On-vehicle system, relay device, and central relay device

Abstract

To distinguish a relay device that needs to be activated from a relay device that does not need to be activated, and to activate the relay device that needs to be activated.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle system comprises a first relay device, a second relay device, a third relay device, and a central relay device. When receiving a first activation signal, the first relay device executes a first activation process for activating the first relay device, and transmits a second activation signal requiring the central relay device to be activated to the central relay device. When receiving the second activation signal, the central relay device executes a second activation process for activating the central relay device. After transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, the first relay device notifies the central relay device of an activation cause for the first relay device. The central relay device identifies which of the second relay device and third relay device needs to be activated, on the basis of the activation cause notified from the first relay device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle system, a relay device, and a central relay device. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle is equipped with various types of in-vehicle devices, such as control system ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that control the engine, transmission, etc., body system ECUs that control headlights, power windows, etc., and information system ECUs for navigation devices, multimedia devices, etc. Each in-vehicle device is connected to an in-vehicle network and can communicate with each other.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control system in which a smart entry function is realized. In the vehicle control system, in an early start mode, when a touch sensor detects a touch on a door handle of a vehicle, an entry ECU receives identification information from a portable device such as a FOB outside the vehicle and transmits a first start request to a central ECU. The entry ECU performs a first authentication process before transmitting the first start request in a normal mode, and performs the first authentication process after transmitting the first start request in an early start mode. When the central ECU receives the first start request, it performs a start process and transitions from a sleep state to a normal operation state. After completing the start process, the central ECU transmits a second start request to the door control ECU. After transmitting the second start request, the central ECU performs a gateway process based on the result of the first authentication process. When the door control ECU receives the second start request, it performs a start process and transitions from a sleep state to a normal operation state. In the normal operation state, the door control ECU performs a door unlock process based on the result of the first authentication process transferred from the central ECU. In the vehicle control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, such an early start mode improves the responsiveness from an instruction to unlock the vehicle doors to the completion of unlocking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-118509 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to provide a certain service (function) to a user, it is sufficient to start the in-vehicle device used to provide the service, and it may not be necessary to start other in-vehicle devices. However, the vehicle control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot distinguish between in-vehicle devices that need to be started and in-vehicle devices that do not need to be started depending on the situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An in-vehicle system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device that relay communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and a central relay device that relays communication between the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device. When the first relay device receives a first activation signal from the device connected to the first relay device, the first relay device executes a first activation process for activating the first relay device, and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device, the central relay device executes a first activation process for activating the first relay device, and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device, the central relay device executes a first activation process for activating the first relay device, when the first relay device receives the second activation signal from the device connected to the first relay device. and a second start-up process for starting up a central relay device, and the first relay device, after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device, executes a start-up cause identification process for identifying a start-up cause of the first relay device, and when the start-up cause is identified, notifies the central relay device of the start-up cause. The central relay device identifies one of the second relay device and the third relay device which needs to be started up based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and when the start-up of the second relay device is necessary and the start-up of the third relay device is not necessary, transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device requesting the start-up of the second relay device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to distinguish between in-vehicle devices that need to be started and in-vehicle devices that do not need to be started, and to start up the in-vehicle devices that need to be started. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a central relay device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between the central relay device and the relay devices in the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of the central relay device and the relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the start-up order of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in a conventional vehicle-mounted system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a start-up sequence of the relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a startup sequence of the central relay device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a timing chart showing an example of start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to this embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing an example of the start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the connection between the central relay device and the relay devices in the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <Overview of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Below, an overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) An in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay that relay communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and a central relay that relays communication between the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay. When the first relay receives a first activation signal from the device connected to the first relay, the first relay executes a first activation process for activating the first relay and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay that requests activation of the central relay. When the central relay receives the second activation signal, the central relay A second start-up process is executed to start up the relay devices, and the first relay device executes a start-up cause identification process to identify a start-up cause of the first relay device after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device, and when the start-up cause is identified, notifies the central relay device of the start-up cause, and the central relay device identifies a device that needs to be started up among the second relay device and the third relay device based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and when the start-up of the second relay device is required and the start-up of the third relay device is not required, transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device requesting the start-up of the second relay device to the second relay device. This makes it possible to distinguish between the second relay device that needs to be started up and the third relay device that does not need to be started up, and start up the second relay device that needs to be started up.

[0011] (2) In the above (1), the central relay device may include a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, and the second startup process may be a process of starting up the first processing circuit and not starting up the second process. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption of the central relay device in the second startup process.

[0012] (3) In the above (1), the central relay device may include a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, and the second startup process may be a process of starting up each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit. This allows the central relay device after startup to execute functions of each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit.

[0013] (4) In the above (2) or (3), the first processing circuit may execute a boot target identification process to identify a device that needs to be started up, out of the second relay device and the third relay device, based on the start-up cause. This allows the boot target identification process to be executed by the first processing circuit that is started up by the second start-up process.

[0014] (5) In any one of (2) to (4) above, a first startup time required for the first processing circuit to start up may be shorter than a second startup time required for the second processing circuit to start up, thereby enabling a function executed by the first processing circuit to be executed early.

[0015] (6) In any one of the above (2) to (5), the power consumption of the first processing circuit may be lower than the power consumption of the second processing circuit, thereby making it possible to suppress the power consumption of the entire central relay device when the first processing circuit is activated and the second processing circuit is not activated.

[0016] (7) In the above (3), the first processing circuit may be connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the second relay device by a second communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the third relay device by a third communication line, the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line may each branch, and each of the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line may have a branch connected to the second processing circuit. This allows each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit to receive a second start-up signal from the first relay device, and each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit to be started.

[0017] (8) In any one of the above (2) to (6), the first processing circuit may be connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the second relay device by a second communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the third relay device by a third communication line, and the second processing circuit may be connected to the first processing circuit by a fourth communication line. This allows the first processing circuit to receive a second activation signal from the first relay device and activate the first processing circuit.

[0018] (9) In any one of (2) to (8) above, the first processing circuit may execute a function used for operation of each of the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device, thereby allowing the first processing circuit to operate a relay device that needs to be started.

[0019] (10) A relay device according to the present embodiment is a relay device that relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and includes a receiving unit that receives a first activation signal from the device requesting activation of the relay device, an activating unit that executes an activation process to activate the relay device when the receiving unit receives the first activation signal, a transmitting unit that transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device requesting activation of a central relay device that relays communication between a plurality of relay devices, an identifying unit that executes an activation cause identification process to identify an activation cause of the relay device after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, and a notifying unit that notifies the central relay device of the activation cause when the activation cause is identified by the activation cause identification process. This allows the central relay device to be activated early.

[0020] (11) A central relay device according to the present embodiment is a central relay device connected to a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device, and includes: a start-up signal receiving unit that receives a second start-up signal requesting start-up of the central relay device from the first relay device started by a first start-up signal; a start-up unit that executes a start-up process to start the central relay device when the start-up signal receiving unit receives the second start-up signal; a notification receiving unit that receives a notification of a start-up cause of the first relay device from the first relay device after starting the start-up process; a specifying unit that executes a start-up target specifying process to specify a device that needs to be started among the second relay device and the third relay device based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device; and a transmitting unit that transmits a third start-up signal requesting start-up of the second relay device to the second relay device when the result of the start-up target specifying process indicates that the second relay device needs to be started and that the third relay device does not need to be started. This makes it possible to distinguish between the second relay device that needs to be started and the third relay device that does not need to be started, and start the second relay device that needs to be started.

[0021] The present disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle system having the above-described characteristic configuration, a relay device included in the in-vehicle system, and a central relay device included in the in-vehicle system, but also as a relay method including characteristic steps executed in the in-vehicle system, as a program for causing the relay device to execute characteristic processing, as a program for causing the central relay device to execute characteristic processing, as a semiconductor integrated circuit comprising part or all of the relay device, and as a semiconductor integrated circuit comprising part or all of the central relay device.

[0022] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> 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] [1. In-vehicle systems] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the embodiment.

[0024] The in-vehicle system 10 is mounted on a vehicle. The in-vehicle system 10 includes a central relay device 100 and relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4.

[0025] The central relay device 100 relays communication between the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The central relay device 100 includes four communication ports, and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are connected to the four communication ports. That is, the relay device 200_1 is connected to the communication port 150_1 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_1, the relay device 200_2 is connected to the communication port 150_2 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_2, the relay device 200_3 is connected to the communication port 150_3 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_3, and the relay device 200_4 is connected to the communication port 150_4 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_4.

[0026] The in-vehicle system 10 according to the present embodiment is configured by an in-vehicle network for a specific communication protocol. The communication protocol is, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate), or Ethernet ("Ethernet" is a registered trademark). Each of the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 is, for example, a gateway ECU that relays a CAN frame, an Ethernet switch that relays an Ethernet frame, or the like.

[0027] Each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 is connected to one or more devices. In the example of FIG. 1, the relay device 200_1 is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 301_1, a sensor 302_1, and an actuator 303_1. The relay device 200_2 is connected to an ECU 301_2, a sensor 302_2, and an actuator 303_2. The relay device 200_3 is connected to an ECU 301_3, a sensor 302_3, and an actuator 303_3. The relay device 200_4 is connected to an ECU 301_4, a sensor 302_4, and an actuator 303_4.

[0028] In the following description, the relays 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are also collectively referred to as "relays 200." The ECUs 301_1, 301_2, 301_3, and 301_4 are also collectively referred to as "ECUs 301." The sensors 302_1, 302_2, 302_3, and 302_4 are also collectively referred to as "sensors 302." The actuators 303_1, 303_2, 303_3, and 303_4 are also collectively referred to as "actuators 303."

[0029] The relay device 200 relays communication between a plurality of ECUs 301, a plurality of sensors 302, and a plurality of actuators 303. The relay device 200 may further have a function for controlling each part of the vehicle. For example, the relay device 200_1 has a function for controlling a door lock. For example, the relay device 200_2 has a function for controlling a side marker. For example, the relay device 200_3 has a function for controlling an engine. For example, the relay device 200_4 has a function for controlling a transmission. In this manner, each of the relay devices 200 functions as an ECU.

[0030] The central relay device 100 may also have a function for controlling each part of the vehicle. For example, the central relay device 100 has an automatic driving function.

[0031] The central relay device 100 and the relay device 200 may have functions as a plurality of ECUs. For example, the central relay device 100 may have an automatic driving function and a collision avoidance support function.

[0032] For example, the ECU 301_1 is an ECU for entry authentication. When the portable device (key FOB) enters a radio wave reception range around the vehicle, the ECU 301_1 wirelessly communicates with the portable device and receives an authentication code from the portable device. The ECU 301_1 performs electronic authentication by checking the authentication code. For example, the sensor 302_1 is a touch sensor provided on a door handle. When the sensor 302_1 detects that a user (driver) has touched the door handle, it outputs a detection signal. For example, the actuator 303_1 is a motor that drives a door lock. For example, when the authentication by the ECU 201_1 is successful and the touch of the door handle is detected by the sensor 302_1, the relay device 200_1 controls the actuator 303_1 to unlock the door.

[0033] For example, the actuator 303_2 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for a side marker. For example, the sensor 302_2 is a position sensor of a direction indicator lever mounted on a vehicle. For example, when the sensor 302_2 detects an operation of the direction indicator lever, the relay device 200_2 controls the actuator 303_2 to blink the LED for the side marker.

[0034] For example, the sensor 302_3 is an engine speed sensor, and the sensor 302_4 is a gear position sensor. For example, the relay device 200_3 controls the engine using the detection value of the engine speed output from the sensor 302_3. For example, the relay device 200_4 controls the transmission using the detection value of the gear position output from the sensor 302_4. For example, the relay device 200_3 relays the detection value of the engine speed output from the sensor 302_3 to the central relay device 100. The relay device 200_4 relays the detection value of the gear position output from the sensor 302_4 to the central relay device 100. The central relay device 100 executes the automatic driving process using the received detection values ​​of the engine speed and the gear position.

[0035] The central relay device 100 and each relay device 200 have a low power consumption sleep function. That is, each of the central relay device 100 and each of the relay devices 200 transitions between a sleep state (hereinafter also referred to as a "stopped state") in which functions other than some functions (functions for receiving a wake-up signal) are stopped, and an operating state (hereinafter also referred to as an "activated state") in which the device is operating. Specifically, each of the central relay device 100 and each of the relay devices 200 wakes up (activates) by receiving a wake-up signal in the stopped state, and transitions from the stopped state to the activated state.

[0036] [2. Hardware configuration of the central relay device] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the central relay device according to the present embodiment. The central relay device 100 includes a first processing circuit 110 and a second processing circuit 120.

[0037] The first processing circuit 110 is, for example, a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit, and in one specific example, is a microcontroller. The first processing circuit 110 includes a processor 111, a non-volatile memory 112, a volatile memory 113, a peripheral circuit 114, and an interface (I / F) 115.

[0038] The volatile memory 113 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The non-volatile memory 112 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0039] The processor 111 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 111 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 111 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 111 is configured to be able to execute a computer program. However, the processor 111 may include, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in part, or may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in part.

[0040] The non-volatile memory 112 stores a first control program 130, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the first control program 130. The first control program 130 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM. The processor 111 realizes a part of the functions of the central relay device 100 by the first control program 130.

[0041] The peripheral circuit 114 is a circuit for realizing various functions in the first processing circuit 110. For example, the peripheral circuit 114 includes circuits such as a general-purpose input / output port (GPIO), an analog / digital converter, a timer, and serial communication. The serial communication circuit complies with standards such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), and SPI (serial peripheral interface).

[0042] The interface 115 includes an input / output interface and a communication interface. Specifically, the interface 115 of the first processing circuit 110 includes at least four communication interfaces. Each communication interface includes a communication port. That is, the interface 115 includes four communication ports 150_1, 150_2, 150_3, and 150_4 (see FIG. 1).

[0043] The second processing circuit 120 is, for example, a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit, and a specific example is a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). The second processing circuit 120 includes a processor 121, a non-volatile memory 122, a volatile memory 123, a peripheral circuit 124, and an interface 125. The basic configurations of the processor 121, the non-volatile memory 122, the volatile memory 123, the peripheral circuit 124, and the interface 125 are similar to the basic configurations of the processor 111, the non-volatile memory 112, the volatile memory 113, the peripheral circuit 114, and the interface 115, and therefore will not be described.

[0044] The non-volatile memory 122 stores a second control program 140, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the second control program 140. The second control program 140 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM. The processor 121 realizes functions in the central relay device 100 other than the functions provided by the first control program 130 by the second control program 140.

[0045] The interface 125 includes, for example, at least four communication interfaces. Each communication interface includes a communication port. In this embodiment, no communication lines are connected to the communication ports of the interface 125.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the first processing circuit 110 is a microcontroller, and the second processing circuit 120 is an SoC. The second processing circuit 120 has a larger circuit scale than the first processing circuit 110 and can execute complex processing. For example, the first processing circuit 110 operates on a real-time OS (Operating System), and the second processing circuit 120 operates on a high-performance general-purpose OS (for example, Linux (registered trademark)).

[0047] For example, the startup time (first startup time) required for the first processing circuit 110 to start up is shorter than the startup time (second startup time) required for the second processing circuit 120 to start up. The first processing circuit 110 can execute real-time processing (processing with time constraints). However, the first processing circuit 110 is limited in the functions it can execute. In contrast, the second processing circuit 120 is equipped with a high-performance OS and can execute processing for various purposes. However, real-time responsiveness is not guaranteed for the second processing circuit 120.

[0048] For example, the power consumption of the first processing circuit 110 is lower than the power consumption of the second processing circuit 120. Therefore, when only the function of the first processing circuit 110 is required, the power consumption of the entire central relay device 100 can be suppressed by starting the first processing circuit 110 and stopping the second processing circuit 120.

[0049] The first processing circuit 110 executes a first function used in the operation of each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. That is, the first function is a function that is a basis for the operation of each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The second processing circuit 120 executes a second function that is not used in the operation of each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The first control program 130 provides the first function. The second control program 140 provides the second function. The first function is, for example, a relay function of communication using the above-mentioned communication protocol, a power management function of the entire in-vehicle system 10, a function of accepting operations from a user, and the like. The second function is, for example, an automatic driving function, a collision avoidance support function, and the like.

[0050] [3. Hardware configuration of relay device] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a relay device according to this embodiment. The relay device 200 includes, for example, a processor 201, a non-volatile memory 202, a volatile memory 203, a peripheral circuit 204, and an interface 205. The basic configurations of the processor 201, the non-volatile memory 202, the volatile memory 203, the peripheral circuit 204, and the interface 205 are similar to the basic configurations of the processor 111, the non-volatile memory 112, the volatile memory 113, the peripheral circuit 114, and the interface 115, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0051] The non-volatile memory 202 stores a control program 210, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the control program 210. The control program 210 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM. The processor 201 realizes the function of the relay device 200 by the control program 210.

[0052] The control program 210 provides, for example, a function of relaying communication using the above-mentioned communication protocol. The control program 210 may provide a function as an ECU, for example, a door lock control function, a side marker control function, an engine control function, or a transmission control function.

[0053] The interface 205 includes, for example, at least four communication interfaces. Each communication interface includes a communication port. In this embodiment, the interface 205 includes a communication port connected to the central relay device 100, a communication port connected to the ECU 301, a communication port connected to the sensor 302, and a communication port connected to the actuator 303.

[0054] [4. Connection between central relay device and relay device] A connection configuration between the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 in this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a connection configuration between the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 in the embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the relay device 200_1 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 (the interface 115) via a communication line 400_1. The relay device 200_2 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 400_2. The relay device 200_3 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 400_3. The relay device 200_4 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 400_4.

[0056] The first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 are connected by a communication line 410. More specifically, the interface 115 of the first processing circuit 110 and the interface 125 of the second processing circuit 120 are connected by the communication line 410 (see FIG. 2).

[0057] In this embodiment, each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 is not directly connected to the second processing circuit 120. Therefore, a signal or frame transmitted from the relay device 200 to the communication line 400 is received by the first processing circuit 110, but is not received by the second processing circuit 120.

[0058] [4. Functions of the central relay device and relay device] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the central relay device and the relay devices according to the present embodiment.

[0059] The central relay device 100 has the functions of a wake-up signal receiving unit 131, a starting unit 132, a notification receiving unit 133, a determining unit 134, and a transmitting unit 135. The relay device 200 has the functions of a receiving unit 211, a starting unit 212, a transmitting unit 213, a determining unit 214, and a notifying unit 215.

[0060] The wake-up signal receiving unit 131 and the starting unit 132 are provided by the interface 115 or the operating system of the first processing circuit 110. The notification receiving unit 133, the identifying unit 134, and the transmitting unit 135 are provided by the processor 111 executing the first control program 130. The receiving unit 211 and the starting unit 212 are provided by the interface 205 or the operating system of the relay device 200. The transmitting unit 213, the identifying unit 214, and the notification unit 215 are provided by the processor 201 executing the control program 210.

[0061] The receiver 211 receives an activation signal (first activation signal) from a peripheral device connected to the relay device 200. The peripheral device is an example of an "apparatus", which is an ECU 301, a sensor 302, and an actuator 303 connected to the relay device 200. The first activation signal is a signal requesting activation of the relay device 200. For example, in the case of CAN or CAN FD, the activation signal is a dominant signal, and in the case of Ethernet, the activation signal is a magic packet.

[0062] When the receiver 211 receives the first activation signal, the activation unit 212 executes an activation process for activating the relay device 200.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a start-up order of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 6, ECU 301_1, which is a peripheral device of relay device 200_1, transmits a first start-up signal. Relay device 200_1 receives the first start-up signal and starts up.

[0064] 5, when the relay 200 is started up, that is, when the start-up process is completed, the transmitter 213 transmits a start-up signal (second start-up signal) to the central relay 100. The second start-up signal is a signal requesting the central relay 100 to be started up.

[0065] The activation signal receiving unit 131 receives the second activation signal. When the activation signal receiving unit 131 receives the second activation signal, the activation unit 132 executes an activation process for activating the central relay device 100.

[0066] 6, the activated relay device 200_1 transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device 100. The central relay device 100 receives the second activation signal and is activated.

[0067] Returning to Fig. 5, after the transmission unit 213 transmits the second activation signal to the central relay 100, the identification unit 214 executes an activation cause identification process for identifying an activation cause of the relay 200. For example, when the ECU 301_1 succeeds in matching the authentication code of the key FOB, the relay 200_1 having the door lock control function receives a first activation signal from the ECU 301_1 and is activated. In this example, the activation cause of the relay 200_1 is the reception of the first activation signal from the ECU 301_1, and the identification unit identifies the activation cause by determining the transmission source of the first activation signal.

[0068] For example, in the activation cause identification process, the relay device 200 that needs to be activated may be identified. In the above example, when the door is unlocked, the side marker blinks a predetermined number of times to notify the driver of the door unlocking. For this reason, it is necessary to activate the relay device 200_2 having the side marker control function in preparation for the door unlocking. In the activation cause identification process, the identification unit 214 can identify the relay device 200_2 as a target to be activated.

[0069] When the start-up cause is identified by the start-up cause identification process, the notification unit 215 notifies the central relay device 100 of the identified start-up cause.

[0070] Before the start-up cause identification process is started, the second start-up signal is transmitted to the central relay device 100. Therefore, when the start-up cause is identified, (the first processing circuit 110 of) the central relay device 100 has completed its start-up or will complete its start-up soon after the start-up cause is identified. Therefore, the start-up cause can be notified to the central relay device 100 soon after the start-up cause is identified.

[0071] The notification receiving unit 133 of the central relay device 100 receives a notification of the start-up cause of the relay device 200 from the relay device 200 after the start-up unit 132 starts the start-up process.

[0072] The identifying unit 134 executes a start target identifying process based on the start cause notified from the relay device 200. The start target identifying process is a process for identifying the relay device 200 that needs to be started. In the above-mentioned example, the start cause is that the transmission source of the first start signal is ECU 301_1. In this case, in the start cause identifying process, the identifying unit 214 can identify the relay device 200_2 as a target to be started because the transmission source of the first start signal is ECU 301_1.

[0073] For example, a correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the sender of the first wake-up signal, which is the wake-up factor, and the relay device 200 to be started may be stored in the non-volatile memory 112, and the identification unit 134 may identify the target to be started by comparing the notified wake-up factor with the wake-up factor in the correspondence table.

[0074] The transmitter 135 transmits a wake-up signal (third wake-up signal) to the relay device 200 to be activated identified by the activation target identification process. With reference to Fig. 6, in the above example, when the result of the activation target identification process indicates that activation of the relay device 200_2 (second in-vehicle device) is required and activation of the relay devices 200_3 and 200_4 (third in-vehicle devices) is not required, the transmitter 135 transmits the third wake-up signal to the relay device 200_2 and does not transmit the third wake-up signal to the relay devices 200_3 and 200_4. As a result, the relay device 200_2 is activated and the relay devices 200_3 and 200_4 maintain the stopped state.

[0075] [5. Operation of in-vehicle system] The operation of the in-vehicle system 10 will be described below using the example of FIG.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in a conventional vehicle-mounted system.

[0077] The central relay 100 and all the relays 200 of the in-vehicle system 10 are in a stopped state. In this state, when the key FOB enters the radio wave receiving range of the vehicle, the ECU 301_1 receives an authentication code transmitted from the key FOB. When the ECU 301_1 succeeds in matching the authentication code of the received key FOB, it transmits a first activation signal to the relay 200_1 (time t0).

[0078] At time t0 when the relay device 200_1 receives the first activation signal, the relay device 200_1 starts an activation process (first activation process).

[0079] At time t1, the first startup process ends, and the relay device 200_1 starts the startup cause identifying process.

[0080] At time t2, the initiation cause identifying process is completed. At this time t2, the relay device 200_1 transmits a initiation signal (second initiation signal) and the identified initiation cause to the central relay device 100.

[0081] At time t2 when the central relay device 100 receives the second activation signal, the central relay device 100 starts activation processing (second activation processing). When the second activation processing ends, the central relay device 100 executes activation target specifying processing.

[0082] At time t3, the activation target specifying process is completed and the relay device 200_2 is specified as the activation target. At this time t3, the central relay device 100 transmits a start signal (third start signal) and a start cause to the relay device 200_2 as the activation target.

[0083] At time t3, the relay device 200_2 receives the third wake-up signal and the wake-up cause and executes a wake-up process. When the wake-up process ends, the relay device 200_2 executes a wake-up target identification process. For example, in the wake-up target identification process, the relay device 200_2 may use the notified wake-up cause. In the wake-up target identification process, if the relay device 200_2 is not a wake-up target, the relay device 200_2 transitions from the activated state to the stopped state.

[0084] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a start-up sequence of the relay device according to the present embodiment. Note that the flowchart in Fig. 8 shows the start-up sequence of the relay device 200 (the relay device 200_1 in the example of Fig. 6) which is started first.

[0085] The relay device 200 receives a first wake-up signal from a peripheral device (step S101). When the reception of the first wake-up signal is detected, the processor 201 executes a wake-up process (step S102).

[0086] When the start-up process is completed, the processor 201 transmits a second start-up signal to the central relay device 100 (step S103).

[0087] After transmitting the second wake-up signal, the processor 201 executes a wake-up cause identification process (step S104). The processor 201 notifies (transmits) the identified wake-up cause to the central relay device 100 (step S105). This completes the wake-up sequence of the relay device 200.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a start-up sequence of the central relay device according to the present embodiment.

[0089] The central relay device 100 receives a second wake-up signal from the relay device 200 that has been previously started (step S201). When the central relay device 100 detects the reception of the second wake-up signal, the processor 111 of the first processing circuit 110 executes a wake-up process (step S202).

[0090] The processor 111 receives the start cause transmitted from the relay device 200 (step S203). The processor 111 executes a start target specifying process based on the notified start cause (step S204).

[0091] When the processor 111 identifies the target to be started, it transmits the third start-up signal and the start-up cause to the relay device 200 to be started (step S205). With this, the start-up sequence of the central relay device 100 is completed.

[0092] 10A and 10B are timing charts showing an example of the start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay device in the in-vehicle system according to the present embodiment. Fig. 10A shows the time transition of the state of the entire central relay device 100, and Fig. 10B shows the time transition of the state of each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120.

[0093] Similar to the example in FIG. 7, at time t0, ECU 301_1 transmits a first activation signal to relay device 200_1.

[0094] At time t0, the relay device 200_1 receives the first start-up signal and starts the start-up process (first start-up process).

[0095] When the first activation process is completed at time t1, the relay 200_1 transmits a second activation signal to the central relay 100.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10A, at time t1, the central relay device 100 receives the second start-up signal, and starts the start-up process (second start-up process).

[0097] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, at time t1, the first processing circuit 110 receives the second start-up signal and starts the second start-up process.

[0098] After transmitting the second activation signal, the relay device 200_1 starts the activation cause identifying process.

[0099] At time t2, the start-up cause identification process is completed. The relay device 200_1 notifies the central relay device 100 (first processing circuit 110) of the identified start-up cause. When the second start-up process is completed, the central relay device 100 (first processing circuit 110) executes a start-up target identification process based on the notified start-up cause. Note that, in this example, the timing at which the relay device 200_1 ends the start-up cause identification process and the timing at which the central relay device 100 ends the second start-up process are the same, but the two timings may be different.

[0100] The boot target identifying process ends at time t31. This time t31 is earlier than time t3 at which the boot target identifying process ends in the example of FIG. 7 by a time (t2-t1) (i.e., the time for the boot cause identifying process by the relay device 200_1).

[0101] At time t31, the central repeater 100 transmits a wake-up signal (third wake-up signal) and a wake-up cause to the wake-up target.

[0102] It is assumed that the second processing circuit 120 and the relay device 200_2 are specified as the activation targets. In this case, as shown in Fig. 10B, the first processing circuit 110 transmits the third activation signal and the activation cause to the second processing circuit 120 and the relay device 200_2, respectively. As a result, the second processing circuit 120 and the relay device 200_2 are activated.

[0103] [6. Modifications] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the connection configuration between the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 in the embodiment.

[0104] In this modification, the relay device 200_1 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 (the interface 115) via a communication line 401_1. The relay device 200_2 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 401_2. The relay device 200_3 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 401_3. The relay device 200_4 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 401_4.

[0105] The first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 are connected by a communication line 410 .

[0106] In this modification, each of the communication lines 401_1, 401_2, 401_3, and 401_4 branches off midway. A branch line 402_1 extends from the midway of the communication line 401_1, and the branch line 402_1 is connected to the second processing circuit 120 (the interface 125 of the second processing circuit 120). A branch line 402_2 extends from the midway of the communication line 401_2, and the branch line 402_2 is connected to the second processing circuit 120. A branch line 402_3 extends from the midway of the communication line 401_3, and the branch line 402_3 is connected to the second processing circuit 120. A branch line 402_4 extends from the midway of the communication line 401_4, and the branch line 402_4 is connected to the second processing circuit 120.

[0107] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of start-up timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to this modification.

[0108] At time t0, ECU 301_1 transmits a first activation signal to relay device 200_1.

[0109] At time t0, the relay device 200_1 receives the first start-up signal and starts the start-up process (first start-up process).

[0110] When the first activation process is completed at time t1, the relay 200_1 transmits a second activation signal to the central relay 100.

[0111] In this modification, at time t1, the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 each receive a second start-up signal. Upon receiving the second start-up signal, each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 starts a start-up process.

[0112] After transmitting the activation signal, the relay device 200_1 starts the activation cause identifying process.

[0113] At the time t2, the initiation cause identifying process is completed. The relay device 200_1 notifies the central relay device 100 of the identified initiation cause.

[0114] In the present modified example, the activation cause transmitted from the relay device 200_1 is received by each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 due to the above-mentioned connection configuration. Each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 executes the activation target identification process based on the notified activation cause.

[0115] At time t31, the start target specifying process of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 ends. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, the start target specifying process of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 ends at the same timing, but this is not limited thereto. The start target specifying process of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 may end at different timings.

[0116] At a time t31, the central relay device 100 transmits a wake-up signal (third wake-up signal) and a wake-up cause to the relay device 200_2 (and the second processing circuit 120) which is to be started.

[0117] [7. Other Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, the relay device 200_1 which is started first identifies the activation cause, and the central relay device 100 identifies the activation target based on the activation cause notified from the relay device 200_1, but this is not limiting. For example, the relay device 200_1 may identify the activation target from the activation cause and notify the central relay device 100 of the activation target. In this case, the activation target identification process in the central relay device 100 (and the relay device 200_2 which is started thereafter) may be omitted.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the first processing circuit 110 is configured by a microcontroller, and the second processing circuit 120 is configured by an SoC, but this is not limiting. Each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 may be configured by a microcontroller, or each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 may be configured by an SoC.

[0119] Although the central relay device 100 is configured by the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the central relay device 100 may be configured by the first processing circuit 110 only.

[0120] [8. Notes] [Appendix 1] A control program used by a relay device that relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, On the computer, a step of transmitting a second start-up signal to the central relay device, the second start-up signal being a request for starting a central relay device that relays communications between a plurality of relay devices, when the relay device receives a first start-up signal from the device, the first start-up signal being a request for starting the relay device, and executes a start-up process for starting the relay device; a step of executing a start-up cause identification process for identifying a start-up cause of the central relay device after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device; when the start-up cause is identified by the start-up cause identification process, notifying the central relay device of the start-up cause; In order to execute Control program.

[0121] [Appendix 2] A control program used by a central relay device connected to a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device, On the computer, receiving, from the first relay device activated by the first activation signal, a second activation signal for requesting activation of the central relay device and executing an activation process for activating the central relay device, a notification of an activation cause of the first relay device from the first relay device after starting the activation process; executing a boot target identification process for identifying a device that needs to be booted, out of the second relay device and the third relay device, based on the boot cause notified from the first relay device; transmitting a third start-up signal to the second relay device, when the start-up of the second relay device is necessary and the start-up of the third relay device is not necessary, to the second relay device; In order to execute Control program.

[0122] [Appendix 3] A relay method by a relay device that relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, comprising: a step of transmitting a second start-up signal to the central relay device, when the relay device receives a first start-up signal from the device, requesting start-up of the relay device, and executes a start-up process for starting the relay device, the second start-up signal requesting start-up of a central relay device that relays communication between a plurality of relay devices; a step of executing a start-up cause identification process for identifying a start-up cause of the central relay device after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device; when the start-up cause is identified by the start-up cause identification process, notifying the central relay device of the start-up cause; Including, Relay method.

[0123] [Appendix 4] A relay method by a central relay device connected to a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device, comprising: receiving, from the first relay device activated by the first activation signal, a second activation signal for requesting activation of the central relay device and executing an activation process for activating the central relay device, a notification of an activation cause of the first relay device from the first relay device after starting the activation process; executing a boot target identification process for identifying a device that needs to be booted, out of the second relay device and the third relay device, based on the boot cause notified from the first relay device; transmitting a third start-up signal to the second relay device, when the start-up of the second relay device is necessary and the start-up of the third relay device is not necessary, to the second relay device; Including, Relay method.

[0124] [Appendix 5] A relay method in an in-vehicle system including a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device which relay communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and a central relay device which relays communication between the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device, When the first relay device receives a first start-up signal requesting start-up of the first relay device from the device connected to the first relay device, the first relay device executes a first start-up process for starting up the first relay device and transmits a second start-up signal requesting start-up of the central relay device to the central relay device; executing a second startup process for starting up the central relay device when the central relay device receives the second startup signal; a step of executing a start-up cause identification process for identifying a start-up cause of the first relay device after the first relay device transmits the second start-up signal to the central relay device, and notifying the central relay device of the start-up cause when the start-up cause is identified; the central relay device identifies one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and when the second relay device needs to be started and the third relay device does not need to be started, transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device to request the start-up of the second relay device; Including, Relay method.

[0125] [9. Supplementary Note] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above-described embodiments, and includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 10 In-vehicle systems 100 Central repeater 110 First processing circuit 111 Processor 112 Non-volatile memory 113 Volatile Memory 114 Peripheral Circuits 115 Interface (I / F) 120 Second processing circuit 121 processors 122 Non-volatile memory 123 Volatile Memory 124 Peripheral Circuits 125 Interface (I / F) 130 First Control Program 131 Start signal receiver 132 Starting part 133 Notification Receiving Unit 134 Specific part 135 Transmitter 140 Second Control Program 150_1, 150_2, 150_3, 150_4 Communication port 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 Relay device 201 Processor 202 Non-volatile memory 203 Volatile Memory 204 Peripheral Circuits 205 Interface 210 Control Program 211 Receiving unit 212 Starting section 213 Transmitter 214 Specific section 215 Notification Department 301,301_1,301_2,301_3,301_4 ECU 302, 302_1, 302_2, 302_3, 302_4 Sensor 303, 303_1, 303_2, 303_3, 303_4 Actuator 400,400_1,400_2,400_3,400_4 Communication lines 401_1, 401_2, 401_3, 401_4 Communication lines 402_1, 402_2, 402_3, 402_4 Branch line 410 Communication Line

Claims

1. a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device that relay communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network; a central relay device that relays communications among the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device; Equipped with When the first relay device receives a first start-up signal requesting start-up of the first relay device from the device connected to the first relay device, the first relay device executes a first start-up process for starting up the first relay device and transmits a second start-up signal requesting start-up of the central relay device to the central relay device; the central relay device executes a second startup process for starting up the central relay device when the central relay device receives the second startup signal; the first relay device, after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, executes an activation cause identification process for identifying an activation cause of the first relay device, and when the activation cause is identified, notifies the central relay device of the activation cause; the central relay device identifies one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and when the start-up of the second relay device is required and the start-up of the third relay device is not required, transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device to request the start-up of the second relay device. In-vehicle systems.

2. the central relay device includes a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit; The second startup process is a process of starting the first processing circuit and not starting the second process. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1 .

3. the central relay device includes a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit; The second startup process is a process of starting up each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1 .

4. the first processing circuit executes a boot target identification process to identify a device that needs to be booted, out of the second relay device and the third relay device, based on the boot cause. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 .

5. a first startup time required for the first processing circuit to start up is shorter than a second startup time required for the second processing circuit to start up; The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 .

6. The power consumption of the first processing circuit is lower than the power consumption of the second processing circuit. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 .

7. the first processing circuit is connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit is connected to the second relay device by a second communication line; the first processing circuit is connected to the third relay device by a third communication line; each of the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line branches, and each of the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line has a branch destination connected to the second processing circuit; The in-vehicle system according to claim 3 .

8. the first processing circuit is connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit is connected to the second relay device by a second communication line; the first processing circuit is connected to the third relay device by a third communication line; the second processing circuit is connected to the first processing circuit by a fourth communication line; The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 .

9. the first processing circuit executes functions used in the operation of each of the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device; The in-vehicle system according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. A relay device that relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, a receiving unit that receives a first activation signal from the device requesting activation of the relay device; a start-up unit that executes a start-up process for starting up the relay device when the receiving unit receives the first start-up signal; a transmitter for transmitting a second activation signal to a central relay device that relays communications between a plurality of relay devices, the second activation signal being for requesting activation of the central relay device; a determination unit that performs a start-up cause determination process to determine a start-up cause of the central relay device after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device; a notification unit that notifies the central relay device of the start-up cause when the start-up cause is identified by the start-up cause identification process; Equipped with Relay device.

11. a central relay device connected to a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device, a start-up signal receiving unit that receives a second start-up signal requesting start-up of the central relay device from the first relay device that has been started up by the first start-up signal; a start-up unit that executes a start-up process for starting up the central relay device when the start-up signal receiving unit receives the second start-up signal; a notification receiving unit that receives a notification of a start-up cause of the first relay device from the first relay device after starting the start-up process; a specifying unit that executes a boot target specifying process to specify a device that needs to be booted, out of the second relay device and the third relay device, based on the boot cause notified from the first relay device; a transmitter that transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device, when the second relay device needs to be started and the third relay device does not need to be started, to the second relay device as a result of the start-up target identification process; Equipped with Central relay device.

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