In-vehicle communication apparatus, method for selecting communication unit, and computer program

Abstract

To provide an in-vehicle communication apparatus capable of appropriately selecting a communication unit to be used.SOLUTION: An apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle communication apparatus that is compatible with multiple types of wireless methods, and includes a plurality of communication units that are wireless devices that each comply with a different communication protocol, a memory unit that stores setting information for priorities to be assigned to each of the plurality of communication units, and a control unit that performs a selection process to select one of the plurality of communication units to enable communication based on the setting information. The selection process includes a process of, when the communication quality of a communication unit with a higher priority than a current communication unit, which is a communication unit for which communication is enabled, satisfies a reference value, switching communication of the communication unit with the higher priority to being enabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle communication device, a communication unit selection method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an in-vehicle communication device that switches access points to be connected via Wi-Fi (registered trademark) in consideration of the amount of communication data and generation state. Specifically, in the in-vehicle communication device of Patent Document 1, an access point for wireless communication is selected according to a priority order that is set in accordance with the started application. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-130591 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art One type of in-vehicle communication device is a communication device having a plurality of communication interfaces (hereinafter also referred to as "communication units") that comply with different communication protocols, such as LTE (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). In the above-mentioned in-vehicle communication device, a communication unit to be enabled is selected from among available communication units in order to connect to the Internet, etc. In the case of a smartphone, the user can manually switch the communication unit when the signal strength is weak and communication is impossible.

[0005] However, in the case of an in-vehicle communication device, it is expected that it may be difficult for the user to manually switch between communication units depending on the installation location. For this reason, it is necessary to incorporate into the in-vehicle communication device a mechanism for automatically selecting the appropriate communication unit depending on the situation. On the other hand, if a communication unit is selected based only on priority, a communication unit with poor communication quality may be selected. Furthermore, if the communication quality of a communication unit in use deteriorates, the communication inability will continue unless a switch is made to another communication unit.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure has an object to provide an in-vehicle communication device and the like that can appropriately select a communication unit to be used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle communication device that is compatible with multiple types of wireless methods, and includes multiple communication units that are wireless devices that each comply with a different communication protocol, a memory unit that stores setting information for priorities to be assigned to each of the multiple communication units, and a control unit that performs a selection process to select one of the multiple communication units for enabling communication based on the setting information, wherein the selection process includes a process of switching to enable communication of a communication unit with a higher priority than a current communication unit that is a communication unit for which communication is enabled when the communication quality of the communication unit with a higher priority satisfies a reference value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately select a communication unit to be used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the vehicle gateway. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the priority table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a selection process of a communication unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Overview of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Below, an overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] (1) The device of this embodiment is an in-vehicle communication device that is compatible with multiple types of wireless methods and includes multiple communication units, which are wireless devices that each comply with a different communication protocol, a memory unit that stores setting information for priorities to be assigned to each of the multiple communication units, and a control unit that executes a selection process to select one of the multiple communication units for enabling communication based on the setting information, and the selection process includes a process of switching the communication of a communication unit with a higher priority than a current communication unit, which is a communication unit for which communication is enabled, to be enabled when the communication quality of the communication unit with a higher priority than the current communication unit, which is a communication unit for which communication is enabled, satisfies a reference value.

[0012] According to the in-vehicle communication device of this embodiment, when the communication quality of a communication unit having a higher priority than a current communication unit, which is a communication unit whose communication is valid, satisfies a reference value, the communication of the communication unit with the higher priority is switched to valid. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of communication quality while enabling communication of a communication unit having a higher priority than the currently used communication unit, and therefore makes it possible to appropriately select the communication unit to be used.

[0013] (2) In the in-vehicle communication device of (1) described above, the selection process may further include a process of switching to an active communication unit having a next priority when the communication quality of the current communication unit does not satisfy a reference value and the communication quality of the communication unit having a next priority to the current communication unit satisfies a reference value.

[0014] According to the in-vehicle communication device of this embodiment, when the communication quality of the current communication unit does not satisfy a reference value and the communication quality of the communication unit with the next priority after the current communication unit satisfies a reference value, the communication unit with the next priority is switched to be active. Therefore, when the communication quality of the currently used communication unit deteriorates, the communication of the communication unit with the next priority can be enabled while preventing the deterioration of the communication quality. Therefore, even when the communication quality of the currently used communication unit deteriorates, the communication unit to be used can be appropriately selected.

[0015] (3) In the in-vehicle communication device according to (1) or (2) above, the setting information may include a plurality of pieces of configuration information that define priorities of the plurality of communication units for each of a plurality of policies. In this case, the user can select one of the multiple pieces of configuration information, thereby implementing selection processing based on a policy desired by the user.

[0016] (4) In the in-vehicle communication device of (3) described above, the multiple configuration information may include first configuration information whose policy emphasizes communication speed, second configuration information whose policy emphasizes communication charges, and third configuration information whose policy is free communication charges. In this case, by the user selecting any one of the above configuration information, it is possible to realize a selection process based on any one of the policies of prioritizing communication speed, prioritizing communication charges, and free communication charges.

[0017] (5) In any of the in-vehicle communication devices described above in (1) to (4), the multiple communication units may include a first communication unit that is a wireless device compliant with LTE, a second communication unit that is a wireless device compliant with LPMA, and a third communication unit that is a wireless device compliant with Wi-Fi. In this case, it becomes possible to appropriately select the communication unit to be used from at least the first communication unit, the second communication unit, and the third communication unit.

[0018] (6) In any of the in-vehicle communication devices described above in (1) to (5), before communication is established with a communication device outside the vehicle, the control unit may adopt an RSSI as a parameter representing the communication quality, and may perform the selection process using a measurement result of the RSSI. The reason is that RSSI can be measured regardless of the communication state (active, inactive, or sleep) of each communication unit, and is therefore preferable as a parameter to be used before communication is established.

[0019] (7) In any of the in-vehicle communication devices described above in (1) to (6), after communication is established with a communication device outside the vehicle, the control unit may adopt at least one parameter among RSSI, network throughput, and packet loss rate as a parameter representing the communication quality, and may execute the selection process using a measurement result of the parameter. The reason is that, once communication has been established, if a plurality of types of measurable parameters are permitted to be used, the selection process can be executed more reliably than if it were limited to RSSI.

[0020] (8) The method according to this embodiment is a method for selecting a communication unit executed by the vehicle-mounted relay device according to (1) to (7) above. Therefore, the selection method of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the in-vehicle communication device described above in (1) to (7).

[0021] (9) The computer program according to this embodiment is a computer program for causing a computer to function as the in-vehicle communication device described above in (1) to (7). Therefore, the computer program of this embodiment has the same operational effects as the in-vehicle communication devices described above in (1) to (7).

[0022] <Details of the embodiment of the present invention> Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any desired manner.

[0023] [Example of vehicle-mounted communication system configuration] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, an in-vehicle communication system 100 of this embodiment is an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) built inside a vehicle 1. The in-vehicle communication system 100 includes an in-vehicle gateway 10 and an ECU (Electric Control Unit) 30 as in-vehicle communication devices (communication nodes) that constitute a network.

[0024] The protocol for in-vehicle communication of the in-vehicle communication system 100 may be, for example, CAN (Control Area Network: registered trademark), CAN-FD (CAN with flexible data rate), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), FlexRay (registered trademark), or Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication method for in-vehicle communication of the in-vehicle communication system 100 may be a communication method in which at least two of the protocols listed above are mixed.

[0025] The vehicle gateway 10 is a communication device capable of communicating information with the outside of the vehicle 1 using a plurality of types of wireless systems. The multiple types of wireless systems include, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution: registered trademark), LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Therefore, the vehicle-mounted gateway 10 can be connected to a public network 5 including the Internet via an LTE wireless base station 2.

[0026] Similarly, the vehicle-mounted gateway 10 can be connected to a public network 5 via an LPWA wireless base station 3 , and the vehicle-mounted gateway 10 can be connected to the public network 5 via a wireless LAN router 4 . The ECU 30 is an electronic control unit for the vehicle that controls various in-vehicle devices such as sensors and actuators mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0027] Focusing on the controlled objects within the vehicle 1, the types of the ECU 30 include an engine control ECU, a transmission control ECU, a power steering control ECU, an air conditioner control ECU, and an AV (Audio / Visual) system control ECU. The ECU 30 inputs measurement information from sensors (such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor) connected to the ECU 30 into the system, and controls various actuators (such as an electric motor) connected to the ECU 30 based on the measurement information.

[0028] [Example of vehicle gateway configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the vehicle gateway 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle gateway 10 of this embodiment is a type of vehicle-mounted communication device that supports multiple types of wireless methods, and includes a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a third communication unit 13, an in-vehicle communication unit 14, a switch 15, a control unit 16, and a memory unit 17.

[0029] The first communication unit 11 is, for example, a wireless device that complies with LTE. The first communication unit 11 includes an integrated circuit that performs modulation and demodulation of a physical layer and signal processing of a data link layer in accordance with LTE. An antenna 11A for LTE is connected to the first communication unit 11. The second communication unit 12 is, for example, a wireless device that complies with LPWA. The second communication unit 112 includes an integrated circuit that performs modulation and demodulation of the physical layer and signal processing of the data link layer in accordance with LPWA. An antenna 12A for LPWA is connected to the second communication unit 12.

[0030] The third communication unit 13 is, for example, a wireless device that complies with Wi-Fi. The third communication unit 13 includes an integrated circuit that performs modulation and demodulation of the physical layer and signal processing of the data link layer in accordance with the wireless LAN standard. A Wi-Fi antenna 13A is connected to the third communication unit 13. The in-vehicle communication unit 14 is a communication interface for in-vehicle communication. The in-vehicle communication unit 14 includes an integrated circuit that performs modulation and demodulation of the physical layer and signal processing of the data link layer in accordance with an in-vehicle communication standard such as CAN. The in-vehicle communication unit 14 is connected to a communication port 14A for in-vehicle communication.

[0031] Each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 can switch between different operation modes for communication based on the respective communication protocols. The operation modes include "enabled" and "disabled." "Enabled" means that communication based on a predetermined communication protocol is executed. "Disabled" means that the communication is in a pause state or a sleep state. The type of operation mode is notified by the mode command C2 from the control unit 16.

[0032] The switch 15 is an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration) that has a relay function of the L2 and L3 layers. A first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a third communication unit 13, an in-vehicle communication unit 14, and a control unit 16 are connected to each port of the switch 15. The switch 15 and the control unit 16 may be implemented in a single integrated circuit such as a System on a Chip (SoC).

[0033] In accordance with static route information set by the user, the switch 15 routes communication packets transmitted and received by the communication units 11, 12, and 13, the control unit 16, and the in-vehicle communication unit 14. Specifically, the route information set in the switch 15 includes the following routes. Route 1: A route connecting the first communication unit 11 to the in-vehicle communication unit 14 and the control unit 11 Route 2: A route connecting the second communication unit 12 to the in-vehicle communication unit 14 and the control unit 11 Route 3: A route connecting the third communication unit 13 to the in-vehicle communication unit 14 and the control unit 11

[0034] The control unit 16 is an arithmetic processing device including one or more central processing units (CPUs) and a volatile memory. The control unit 16 may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 16 is capable of control communication with the first communication unit 11, the second communication unit 12, and the third communication unit 13, using serial communication (indicated by dashed arrows in the figure) such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0035] The control signals using serial communication include, for example, "radio wave detection C1" and "mode command C2." The radio wave detection C1 is a control signal that each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 transmits to the control unit 16. Specifically, each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 transmits the radio wave detection C1 to the control unit 16 when it detects a radio wave of a predetermined frequency defined by its own communication protocol.

[0036] The mode command C2 is a control signal with which the control unit 16 instructs the type of operation mode to each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13. The control unit 16 determines the type of operation mode to be transmitted to each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 according to the result of a selection process S2 described later. For example, when the first communication unit 11 is selected by the selection process S2, the control unit 16 sets the operation mode of the first communication unit 11 to “enabled” and the operation modes of the second communication unit 12 and the third communication unit 13 to “disabled.”

[0037] Similarly, when the second communication unit 12 is selected by the selection process S2, the control unit 16 sets the operation mode of the second communication unit 12 to “enabled” and the operation modes of the third communication unit 13 and the first communication unit 11 to “disabled.” In addition, when the third communication unit 13 is selected by the selection process S2, the control unit 16 sets the operation mode of the third communication unit 13 to "enabled" and the operation modes of the first communication unit 11 and the second communication unit 12 to "disabled."

[0038] The storage unit 17 is an auxiliary storage device including a non-volatile memory such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM) and a flash Read Only Memory (ROM). The storage unit 17 stores, for example, a computer program 18 and a priority table 19. The computer program 18 includes, for example, a program for causing the control unit 16 to execute measurement of communication quality based on Linux (registered trademark) and a process of selecting a communication unit in accordance with the priority table 19. The priority table 19 will be described in detail later.

[0039] [Information processing by the control unit] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing executed by the control unit 16 of the vehicle gateway 10 includes at least the following processing. S1: Quality measurement S2: Communication unit selection process

[0040] The quality measurement S1 is a process of measuring parameters indicating the communication quality of each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13. The communication quality to be measured includes, for example, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication, in dBm units). The control unit 16 uses, for example, "iwlist" or "iwconfig" of Linux to acquire the RSSI of each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13. The RSSI can be measured regardless of the communication state (active, paused, or sleep) of the communication units 11, 12, and 13.

[0041] The communication quality to be measured may include network throughput (unit: Mbps). The control unit 16 acquires the network throughput of each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13, for example, using "iperf" of Linux. The network throughput can be measured when the communication units 11, 12, and 13 are in operation. The communication quality to be measured may include a packet loss rate (unit: %). The packet loss rate can also be measured when the communication units 11, 12, and 13 are in operation.

[0042] Therefore, the control unit 16 measures the RSSI before each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 establishes communication with a communication device outside the vehicle, for example, immediately after startup. After the communication between each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 and a communication device outside the vehicle is established, the control unit 16 measures at least one of the RSSI, the network throughput, and the packet loss rate.

[0043] The communication unit selection process S2 is a process for selecting a connection target for enabling the communication operation mode from among the multiple communication units 11, 12, and 13, based on the priority setting value defined by the priority table 19 and the measurement result of the quality measurement S1. Specifically, the selection process S2 includes the following processes.

[0044] Process 1: A communication unit with a higher priority than the current one is set as a connection candidate. Process 2: Measure the communication quality of the connection candidates. Process 3: If the communication quality of the connection candidate is equal to or higher than a reference value, the connection candidate is set as a connection target. Process 4: If the communication quality of the connection candidate is below the reference value, the connection candidate is removed from the list of connection candidates. Process 5: The communication unit with the next highest priority is set as a connection candidate, and processes 2 to 4 are repeated until the connection target is determined.

[0045] The "next priority" refers to the next lowest priority after the current priority among the multiple priorities defined for each piece of configuration information in the priority table 19 (FIG. 3). The control unit 16 periodically executes quality measurement S1 and selection process S2, and if the communication quality of the currently operating communication units 11, 12, 13 is poor, it selects the communication units 11, 12, 13 with the next highest priority as connection candidates.

[0046] [Standard value of communication quality] The reference value of the communication quality is set for each type of parameter. For example, if the RSSI is -65 dBm or more for 2.4 GHz and -60 dBm or more for 5.0 GHz, the desired communication speed can be maintained. If the RSSI is -75 dBm or less, the radio waves may be too weak and the wireless connection may become unstable. Therefore, the reference value of the RSSI may be set to any one of −65 dB, −60 dBm, and 75 dBm according to the user's communication policy.

[0047] For network throughput, for example, if you want to properly transmit text data, a download speed of 0.128 to 1.0 Mbps is the guideline. Therefore, the standard value of the network throughput may be set to a predetermined value within the above range according to the user's communication policy. However, when transmission of image or video data is assumed, it is preferable to set the standard value to 5 Mbps or more.

[0048] Packet loss rates of less than 1% are considered to be comfortable for communication, while rates of over 3% tend to increase retransmissions and cause poor response, and rates of over 10% are considered to be frustrating for users. Therefore, the reference value of the network throughput may be set to any one of 1%, 3%, and 10% according to the user's communication policy.

[0049] [Priority Table] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the priority table 19. As shown in FIG. 3, the priority table 19 is setting information in a table format in which communication types are arranged in a column direction and priority setting values ​​for each communication type are arranged in a row direction. The communication types indicate the types of communication methods that can be executed by the multiple communication units 11, 12, and 13 included in the vehicle gateway 10.

[0050] The communication types include, for example, "LTE," "Office Wi-Fi," "Tethering Wi-Fi," and "LPWA." The priority setting values ​​for each communication type are set in advance by a user who operates the vehicle 1. The priority setting is executed, for example, from a command line of a management terminal such as a notebook PC connected to the control unit 16 so as to be able to communicate with the control unit 16.

[0051] The business Wi-Fi is, for example, a method of wireless communication with a wireless LAN router 4 installed in a business operated by the same owner as the owner of the vehicle 1. Therefore, in the case of the business Wi-Fi, no additional charge is incurred even if the third communication unit 13 is connected to the wireless LAN router 4. Tethering Wi-Fi is, for example, a method of communication using a tethering function of a mobile terminal held by the owner of the vehicle 1. Therefore, in the case of tethering Wi-Fi, there is a possibility that an additional fee will be charged if the first communication unit 11 is connected to a mobile terminal.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the priority table 19 includes a plurality of pieces of configuration information (config 1 to config 3 in FIG. 3) that define the priority of each of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 for each of a plurality of policies. Specifically, Config 1 is an example of priority settings when the policy places importance on communication speed. In this case, for example, the priority is set as follows: LTE priority = 10, office Wi-Fi priority = 6, tethering Wi-Fi priority = 3, and LPWA priority = 3.

[0053] Config 2 is an example of priority settings when the policy places importance on communication charges. In this case, for example, the priority is set as follows: LTE priority = 6, office Wi-Fi priority = 10, tethering Wi-Fi priority = 4, LPWA priority = 8. Config 3 is an example of priority settings when the policy is completely free of communication charges. In this case, for example, the priority is set as follows: LTE priority = 0, office Wi-Fi priority = 10, tethering Wi-Fi priority = 0, and LPWA priority = 0.

[0054] [Selection process of communication unit] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the selection process S2 of the communication units 11, 12, and 13 executed by the control unit 16 of the vehicle gateway 10. In FIG. 4, "Uw", "Un", and "Uc" are variables used in the selection process S2, and the definitions of each variable are as follows:

[0055] Uw: A variable indicating a communication unit among the multiple communication units 11, 12, and 13 whose operation mode is valid (hereinafter, referred to as a "current communication unit"). Un: A variable indicating a communication unit, among the multiple communication units 11, 12, and 13, whose operation mode is invalid (hereinafter, referred to as a "non-active communication unit"). Uc: A variable representing a communication unit (hereinafter, referred to as a "connection candidate") that is a candidate for switching the operation mode from invalid to valid among at least one non-active communication unit Un.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 16 of the vehicle gateway 10 first determines whether or not the communication quality of the current communication unit Uw satisfies a reference value (step ST11). In this case, the communication quality may be, for example, at least one of RSSI, network throughput, and packet loss rate. In addition, "meeting the reference value" means "above the reference value" in the case of RSSI and network throughput, and "below the reference value" in the case of packet loss rate.

[0057] If the result of the determination in step ST11 is positive, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the non-active communication unit Un has been detected (step ST12). Specifically, the control unit 16 judges whether or not the non-active communication unit Un has been detected based on whether or not the control unit 16 has received a radio wave detection C1 from the communication units 11, 12, and 13 other than the active communication unit Un.

[0058] If the determination result in step ST12 is negative, the control section 16 returns the process to before step ST11. If the result of the determination in step ST12 is positive, the control unit 16 refers to the priority table 19 and determines whether or not the priority of the non-active communication unit Un is higher than the priority of the active communication unit Uw (step ST13).

[0059] If the determination result in step ST13 is negative, the control section 16 returns the process to before step ST11. If the determination result in step ST13 is positive, the control unit 16 sets the non-active communication unit Un, which has a higher priority than the active communication unit Uw, as a connection candidate Uc (step ST14).

[0060] If the result of the determination in step ST11 is negative, the control unit 16 refers to the priority table 19 and sets the non-active communication unit Un, which has the next priority level relative to the priority level of the active communication unit Uw, as the connection candidate Uc (step ST17). Next, the control unit 16 judges whether the communication quality of the connection candidate Uc satisfies a reference value (step ST15). For example, RSSI is used as the communication quality in this case. In addition, "satisfying the reference value" means "above the reference value" in the case of RSSI.

[0061] If the determination result in step ST15 is negative, the control unit 16 repeats the process of designating the non-active communication unit Un with the next priority as the connection candidate Uc (step ST17) until the determination result in step ST15 regarding the connection candidate Uc becomes positive. If the determination result in step ST15 is positive, the control unit 16 determines the connection candidate Uc as the connection target (step ST16), and returns the process to before step ST11.

[0062] Specifically, the control unit 16 enables the operation mode of the communication unit determined to be the connection target among the multiple communication units 11, 12, and 13, and disables the operation modes of the other communication units. As a result, the connection candidate Uc determined as the connection target is switched to the active communication unit Uw, and the previous active communication unit Uw is switched to the non-active communication unit Un.

[0063] [Other Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes all modifications within the scope of the equivalents of the configurations described in the claims.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the priority table 19 is exemplified as an example of priority setting information, but the data format of the setting information may be a text-based data format. Examples of text-based data formats that may be adopted include Comma Separated Values ​​(CSV), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and JavaScript Object Notation (JSON).

[0065] In the above embodiment, the priority table 19 (FIG. 3) has been exemplified in which the larger the value, the higher the priority. However, the priority setting value may be defined so that the smaller the value, the higher the priority. In the above-described embodiment, the in-vehicle communication system 100 may include an in-vehicle device that performs in-vehicle communication independently without going through the ECU 30, such as a sensor or actuator having a function of in-vehicle communication. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 vehicle 2 Wireless base station (LTE) 3 Wireless base station (LPWA) 4. Wireless LAN router 5. Public Networks 10 Vehicle gateway (vehicle communication device) 11 First communication unit (LTE-compliant wireless device) 11A Antenna 12 Second communication unit (wireless device conforming to LPWA) 12A Antenna 13 Third communication part (Wi-Fi compliant wireless devices) 13A Antenna 14 In-vehicle communication unit 14A Communication Port 15 Switch 16 Control section 17 Memory section 18 Computer Programs 19 Priority Table 30 ECU (in-vehicle communication unit) 100 In-vehicle communication system Uw Current Communications Department Un non-current communication department Uc connection candidate

Claims

1. An in-vehicle communication device that supports a plurality of types of wireless systems, A plurality of communication units which are wireless devices conforming to different communication protocols; a storage unit that stores setting information of priorities to be assigned to the plurality of communication units; a control unit that executes a selection process for selecting one communication unit that is to enable communication among the plurality of communication units based on the setting information; The selection process includes: An in-vehicle communication device that includes a process of switching communication of a communication unit with a higher priority than a current communication unit, which is a communication unit whose communication is active, to active communication when the communication quality of the communication unit with a higher priority satisfies a reference value.

2. The selection process further includes: The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a process of switching a communication unit having a next priority to the current communication unit into an enabled state when the communication quality of the current communication unit does not satisfy a reference value and the communication quality of the communication unit having a next priority to the current communication unit satisfies a reference value.

3. The setting information is The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of pieces of configuration information that define priorities of the plurality of communication units for each of a plurality of policies.

4. The plurality of pieces of configuration information are First configuration information in which the policy places importance on communication speed; Second configuration information in which the policy is to prioritize communication charges; The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 3 , further comprising: third configuration information in which the policy is free of charge for communication.

5. The plurality of communication units include A first communication unit that is a wireless device conforming to LTE; A second communication unit that is a wireless device conforming to the LPMA standard; 3. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a third communication unit that is a wireless device conforming to Wi-Fi.

6. The control unit is 3. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a communication device external to the vehicle that is connected to the vehicle; a communication quality parameter representing a communication quality of the in-vehicle communication device;

7. The control unit is 3. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, wherein after communication is established with a communication device outside the vehicle, at least one parameter of RSSI, network throughput, and packet loss rate is adopted as a parameter representing the communication quality, and the selection process is performed using the measurement results of the parameter.

8. A method for selecting a communication unit, which is executed by an in-vehicle communication device having a plurality of communication units that are wireless devices conforming to different communication protocols, comprising: storing setting information of priorities to be assigned to the plurality of communication units; and executing a selection process for selecting one communication unit for enabling communication from among the plurality of communication units based on the setting information; The selection process includes: A method for selecting a communication unit, comprising a process of switching the communication of a communication unit having a higher priority than a current communication unit, which is a communication unit whose communication is valid, to be enabled when the communication quality of the communication unit having a higher priority satisfies a reference value.

9. A computer program for causing a computer to function as an in-vehicle communication device compatible with a plurality of types of wireless systems, The computer, A plurality of communication units each being a wireless device conforming to a different communication protocol; A storage unit that stores setting information of priorities to be assigned to the plurality of communication units, respectively; a control unit that executes a selection process for selecting one communication unit for which communication is to be enabled from among the plurality of communication units based on the setting information; The selection process includes: A computer program including a process of switching communication of a communication unit having a higher priority than a currently used communication unit, which is a communication unit whose communication is active, to active communication when the communication quality of the communication unit having a higher priority satisfies a reference value.

Images