Functional execution by a motor vehicle's control system

Abstract

Method for executing a function by a control system (SY) of a motor vehicle (K), wherein: - a first control unit (S111) is connected to a first data bus (B11); - at least one further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) is connected to at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); - a central control unit (SZ1) is connected to the first data bus (B11) and to the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); - a second function is requested by the first control unit (S111) depending on a first function to be executed, by transmitting a request signal (A) to the central control unit (SZ1); - a second data bus (B12) of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3) is activated by the central control unit (SZ1) depending on the request signal (A);- the second function is executed by a second control unit (S121) of at least one further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) connected to the second data bus (B12); - the first function is executed by the first control unit (S111); - an assignment rule is stored on a memory element (M1) according to which each function of a plurality of functions containing the second function is assigned to one or more of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); - the second data bus (B12) is activated by the central control unit (SZ1) depending on the assignment rule; - a corresponding information signal is transmitted to the central control unit (SZ1) by means of the at least one further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132);- each of the information signals contains information regarding the assignment of the respective further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) to a predefined subset of the multitude of functions; and - the assignment rule is created or updated based on the information.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for implementing a function by a control system of a motor vehicle, wherein a first control unit is connected to a data bus, at least one further control unit is connected to at least one further data bus, and a central control unit is connected to the data bus and to the at least one further data bus. The invention further relates to a control system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle.

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have a vehicle battery and a generator that can charge the battery. If the generator is deactivated, for example, when the vehicle's ignition is switched off, the vehicle battery cannot be charged. Therefore, it is advantageous to minimize energy consumption by using a control system to perform functions, especially when the generator is deactivated. These functions might include locking or unlocking the vehicle, engaging or releasing the parking brake, or activating a vehicle display.

[0003] Some functions in a motor vehicle require not just a single control unit, but a network of two or more control units. In particular, these functions depend on other functions executed on a different control unit. For correct function execution, all relevant control units and their associated data buses must be activated for information transmission. However, it is also advantageous to activate only the data buses actually needed to ensure the most energy-efficient execution of the function.

[0004] German patent DE 10 2012 014 724 B3 describes a method for operating a data bus system of a motor vehicle. A communication requirement is detected by a first control unit connected to a first data bus segment. Initially, only the first data bus segment is brought from its sleep state to its wake state. If a communication requirement is detected between the first control unit and a second control unit outside the first data bus segment, all other sleep-state data bus segments of the data bus system are also woken up.

[0005] However, this method also wakes up data buses or connected control units that are not required to perform the desired function. This leads to increased energy consumption.

[0006] Document DE 10 2012 207 858 A1 describes a method for activating deactivated electronic control units (ECUs) in a vehicle. Each ECU forms a node in a vehicle network and also has a subnetwork management system. This system contains information about which network interfaces the respective node can use to communicate with other nodes in the network. This allows all ECUs in a subnetwork to be activated step by step, without the need for a central network manager.

[0007] However, this method has the disadvantage that each node, and especially each subnetwork management system, must specify which interfaces can be used to communicate with other control units and which control units or subnetworks must be activated to execute certain functions. If a function assignment changes, the software of all control units or subnetwork management systems of the individual nodes must be updated.

[0008] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved concept for the functional execution by a control system of a motor vehicle, which can reduce the energy requirement and at the same time reduce the need for adaptation with regard to the software of control units of the control system in the event of functional changes.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] The improved concept is based on the idea that a control unit which requires a second function to perform a first function requests this second function from a central control unit, and the central control unit activates the data bus to which the other control unit required to perform the second function is directly or indirectly connected.

[0011] According to the improved concept, a method for executing a function by a motor vehicle control system is described. A first control unit of the control system is connected to a first data bus of the control system. At least one further control unit of the control system is connected to at least one further data bus of the control system. A central control unit of the control system is connected to the first data bus and to the at least one further data bus, in particular to each further data bus of the at least one further data bus. According to the method, a second function is requested by the first control unit depending on a first function to be executed, by transmitting a request signal, in particular a request signal dependent on the second function, to the central control unit.The central control unit activates a second data bus of at least one other data bus depending on the request signal. The second function is executed, particularly after the activation of the second data bus or when the second data bus is activated, by a second control unit of at least one other control unit connected to the second data bus. The first function is executed by the first control unit, particularly depending on the second function, and especially on a result of the second function.

[0012] The at least one additional control unit contains, in particular, at least one additional control unit for each additional data bus of the at least one additional data bus. In other words, the at least one data bus contains a certain number of additional data buses, and the at least one additional control unit contains a certain additional number of control units, wherein the additional number is greater than or equal to the number of additional data buses, and at least one of the additional control units is connected to each of the additional data buses.

[0013] The central control unit is specifically connected to each additional data bus of at least one other data bus.

[0014] In particular, the first control unit receives an execution command to perform the first function. The first control unit can receive this execution command, for example, from the central control unit, another central control unit, or another computing unit or interface of the control system or the vehicle.

[0015] In particular, the first control unit activates the first data bus in order to transmit the request signal to the central control unit. Specifically, the first control unit activates the first data bus depending on the execution command.

[0016] Activating a data bus, as defined here and in the following, specifically means transitioning the respective data bus from a sleep state to an awake state and maintaining the activated data bus in that awake state. The sleep state can, for example, correspond to a state of reduced power consumption compared to the awake state. The awake state can correspond to a state in which the respective data bus, or the control units connected to it, are operating at full capacity.

[0017] The fact that a control unit is connected to a data bus can mean that the control unit is connected to the data bus directly or indirectly.

[0018] The fact that the control unit is directly connected to the data bus can be understood to mean that the control unit can directly transmit information to the data bus or transmit it via the data bus without requiring another control unit or gateway. The fact that the control unit is indirectly connected to the data bus can be understood to mean that the control unit is directly connected to another data bus, or that another control unit or gateway control unit is directly connected to both the data bus and the other data bus. The control unit can therefore transmit information to or via the data bus through the other control unit and the other data bus.

[0019] Activating a data bus includes, in particular, activating all control units that are directly connected to the data bus.

[0020] In addition to the second data bus, other data buses of at least one other data bus can also be activated depending on the request signal.

[0021] Requesting the second function can be understood in particular as a request that the second function be executed.

[0022] The request signal therefore contains information regarding the fact that the second function is to be executed, and in particular not which control unit is to execute the second function.

[0023] In other words, the first control unit requests the second function by sending the request signal, not the second control unit. Specifically, the request signal does not contain information about a particular control unit, but only information about the second function or, if applicable, other functions.

[0024] The central control unit can activate the second data bus, for example, depending on the request signal, by identifying the second function based on the request signal and activating the second data bus if this is necessary for the execution of the second function.

[0025] A function can be understood here and in the following as a sequence of one or more predefined processes or steps, in particular calculation steps or computation steps, which are executed on the basis of the respective control unit.

[0026] By activating the second data bus based on the request signal, it is not necessary to activate data buses or control units that are not required for executing the second function or other necessary functions. This leads to improved energy efficiency.

[0027] Since the first control unit only requests the second function and not the second control unit, the first control unit does not need to store any information about this, i.e., it does not need to "know" which control unit is required for the second function.

[0028] Therefore, if the second function within the control system is located in a different place or data bus, or if a function is added, the software of the first control unit does not need to be adapted to take the changed system architecture into account.

[0029] Furthermore, the same software can be used for the first control unit even with different configurations and function distributions within the control system. This increases the flexibility of the control system.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the method, the second control unit generates a result of the second function by executing the second function and transmits the result, at least partially, to the first control unit via the second data bus and the first data bus. The first control unit then executes the first function based on the transmitted portion of the result.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, the first data bus and all further data buses of the at least one further data bus, in particular all data buses of the control system, are deactivated before the transmission of the request signal from the first control unit to the central control unit, i.e., they are in a standby state. This can, for example, correspond to the standby state of the motor vehicle.

[0032] The resting state of the motor vehicle can, for example, correspond to a situation in which a generator for supplying energy to a motor vehicle battery of the motor vehicle is deactivated, whereby the first and second control units, in particular all control units of the control system, are supplied with energy via the motor vehicle battery.

[0033] The first control unit can be woken up, for example, by the execution command to perform the first function, or by a wake-up signal which generates a wake-up device depending on the execution command and transmits it to the first control unit.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, an assignment rule is stored on a storage element, in particular a storage element of the control system or the central control unit. According to the assignment rule, each function is assigned a plurality of functions, wherein the plurality of functions includes the second function and, in particular, the first function, to one or more further data buses of at least one further data bus. The second data bus is activated by the central control unit depending on the assignment rule.

[0035] The fact that a further data bus is assigned to a function can be understood in particular to mean that at least one further control unit is required to carry out this function, which is directly or indirectly connected to this further data bus.

[0036] In other words, the allocation rule stores for each of the at least one additional data bus the information about which functions of the multitude of functions can be executed via the respective additional data bus, i.e., can be executed by one or more control units that are directly or indirectly connected to the respective additional data bus.

[0037] Storing the respective functions on a data bus basis eliminates the need to maintain the exact data bus architecture or the precise function assignment of individual control units. This increases the flexibility of the control system in the event of changes.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, each of the at least one additional control unit transmits a corresponding information signal to the central control unit. Each of the information signals contains information regarding the assignment of the respective associated additional control unit to a predefined subset of the multitude of functions. The assignment rule is created and / or updated based on the information from, in particular all, of the information signals.

[0039] The information signal, or the associated information, indicates in particular which subset of functions from the multitude of functions the respective additional control unit can execute.

[0040] Creating the assignment rule can be understood, in particular, as the central control unit determining which data bus of at least one other data bus must be activated in order to execute the respective function. The corresponding assignment of function to other data bus is then stored on the memory element, for example, in the form of a conversion table.

[0041] Each of the other control units already contains information about which function that particular control unit can perform. Therefore, neither additional storage of this information is necessary, nor is it necessary to store a specific assignment of individual control units elsewhere.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the allocation rule is created and / or updated based on the information provided by the central control unit.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment, the information signals are transmitted cyclically to the central control unit, in particular by the at least one further control unit, and the assignment rule is updated cyclically, in particular by the central control unit.

[0044] The fact that the information signals are transmitted cyclically can be understood, in particular, to mean that the information signals are regularly updated, generated, and transmitted. The fact that the assignment rule is updated cyclically can be understood, in particular, to mean that, based on each cyclically transmitted information signal, the assignment rule is updated accordingly, if necessary.

[0045] This ensures that the central control unit always stores the current assignment of the other data buses to the individual functions.

[0046] According to at least one embodiment, the second data bus is activated by the central control unit, in particular only if or exactly if the second data bus is assigned to the second function according to the assignment rule, in particular if the central control unit determines that the second data bus is assigned to the second function according to the assignment rule.

[0047] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one further data bus has at least two further data buses, which include the second data bus.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, all those further data buses of the at least one further data bus which are assigned to the second function according to the assignment rule, i.e. in particular the second data bus, are activated by means of the central control unit depending on the request signal.

[0049] According to at least one embodiment, for each additional data bus activated by means of the central control unit, a further function of the plurality of functions is executed by a further control unit of the at least one further control unit connected to the respective additional data bus.

[0050] According to the improved concept, a control system for a motor vehicle is also specified. The control system has a data bus and a first control unit connected to the data bus. The control system has at least one further data bus and at least one further control unit. The at least one further control unit is connected to the at least one further data bus. The control system has a central control unit connected to the data bus and the at least one further data bus, in particular to each further data bus of the at least one further data bus. The first control unit is configured to transmit a request signal to the central control unit in order to request a second function depending on a first function to be executed.The central control unit is configured to activate a second data bus of at least one other data bus depending on the request signal. A second control unit of at least one other control unit, connected to the second data bus, is configured to execute the second function, and the first control unit is configured to execute the first function.

[0051] According to at least one embodiment of the control system, the control system includes a further central control unit that is connected to a third data bus of at least one other data bus. The central control unit is configured to activate the third data bus depending on the request signal.

[0052] This allows for the use of more complex data bus architectures.

[0053] In particular, the third data bus can also be identical to the second data bus.

[0054] According to at least one embodiment, the control system has a fourth data bus, with the additional central control unit connected to this fourth data bus. The control system also has a third control unit connected to the fourth data bus, specifically not to the first data bus or to the at least one other data bus. The additional central control unit is configured to activate the fourth data bus depending on the request signal, and the third control unit is configured to execute a third function requested by the request signal, particularly in addition to the second function.

[0055] Further embodiments of the control system according to the improved concept follow directly from the various configurations of the method according to the improved concept, and vice versa. In particular, a control system according to the improved concept can be configured or programmed to execute a method according to the improved concept, or the control system according to the improved concept executes a method according to the improved concept.

[0056] According to the improved concept, a computer program is specified by commands. When the computer program is executed by a control system according to the improved concept, the commands cause the control system to perform a procedure according to the improved concept.

[0057] According to the improved concept, a computer-readable storage medium is specified on which a computer program according to the improved concept is stored.

[0058] According to the improved concept, a motor vehicle is specified which includes a control system according to the improved concept.

[0059] This shows: Fig. 1 a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control system according to the improved concept; Fig. 2 a block diagram of a further exemplary embodiment of a control system according to the improved concept; and Fig. 3 A schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the improved concept.

[0060] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0061] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0062] In Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a control system. AND as shown according to the improved concept.

[0063] The control system AND indicates a central control unit SZ1 on, which can also be referred to as a gateway or gateway control unit, as well as a first data bus B11 and a second data bus B12 , whereby the central control unit SZ1 to both data buses B11 , B12 is connected.

[0064] Furthermore, the control system AND a control unit S111 up, which is connected to the first data bus B11 is connected and a control unit S121 , which connects to the second data bus B12 is connected.

[0065] Optionally, the control system indicates AND one or more additional control units, each connected to one of the data buses B11 , B12 are connected. In Fig. 1 is an example of a control unit S112 shown that the first data bus B11 is connected as well as a control unit S122 , which connects to the second data bus B12 is connected.

[0066] The control system also features optional features AND a second data bus B13 on, to which the central control unit SZ1 is also connected. In such versions, the control system exhibits AND also a control unit S131 on, which is connected to the second data bus B13 is connected, as well as optionally one or more additional control units that are connected to the second data bus. B13 are connected, of which, for example, a control unit S132 in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0067] Furthermore, the control system AND a storage element M1 on, whereby the central control unit SZ1 writing and reading to the storage element M1 can access and the storage element M1 for example, it includes.

[0068] The control system is in its initial state. ANDFor example, in a sleep state. That means all control units SZ1 , S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 as well as all data buses B11 , B12 , B13 of the control system AND They are each in a resting state.

[0069] The control system's idle state AND This can, for example, be a state of rest of the motor vehicle. K (see Fig. 3) correspond to which the control system AND includes or the control system AND is assigned.

[0070] When the motor vehicle is at rest K For example, a generator can be used to charge a vehicle battery. K be deactivated, for example if an ignition system or the ignition of the motor vehicle is deactivated. K is deactivated. A power supply for the data buses. B11 , B12 , B13as well as the control units SZ1 , S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 This is done, for example, via the vehicle battery, which is charged when the vehicle is at rest. K It cannot be recharged via the generator.

[0071] The control system AND can through its control units S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 perform a variety of different functions, including, for example, lighting functions, chassis functions, locking or unlocking functions, and a function to engage or release the vehicle's parking brake. K , functions relating to a display of the motor vehicle K or remote control functions of the motor vehicle K can belong.

[0072] Each of the control units can be used in this process. S111 , S112 , S121 ,S122 , S131 , S132 This may be necessary to execute one or more functions. In particular, some functions may be interdependent, so that executing one function also requires executing another. This can be the case, for example, if a function to be executed, such as a lighting function, requires the result of another function, such as a chassis function, in order to be executed properly or correctly.

[0073] In the following non-restrictive example, it is assumed that the control unit S111 to execute a first function F1, for example via the central control unit SZ1 , another control unit or other computing unit of the motor vehicle K.

[0074] The first function F1, for example, requires that another function, such as a chassis function, be executed, since the first function F1 is, for example, carried out by means of the control unit. S111 The other function is executed based on a result or partial result of the other function. However, the other function is not executed by the control unit. S111 , but is executed by another control unit.

[0075] All control units S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 For example, they cyclically transmit corresponding information signals to the central control unit. SZ1 Each information signal contains information about the functions of the respective control unit. S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 can perform, or rather, what function or functions the respective control unit can perform. S111 , S112 , S121 ,S122 , S131 , S132 are assigned.

[0076] The central control unit SZ1 Based on this information, an assignment rule is stored on the storage element. M1 , where the assignment rule applies to each of the data buses B11 , B12 , B13 assigns all functions to one of those control units S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 can execute that which is connected to the respective data bus B11 , B12 , B13 is connected.

[0077] In a non-restrictive example, the multitude of functions could, for instance, include six functions: F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6. The first control unit S111 For example, the first function F1 can be assigned to the control unit S112 the second function F2, the control unit S121 the third function F3, the control unit S122the fourth function F4 and the fifth function F5, the control unit S131 the third function F3 and the sixth function F6 and the control unit S132 the sixth function F6. According to the assignment rule, the first data bus in this example is therefore B11 assigned to functions F1 and F2, the second data bus B12 is assigned to functions F3, F4 and F5, and the other second data bus B13 is assigned to the functions F3 and F6, as illustrated in the following table: Data bus function F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 B11 × × B12 × × × B13 × ×

[0078] Will the control unit S111 Now, when the first function F1 is activated, the control unit determines S111 For example, the fifth function, F5, is also required. Accordingly, the control unit activates it. S111 the first data bus B11 and generates a request signal A and transmits it to the central control unit SZ1Based on the request signal A, the central control unit identifies SZ1 The requested fifth function, F5, is executed and accordingly activates all data buses to which it is connected and which are assigned according to the assignment rule of the fifth function, F5. In the following example, this is the second data bus. B12 .

[0079] The control unit S122 It then executes, for example, the fifth function F5 and communicates via the activated second data bus. B12 and the activated first data bus B11 as well as via the central control unit SZ1 with the control unit S111 , for example, to send a result of the fifth function F5 to the control unit S111 to transfer.

[0080] The control unit S111 The first function F1 can then be executed or continued based on or depending on the result of the fifth function F5.

[0081] Advantageously, in this example, the second data bus was used. B13 Not activated, as it is not required for executing the fifth function F5, nor for executing the first function F1. In other words, all necessary data buses were activated, and only the necessary data buses.

[0082] According to the described procedure, it is for the control system AND It is also not necessary that one of the control units SZ1 , S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 the assignment of the different control units S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 for the various functions F1 to F6, it is known or stored. In particular, it is only necessary that each of the control units S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132The information is available as to which of the numerous functions F1 to F6 the respective control unit itself is assigned, in order to send the respective information signal to the central control unit. SZ1 to be able to transfer.

[0083] Furthermore, for each control unit S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 It must be known which additional functions F1 to F6 are required in order to execute the respective assigned functions.

[0084] By cyclically updating the information signals and sending them to the central control unit SZ1 Changes to the function assignment to the individual control units will be transmitted. S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132or the addition of further functions or the removal of individual functions in a self-learning process is taken into account by the central control unit SZ1 The allocation rule is updated cyclically, in particular based on the cyclically received information signals.

[0085] In Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a control system. AND The improved concept was demonstrated. The control system AND based on the control system AND the Fig. 1.

[0086] Additionally, the control system includes AND another central control unit SZ2 , which can also be referred to as another gateway or another gateway control unit, and a third data bus B3 , with both central control units SZ1 , SZ2 to the third data bus B3 are connected.

[0087] Furthermore, the control system contains AND a fourth data bus B21 , to which the central control unit SZ2 is connected. The control system also includes AND a control unit S211 , which is connected to the fourth data bus B21 is connected and optionally a control unit S212 , which is also connected to the fourth data bus B21 is connected.

[0088] Optionally, the control system includes AND a further fourth data bus B22 , to which the central control unit SZ2 as well as another control unit S221 are connected. Optionally, the control system includes AND a control unit S222 , which connects to the fourth data bus B22 is connected.

[0089] As above regarding the central control unit SZ1 and the data buses B11 , B12 , B13and the corresponding control units S111 , S112 , S121 , S122 , S131 , S132 As described, the control units also generate S211 , S212 , S221 , S222 They generate the respective cyclic information signals and transmit them to the central control unit. SZ2 This creates and updates another storage element. M2 a corresponding allocation rule for the data buses B21 , B22 to the corresponding functions, as described above.

[0090] In the described, non-restrictive example, the control unit S211 for example, a seventh function F7 and an eighth function F8 may be assigned to the control unit S212 The eighth function, F8, can be assigned to the control unit. S221 can be assigned to a ninth function F9, and the control unit S222 can be assigned to a tenth function, F10.

[0091] Accordingly, the assignment rule of the central control unit stipulates SZ2 the data bus B21 the functions F7 and F8 to and the data bus B22 the F9 and F10 functions.

[0092] In a similar way, for example, the central control units also generate SZ1 , SZ2 They each receive information signals and transmit them to the other central control unit. SZ2 , SZ1 These information signals also contain information about which functions F1 to F10 are assigned to the respective central control units. SZ1 , SZ2 are assigned to connected data buses.

[0093] The central control unit SZ1 is assigned, for example, to functions F1 to F6, and the central control unit SZ2 is assigned to the functions F7 to F10.

[0094] Accordingly, the allocation rule of the central control unit stipulates SZ1 the first data bus B11 the functions F1 and F2 to the second data bus B12 the functions F3, F4 and F5, the further second data bus B13 the functions F3 and F6 and the third data bus B3 The functions F7, F8, F9 and F10, as shown in the following table: Data bus function F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 B11 × × B12 × × × B13 × × B3 × × × ×

[0095] The assignment rule of the central control unit SZ2 for example, assigns the fourth data bus B21 the functions F7 and F8 to the further fourth data bus B22 the functions F9 and F10 and the third data bus B3 The functions F1 to F6, as shown in the following table: Data bus function F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 B21 × × B22 × × B3 × × × × × ×

[0096] For example, the control unit S111 The control unit is now activated to execute the first function, F1, and determines that the fifth function, F5, and the tenth function, F10, are required for this. S111accordingly activates the first data bus B11 and transmits a corresponding request signal A to the central control unit SZ1 , which also sends the request signal A to the central control unit SZ2 forwards.

[0097] Based on the request signal A, the central control unit now activates SZ1 the second data bus B12 , so that the control unit S122 can execute the F5 function, and the central control unit SZ2 activates the additional fourth data bus B22 , so that the control unit S222 can execute the tenth function F10.

[0098] In Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle. K shown according to the improved concept. The motor vehicle K a control system AND according to the improved concept, for example, regarding Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described.

[0099] The improved concept enables a particularly energy-efficient functional design in motor vehicles, which can also avoid software adjustments of the individual control units when the function assignment changes.

[0100] Each control unit, for example, cyclically reports which functions it includes or can provide. This assignment is persistently stored per bus in each central control unit or gateway control unit. A function-executing control unit generically activates its required partner functions and, in particular, does not explicitly activate other control units or buses. The central control units evaluate these function requests based on their learned assignment tables and then activate the necessary buses and thus control units.

[0101] If a function in a vehicle, such as an online connection, light control or parking brake, is moved within a control system or located differently depending on the variant, then according to the improved concept all partner control units are unaffected.

[0102] The individual control units do not specifically request their partner control units or physically required buses, but rather directly request the necessary functions and thus the required data. The activation of the necessary data buses and control units is handled generically via the central control units, which form the interfaces between the individual bus systems.

[0103] The central control units can adapt to any vehicle architecture using the generic learning mechanism and are therefore independent of the specific vehicle architecture.

[0104] For example, during vehicle development, all functions in the vehicle can be clustered into a limited number of function clusters.

[0105] This clustering is made available to all control units. This allows each control unit to decide, for each function, which function clusters are needed for the current function execution.

[0106] Each control unit can support the improved concept with two signals. First, each control unit can report its functional affiliation by cyclically informing the next central control unit which functions it has been clustered with. It is possible to be affiliated with more than one functional cluster. Second, each control unit can request the necessary functions according to its cluster assignment when performing a function in a standby state, for example, with the ignition switched off, as long as they are required for the function execution.

[0107] Each central control unit can read the function assignment messages on all buses and persistently store them for each bus. Upon receiving a request, each central control unit can then wake and keep the data buses active according to the stored function assignment table.

[0108] The improved concept can be used in vehicle architectures with a single central control unit as well as in vehicle architectures with multiple central control units. In the latter case, for example, an exchange protocol can be used between the central control units to exchange the respective cluster assignment tables. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102012014724 B3

[0004] DE 102012207858 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Method for executing a function by a control system (SY) of a motor vehicle (K), wherein - a first control unit (S111) is connected to a first data bus (B11); - at least one further control device (S121, S122, S131, S132) is connected to at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); and - a central control unit (SZ1) is connected to the first data bus (B11) and to the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); and the method characterized by is that - a second function is requested by means of the first control unit (S111) depending on a first function to be executed by transmitting a request signal (A) to the central control unit (SZ1); - a second data bus (B12) of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3) is activated by means of the central control unit (SZ1) depending on the request signal (A); - the second function is carried out by a second control unit (S121) of the at least one further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) connected to the second data bus (B12); and - the first function is executed by the first control unit (S111). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that - an assignment rule is stored on a memory element (M), according to which each function of a plurality of functions containing the second function is assigned to one or more of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); and - the second data bus (B12) is activated by the central control unit (SGZ) depending on the assignment rule. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by , that - by means of the at least one further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) an associated information signal is transmitted to the central control unit; - each of the information signals contains information relating to an assignment of the respective further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) to a predetermined subset of the plurality of functions; and - the assignment rule is created or updated based on the information. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that - the information signals are transmitted cyclically to the central control unit (SGZ); and - the assignment rule is updated cyclically. [5] Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the second data bus (B12) is activated by the central control unit (SGZ) when the second data bus (B12) is assigned to the second function according to the assignment rule. [6] Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized bythat by means of the central control unit (SGZ) all those further data buses (B12) of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3) are activated depending on the request signal (A) which are assigned according to the assignment rule of the second function. [7] Control system for a motor vehicle (K), comprising the control system (SY) - a first data bus (B11) and a first control unit (B111) connected to the first data bus (B11); - at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3) and at least one further control device (S121, S122, S131, S132) connected to the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); and - a central control unit (SZ1) connected to the first data bus (B11) and to the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); wherein the control system (SY) characterized by is that - the first control unit (S111) is configured to transmit a request signal (A) to the central control unit (SZ1) in order to request a second function depending on a first function to be executed; - the central control unit (SZ1) is configured to activate a second data bus (B12) of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13) depending on the request signal (A); - a second control unit (S121) of the at least one further control unit (S121, S122, S131, S132) connected to the second data bus (B12) is configured to execute the second function; and - the first control unit (S111) is configured to execute the first function. [8] Control system according to claim 7, characterized by , that - the control system (SY) has a further central control unit (SZ2) which is connected to a third data bus (B3) of the at least one further data bus (B12, B13, B3); - the central control unit (SZ1) is configured to activate the third data bus (B3) depending on the request signal. [9] Control system according to claim 8, characterized by , that - the control system (SY) - a fourth data bus (B21), wherein the further central control unit (SZ2) is connected to the fourth data bus (B21); and - a third control unit (S211) connected to the fourth data bus (B21); - the further central control unit (SZ2) is configured to activate the fourth data bus (B21) depending on the request signal (A); and - the third control unit (S211) is configured to execute a third function requested by the request signal (A). [10] Motor vehicle with a control system (SY) according to one of claims 7 to 9.

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