Electronic control device, control system, control method, and computer program

Abstract

To prevent unintentional interruption of processing during a transition to a mode in which operation is at least partially stopped.SOLUTION: An electronic control device 10, 20, 30 mounted on a vehicle includes at least one transceiver 42 and a controller 41. The controller is configured to transition between a plurality of modes including a first mode A101, a second mode A102, and a third mode A103, thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes. The controller is configured to transition to the first mode when communication occurs in the second mode, but not to transition to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting the controller to transition to the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic control devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with many electronic control devices, so-called ECUs (Electronic Control Units), to control on-board devices. By connecting these ECUs to a communication bus, a network system is constructed with the ECUs as nodes. In such a network system, a technology is known in which the operation mode of the ECU transitions from normal mode to power saving mode when a certain period of time passes without packets flowing on the network. In normal mode, various functions operate. In power saving mode, some of the functions that operate in normal mode are stopped. Stopping the functions reduces power consumption.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a network system that achieves low power consumption by forming a partial network, which is a power supply control method based on the communication control of the CAN (Registered Trademark, Controller Area Network) protocol standard defined in ISO11898-6, and by individually activating or putting to sleep the nodes that form the network as needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-069980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Each ECU is provided with a transceiver as a communication interface for communicating with other ECUs. When a link to another ECU on the network is in a link-down state, the transceiver may determine that the other ECU has transitioned to a power-saving mode and transmit a wake-up request to the other ECU to request the other ECU to transition to a normal mode.

[0006] If the transceiver mistakenly recognizes that a link is in a link-down state due to, for example, poor communication conditions in the network, the transceiver may send a wake-up request to an ECU that is attempting to transition from normal mode to power-saving mode.

[0007] As a result, a problem was discovered in which, when the ECU is in the process of transitioning to a power saving mode, if the ECU receives a wake-up request before the process of partially stopping the ECU's normal mode operation is executed, the execution of that process may be unintentionally prevented.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is to prevent an electronic control device having a mode, such as a power saving mode, in which an ongoing operation is at least partially stopped from transitioning to that mode due to receipt of a wake-up request. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is an electronic control device (10, 20, 30) mounted on a vehicle, comprising at least one transceiver (42) and a controller (41). The transceiver is configured to communicate with a communication device. The controller is configured to transition between a plurality of modes including a first mode (41, A101), a second mode (41, A102), and a third mode (41, A103), thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes.

[0010] The controller operates in a first mode when communication is occurring via the at least one transceiver and performs processing associated with the communication. When communication ceases in the first mode, the controller transitions to the second mode.

[0011] When a state in which no communication is performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the controller transitions to the third mode. In the third mode, the controller at least partially halts processing related to the communication.

[0012] The controller is configured to transition to the first mode when communication occurs in the second mode, but not to transition to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting the controller to transition to the first mode.

[0013] According to this configuration, in the second mode during the transition process from the first mode to the third mode, the transition to the first mode based on the reception of a wake-up request is suppressed. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress unintentional interruption of the transition of the controller included in the electronic control device to the third mode due to the reception of a wake-up request. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing the operation modes of the controller. [Diagram 3] 13 is a flowchart of a process for transitioning from a prepared bus sleep mode to a network mode or a bus sleep mode. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart of a process for transitioning from a sleep mode to a network mode. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart of a process for transitioning from a prepared bus sleep mode through a bus sleep mode to a sleep mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating transitions of the operation mode of the controller and the state of the transceiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The control system 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The control system 1 includes a first ECU 10, a second ECU 20, and a third ECU 30. The first ECU 10, the second ECU 20, and the third ECU 30 are connected to the same in-vehicle network. The first ECU 10 and the third ECU 30 may be, for example, an ECU that processes information obtained from a sensor such as a camera or a radar for automatic driving, an ECU that processes information to be output to a display such as a display or a meter of the vehicle, or an ECU for communicating with an external terminal. The second ECU 20 may be a relay device having a function of transferring data received from another ECU connected to the second ECU 20, and may be, for example, a gateway or an Ethernet switch.

[0016] Each of the first ECU 10, the second ECU 20, and the third ECU 30 includes a controller 41 and at least one transceiver 42. In this embodiment, the first ECU 10 and the third ECU 30 include one transceiver 42. The second ECU 20 includes transceivers 42a and 42b as the at least one transceiver 42.

[0017] The controller 41 is a microcontroller having a processor 411 and a memory 412. The processor 411 is configured to execute processing according to a computer program recorded in the memory 412. The memory 412 can include, for example, a RAM and a flash memory. The RAM is used as a working area when the processor 411 executes processing. The flash memory can hold the computer program.

[0018] The transceiver 42 is a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with other transceivers 42 through an in-vehicle network. The communication here includes transmission and reception of various signals, data, etc. In this embodiment, each transceiver 42 communicates with the other transceivers 42 on a one-to-one basis.

[0019] The first ECU 10 and the second ECU 20 are connected to each other by a link 50a serving as a transmission path in the in-vehicle network. The first ECU 10 can communicate with the second ECU 20 via the transceiver 42 of the first ECU 10 and the link 50a. The second ECU 20 can communicate with the first ECU 10 via the transceiver 42a of the second ECU 20 and the link 50a. The first ECU 10 and the second ECU 20 may be configured to communicate using an Ethernet protocol. The communication protocol is not limited to Ethernet, and may be CAN or FlexRay. Ethernet is a registered trademark. CAN is a registered trademark. FlexRay is a registered trademark.

[0020] The second ECU 20 and the third ECU 30 are connected to each other by a link 50b as a transmission path in the in-vehicle network. The second ECU 20 can communicate with the third ECU 30 via a transceiver 42b of the second ECU 20 and the link 50b. The third ECU 30 can communicate with the second ECU 20 via a transceiver 42 of the third ECU 30 and the link 50b. The second ECU 20 and the third ECU 30 may be configured to communicate with each other using an Ethernet protocol. The communication protocol is not limited to Ethernet, and may be CAN or FlexRay.

[0021] The first ECU 10 and the third ECU 30 are not directly connected to each other in the in-vehicle network, but can communicate with each other via the second ECU 20. [1-2. Processing] [1-2-1. Transceiver operating conditions and functions] The transceiver 42 operates in one of a plurality of states. The plurality of states include a normal state, a sleep state, and a sleep handshake state. The transceiver 42 transitions between the normal state, the sleep state, and the sleep handshake state in accordance with a predetermined protocol. An example of the predetermined protocol is TC10 (Technical Committee 10) defined by the non-profit organization OPEN Alliance (One-Pair Ether-Net Alliance). The transceiver 42 further has a sleep function, a wake-up function, and a transfer function.

[0022] The normal state is a state in which the transceiver 42 can communicate with other transceivers 42 . The sleep state is a state in which a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 operating in a normal state is stopped. An example of the predetermined function of the transceiver 42 is a function of transmitting various signals, data, and the like to another transceiver 42. The sleep state is a state in which power for operating the stopped predetermined function is not supplied, and is a power saving state in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal state. The transceiver 42 transitions to the sleep state when the vehicle ignition switch is switched from off to on.

[0023] The sleep handshake state is a state passed through in the process of transitioning from the normal state to the sleep state. In the sleep handshake state, the transceiver 42 performs a handshake to notify an ECU (hereinafter referred to as an adjacent ECU) as an adjacent node in the in-vehicle network of a transition to the sleep state. After completing the handshake, the transceiver 42 stops a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 and transitions to the sleep state. If the handshake is not completed within a predetermined time (for example, within 16 milliseconds), the transceiver 42 considers the handshake to be a failure and transitions to the normal state.

[0024] The sleep function is executed when requested by the controller 41 of the ECU (hereinafter referred to as the local ECU) to which the transceiver 42 belongs. Execution of the sleep function performs processing for stopping a predetermined function of the transceiver 42. In other words, the sleep function is a function for the transceiver 42 to transition from a normal state to a sleep state via a sleep handshake state based on a request from the controller 41.

[0025] The sleep function includes a handshake to notify the adjacent ECU of a transition to a sleep state. That is, when the transceiver 42 executes the sleep function, it transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as a sleep signal) to the adjacent ECU to inform the adjacent ECU of the execution of the sleep function, and stops a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 after receiving a signal (hereinafter referred to as a sleep response) in response to the sleep signal from the adjacent ECU.

[0026] The sleep function is also executed when the transceiver 42 receives a sleep signal from an adjacent ECU. At this time, the transceiver 42 notifies the controller 41 of its own ECU that it has received the sleep signal, transmits a sleep response to the adjacent ECU, and then stops its own predetermined function.

[0027] When the transceiver 42 transmits or receives a sleep signal, the transceiver 42 transitions from the normal state to the sleep handshake state. Then, the transceiver 42 receives or transmits a sleep response, and after completing a process for stopping a predetermined function of the transceiver 42, the transceiver 42 transitions from the sleep handshake state to the sleep state.

[0028] The wake-up function is a function that performs processing to resume a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 that was stopped by the sleep function. In other words, the wake-up function is a function that causes the transceiver 42 to transition from a sleep state to a normal state.

[0029] The wake-up function is executed when the transceiver 42 receives a wake-up request. The wake-up request is a signal that requests the controller 41 to transition to a network mode A101, which will be described later.

[0030] The wake-up requests received by the transceiver 42 include wake-up requests transmitted from adjacent ECUs as well as wake-up requests transmitted from the controller 41 of the own ECU to the adjacent ECU. When the transceiver 42 receives a wake-up request from an adjacent ECU, the transceiver 42 notifies the controller 41 that it has received the wake-up request. When the transceiver 42 receives a wake-up request transmitted from the controller 41 of the own ECU to the adjacent ECU, it transmits a wake-up request to the adjacent ECU.

[0031] After the process for resuming a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 that was stopped by the sleep function is completed, the transceiver 42 transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. The forwarding function is a function for, when a transceiver 42 receives a wake-up request from an adjacent ECU, forwarding the wake-up request to another transceiver 42 of the own ECU. The transceiver 42 to which the request is forwarded can be selected arbitrarily. In this embodiment, for example, in the second ECU 20, when the transceiver 42a receives a wake-up request from the first ECU 10, the transceiver 42a forwards the wake-up request to the transceiver 42b by the forwarding function. The forwarded wake-up request is transmitted to the transceiver 42 of the third ECU 30 by the transceiver 42b.

[0032] [1-2-2. Controller operation mode] 2, the controller 41 has a network mode A101, a prepared bus sleep mode A102, a bus sleep mode A103, and a sleep mode A104 as operation modes. The controller 41 transitions between the network mode A101, the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the bus sleep mode A103, and the sleep mode A104 according to a predetermined protocol. One example of the predetermined protocol is UDP Network Management (UdpNm) defined by AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture), a global development partnership in the automotive industry.

[0033] The network mode A101 is an operation mode in which the controller 41 communicates with an adjacent ECU via the transceiver 42. In the network mode A101, the controller 41 executes processing related to the communication with the adjacent ECU. Examples of the processing related to the communication include processing for creating various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to the adjacent ECU and transmitting them to the transceiver 42, and processing for acquiring various signals, data, etc. received by the transceiver 42 from the adjacent ECU. The network mode A101 is maintained until a predetermined time has elapsed after the communication with the adjacent ECU has ended. The predetermined time is, for example, about several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds.

[0034] The prepared bus sleep mode A102 is an operation mode in which the ECU waits for a predetermined time to elapse while no communication occurs between the ECU and adjacent ECUs. The predetermined time is, for example, several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds, but may be different from the predetermined time in the network mode A101. The network mode A101 and the prepared bus sleep mode A102 are normal modes in which various functions of the ECU operate.

[0035] The bus sleep mode A103 is an operation mode that performs processing required to stop some of the functions operating in the network mode A101 when transitioning from the prepared bus sleep mode A102. An example of a function to be stopped is a function to create various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to an adjacent ECU and transmit them to the transceiver 42. An example of processing required to stop the part of the function is a process to disable a setting value related to a function to be transmitted to the transceiver 42 among the setting values ​​of the controller 41, and a process to stop an operating clock, a timer, etc. used in the function to be stopped.

[0036] In addition, the bus sleep mode A103 is an operation mode that performs necessary processing to start operation in the network mode A101 when the mode is changed from the sleep mode A104 or when power is supplied to the controller 41. Examples of the necessary processing include a process of validating a setting value related to a function to be transmitted to the transceiver 42 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 41, and a process of starting an operation clock, a timer, etc. used in a function of creating various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to an adjacent ECU and transmitting them to the transceiver 42. The process performed by the controller 41 in the bus sleep mode A103 in this case includes resuming a function that was stopped after the transition from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103. Furthermore, the controller 41 transmits a wake-up request to the adjacent ECU. As a result, the controller 41 of the adjacent ECU transitions to the network mode A101 in which communication is possible.

[0037] The sleep mode A104 is an operation mode in which some of the functions operating in the network mode A101 are stopped. Alternatively, the controller 41 is in a state in which power is not supplied. The functions stopped in the sleep mode A104 are functions for which necessary processing for stopping has been performed in the bus sleep mode A103. The sleep mode A104 is a power saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal mode because some of the functions are stopped.

[0038] [1-2-3. Controller operation mode transition] The transition of the operation mode of the controller 41 will be described with reference to FIG. When the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on, the controller 41 goes into the bus sleep mode A103 as an initial mode. Note that the initial mode may be the sleep mode A104, and the controller 41 may transition to the bus sleep mode A103 when the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on. In the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 41 executes processing required to start operation in the network mode A101. Examples of such processing include processing for setting, to valid, setting values ​​related to a function to be transmitted to the transceiver 42 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 41, and processing for starting an operating clock, a timer, etc. used in a function for creating various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to an adjacent ECU and transmitting the same to the transceiver 42. Upon completion of this processing, the controller 41 determines that a transition condition C1 is satisfied, and transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C1 is a condition that a processing required to start operation in the network mode A101 is completed.

[0039] When the controller 41 determines that the transition condition C2 is satisfied in the network mode A101, the controller 41 transitions to the prepared bus sleep mode A102. The transition condition C2 is a condition that a predetermined time (e.g., several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds) has elapsed in a state in which no communication with an adjacent ECU has occurred. The transition condition C2 may include a condition that the ECU has received information or an instruction from the adjacent ECU indicating that the ECU transitions to the prepared bus sleep mode A102.

[0040] When the controller 41 determines that the transition condition C3 is satisfied in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 41 transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C3 is a condition that communication with an adjacent ECU has occurred. However, even if a wake-up request is received as the communication in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 41 does not transition to the network mode A101. In other words, the transition condition C3 is a condition that communication with an adjacent ECU other than a wake-up request has occurred.

[0041] When the controller 41 determines that the transition condition C4 is satisfied in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 41 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. The transition condition C4 is a condition that a predetermined time (for example, several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds) has elapsed in a state where no communication with an adjacent ECU occurs other than reception of a wake-up request. The predetermined time in the transition condition C4 may be different from the predetermined time in the transition condition C2, and may not be provided. In other words, the predetermined time may be 0 seconds. Furthermore, the counting of the predetermined time in the transition condition C4 may start at the time of transition to the prepared bus sleep mode A102, or may be at the time of the last communication occurring in the network mode A101. Note that, if the counting of the predetermined time in the transition condition C4 starts at the time of the last communication occurring in the network mode A101, the predetermined time in the transition condition C4 becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined time in the transition condition C2.

[0042] Regarding the transition conditions C3 and C4, the process of the controller 41 in the prepared bus sleep mode A102 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 41 waits until a predetermined time has elapsed in a state in which no communication with an adjacent ECU occurs (S100: NO, S110: NO).

[0043] If the controller 41 determines in S110 that the predetermined time has elapsed (S110: YES), it determines that the transition condition C4 is satisfied, and transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. On the other hand, in S100, when it is determined that communication has occurred (S100: YES), the controller 41 proceeds to S105 and determines whether the communication that has occurred is reception of a wake-up request.

[0044] When the controller 41 determines that the communication that occurred in S105 is reception of a wake-up request (S105: YES), the process returns to S100. At this time, the time count for determining whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed is maintained without being reset.

[0045] On the other hand, if the controller 41 determines that the communication that occurred in S105 is not reception of a wake-up request (S105: NO), it determines that the transition condition C3 is satisfied, and transitions to the network mode A101.

[0046] In this manner, the controller 41 transitions from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the network mode A101 or the bus sleep mode A103. When the controller 41 determines that the transition condition C5 is satisfied in the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 41 transitions to the sleep mode A104. The transition condition C5 is a condition that a process required for stopping some functions operating in the network mode A101 (for example, a process for setting to invalid the setting value related to the function to be transmitted to the transceiver 42 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 41, or a process for stopping the operation clock, timer, etc. used in the function to be stopped) is completed. The transition condition C5 includes a condition that a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 (for example, a function for transmitting various signals, data, etc. to another transceiver 42) is stopped by the sleep function.

[0047] When the controller 41 determines that the transition condition C6 is satisfied in the sleep mode A104, the controller 41 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. The transition condition C6 is a condition that a cause for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode (hereinafter, referred to as a return cause) occurs. The return cause also includes receiving a wake-up request from an adjacent ECU. The return cause may be different for each ECU. Examples of the return cause include the door of the vehicle being unlocked, and a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle receiving a predetermined signal from outside the vehicle (for example, an operation signal for the vehicle's engine, air conditioner, etc.).

[0048] When the controller 41 determines that the transition condition C7 is satisfied in the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 41 transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C7 is a condition that a process required for transitioning to the network mode A101 based on a return cause (for example, a process for validating a setting value related to a function to be transmitted to the transceiver 42 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 41, and a process for starting an operating clock, a timer, etc. used in a function for creating various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to an adjacent ECU and transmitting the same to the transceiver 42) is completed. The transition condition C7 includes a condition that a predetermined function of the transceiver 42 (for example, a function for transmitting various signals, data, etc. to another transceiver 42) is resumed by a wake-up function.

[0049] [1-2-4. Enabling and disabling of transceiver functions according to controller operation mode transition] The process of enabling or disabling the sleep function, wake-up function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42 in response to a transition of the operation mode of the controller 41 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0050] When the controller 41 transitions to the sleep mode A104, it starts the process shown in FIG. First, the controller 41 repeats the process of S200 until it is determined that the transition condition C6 is satisfied (a return factor has occurred) (S200: NO).

[0051] When the controller 41 determines in S200 that the transition condition C6 is satisfied (S200: YES), the controller 41 proceeds to S205 and transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. Next, in S210, the controller 41 executes a process required for transitioning to the network mode A101 based on the return cause. The process includes executing a wake-up function of the transceiver 42.

[0052] Next, in S215, the controller 41 determines whether or not the transition condition C7 is satisfied (the process required for transitioning to the network mode A101 based on the return cause is completed). The controller 41 repeats the process of S215 until it is determined in S215 that the transition condition C7 is satisfied (S215: NO).

[0053] If the controller 41 determines in S215 that the transition condition C7 is satisfied (S215: YES), the controller 41 proceeds to S220, disables the sleep function, wake-up function, and forwarding function of the transceiver 42, and then transitions to the network mode A101, and terminates the processing of FIG. 4.

[0054] In this way, when returning from the power saving sleep mode A104 to the normal network mode A101, the controller 41 disables the sleep function, wake-up function and transfer function of the transceiver 42 before transitioning to the network mode A101.

[0055] When the ignition switch is switched from off to on, the controller 41 in the bus sleep mode A103 performs the above-mentioned processes from S210 onwards in the same manner. However, the transition condition C7 in S215 is replaced with the transition condition C1 (processing required to start operation in the network mode A101 is completed).

[0056] In response to this, when the controller 41 transitions from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103, it starts the process shown in FIG. First, in S300, the controller 41 enables the sleep function, the wake-up function, and the transfer function of the transceiver 42.

[0057] Next, in S305, the controller 41 executes processes required to stop some of the functions operating in the network mode A101. The processes include executing a sleep function of the transceiver 42.

[0058] Subsequently, in S310, the controller 41 repeats the process of S310 until it is determined that the transition condition C5 is satisfied (the predetermined function of the transceiver 42 is stopped by the sleep function) (S310: NO).

[0059] When it is determined in S310 that the transition condition C5 is satisfied (S310: YES), the controller 41 transitions to the sleep mode A104 and ends the processing of FIG. In this way, when the controller 41 transitions from the normal mode, prepared bus sleep mode A102, to the power saving mode, sleep mode A104, via the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 41 transitions from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103 and then enables the sleep function, wake-up function and transfer function of the transceiver 42.

[0060] As described above, in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 41 performs processing for enabling and disabling the sleep function, wakeup function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42 so that these functions do not operate.

[0061] [1-2-5. Transition between normal mode and power saving mode of each ECU in the entire control system] [1-2-5-1. Transition from power saving mode to normal mode] The transition of the operating modes and operating states of the controller 41 and transceiver 42 of each ECU in the control system 1 when returning from a power saving mode and transitioning to a normal mode, and when transitioning from the normal mode to a power saving mode, will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0062] A first ECU 610, a second ECU 620, and a third ECU 630 described below correspond to the first ECU 10, the second ECU 20, and the third ECU 30, respectively. A first controller 611, a second controller 621, and a third controller 631 correspond to the controller 41 provided in the first ECU 10, the second ECU 20, and the third ECU 30, respectively. A first transceiver 612 and a third transceiver 632 correspond to the transceiver 42 provided in the first ECU 10 and the third ECU 30, respectively. A second A transceiver 622a and a second B transceiver 622b correspond to the transceiver 42a and the transceiver 42b provided in the second ECU 20, respectively.

[0063] First, it is assumed that the first ECU 610, the second ECU 620, and the third ECU 630 in the control system 1 are all in a power saving mode. At this time, the controllers 611, 621, and 631 of each ECU are in a sleep mode A104, and the transceivers 612, 622a, 622b, and 632 are in a sleep state.

[0064] When a return cause occurs, a predetermined ECU corresponding to the return cause among the first ECU 610, the second ECU 620, and the third ECU 630 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. Then, the predetermined ECU corresponding to the return cause starts a process required to start an operation in the network mode A101. Note that the predetermined ECU also transitions to the bus sleep mode A103 when the ignition switch is switched from off to on. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first ECU 610 transitions from the sleep mode A104 to the bus sleep mode A103 as the predetermined ECU corresponding to the return cause. Note that the same explanation will be given for the case where the ignition switch is switched from off to on and the first ECU 610 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103.

[0065] When the first ECU 610 completes the process required to start the operation in the network mode A101, the first controller 611 of the first ECU 610 determines that the transition condition C1 is satisfied, and transitions to the network mode A101. Furthermore, the first controller 611 transmits a wake-up request to the first transceiver 612, the wake-up request being directed to the second ECU 620 as the adjacent ECU. The notation "WU" in FIG. 6 means transmission of a wake-up request. The arrows associated with the notation "WU" indicate the source and destination of the wake-up request.

[0066] When the first transceiver 612 receives the wake-up request from the first controller 611, the first transceiver 612 executes a process for resuming its own predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function, and transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. After that, the first transceiver 612 transmits a wake-up request to the second ECU 620.

[0067] When the second A transceiver 622a of the second ECU 620 receives the wake-up request, it executes a process for resuming its own predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function, and transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. The second A transceiver 622a also notifies the second controller 621 that it has received the wake-up request. The description "WU notification" in FIG. 6 means a notification that the wake-up request has been received. Furthermore, the second A transceiver 622a transfers the wake-up request to the second B transceiver 622b via the second controller 621 by the transfer function.

[0068] Upon receiving the above notification, the second controller 621 transitions from the sleep mode A104 to the bus sleep mode A103 and executes processing required to start operation in the network mode A101. Upon completing the execution of the processing, the second controller 621 transitions from the bus sleep mode A103 to the network mode A101. Furthermore, the second controller 621 transmits the wake-up request transferred by the transfer function of the second A transceiver 622a to the second B transceiver 622b.

[0069] When the second transceiver B 622b receives the wake-up request, the second transceiver B 622b executes a process for resuming its own predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function, and transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. After that, the second transceiver B 622b transmits a wake-up request to the third ECU 630.

[0070] When the third transceiver 632 of the third ECU 630 receives the wake-up request, the third transceiver 632 executes a process for resuming a predetermined function of the third ECU 630 that has been stopped by the sleep function, and transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. The third transceiver 632 also notifies the third controller 631 that the wake-up request has been received.

[0071] Upon receiving the above notification, the third controller 631 transitions from the sleep mode A104 to the bus sleep mode A103 and executes processing required to start operation in the network mode A101. Upon completing the execution of the processing, the third controller 631 transitions from the bus sleep mode A103 to the network mode A101.

[0072] In this manner, the wake-up request transmitted from the first ECU 610 is transmitted to the second ECU 620 and the third ECU 630. As a result, the controllers 611, 621, and 631 of each ECU transition to the network mode A101, the transceivers 612, 622a, 622b, and 632 of each ECU transition to the normal state, and each ECU transitions to the normal mode.

[0073] [1-2-5-2. Transition from normal mode to power saving mode] On the other hand, in an ECU operating in the normal mode, when a transition condition C2 is satisfied due to the passage of a predetermined time with no communication occurring with an adjacent ECU, the controllers 611, 621, 631 of that ECU transition to the prepared bus sleep mode A102.

[0074] When a predetermined time has elapsed in the prepared bus sleep mode A102 with no communication occurring with adjacent ECUs and transition condition C4 is satisfied, the controllers 611, 621, 631 of each ECU transition to the bus sleep mode A103. In the following, as an example, an operation when transition condition C4 is satisfied in the order of the first ECU 610, the second ECU 620, and the third ECU 630 will be described.

[0075] The first controller 611 of the first ECU 610 that has transitioned to the bus sleep mode A103 requests the execution of a sleep function to the first transceiver 612. The word "request" in Fig. 6 means a request to execute the sleep function. When the first transceiver 612 is requested by the first controller 611 to execute a sleep function, the first transceiver 612 transitions to a sleep handshake state and transmits a sleep signal to the second ECU 620 as an adjacent ECU. The notation "SS" in Fig. 6 means a sleep signal. The arrows associated with the notation "SS" indicate the source and destination of the sleep signal.

[0076] The second A transceiver 622 a of the second ECU 620 that receives the sleep signal from the first ECU 610 transitions to a sleep handshake state and returns a sleep response to the first transceiver 612 .

[0077] When the first transceiver 612 receives the sleep response from the second ECU 620, the first transceiver 612 stops its own predetermined function and transitions to a sleep state. The notation "SR" in Fig. 6 means a sleep response. The arrows associated with the notation "SR" indicate the source and destination of the sleep response.

[0078] When the first controller 611 confirms that the transition condition C5 is satisfied because the predetermined function of the first transceiver 612 has been stopped by the sleep function, the first controller 611 transitions to the sleep mode A104.

[0079] When the second A transceiver 622a of the second ECU 620 receives the sleep signal from the first ECU 610, it notifies the second controller 621 that it has received the sleep signal. The description "SS notification" in Fig. 6 means a notification that the sleep signal has been received. After that, the second A transceiver 622a stops its own predetermined function and transitions to a sleep state.

[0080] When the second controller 621 receives the above notification in a state in which it has transitioned to the bus sleep mode A103, it requests the second B transceiver 622b to execute a sleep function. When the second transceiver B 622b is requested by the second controller 621 to execute the sleep function, the second transceiver B 622b transitions to a sleep handshake state and transmits a sleep signal to the third ECU 630 as the adjacent ECU.

[0081] The third transceiver 632 of the third ECU 630 that receives the sleep signal from the second ECU 620 transitions to a sleep handshake state and returns a sleep response to the second B transceiver 622b.

[0082] When the second transceiver B 622b receives the sleep response from the third ECU 630, it stops its own predetermined functions and transitions to a sleep state. When the second controller 621 confirms that the transition condition C5 is satisfied because the predetermined functions of both the second A transceiver 622a and the second B transceiver 622b have been stopped by the sleep function, the second controller 621 transitions to the sleep mode A104.

[0083] Furthermore, when the third transceiver 632 of the third ECU 630 receives the sleep signal from the second ECU 620, it notifies the third controller 631 that it has received the sleep signal. After that, the third transceiver 632 stops its own predetermined function and transitions to a sleep state.

[0084] When the third controller 631 confirms that a transition condition C5 is satisfied because a predetermined function of the third transceiver 632 has been stopped by the sleep function while in the bus sleep mode A103, the third controller 631 transitions to the sleep mode A104.

[0085] [1-3. Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) As shown in S105 of Fig. 3, when the controller 41 receives a wake-up request in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 41 does not transition to the network mode A101. Therefore, even if a wake-up request is unintentionally transmitted from an adjacent ECU connected to a link with an ECU for which the controller 41 is about to transition from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 41 of the ECU is prevented from transitioning from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the network mode A101. In other words, it is possible to prevent the controller 41 of the ECU from being unintentionally prevented from transitioning to the bus sleep mode A103.

[0086] (1b) As shown in S220 of FIG. 4, when the controller 41 transitions to the network mode A101, the sleep function, wake-up function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42 are disabled. Thereafter, when the controller 41 transitions to the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the sleep function, wake-up function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42 are also disabled. Therefore, even if a wake-up request or a sleep signal is unintentionally transmitted from an adjacent ECU to an ECU in which the controller 41 is about to transition from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103, the transceiver 42 of the ECU does not execute the sleep function or the wake-up function. That is, the transceiver 42 of the ECU does not notify the controller 41 of the ECU that it has received the wake-up request or the sleep signal. Therefore, the controller 41 of the ECU is prevented from transitioning from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the network mode A101. That is, it is possible to prevent the controller 41 of the ECU from unintentionally being prevented from transitioning to the bus sleep mode A103.

[0087] Furthermore, when the controller 41 operates in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the transfer function of the transceiver 42 is disabled, so that each ECU does not transmit a wake-up request received from an adjacent ECU to another adjacent ECU. Therefore, even if the controller 41 of the other adjacent ECU attempts to transition from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 41 of the other adjacent ECU is prevented from transitioning from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the network mode A101. In other words, it is possible to prevent the controller 41 of the other adjacent ECU from being unintentionally prevented from transitioning to the bus sleep mode A103.

[0088] (1c) When the controller 41 transitions from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103, it enables the sleep function, wakeup function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42. Therefore, when the controller 41 is in the bus sleep mode A103, the transceiver 42 can execute the sleep function, wakeup function, and transfer function.

[0089] [1-4. Correspondence between terms] In the above embodiment, the network mode A101 corresponds to an example of a first mode, the prepared bus sleep mode A102 corresponds to an example of a second mode, and the bus sleep mode A103 corresponds to an example of a third mode.

[0090] 2. Other embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take various forms.

[0091] (2a) In the above embodiment, the control system 1 includes three ECUs: the first ECU 10, the second ECU 20, and the third ECU 30. However, the number of ECUs is not limited to three and may be two, four or more.

[0092] (2b) In the above embodiment, each ECU in the control system 1 has a controller 41 and one or two transceivers 42, but it is sufficient to have at least one transceiver 42, and may have, for example, three or more transceivers.

[0093] Furthermore, the ECUs included in the control system 1 may include an ECU that does not include the controller 41, but includes a plurality of transceivers 42, and operates as a switch. (2c) In the above embodiment, when returning from the power saving sleep mode A104 to the normal network mode A101, the controller 41 disables the sleep function, wakeup function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42 before transitioning to the network mode A101. However, the timing for disabling the sleep function, wakeup function, and transfer function of the transceiver 42 does not have to be before the controller 41 transitions to the network mode A101, and may be before transitioning from the network mode A101 to the prepared bus sleep mode A102. For example, when the transition condition C2 is satisfied in the network mode A101, the controller 41 may disable the sleep function, wakeup function, and transfer function before transitioning to the prepared bus sleep mode A102.

[0094] (2d) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0095] (2e) The present disclosure may be realized in various forms other than the ECU and control system described above, such as a control system including the ECU as a component, a computer program for causing a computer to function as the ECU, a non-transient physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which the computer program is recorded, a control method, etc.

[0096] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] [Item 1] An electronic control device (10, 20, 30) mounted on a vehicle, at least one transceiver (42) configured to communicate with a communication device; a controller (41) configured to transition between a plurality of modes including a first mode (41, A101), a second mode (41, A102), and a third mode (41, A103), thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes; Equipped with The controller: when said communication is being conducted by said at least one transceiver, operating in said first mode to perform processing associated with said communication; When the communication is no longer performed in the first mode, the mode transitions to the second mode; When the state where the communication is not performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the mode transitions to the third mode; in the third mode, at least partially stopping processing related to the communication; configured to transition to the first mode when the communication occurs in the second mode, but not to transition to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting the controller to transition to the first mode; Electronic control unit.

[0097] [Item 2] The electronic control device according to item 1, The at least one transceiver includes: a sleep function which is executed when requested by the controller and which performs processing to stop a predetermined function of the transceiver; a wake-up function that is executed when the wake-up request is received and that performs processing to resume the predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function; having the controller is configured to enable and disable the sleep function and the wake-up function such that the sleep function and the wake-up function are not activated in the second mode. Electronic control unit.

[0098] [Item 3] Item 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, the controller is configured to enable the sleep function and the wake-up function in the third mode. Electronic control unit.

[0099] [Item 4] The electronic control device according to item 1, The at least one transceiver includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver; the first transceiver has a transfer function of transferring the wake-up request to the second transceiver when the first transceiver receives the wake-up request from the communication device; the controller is configured to enable and disable the forwarding function such that the forwarding function is not operational in the second mode. Electronic control unit.

[0100] [Item 5] Item 5. The electronic control device according to item 4, the controller is configured to enable the forwarding function in the third mode; Electronic control unit.

[0101] [Item 6] A control system including a plurality of electronic control devices according to any one of items 1 to 5, the plurality of electronic control devices being configured to function as nodes constituting an in-vehicle network, A control system, wherein each of the plurality of electronic control devices is configured to communicate with an adjacent electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices in the in-vehicle network as the communication device.

[0102] [Item 7] A control method executed by a computer of an electronic control unit, comprising: a computer of the electronic control unit transitioning between a plurality of modes including a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes; the electronic control device further comprises at least one transceiver configured to communicate with a communication device; Operating in one of the plurality of modes includes: when said communication is being conducted by said at least one transceiver, operating in said first mode to perform processing associated with said communication; When the communication is no longer performed in the first mode, the mode transitions to the second mode; When the state where the communication is not performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the mode transitions to the third mode; in the third mode, at least partially stopping processing related to the communication; A control method including: if the communication occurs in the second mode, transitioning to the first mode, but not transitioning to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting transition to the first mode.

[0103] [Item 8] A computer program for causing a computer of an electronic control device to execute a process of transitioning between a plurality of modes including a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes, the electronic control device further comprises at least one transceiver configured to communicate with a communication device; The process comprises: when said communication is being conducted by said at least one transceiver, operating in said first mode to perform processing associated with said communication; When the communication is no longer performed in the first mode, the mode transitions to the second mode; When the state where the communication is not performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the mode transitions to the third mode; in the third mode, at least partially stopping processing related to the communication; transitioning to the first mode when the communication occurs in the second mode, but not transitioning to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting to transition to the first mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...control system, 10,610...first ECU, 20,620...second ECU, 30,630...third ECU, 41,611,621,631...controller, 42,42a,42b,612,622a,622b,632...transceiver.

Claims

1. An electronic control device (10, 20, 30) mounted on a vehicle, At least one transceiver (42) configured to communicate with a communication device; a controller (41) configured to transition between a plurality of modes including a first mode (41, A101), a second mode (41, A102), and a third mode (41, A103), thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes; Equipped with The controller: when said communication is being conducted by said at least one transceiver, operating in said first mode to perform processing associated with said communication; When the communication is no longer performed in the first mode, the mode is transitioned to the second mode; When the state where the communication is not performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the mode is transitioned to the third mode, in the third mode, at least partially stopping processing related to the communication; configured to transition to the first mode when the communication occurs in the second mode, but not to transition to the first mode when the communication is reception of a wake-up request requesting the controller to transition to the first mode; Electronic control unit.

2. 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, The at least one transceiver includes: a sleep function which is executed when requested by the controller and which performs processing to stop a predetermined function of the transceiver; a wake-up function that is executed when the wake-up request is received and that performs processing to resume the predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function; having the controller is configured to enable and disable the sleep function and the wake-up function such that the sleep function and the wake-up function are not activated in the second mode. Electronic control unit.

3. 3. The electronic control device according to claim 2, the controller is configured to enable the sleep function and the wake-up function in the third mode; Electronic control unit.

4. 2. The electronic control device according to claim 1, The at least one transceiver includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver; the first transceiver has a transfer function of transferring the wake-up request to the second transceiver when the first transceiver receives the wake-up request from the communication device; the controller is configured to enable and disable the forwarding function such that the forwarding function is not operational in the second mode. Electronic control unit.

5. 5. The electronic control device according to claim 4, the controller is configured to enable the forwarding function in the third mode; Electronic control unit.

6. A control system including a plurality of electronic control devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the plurality of electronic control devices being configured to function as nodes constituting an in-vehicle network, A control system, wherein each of the plurality of electronic control devices is configured to communicate with an adjacent electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices in the in-vehicle network as the communication device.

7. A control method executed by a computer of an electronic control unit, comprising: a computer of the electronic control unit transitioning between a plurality of modes including a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes; The electronic control device further comprises at least one transceiver configured to communicate with a communication device; Operating in one of the plurality of modes includes: when said communication is being conducted by said at least one transceiver, operating in said first mode to perform processing associated with said communication; When the communication is no longer performed in the first mode, the mode is transitioned to the second mode; When the state where the communication is not performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the mode is transitioned to the third mode, in the third mode, at least partially stopping processing related to the communication; A control method including: if the communication occurs in the second mode, transitioning to the first mode, but not transitioning to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting transition to the first mode.

8. A computer program for causing a computer of an electronic control device to execute a process of transitioning between a plurality of modes including a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, thereby operating in one of the plurality of modes, the computer program comprising: The electronic control device further comprises at least one transceiver configured to communicate with a communication device; The process comprises: when said communication is being conducted by said at least one transceiver, operating in said first mode to perform processing associated with said communication; When the communication is no longer performed in the first mode, the mode is transitioned to the second mode; When the state where the communication is not performed in the second mode continues for a predetermined period of time, the mode is transitioned to the third mode, in the third mode, at least partially stopping processing related to the communication; a computer program product comprising: if the communication occurs in the second mode, transitioning to the first mode, but not transitioning to the first mode when the communication is receipt of a wake-up request requesting transition to the first mode.

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