third vehicle-side device (10A) as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices connected via the vehicle-side network; the processor (104) is configured to terminate the operation to transmit the first message when the processor receives a notification from the first vehicle-side device (10B) indicating the completion of the transmission of the first message whose transmission has been authorized, or does not receive the notification from the first vehicle-side device within a predetermined time period, and to determine whether the sum of the utilization rate of the vehicle-side network bandwidth used by at least one message that is already authorized to be transmitted over the vehicle-side network and the utilization rate of the vehicle-side network bandwidth used by the second message that is not authorized to be transmitted is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; and the processor (104) is configured to send a response that allows the transmission of the second message to the third vehicle-side device (10A) if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold. [5] Vehicle-side relay device according to claim 4, wherein the processor (104) is configured to calculate the predetermined time duration based on a data size of the message whose transmission has been permitted and the utilization rate of the bandwidth of the vehicle-side network used by the message. [6] Vehicle-side relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor (104) is configured to send a response to the first vehicle-side device (10B) that stops the transmission of the first message whose transmission has been authorized when the processor (104) receives an authorization request to transmit a third message from a fourth vehicle-side device (10A) as one of the two or more vehicle-side devices connected via the vehicle-side network, and to send a response to the fourth vehicle-side device that allows the transmission of the third message. [7] Vehicle-side relay device according to claim 6, wherein the third message has a higher urgency than the first message. [8] Relay device (20) forwarding a message transmitted between a plurality of information processing devices connected via a network, the relay device comprising a processor (104) configured to: to receive an authorization request to transmit an initial message; to determine, upon receiving the authorization request, whether the sum of the network bandwidth usage rate used by at least one message already authorized to transmit over the network and the network bandwidth usage rate used by the first message is equal to or less than a predefined threshold; and to send back a response that allows the transmission of the first message if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold. [9] Transmission method performed by a relay device (20) connected via a network to a first information processing device (10A, 10B) and a second information processing device (10C) and forwarding a message transmitted from the first information processing device to the second information processing device, wherein the transmission method comprises: Receiving a request to allow the transmission of an initial message from the first information processing device (10A, 10B); Determine whether the sum of the network bandwidth utilization rate used by at least one message already authorized to transmit over the network and the network bandwidth utilization rate used by the first message is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold; and Sending a response that allows the transmission of the first message to the first information processing device (10A, 10B) if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold. [10] Information processing device (10A, 10B, 10C) comprising a processor (104) configured to: to send a request to a relay device (20) to allow the transmission of an initial message; and to send the first message via the relay device (20) to another information processing device when a response is received from the relay device that allows the transmission of the first message. [11] Information processing system (1), comprising: a first information processing device (10A, 10B); a second information processing device (10C); and a relay device (20) which is connected to the first information processing device and the second information processing device via a network, wherein: the relay device (20) is configured to • to forward a message transmitted from the first information processing device (10A, 10B) to the second information processing device (10C), • to receive an authorization request to send an initial message from the first information processing device (10A, 10B), • upon receiving the authorization request, to determine whether the sum of the network bandwidth usage rate used by at least one message already authorized to transmit over the network and the network bandwidth usage rate used by the first message is equal to or less than a predefined threshold, and • to send a response to the first information processing device (10A, 10B) which allows the transmission of the first message if the sum is equal to or less than the specified threshold; and the first information processing device (10A, 10B) is configured to • to send the authorization request to transmit the first message to the relay device (20), • to receive the response from the relay device (20) which allows the transmission of the first message, and • to send the first message via the relay device (20) to the second information processing device (10C) when the reply is received. [12] Vehicle with the vehicle-side relay device (20) according to claim 1.

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