On-vehicle relay device, setting change method, and setting change program

Abstract

To reduce the time required for changing the setting of processing in an on-vehicle network.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle relay device includes: a network processing unit that performs processing in an on-vehicle network; a storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing performed by the network processing unit; an update unit that performs updating processing for updating the setting information in the storage unit; and a reflection unit that reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information in the processing performed by the network processing unit. The storage unit includes a first storage area for storing the setting information and a second storage area for storing predetermined information. The update unit can update the setting information without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle relay device, a setting change method, and a setting change program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of carsharing and the demand for improving the processing capabilities of in-vehicle devices mounted on vehicles, it has been required to customize in-vehicle networks by adding applications to in-vehicle networks. Further, a technique for changing the settings of an in-vehicle relay device according to changes in the configuration of an in-vehicle network has been demanded.

[0003] ​

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A technology that can shorten the time required for changing the settings of processing in an in-vehicle network beyond the technology described in Patent Document 1 is desired.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle relay device, a setting change method, and a setting change program capable of shortening the time required for changing the settings of processing in an in-vehicle network.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The in-vehicle relay device of the present disclosure includes a network processing unit that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, a storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing performed by the network processing unit, an update unit that performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting content, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit. The storage unit includes a first storage area that stores the setting information and a second storage area that stores predetermined information different from the first storage area. The update unit can update the setting information without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area based on the change instruction.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle relay device including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the in-vehicle relay device, or as a system including the in-vehicle relay device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to shorten the time required for changing the setting of processing in the in-vehicle network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) The in-vehicle relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a network processing unit that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, a storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing performed by the network processing unit, an update unit that performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting contents, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit. The storage unit includes a first storage area that stores the setting information and a second storage area that stores predetermined information different from the first storage area. The update unit can update the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area.

[0012] With such a configuration, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network changes, for example, the setting information in the first storage area can be updated without changing the program or the like stored in the second storage area. Therefore, compared with a configuration that performs reprogramming of the in-vehicle relay device, the change in the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be completed in a shorter time. Therefore, the time required for changing the setting of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be shortened.

[0013] (2) In the above (1), the storage unit may store the setting information in two formats: a first data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit, and a second data management format that is independent of the hardware and the software.

[0014] With such a configuration, it is possible to selectively use the setting information in a more suitable data management format according to the application from among the setting information in the two data management formats.

[0015] (3) In the above (2), the update unit may acquire the change instruction including the setting information in the second data management format indicating the changed setting content. In the update process, the update unit may save the setting information included in the change instruction in the storage unit and convert the setting information included in the change instruction into the first data management format and save it in the storage unit.

[0016] With such a configuration, it is possible to save the setting information in a common data management format with the device that is the source of the change instruction, and it is possible to save the setting information that has a high affinity with the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit.

[0017] (4) In the above (2) or (3), the in-vehicle relay device may further include a response unit that receives a request regarding the setting content and responds to the request based on the setting information in the second data management format in the storage unit.

[0018] With such a configuration, for example, in response to a request from a device outside the in-vehicle relay device, it is possible to quickly respond based on the setting information in a common data management format with that device.

[0019] (5) In any of (2) to (4) above, with the activation of the in-vehicle relay device, the reflection unit may cause the network processing unit to reflect the setting content of the setting information in the first data management format in the storage unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit.

[0020] With such a configuration, after the in-vehicle relay device is activated, the processing performed by the network processing unit can be started earlier using the setting information in the data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the function of the network processing unit.

[0021] (6) In any of (2) to (5) above, the in-vehicle relay device may include a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) that receives the change instruction and a relay IC that has a relay function. The update unit may be included in the communication IC, and the reflection unit may be included in the relay IC. The setting information in the first data management format specific to the hardware that realizes the function of the network processing unit may be stored in the built-in memory of the relay IC.

[0022] With such a configuration, since the reflection unit included in the relay IC can reflect the setting content indicated by the setting information stored in the built-in memory of the relay IC in the relay function of the relay IC realized by, for example, hardware, the setting content indicated by the setting information can be reflected by simple processing without communication between the communication IC and the relay IC.

[0023] (7) In any of (2) to (5) above, the in-vehicle relay device may include a communication IC that receives the change instruction and a relay IC that has a relay function. The update unit may be included in the communication IC, and the reflection unit may be included in the communication IC. The setting information in the first data management format specific to the software that realizes the function of the network processing unit may be stored in the built-in memory of the communication IC.

[0024] With such a configuration, the reflection unit included in the communication IC can reflect the setting content indicated by the setting information stored in the built-in memory of the communication IC in the functions of the communication IC realized by, for example, software. Therefore, the setting content indicated by the setting information can be reflected by simple processing without communication between the communication IC and the relay IC.

[0025] (8) In any one of (2) to (5) above, the in-vehicle relay device may include a communication IC that receives the change instruction, a relay IC having a relay function, and a memory IC, and at least a part of the setting information may be stored in the memory IC.

[0026] With such a configuration, compared with a configuration in which the setting information is stored in the built-in memory of the relay IC or the communication IC, the sizes of the built-in memories of the relay IC and the communication IC can be designed to be smaller, so that the manufacturing cost of the in-vehicle relay device can be reduced.

[0027] (9) The setting change method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a setting change method in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network. The in-vehicle relay device includes a storage unit including a first storage area that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing in the in-vehicle network, and a second storage area that stores predetermined information and is different from the first storage area. The setting change method includes a step of performing an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting content, and a step of reflecting the setting content indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network. In the step of performing the update process, the setting information is updated based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area.

[0028] By such a method, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network changes, for example, the setting information in the first storage area can be updated without changing the program or the like stored in the second storage area. Therefore, compared with the method of reprogramming the in-vehicle relay device, the change in the setting content of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be completed in a shorter time. Thus, the time required for changing the settings of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be shortened.

[0029] (10) The setting change program according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a setting change program used in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network. The in-vehicle relay device includes a storage unit including a first storage area that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing in the in-vehicle network, and a second storage area that is different from the first storage area and stores predetermined information. The computer performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting content, and is a program for causing the computer to function as a reflection unit that reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network. The update unit can update the setting information without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area based on the change instruction.

[0030] With such a configuration, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network changes, for example, the setting information in the first storage area can be updated without changing the program or the like stored in the second storage area. Therefore, compared with the configuration of performing reprogramming of the in-vehicle relay device, the change in the setting content of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be completed in a shorter time. Thus, the time required for changing the settings of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be shortened.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. Also, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0032] [Configuration and Basic Operations] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the in-vehicle network management system 301 includes a relay device 101, a plurality of in-vehicle ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 111, and a management device 151. The in-vehicle network management system 301 is mounted on the vehicle 1. The relay device 101 is an example of an in-vehicle relay device. The relay device 101, the in-vehicle ECU 111, and the management device 151 constitute the in-vehicle network 201.

[0033] The relay device 101 includes a plurality of communication ports PA. The communication port PA is a terminal to which an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 2 can be connected.

[0034] The in-vehicle ECU 111 and the management device 151 are respectively connected to the communication port PA in the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2.

[0035] The in-vehicle ECU 111 is, for example, a TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), an autonomous driving ECU, an engine ECU, a sensor, a navigation device, a human machine interface, and a camera, etc. An application which is software is installed in each in-vehicle ECU 111.

[0036] The relay device 101 is, for example, a gateway device. The relay device 101 performs processing in the in-vehicle network 201. Hereinafter, the processing in the in-vehicle network 201 performed by the relay device 101 is also referred to as "network processing". For example, the relay device 101 performs relay processing for relaying messages exchanged between the in-vehicle ECUs 111 in accordance with the communication standard of Ethernet as network processing. Also, for example, in addition to the relay processing, the relay device 101 further performs diagnostic processing, sleep processing, and wake-up processing as network processing. Details of the network processing will be described later.

[0037] The management device 151 is, for example, an SDN (Software Defined Networking) controller. The management device 151 detects changes in the in-vehicle network 201 due to, for example, an in-vehicle ECU 111 being added or removed in the in-vehicle network 201, or an application in the in-vehicle ECU 111 being added or deleted. When the management device 151 detects a change in the in-vehicle network 201, it performs a process for changing the setting content of the network process performed by the relay device 101. More specifically, the management device 151 generates setting information Cf indicating the setting content of the network process in the in-vehicle network 201 after the change, and transmits a change instruction including the generated setting information Cf to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2.

[0038] When the relay device 101 receives a change instruction from the management device 151, it changes the setting content of the network process according to the received change instruction.

[0039] Note that in the in-vehicle network 201, the configuration is not limited to one in which messages are relayed according to the Ethernet communication standard. For example, a configuration in which messages are relayed according to communication standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) (registered trademark), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network) may also be used.

[0040] (Relay Device) FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the relay device 101 includes a setting unit 10, a network processing unit 20, and a storage unit 30. The setting unit 10 includes a response unit 11, an update unit 12, and a reflection unit 13. The network processing unit 20 includes a relay unit 21, a diagnosis unit 22, and an ECU management unit 23. The storage unit 30 includes storage areas 31 and 32. The storage area 31 is an example of a first storage area. The storage area 32 is an example of a second storage area. Part or all of the setting unit 10 and the network processing unit 20 are realized by, for example, a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The storage unit 30 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory included in the processing circuit.

[0041] The network processing unit 20 performs network processing which is processing in the in-vehicle network 201. More specifically, the relay unit 21 in the network processing unit 20 performs layer 2 level relay processing of transmitting a message received from the in-vehicle ECU 111 via the communication port PA to the destination in-vehicle ECU 111 via the corresponding communication port PA. Further, the diagnosis unit 22 in the network processing unit 20 performs diagnosis processing of confirming the presence or absence of a failure of the in-vehicle ECU 111 by communicating with the in-vehicle ECU 111 via the communication port PA. Further, the ECU management unit 23 in the network processing unit 20 performs sleep processing for stopping the in-vehicle ECU 111 and wake-up processing for starting the in-vehicle ECU 111 by communicating with the in-vehicle ECU 111 via the communication port PA. The relay processing, the diagnosis processing, the sleep processing, and the wake-up processing are examples of network processing.

[0042] The storage unit 30 stores setting information Cf indicating the setting details of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. More specifically, the storage area 31 in the storage unit 30 is a storage area for storing the setting information Cf. The storage area 32 in the storage unit 30 is a storage area for storing predetermined information PI such as programs. The storage areas 31 and 32 are different storage areas sectioned in the storage unit 30. For example, the storage area 31 is a dedicated storage area for storing the setting information Cf. Also, for example, the storage area 32 is a dedicated storage area for storing a program that does not include information indicating the setting details of the network processing as the information PI.

[0043] The setting information Cf includes relay setting tables Ta and Tb indicating the setting details related to the relay processing, a diagnosis setting table Tc indicating the setting details related to the diagnosis processing, a stop setting table Td indicating the setting details related to the sleep processing, and a startup setting table Te indicating the setting details related to the wake-up processing.

[0044] For example, the relay setting table Ta shows the correspondence between the setting items related to the relay processing and the setting details. Also, for example, the relay setting table Tb shows the correspondence between the communication port PA and the in-vehicle ECU 111 connected to the communication port PA. Also, for example, the diagnosis setting table Tc shows the correspondence between the in-vehicle ECU 111 targeted for the diagnosis processing and the port number of the communication port PA to which the in-vehicle ECU 111 is connected. Also, for example, the stop setting table Td shows the correspondence between the sleep conditions, the in-vehicle ECU 111 targeted for the sleep processing under the sleep conditions, and the port number of the communication port PA to which the in-vehicle ECU 111 is connected. Also, for example, the startup setting table Te shows the correspondence between the wake-up conditions, the in-vehicle ECU 111 targeted for the wake-up processing under the wake-up conditions, and the port number of the communication port PA to which the in-vehicle ECU 111 is connected.

[0045] For example, the memory unit 30 stores the setting information Cf in two formats, namely the data management formats Fm1 and Fm2. The data management format Fm1 is an example of the first data management format. The data management format Fm2 is an example of the second data management format. More specifically, the storage area 31 in the memory unit 30 stores the setting information Cf1 which is the setting information Cf in the data management format Fm1, and the setting information Cf2 which is the setting information Cf in the data management format Fm2.

[0046] The setting information Cf1 includes the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 which are the relay setting tables Ta and Tb in the data management format Fm1, the diagnostic setting table Tc1 which is the diagnostic setting table Tc in the data management format Fm1, the stop setting table Td1 which is the stop setting table Td in the data management format Fm1, and the start setting table Te1 which is the start setting table Te in the data management format Fm1.

[0047] The setting information Cf2 includes the relay setting tables Ta2 and Tb2 which are the relay setting tables Ta and Tb in the data management format Fm2, the diagnostic setting table Tc2 which is the diagnostic setting table Tc in the data management format Fm2, the stop setting table Td2 which is the stop setting table Td in the data management format Fm2, and the start setting table Te2 which is the start setting table Te in the data management format Fm2.

[0048] Here, the data management format Fm1 is a data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. Also, the data management format Fm2 is a data management format that does not depend on the hardware and software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. More specifically, the data management format Fm1 is a data management format specific to the hardware, basic software, firmware, or application software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. Also, the data management format Fm2 is a data management format that does not depend on the hardware, basic software, firmware, and application software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. For example, the data management format Fm2 is a standardized data management format such as YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) and MIB (Management Information Base). The data management format Fm2 may be a data management format that conforms to a standardized specification, or a data management format that conforms to a common specification for the products of an automobile manufacturer.

[0049] The reflection unit 13 in the setting unit 10 reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 in the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. For example, when the relay device 101 is started, the reflection unit 13 reflects the setting content of the setting information Cf1 of the data management format Fm1 in the storage unit 30 in the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. More specifically, when the relay device 101 is started, the reflection unit 13 acquires the setting information Cf1 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 and outputs a setting instruction including the acquired setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20.

[0050] Each unit in the network processing unit 20 receives a setting instruction from the reflection unit 13 and starts network processing including relay processing according to the setting information Cf1 included in the received setting instruction. Also, when each unit in the network processing unit 20 starts network processing according to the setting information Cf1, it outputs a completion response to the reflection unit 13.

[0051] When the response unit 11 in the setting unit 10 receives a management information request, which is a request regarding the setting content of network processing performed by the network processing unit 20, it makes a response to the management information request based on the setting information Cf2 of the data management format Fm2 in the storage unit 30. More specifically, when the response unit 11 receives a management information request from the management device 151 via the communication port PA, it acquires the setting information Cf2 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30. Then, as a response to the management information request, the response unit 11 transmits a management information response including part or all of the acquired setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA. Note that the response unit 11 may transmit a management information response further including the communication log of the data management format Fm2 to the management device 151.

[0052] When the update unit 12 in the setting unit 10 receives a change instruction for changing the setting content of network processing performed by the network processing unit 20, it performs an update process of updating the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30. The update unit 12 can update the setting information Cf without changing the information PI stored in the storage area 32 of the storage unit 30 based on the change instruction. More specifically, when the update unit 12 receives a change instruction including the setting information Cf indicating the changed setting content from the management device 151 via the communication port PA, it acquires the setting information Cf from the received change instruction. The update unit 12 updates the setting information Cf in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the setting information Cf acquired from the change instruction without changing the information PI such as the program stored in the storage area 32 of the storage unit 30.

[0053] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are diagrams showing an example of a relay setting table generated by a management device in an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the management device 151 detects a change in the in-vehicle network 201, it generates setting information Cf2 indicating the setting content of network processing in the changed in-vehicle network 201.

[0054] More specifically, the management device 151 generates a relay setting table Ta2 in the data management format Fm2 that shows the correspondence between the setting items related to the relay process and the setting contents. As an example, the management device 151 generates a relay setting table Ta2 that indicates not to perform MAC address learning in the relay process.

[0055] In addition, the management device 151 generates a relay setting table Tb2 in the data management format Fm2 that shows the correspondence between the port number of the communication port PA in the relay device 101 and the MAC address of the in-vehicle ECU 111 connected to the communication port PA.

[0056] The management device 151 generates setting information Cf2 including the relay setting tables Ta2 and Tb2, and transmits a change instruction including the generated setting information Cf2 to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2.

[0057] The update unit 12 receives a change instruction including the setting information Cf2 from the management device 151 via the communication port PA. In the update process, the update unit 12 stores the setting information Cf2 included in the received change instruction in the storage unit 30. More specifically, the update unit 12 updates the setting information Cf2 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 with the setting information Cf2 obtained from the change instruction.

[0058] In addition, the update unit 12 converts the setting information Cf2 included in the received change instruction into the data management format Fm1 and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0059] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams showing an example of a relay setting table generated by the update unit in the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIGS. 5 and 6, "h" means that the 8 digits before h are represented in hexadecimal, and "b" means that the 8 digits before b are represented in binary.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the update unit 12 converts the relay setting table Ta2 included in the setting information Cf2 into the relay setting table Ta1 in the data management format Fm1. In the relay setting table Ta1, the least significant bit of the setting value corresponding to the address "10000000h" is "zero", indicating that MAC address learning is not performed in the relay process.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, the update unit 12 converts the relay setting table Tb2 included in the setting information Cf2 into the relay setting table Tb1 in the data management format Fm1. In the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "10000004h" indicates "00-00-5E-00", which is the upper 4 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "zero" in the relay setting table Tb2. Also, in the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "10000008h" indicates "53-00", which is the lower 2 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "zero" in the relay setting table Tb2, and "00-00", which is the upper 2 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "1" in the relay setting table Tb2.

[0062] Also, in the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "1000000Ah" indicates "5E-00-53-01", which is the lower 4 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "1" in the relay setting table Tb2. Also, in the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "10000010h" indicates "00-00-5E-00", which is the upper 4 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "2" in the relay setting table Tb2.

[0063] The update unit 12 updates the setting information Cf1 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the setting information Cf1 including the converted relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1. Also, the update unit 12 outputs the setting information Cf1 to the reflection unit 13.

[0064] When the reflection unit 13 receives the setting information Cf1 from the update unit 12, it outputs a setting instruction including the received setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20.

[0065] Each unit in the network processing unit 20 receives a setting instruction from the reflection unit 13 and changes the setting content of network processing including relay processing according to the setting information Cf1 included in the received setting instruction. Also, when each unit in the network processing unit 20 changes the setting content of network processing, it outputs a completion response to the reflection unit 13.

[0066] (Hardware Configuration of the Relay Device) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the relay device 101 includes a processor 50 and a switch IC 60. The processor 50 receives a change instruction from the management device 151. The switch IC 60 has a relay function. The processor 50 is an example of a communication IC. The switch IC is an example of a relay IC. The above-described data management format Fm1 is a data management format specific to the software in the processor 50 and the switch IC.

[0067] The response unit 11, the update unit 12, the reflection unit 13A which is the reflection unit 13, the diagnosis unit 22, and the ECU management unit 23 are included in the processor 50. For example, the software in the processor 50 realizes the functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23 among the functions of the network processing unit 20.

[0068] The reflection unit 13B which is the reflection unit 13 and the relay unit 21 are included in the switch IC 60. For example, the switch IC 60 realizes the function of the relay unit 21 among the functions of the network processing unit 20.

[0069] The setting information Cf1 of the data management format Fm1 specific to the switch IC 60 that realizes the function of the relay unit 21 is stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60. More specifically, the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 among the setting information Cf1 are stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60.

[0070] The setting information Cf1 of the data management format Fm1 specific to the software that realizes the functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23 is stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50. More specifically, among the setting information Cf1, the diagnosis setting table Tc, the stop setting table Td, and the start setting table Te are stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50. Also, the setting information Cf2 is stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50.

[0071] The update unit 12 receives a change instruction from the management device 151 via the communication port PA, and updates the setting information Cf2 in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50 to the setting information Cf2 included in the received change instruction.

[0072] Also, the update unit 12 converts the setting information Cf2 into the setting information Cf1 of the data management format Fm1. The update unit 12 updates the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC60 to the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 among the converted setting information Cf1. Also, the update unit 12 updates the diagnosis setting table Tc1, the stop setting table Td1, and the start setting table Te1 in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50 to the diagnosis setting table Tc1, the stop setting table Td1, and the start setting table Te1 among the converted setting information Cf1.

[0073] The reflection unit 13A reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information Cf1 in the built-in memory 51 in the network processing performed by the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23. More specifically, when the relay device 101 is activated, the reflection unit 13A acquires the setting information Cf1 including the diagnosis setting table Tc1, the stop setting table Td1, and the start setting table Te1 from the built-in memory 51, and outputs a setting instruction including each acquired table to the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23.

[0074] The reflection unit 13B reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information Cf1 in the built-in memory 61 in the network processing performed by the relay unit 21. More specifically, when the relay device 101 is activated, the reflection unit 13B acquires the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 from the built-in memory 61 and outputs a setting instruction including the acquired relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 to the relay unit 21.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a relay device according to a modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the relay device 101A further includes a memory IC 70 compared to the relay device 101. The setting information Cf1 and Cf2 are stored in the memory IC 70. Note that a part of the setting information Cf1 and Cf2 may be stored in the built-in memory 51 or the built-in memory 61.

[0076] [Flow of operation] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of setting changes for network processing in an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 9, first, when the management device 151 detects a change in the in-vehicle network 201, the management device 151 generates setting information Cf2 indicating the setting content of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 after the change (step S11).

[0078] Next, the management device 151 transmits a change instruction including the generated setting information Cf2 to the setting unit 10 in the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2 (step S12).

[0079] Next, the setting unit 10 converts the setting information Cf2 included in the change instruction received from the management device 151 into setting information Cf1 in the data management format Fm1 (step S13).

[0080] Next, the setting unit 10 outputs a setting instruction including the converted setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20 (step S14).

[0081] Next, the network processing unit 20 changes the setting content of network processing according to the setting information Cf1 included in the setting instruction received from the setting unit 10 (step S15).

[0082] Next, the network processing unit 20 outputs a completion response to the setting unit 10 (step S16).

[0083] Next, the setting unit 10 stores the setting information Cf1 and Cf2 in the storage unit 30. More specifically, the setting unit 10 updates the setting information Cf2 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the setting information Cf2 included in the change instruction received from the management device 151. Also, the setting unit 10 updates the setting information Cf1 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the converted setting information Cf1 (step S17).

[0084] Note that the order of steps S14, S15, S16, and S17 is not limited to the above, and the order may be changed. Also, in the in-vehicle network management system 301, the processes of steps S14, S15, and S16 may not be performed.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of network processing settings after startup in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 10, first, when the relay device 101 starts up, the setting unit 10 acquires the setting information Cf1 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 (step S21).

[0087] Next, the setting unit 10 outputs a setting instruction including the acquired setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20 (step S22).

[0088] Next, the network processing unit 20 starts network processing according to the setting information Cf1 included in the setting instruction received from the setting unit 10 (step S23).

[0089] Next, the network processing unit 20 outputs a completion response to the setting unit 10 (step S24).

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of requests and responses for setting information in an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 11, first, the management device 151 transmits a management information request to the setting unit 10 in the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2 (step S31).

[0092] Next, the setting unit 10 receives the management information request from the management device 151 and acquires the setting information Cf2 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 (step S32).

[0093] Next, the setting unit 10 transmits a management information response including the acquired setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA (step S33).

[0094] In the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the storage unit 30 is configured to store the setting information Cf1 in the data management format Fm1 and the setting information Cf2 in the data management format Fm2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage unit 30 may be configured not to store either one of the setting information Cf1 and Cf2.

[0095] Also, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the update unit 12 is configured to save the setting information Cf2 included in the change instruction received from the management device 151 in the storage unit 30, convert the setting information Cf2 into the setting information Cf1, and save the setting information Cf1 in the storage unit 30, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The update unit 12 may be configured to save the setting information Cf2 in the storage unit 30 while not performing the conversion of the setting information Cf2 into the setting information Cf1 and the saving of the setting information Cf1. Also, the update unit 12 may be configured to convert the setting information Cf2 into the setting information Cf1 and save the setting information Cf1 in the storage unit 30 while not saving the setting information Cf2.

[0096] Also, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the response unit 11 is configured to acquire the setting information Cf2 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 and transmit a management information response including the setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The response unit 11 may be configured to transmit a management information response including the setting information Cf1 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA instead of the setting information Cf2.

[0097] Also, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the relay device 101 is configured to include the response unit 11, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The relay device 101 may be configured not to include the response unit 11.

[0098] Also, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the reflection unit 13 is configured to acquire the setting information Cf1 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 and output a setting instruction including the acquired setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20 when the relay device 101 is activated, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The reflection unit 13 may be configured to output a setting instruction including the setting information Cf2 to the network processing unit 20 instead of the setting information Cf1.

[0099] Also, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the software in the processor 50 is configured to realize the functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23 may be realized by hardware instead of or in addition to software.

[0100] Also, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the switch IC 60 is configured to realize the function of the relay unit 21, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The function of the relay unit 21 may be realized by the processor 50 or software instead of or in addition to the switch IC 60.

[0101] Further, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the reflection unit 13A is included in the processor 50 and the reflection unit 13B is included in the switch IC 60, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The reflection unit 13A may be included in the switch IC 60. Further, the reflection unit 13B may be included in the processor 50.

[0102] Further, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the update unit 12 is included in the processor 50, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The update unit 12 may be included in the switch IC 60.

[0103] Further, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 are stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 may be stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50.

[0104] Further, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the diagnosis setting table Tc, the stop setting table Td, and the start setting table Te are stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The diagnosis setting table Tc, the stop setting table Td, and the start setting table Te may be stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60.

[0105] By the way, a technique capable of shortening the time required for changing the settings of network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 is desired.

[0106] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when updating the software of the in-vehicle device or the like, reprogramming of the in-vehicle device is performed. However, for example, when reprogramming the relay device 101 to change the setting content of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20, a long time is required for changing the network processing settings.

[0107] In contrast, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network processing unit 20 performs network processing in the in-vehicle network 201. The storage unit 30 stores setting information Cf indicating the setting content of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. The update unit 12 performs an update process of updating the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 based on a change instruction for changing the setting content. The reflection unit 13 reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 in the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. The storage unit 30 includes a storage area 31 for storing the setting information Cf and a storage area 32 for storing predetermined information PI, which is different from the storage area 31. The update unit 12 can update the setting information Cf based on the change instruction without changing the information PI in the storage area 32.

[0108] With such a configuration, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network 201 changes, for example, the setting information Cf in the storage area 31 can be updated without changing the program or the like stored in the storage area 32. Therefore, compared with the configuration for reprogramming the relay device 101, the change in the setting content of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 can be completed in a shorter time. Accordingly, the time required for changing the setting of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 can be shortened.

[0109] The above embodiment should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims be included.

[0110] Each process (each function) of the above-described embodiment is realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured by, in addition to the one or more processors, an integrated circuit in which one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital circuits are combined. The one or more memories store a program (instruction) for causing the one or more processors to execute each process. The one or more processors may execute each process according to the program read from the one or more memories, or may execute each process according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each process. The processor may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that the plurality of physically separated processors may cooperate with each other to execute each process. For example, the processors mounted on each of a plurality of physically separated computers may cooperate with each other to execute each process via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet. The program may be installed in the memory via the network from an external server device or the like, or may be distributed in a state stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and a semiconductor memory, and may be installed in the memory from the recording medium.

[0111] The above description includes the features appended below. [Appendix 1] A network processing unit that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, and A storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting details of the processing performed by the network processing unit; An update unit that performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting details; A reflection unit that reflects the setting details indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit; The storage unit includes a first storage area that stores the setting information and a second storage area that stores predetermined information, which is different from the first storage area; The update unit can update the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area; The second storage area stores a program; The update unit updates the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the program stored in the second storage area. An in-vehicle relay device.

[0112] [Appendix 2] An in-vehicle relay device, A processing circuit; A storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting details of the processing in the in-vehicle network; The processing circuit Performs processing in the in-vehicle network, Performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting details, Reflects the setting details indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, The storage unit includes a first storage area that stores the setting information and a second storage area that stores predetermined information, which is different from the first storage area; The processing circuit can update the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area. An in-vehicle relay device.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 1 Vehicle 2 Ethernet Cable 10 Setting Unit 11 Response Unit 12 Update Unit 13, 13A, 13B Reflection Unit 20 Network Processing Unit 21 Relay Unit 22 Diagnosis Unit 23 ECU Management Unit 30 Memory Unit 31, 32 Memory Areas 50 Processor 51 Built-in Memory 60 Switch IC 61 Built-in Memory 70 Memory IC 101 Relay Device 111 In-vehicle ECU 151 Management Device 201 In-vehicle Network 301 In-vehicle Network Management System PA Communication Port Ta1, Ta2, Tb1, Tb2 Relay Setting Tables

Claims

1. A network processing unit that performs processing in a vehicle-mounted network, a storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing performed by the network processing unit, an update unit that performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting content, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit, wherein the storage unit includes a first storage area that stores the setting information and a second storage area that stores predetermined information different from the first storage area, and the update unit can update the setting information without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area based on the change instruction. The vehicle-mounted relay device.

2. The storage unit stores the setting information in two formats: a first data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the function of the network processing unit, and a second data management format that does not depend on the hardware and the software. The vehicle-mounted relay device according to claim 1.

3. The update unit acquires the change instruction including the setting information in the second data management format indicating the changed setting content, and in the update process, the update unit stores the setting information included in the change instruction in the storage unit and converts the setting information included in the change instruction into the first data management format and stores it in the storage unit. The vehicle-mounted relay device according to claim 2.

4. The vehicle-mounted relay device further includes a response unit that receives a request regarding the setting content and performs a response to the request based on the setting information in the second data management format in the storage unit. The vehicle-mounted relay device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The reflection unit reflects the setting content of the setting information in the first data management format in the storage unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit when the vehicle-mounted relay device is started. The vehicle-mounted relay device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

6. The vehicle-mounted relay device includes a communication IC that receives the change instruction, and a relay IC that has a relay function, wherein the update unit is included in the communication IC, and the reflection unit is included in the relay IC. The in-vehicle relay device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the setting information in the first data management format specific to the hardware that realizes the functions of the network processing unit is stored in the built-in memory of the relay IC.

7. The in-vehicle relay device includes a communication IC that receives the change instruction, and a relay IC having a relay function, wherein the update unit is included in the communication IC, and the reflection unit is included in the communication IC, The in-vehicle relay device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the setting information in the first data management format specific to the software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit is stored in the built-in memory of the communication IC.

8. The in-vehicle relay device includes a communication IC that receives the change instruction, a relay IC having a relay function, and a memory IC, wherein at least a part of the setting information is stored in the memory IC, and the in-vehicle relay device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

9. A setting change method in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, wherein the in-vehicle relay device includes a storage unit including a first storage area that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing in the in-vehicle network, and a second storage area that stores predetermined information different from the first storage area, the setting change method includes a step of performing an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting content, and a step of reflecting the setting content indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, wherein in the step of performing the update process, the setting information is updated based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area.

10. A setting change program used in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, wherein the in-vehicle relay device includes a storage unit including a first storage area that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing in the in-vehicle network, and a second storage area that stores predetermined information different from the first storage area, the computer includes an update unit that performs an update process of updating the setting information in the storage unit based on a change instruction for changing the setting content, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information in the storage unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network. A program for causing it to function as, The update unit is a setting change program capable of updating the setting information without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area based on the change instruction.

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