In-vehicle network management system, in-vehicle network management method, and in-vehicle network management program

Abstract

Easily change the settings of the in-vehicle network. [Solution] An in-vehicle network management system for managing settings for multiple messages, comprising: a first setting unit that performs a selection process to select a first setting pattern from among a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns, which are a plurality of setting patterns necessary for the settings; and a second setting unit that performs a generation process to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, wherein the plurality of messages are transmitted in an in-vehicle network installed in a vehicle, the plurality of messages include a first message and a second message, the first setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the settings for the first message, and the second setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the settings for the second message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle network management system, an in-vehicle network management method, and an in-vehicle network management program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for changing settings of a relay device or the like in an in-vehicle network have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-6523) discloses the following technique. That is, a relay device is a relay device that relays frames from a plurality of control units connected to a network, and includes a receiving unit that receives the frames from the control units, a plurality of transmitting units that are individually connected to each of the control units and transmit the frames to the destination of the frames by a weighted round-robin method, a transfer unit that transfers the frames to the transmitting unit of the destination, and a control unit that calculates a weight parameter used to determine the transmission order of the frames transmitted from the transmitting unit based on the data size information of the frames. The transmitting unit includes a plurality of transmission buffers with determined priority levels for storing the frames transferred from the transfer unit, and a scheduler that determines the transmission order of the frames based on the weight parameter calculated by the control unit and transmits the frames from the transmission buffer to the control unit of the destination via a transmission port in accordance with the transmission order.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In recent years, development has been progressing on vehicles that can dynamically change the settings of their in-vehicle networks using SDN (Software Defined Network) technology.

[0005] Designing a network to ensure communication quality in an in-vehicle network requires significant resources and computation time. Because resources are limited in in-vehicle networks, designing a network using SDN technology in a vehicle presents challenges.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle network management system, an in-vehicle network management method, and an in-vehicle network management program that enable easy modification of in-vehicle network settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The in-vehicle network management system of this disclosure is an in-vehicle network management system for managing settings for a plurality of messages, comprising: a first setting unit that performs a selection process to select a first setting pattern from a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns, which are a plurality of setting patterns necessary for the settings; and a second setting unit that performs a generation process to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, wherein the plurality of messages are transmitted in an in-vehicle network installed in a vehicle, the plurality of messages include a first message and a second message, the first setting pattern is a setting pattern necessary for the settings for the first message, and the second setting pattern is a setting pattern necessary for the settings for the second message.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as an in-vehicle network management system equipped with such characteristic processing units, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the in-vehicle network management system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the settings of the in-vehicle network can be easily changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a novel network in an in-vehicle system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of connection device information held by an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of specification information held by an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the server configuration according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a connection configuration table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a message table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a network table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting table held by a server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting pattern held by a server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of generation processing by a server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a setting pattern generated by the generation processing of a server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure makes a setting change. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure when a server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure performs selection processing and generation processing. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processing of each device in a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle relay device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure makes a setting change.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) The in-vehicle network management system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle network management system for managing settings for a plurality of messages, comprising: a first setting unit that performs a selection process to select a first setting pattern from among a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns, which are a plurality of setting patterns necessary for the settings; and a second setting unit that performs a generation process to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, wherein the plurality of messages are transmitted in an in-vehicle network installed in a vehicle, the plurality of messages include a first message and a second message, the first setting pattern is a setting pattern necessary for the settings for the first message, and the second setting pattern is a setting pattern necessary for the settings for the second message.

[0012] In this way, by selecting a setting pattern for a given message from a pre-designed set of multiple settings patterns, and dynamically generating setting patterns for other messages, the number of dynamically generated setting patterns can be reduced, thereby reducing the resources and computation time required to determine the setting patterns. Consequently, it becomes easier to change the settings of the in-vehicle network.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, the first setting unit may perform the selection process before the generation process performed by the second setting unit, and the second setting unit may perform the generation process using the result of the selection process performed by the first setting unit.

[0014] This configuration makes it possible to generate a more appropriate second setting pattern based on the selection result of the first setting pattern.

[0015] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the second setting unit may perform the generation process according to the combination of the in-vehicle network connection configuration and the message specifications.

[0016] This configuration allows for the generation of a more appropriate second configuration pattern depending on the in-vehicle network connection configuration and message specifications.

[0017] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the in-vehicle network management system may include an external device located outside the vehicle, and the external device may include the second setting unit.

[0018] The computational load during generation is greater than that during selection. As described above, by configuring the generation process to be performed in a device outside the vehicle, the processing load on the vehicle can be reduced compared to a configuration where the generation process is performed within the vehicle.

[0019] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the in-vehicle network management system may further include a verification unit that verifies the first setting pattern selected by the first setting unit and the second setting pattern generated by the second setting unit.

[0020] With this configuration, when settings are changed according to the first and second setting patterns, it is possible to verify whether the various communication requirements are met, thereby confirming whether each determined setting pattern is appropriate.

[0021] (6) In the above (5), the in-vehicle network management system includes an external device located outside the vehicle, and the external device may include the verification unit.

[0022] The computational load required to verify the first and second setting patterns is greater than the computational load required for other processes. As described above, by configuring verification to be performed on equipment outside the vehicle, the processing load on the vehicle can be reduced compared to a configuration in which verification is performed on the vehicle.

[0023] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the message to be configured may be classified into the first message or the second message based on at least one of the communication requirements of the message to be configured, the method for determining the configuration pattern, and the time required to design the configuration pattern.

[0024] This configuration allows for a more appropriate decision on whether to select the configuration pattern for the message to be configured from a pre-designed set of design patterns or to dynamically generate it, depending on the communication requirements, differences in how the configuration pattern is determined, or the design time for the configuration pattern.

[0025] (8) An in-vehicle network management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle network management method in an in-vehicle network management system for managing settings for a plurality of messages, comprising the steps of: performing a selection process to select a first setting pattern from among a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns, which are a plurality of setting patterns necessary for the settings; and performing a generation process to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, wherein the plurality of messages are transmitted in an in-vehicle network installed in a vehicle, the plurality of messages include a first message and a second message, the first setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the settings for the first message, and the second setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the settings for the second message.

[0026] In this way, by selecting a configuration pattern for a given message from a pre-designed set of configuration patterns and dynamically generating configuration patterns for other messages, the number of dynamically generated configuration patterns can be reduced, thereby reducing the resources and computation time required to determine the configuration patterns. Consequently, configuration changes to the in-vehicle network can be easily performed.

[0027] (9) The in-vehicle network management program according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle network management program used in an in-vehicle network management system that manages settings for a plurality of messages, and is a program that causes a computer to function as a first setting unit that performs a selection process to select a first setting pattern from a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns which are a plurality of setting patterns necessary for the setting, and a second setting unit that performs a generation process to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, wherein the plurality of messages are transmitted in an in-vehicle network installed in a vehicle, the plurality of messages include a first message and a second message, the first setting pattern is a setting pattern necessary for the setting of the first message, and the second setting pattern is a setting pattern necessary for the setting of the second message.

[0028] In this way, by selecting a setting pattern for a given message from a pre-designed set of multiple settings patterns, and dynamically generating setting patterns for other messages, the number of dynamically generated setting patterns can be reduced, thereby reducing the resources and computation time required to determine the setting patterns. Consequently, it becomes easier to change the settings of the in-vehicle network.

[0029] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0030] <First Embodiment> [Communication System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the communication system 501 comprises a server 150 and one or more in-vehicle systems 301. The in-vehicle systems 301 are mounted on a vehicle 1. The server 150 is located outside the vehicle 1. The server 150 is an example of an external device.

[0031] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2, the in-vehicle system 301 comprises a plurality of in-vehicle relay devices 101 and a plurality of in-vehicle devices 202.

[0032] In-vehicle equipment 202 includes in-vehicle ECUs (Electronic Control Units), OTA (Over The Air) masters, sensors, actuators, navigation systems, human-machine interfaces, and cameras. In-vehicle ECUs include TCUs (Telematics Communication Units), engine ECUs, autonomous driving ECUs, steering ECUs, and door lock ECUs.

[0033] Multiple in-vehicle relay devices 101 and multiple in-vehicle devices 202 constitute an in-vehicle network 401.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 1, the in-vehicle system 301 includes in-vehicle relay devices 101A and 101B, which are in-vehicle relay devices 101. Also in the example shown in Figure 1, the in-vehicle system 301 includes in-vehicle equipment 202, which are in-vehicle equipment 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D, 202E and 202F.

[0035] The in-vehicle equipment 202 is connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101, for example, via an Ethernet® cable 51.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 1, the in-vehicle devices 202A and 202B are connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the Ethernet cable 51. The in-vehicle devices 202C, 202D, and 202E are connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101B via the Ethernet cable 51.

[0037] More specifically, the in-vehicle relay device 101 includes a plurality of communication ports 10. Each communication port 10 is a connector to which an Ethernet cable 51 can be connected. In the example shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle relay device 101 includes communication ports 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, which are the communication ports 10.

[0038] Each in-vehicle device 202 is equipped with a communication port 20. The communication port 20 is a connector to which an Ethernet cable 51 can be connected.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle devices 202A and 202C are equipped with communication port 20A, which is communication port 20. The in-vehicle device 202B is equipped with communication port 20B, which is communication port 20. The in-vehicle device 202D is equipped with communication port 20C, which is communication port 20. The in-vehicle device 202E is equipped with communication port 20D, which is communication port 20.

[0040] The communication port 10A of the in-vehicle relay device 101A and the communication port 20A of the in-vehicle device 202A are connected via Ethernet cable 51. The communication port 10B of the in-vehicle relay device 101A and the communication port 20B of the in-vehicle device 202B are connected via Ethernet cable 51. The communication port 10A of the in-vehicle relay device 101B and the communication port 20A of the in-vehicle device 202C are connected via Ethernet cable 51. The communication port 10C of the in-vehicle relay device 101B and the communication port 20C of the in-vehicle device 202D are connected via Ethernet cable 51. The communication port 10D of the in-vehicle relay device 101B and the communication port 20D of the in-vehicle device 202E are connected via Ethernet cable 51.

[0041] The in-vehicle relay device 101A is connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101B via an Ethernet cable 52.

[0042] More specifically, the communication port 10C of the in-vehicle relay device 101A and the communication port 10B of the in-vehicle relay device 101B are connected via an Ethernet cable 52.

[0043] Each communication port 10 and each communication port 20 is assigned a unique port number P and port number Q. Here, the port numbers P for communication ports 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are P1, P2, P3, and P4, respectively. The port numbers Q for communication ports 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D are Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively.

[0044] The in-vehicle device 202 transmits frames containing various messages to other in-vehicle devices 202 via the in-vehicle relay device 101.

[0045] Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 301 is not limited to a configuration comprising two in-vehicle relay devices 101, but may also be configured to comprise one or three or more in-vehicle relay devices 101.

[0046] Furthermore, the in-vehicle equipment 202 is not limited to being connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101 via an Ethernet cable 51, but may also be connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101 via a transmission line conforming to other communication standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) (registered trademark), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and CXPI (Clock Extension Peripheral Interface) (registered trademark).

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle device 202A is a TCU. In the following explanation, the in-vehicle device 202A will also be referred to as TCU202A.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the TCU202A communicates with the server 150, for example, via the wireless base station device 171.

[0049] More specifically, the TCU202A communicates wirelessly with the wireless base station equipment 171 in accordance with communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark) or 5G.

[0050] Specifically, when the TCU202A receives an Ethernet frame containing various information from the in-vehicle relay device 101, it transmits a wireless signal containing the said information to the wireless base station device 171.

[0051] When the wireless base station device 171 receives a wireless signal from the TCU 202A, it transmits various information contained in the received wireless signal to the server 150 via an external network 161 such as the Internet.

[0052] Furthermore, when the wireless base station device 171 receives an IP packet from the server 150 via the external network 161, it includes the received IP packet in a wireless signal and transmits it to the TCU 202A.

[0053] When TCU202A receives a radio signal containing IP packets from server 150 via radio base station equipment 171, it retrieves the IP packets from the received radio signal, stores the retrieved IP packets in one or more frames, and transmits them to the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0054] [New Network] In the following explanation, the in-vehicle equipment 202 newly added to the in-vehicle network 401 will also be referred to as "new equipment," and the in-vehicle network 401 including the new equipment will also be referred to as the "new network." In addition, the in-vehicle equipment 202 included in the in-vehicle network 401 before the addition of the new equipment will also be referred to as "existing equipment."

[0055] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a new network in an in-vehicle system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 in which an in-vehicle device 202F has been newly added to the in-vehicle network 401 shown in Figure 2.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, the in-vehicle equipment 202F is connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via, for example, an Ethernet cable 51.

[0057] More specifically, the in-vehicle device 202F is equipped with a communication port 20D, which is a communication port 20. The communication port 10D of the in-vehicle relay device 101A and the communication port 20D of the in-vehicle device 202F are connected via an Ethernet cable 51.

[0058] [Message priority] Priorities are assigned to the various messages transmitted in the in-vehicle network 401. Specifically, for example, each message is assigned one of three priorities: "high," "medium," or "low."

[0059] In the following explanation, a message with "high" priority will also be referred to as message Ma, and a message with "medium" priority will also be referred to as message Mb. Message Ma is an example of the first type of message, and message Mb is an example of the second type of message.

[0060] [Vehicle-mounted relay device] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0061] Referring to Figure 4, the in-vehicle relay device 101 comprises a relay unit 11, a processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The processing unit 12 includes a detection unit 21, a network management unit 22, and a setting unit 23. One or both of the relay unit 11 and the processing unit 12 are implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including, for example, one or more processors. The storage unit 13 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the above-mentioned processing circuit.

[0062] (Relay section) The relay unit 11 performs relay processing to relay messages transmitted and received between in-vehicle devices 202. More specifically, when the relay unit 11 receives a frame containing a message from one in-vehicle device 202, it transmits the received frame to the destination in-vehicle device 202.

[0063] The storage unit 13 stores an address table showing the correspondence between the port number P of the communication port 10 and the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the device connected to the communication port 10. The relay unit 11 performs relay processing using the address table in the storage unit 13.

[0064] Furthermore, when the relay unit 11 receives a frame from an in-vehicle device 202 destined for its own in-vehicle relay device 101, it outputs the received frame to the processing unit 12.

[0065] The processing unit 12 creates a frame destined for the in-vehicle relay device 101B and outputs the created frame to the relay unit 11. When the relay unit 11 receives the frame from the processing unit 12, it transmits the frame to the in-vehicle relay device 101B.

[0066] (Detection unit) The detection unit 21 detects the addition of new equipment to the in-vehicle network 401. In this case, the detection unit 21 detects the addition of in-vehicle equipment 202F connected to the communication port 10D of its own in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0067] More specifically, for example, when the in-vehicle device 202F is connected to the communication port 10D of the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it sends connection request information to the in-vehicle relay device 101A to request a communication connection in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0068] When the detection unit 21 receives connection request information from the in-vehicle device 202F via the relay unit 11, it performs authentication processing on the in-vehicle device 202F using the ID (Identifier) ​​and authentication password included in the received connection request information.

[0069] When the detection unit 21 successfully authenticates the in-vehicle device 202F, it transmits authentication success information to the in-vehicle device 202F via the relay unit 11, indicating that the authentication process was successful.

[0070] Furthermore, when the detection unit 21 successfully authenticates the in-vehicle device 202F, it outputs detection information indicating the ID of the new device to the network management unit 22.

[0071] The detection unit 21 may also be configured to periodically broadcast a search message via the relay unit 11 to detect new devices. In this case, the new device receives the search message and sends connection request information as a response to the received search message.

[0072] Furthermore, the detection unit 21 is not limited to a configuration that detects the addition of new devices to the in-vehicle network 401, but may also be configured to detect the addition of applications installed on the in-vehicle device 202, and to detect updates to the software incorporated in the in-vehicle device 202, etc.

[0073] (Network Management Department) The network management unit 22 acquires device information, including information regarding the configuration of the new network.

[0074] More specifically, when the network management unit 22 receives detection information from the detection unit 21, it acquires the device information of the new device indicated by the detection information, as well as the device information of the existing device.

[0075] For example, the network management unit 22 acquires topology information that allows recognition of the topology of the new network, and message information that allows recognition of the message specifications in the new network, as device information.

[0076] For example, topology information includes the ID of the in-vehicle relay device 101 to which the new or existing equipment is connected, and the port number Q of the communication port 20 in the new or existing equipment that is connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101.

[0077] For example, message information includes the type of message, the ID of the in-vehicle device 202 that sends the message (hereinafter also referred to as the "sender device"), the ID of the in-vehicle device 202 that receives the message (hereinafter also referred to as the "recipient device"), the priority assigned to the message, and the communication bandwidth that should be reserved in the in-vehicle relay device 101 for message relay processing (hereinafter also referred to as the "required bandwidth").

[0078] The message information may include, in place of or in addition to, the ID of the source device, the ID of the destination device, priority, and some or all of the required bandwidth, the message size, transmission interval, the functional safety level assigned to the source device, the security level, the transport layer communication protocol used for sending and receiving messages between the in-vehicle devices 202, transmission conditions, transmission timing, allowable delay time, and allowable loss rate.

[0079] When the network management unit 22 receives detection information from the detection unit 21, it sends an information request notification C1 indicating a request for the transmission of topology information, and an information request notification C2 indicating a request for the transmission of message information, to the new device and the existing device.

[0080] When new and existing equipment receive an information request notification C1 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, they transmit their topology information to the in-vehicle relay device 101A as a response to the information request notification C1.

[0081] Furthermore, when new and existing devices receive an information request notification C2 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, they send their own message information to the in-vehicle relay device 101A as a response to the information request notification C2. In this case, new and existing devices send message information to the in-vehicle relay device 101A that indicates their own ID as the ID of the source device.

[0082] (Connection device information) Figure 5 shows an example of connection device information held by an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0083] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in the in-vehicle relay device 101A, the network management unit 22 acquires connection device information T11 indicating the devices connected to each in-vehicle relay device 101 (hereinafter also referred to as "connection devices").

[0084] For example, the connection device information T11 shows the correspondence between the in-vehicle relay device 101, the port number P of the communication port 10, the devices connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101, and the port number of the connection device.

[0085] For example, when the network management unit 22 receives topology information from new and existing devices via the relay unit 11, it creates connection device information T11 based on the received topology information. The network management unit 22 then stores the created connection device information T11 in the storage unit 13.

[0086] (Specifications) Figure 6 shows an example of specification information held by an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0087] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the network management unit 22 acquires specification information T12, which indicates the specifications of the messages transmitted and received between the in-vehicle devices 202.

[0088] For example, specification information T12 shows the correspondence between the message type, the source device, the destination device, the priority assigned to the message, and the required bandwidth.

[0089] For example, when the network management unit 22 receives message information from new and existing devices via the relay unit 11, it creates specification information T12 based on the received message information. The network management unit 22 then stores the created specification information T12 in the storage unit 13.

[0090] In the specification information T12 shown in Figure 6, the priority and required bandwidth of message M1 transmitted from source device "vehicle device 202A" to destination device "vehicle device 202C" are "high" and "1Mbps", respectively. The priority and required bandwidth of message M2 transmitted from source device "vehicle device 202E" to destination device "vehicle device 202C" are "low" and "20Mbps", respectively. The priority and required bandwidth of message M3 transmitted from source device "vehicle device 202B" to destination device "vehicle device 202A" are "medium" and "10Mbps", respectively. The priority and required bandwidth of message M4 transmitted from source device "vehicle device 202F" to destination device "vehicle device 202B" are "low" and "10Mbps", respectively.

[0091] The priority and required bandwidth for message M5, sent from source device "Vehicle Equipment 202F" to destination device "Vehicle Equipment 202D", are "High" and "2Mbps", respectively. The priority and required bandwidth for message M6, sent from source device "Vehicle Equipment 202D" to destination device "Vehicle Equipment 202C", are "High" and "1Mbps", respectively. The priority and required bandwidth for message M7, sent from source device "Vehicle Equipment 202E" to destination device "Vehicle Equipment 202F", are "Medium" and "5Mbps", respectively. The priority and required bandwidth for message M8, sent from source device "Vehicle Equipment 202C" to destination device "Vehicle Equipment 202A", are "Medium" and "1Mbps", respectively.

[0092] Furthermore, the network management unit 22 is not limited to a configuration that creates connection device information T11 and specification information T12. For example, it may be configured to periodically monitor the storage unit 13 and, if the connection device information T11 and specification information T12 are updated by a dealer of vehicle 1 or the like, to obtain the latest connection device information T11 and the latest specification information T12 from the storage unit 13.

[0093] (Transmission of connection device information and specification information) For example, the memory unit 13 stores identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle ID") for identifying vehicle 1.

[0094] The network management unit 22 detects updates to the connected device information T11 and specification information T12 by monitoring the storage unit 13.

[0095] For example, if the network management unit 22 detects an update to the connection device information T11 and the specification information T12 and the detection time indicated by the detection information received from the detection unit 21 is less than or equal to a predetermined value, it sends the latest connection device information T11 and the latest specification information T12 to the server 150.

[0096] Specifically, for example, the network management unit 22 creates in-vehicle network information including the latest connection device information T11 and the latest specification information T12, as well as the vehicle ID stored in the storage unit 13, and transmits the created in-vehicle network information to the server 150 via the relay unit 11 and TCU 202A.

[0097] [server] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 7, the server 150 manages settings for multiple messages transmitted in the in-vehicle network 401. The server 150 comprises a communication unit 31, a selection unit 32, a generation unit 33, a verification unit 34, and a storage unit 35. Some or all of the communication unit 31, the selection unit 32, the generation unit 33, and the verification unit 34 are implemented by a processing circuit including, for example, one or more processors. The storage unit 35 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the processing circuit. The selection unit 32 is an example of a first setting unit, and the generation unit 33 is an example of a second setting unit.

[0098] The communication unit 31 communicates with the TCU 202A by, for example, sending and receiving various information via the external network 161 and the wireless base station equipment 171.

[0099] When the communication unit 31 receives in-vehicle network information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the TCU 202A, it outputs the received in-vehicle network information to the selection unit 32.

[0100] (Connection configuration table) Figure 8 shows an example of a connection configuration table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0101] Referring to Figure 8, the storage unit 35 stores identification information for identifying the connection configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 (hereinafter also referred to as "connection configuration ID") and a connection configuration table Tb1 that shows the correspondence between this information and the connection device information T11.

[0102] The connection configuration IDs registered in the connection configuration table Tb1 shown in Figure 8 are "ID-C1" and "ID-C2," etc. The connection device information T11 corresponding to connection configuration ID "ID-C1" is the connection device information T11 shown in Figure 5. The connection device information T11 corresponding to connection configuration ID "ID-C2" differs from the connection device information T11 shown in Figure 5 in that the in-vehicle equipment 202 connected to the communication port 10A of port number P1 in the in-vehicle relay device 101A and the in-vehicle equipment 202 connected to the communication port 10A of port number P1 in the in-vehicle relay device 101B are different.

[0103] When the selection unit 32 receives in-vehicle network information from the communication unit 31, it refers to the connection configuration table Tb1 in the storage unit 35 to identify the connection configuration ID corresponding to the connection device information T11 included in the in-vehicle network information.

[0104] (Message Table) Figure 9 shows an example of a message table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0105] Referring to Figure 9, the storage unit 35 stores a message table Tb2 for identifying a group of messages Gm, which includes multiple messages Ma with a "high" priority.

[0106] Specifically, for example, the message table Tb2 shows the correspondence between the identification information for identifying the message group Gm (hereinafter also referred to as the "message group ID"), the message type, the source device, the destination device, the priority, and the required bandwidth.

[0107] The message group IDs registered in the message table Tb2 shown in Figure 9 are "ID-G1" and "ID-G2," etc. The message group Gm of message group ID "ID-G1" includes messages M1, M5, and M6 registered in the specification information T12 shown in Figure 6. The message group Gm of message group ID "ID-G2" includes messages M11 and M13. The source device, destination device, and required bandwidth for message M11 are "vehicle device 202B," "vehicle device 202D," and "3Mbps," respectively. The source device, destination device, and required bandwidth for message M13 are "vehicle device 202A," "vehicle device 202B," and "1Mbps," respectively.

[0108] When the selection unit 32 receives in-vehicle network information from the communication unit 31, it refers to the message table Tb2 in the storage unit 35 and identifies a message group ID corresponding to one or more messages Ma with a "high" priority among the multiple messages indicated by the specification information T12 included in the in-vehicle network information.

[0109] (Network Table) Figure 10 shows an example of a network table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0110] Referring to Figure 10, the storage unit 35 stores identification information for identifying the configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 (hereinafter also referred to as "network configuration ID") and a network table Tb3 that shows the correspondence between the connection configuration ID and the message group ID.

[0111] In the network table Tb3 shown in Figure 10, the network configuration ID corresponding to the pair of connection configuration ID "ID-C1" and message group ID "ID-G1" is "ID-N1". The network configuration ID corresponding to the pair of connection configuration ID "ID-C1" and message group ID "ID-G2" is "ID-N2". The network configuration ID corresponding to the pair of connection configuration ID "ID-C2" and message group ID "ID-G1" is "ID-N3".

[0112] When the selection unit 32 identifies the connection configuration ID and the message group ID, it refers to the network configuration ID corresponding to the pair of connection configuration ID and message group ID by referring to the network table Tb3 in the storage unit 35.

[0113] (Configuration table) Figure 11 shows an example of a configuration table held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0114] Referring to Figure 11, for example, the storage unit 35 stores a configuration table Tb4 that shows the correspondence between the network configuration ID and the configuration pattern (hereinafter also referred to as "configuration pattern S") necessary for setting up message Ma. Configuration pattern S is an example of a first configuration pattern.

[0115] In the configuration table Tb4 shown in Figure 11, the configuration pattern S corresponding to network configuration ID "ID-N1" is "Configuration Pattern S1". The configuration pattern S corresponding to network configuration ID "ID-N2" and the configuration pattern S corresponding to network configuration ID "ID-N3" are "Configuration Pattern S2".

[0116] (Selection and generation processes) The selection unit 32 performs a selection process to select a setting pattern S from among a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns.

[0117] The generation unit 33 performs generation processing to dynamically generate a setting pattern (hereinafter also referred to as "setting pattern R") necessary for setting up the message Mb. Setting pattern R is an example of a second setting pattern.

[0118] For example, the selection unit 32 performs the selection process before the generation process by the generation unit 33. Specifically, for example, when the selection unit 32 identifies a network configuration ID, it refers to the setting table Tb4 in the storage unit 35 to identify the setting pattern S corresponding to that network configuration ID.

[0119] Figure 12 shows an example of a configuration pattern held by a server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 12 shows configuration pattern S1.

[0120] Referring to Figure 12, the memory unit 35 stores multiple setting patterns. Each setting pattern shows the correspondence between the in-vehicle relay device 101 to be configured, the port number P of the communication port 10 to be configured, the message priority, and the upper limit of the transfer rate W1 required to ensure the communication quality of message Ma.

[0121] In the example shown in Figure 12, the upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10A with port number P1 and a priority of "high" in the in-vehicle relay device 101A is "5Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10B with port number P2 and a priority of "high" is "20Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10C with port number P3 and a priority of "high" is "10Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10D with port number P4 and a priority of "high" is "25Mbps".

[0122] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 12, the upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10A with port number P1 and a priority of "high" in the in-vehicle relay device 101B is "10Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10B with port number P2 and a priority of "high" is "15Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10C with port number P3 and a priority of "high" is "15Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W1 set for message Ma transmitted from communication port 10D with port number P4 and a priority of "high" is "20Mbps".

[0123] When the selection unit 32 identifies a setting pattern S, it retrieves the setting pattern S from the storage unit 35. The selection unit 32 then outputs the retrieved setting pattern S and the in-vehicle network information received from the communication unit 31 to the generation unit 33.

[0124] For example, the generation unit 33 performs generation processing according to the combination of the connection configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 and the message specifications in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0125] More specifically, for example, when the generation unit 33 receives in-vehicle network information from the selection unit 32, it performs generation processing according to the combination of connection device information T11 included in the in-vehicle network information and the specifications of message Mb with a priority of "medium" indicated by the specification information T12 included in the in-vehicle network information.

[0126] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server generation process according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 13 shows the case where the message Mb transmitted in the in-vehicle network 401 is the messages M3, M7, and M8 registered in the specification information T12 shown in Figure 6.

[0127] Referring to Figures 7 and 13, the generation unit 33 checks the specifications of message Mb, that is, the specifications of each of messages M3, M7, and M8, by referring to the specification information T12 included in the in-vehicle network information received from the communication unit 31.

[0128] The generation unit 33 checks the specifications of each of the messages M3, M7, and M8, and then, by referring to the connection device information T11 included in the in-vehicle network information received from the communication unit 31, it confirms the communication port 10 to which the destination devices for message M3, message M7, and message M8 are connected.

[0129] The generation unit 33 then calculates a theoretical value of the transfer rate W2 necessary to ensure the communication quality of message Mb at each communication port 10 of the in-vehicle relay devices 101A and 101B.

[0130] Specifically, the generation unit 33 calculates the theoretical value E11 of the transfer rate W2 at the communication port 10A of the in-vehicle relay device 101A to which the in-vehicle device 202A, which is the destination device for message M3 and the destination device for message M8, is connected. In the example shown in Figure 13, the generation unit 33 calculates the theoretical value E11 as the sum of the required bandwidth for message M3 and the required bandwidth for message M8, i.e., "11 Mbps".

[0131] Furthermore, the generation unit 33 calculates the theoretical value E12 of the transfer rate W2 at the communication port 10D of the in-vehicle relay device 101A to which the in-vehicle device 202F, which is the destination device for message M7, is connected. In the example shown in Figure 13, the generation unit 33 calculates the required bandwidth for message M7, i.e., "5 Mbps", as the theoretical value E12.

[0132] Furthermore, the generation unit 33 sets the theoretical value E13 of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10B and the theoretical value E14 of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10C to zero, because no destination devices for message Mb are connected to the communication ports 10B and 10C of the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0133] Furthermore, the generation unit 33 calculates the theoretical value E21 of the transfer rate W2 at the communication port 10B of the in-vehicle relay device 101B to which the in-vehicle relay device 101A that relays messages M7 and M8 is connected. In the example shown in Figure 13, the generation unit 33 calculates the total value of the required bandwidth for message M7 and the required bandwidth for message M8, i.e., "6 Mbps", as the theoretical value E21.

[0134] Furthermore, the generation unit 33 sets the theoretical value E22 of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10A, the theoretical value E23 of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10C, and the theoretical value E24 of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10D to zero, since the in-vehicle relay device 101A is not connected to the communication ports 10A, 10C, and 10D of the in-vehicle relay device 101B.

[0135] The generation unit 33 calculates the theoretical values ​​E11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, and R24, and then calculates the upper limit of the transfer rate W2 at each communication port 10.

[0136] Specifically, for example, the generation unit 33 calculates an upper limit for the transfer rate W2 at each communication port 10 by multiplying each theoretical value by a predetermined value A. The predetermined value A is, for example, a value greater than 1. In this embodiment, the predetermined value A is "1.2". If the calculated upper limit includes a decimal point, the generation unit 33 rounds up the decimal part to make the upper limit an integer.

[0137] Figure 14 shows an example of a setting pattern generated by the server generation process according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0138] Referring to Figure 14, for example, the configuration pattern R shows the correspondence between the in-vehicle relay device 101 to be configured, the port number P of the communication port 10 to be configured, the message priority, and the upper limit of the transfer rate W2.

[0139] In the example shown in Figure 14, the upper limit of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10A with port number P1 in the in-vehicle relay device 101A is "14 Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10B with port number P2, and the upper limit of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10C with port number P3 are "zero Mbps". The upper limit of the transfer rate W2 at communication port 10D with port number P4 is "6 Mbps".

[0140] In the in-vehicle relay device 101B, the upper limit of the transfer rate W2 for each of the following communication ports is "zero Mbps": port 10A with port number P1, port 10C with port number P3, and port 10D with port number P4. The upper limit of the transfer rate W2 for the communication port 10B with port number P2 is "8 Mbps".

[0141] For example, the generation unit 33 performs generation processing using the results of the selection process by the selection unit 32. More specifically, for example, the generation unit 33 sets the upper limit of the transfer rate W2 for each communication port 10 such that the sum of the upper limit of the transfer rate W1 and the upper limit of the transfer rate W2 for that communication port 10 is less than a predetermined value N. In this embodiment, for example, the predetermined value N is "100 Mbps".

[0142] Once the generation unit 33 has completed the generation process, it outputs the in-vehicle network information and setting pattern S received from the selection unit 32, as well as the generated setting pattern R, to the verification unit 34.

[0143] (Verification Department) For example, the verification unit 34 performs verification processing to verify the setting pattern S selected by the selection unit 32 and the setting pattern R generated by the generation unit 33.

[0144] More specifically, for example, when the verification unit 34 receives in-vehicle network information, setting pattern S, and setting pattern R from the generation unit 33, it simulates a new network using the in-vehicle network information.

[0145] For example, the verification unit 34 makes various setting changes to the in-vehicle relay devices 101A and 101B in the simulated new network according to setting pattern S and setting pattern R, and calculates the communication delay time for each message transmitted in the new network.

[0146] The verification unit 34 determines that the verification process is successful if the communication delay time of each message Ma is less than the threshold Th1 and the communication delay time of each message Mb is less than the threshold Th2. The verification unit 34 then outputs the setting pattern S and setting pattern R received from the generation unit 33, as well as the setting information including the vehicle ID included in the in-vehicle network information received from the generation unit 33, to the communication unit 31.

[0147] On the other hand, the verification unit 34 determines that the verification of the setting pattern S has failed if the communication delay time of at least one of the multiple messages Ma is greater than or equal to the threshold Th1. The verification unit 34 then outputs verification failure information L1 to the communication unit 31, indicating that the verification of the setting pattern S has failed.

[0148] Furthermore, the verification unit 34 determines that the verification of the setting pattern R has failed if the communication delay time of at least one of the multiple message Mb messages is greater than or equal to the threshold Th2. The verification unit 34 then outputs verification failure information L2 to the communication unit 31, indicating that the verification of the setting pattern R has failed.

[0149] (Communications Department) Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 7, when the communication unit 31 receives configuration information from the verification unit 34, it transmits an IP packet containing said configuration information (hereinafter also referred to as a "configuration packet") to the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0150] Specifically, for example, the communication unit 31 creates a configuration packet containing the configuration information received from the verification unit 34, which includes the IP address of its own server 150 and the IP address of vehicle 1 corresponding to the vehicle ID included in the configuration information, as the source IP address and destination IP address, respectively. The communication unit 31 then sends the created configuration packet to the TCU202A via the external network 161.

[0151] Furthermore, the communication unit 31 communicates with terminal devices 181 owned by users of the server 150 via the external network 161.

[0152] The communication unit 31 transmits either or both of the verification failure information L1 and verification failure information L2 received from the verification unit 34 to the terminal device 181 via the external network 161.

[0153] When terminal device 181 receives verification failure information from server 150 via external network 161, it displays a screen showing the contents of the received verification failure information on its own monitor or the like. For example, if a screen is displayed indicating that the verification of setting pattern S has failed, the user makes changes to the setting table Tb4 or the like held by server 150.

[0154] (Settings changed) Referring again to Figures 2 and 4, when TCU202A receives a configuration packet from server 150, it transmits the configuration information contained in the received configuration packet to the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0155] In the in-vehicle relay device 101A, when the setting unit 23 receives setting information from the TCU 202A via the relay unit 11, it changes the setting of the transfer rate W1 at each communication port 10 of its own in-vehicle relay device 101A according to the setting pattern S included in the received setting information. The setting unit 23 also changes the setting of the transfer rate W2 at each communication port 10 of its own in-vehicle relay device 101A according to the setting pattern R included in the received setting information.

[0156] Furthermore, the setting unit 23 transmits the received setting information to the in-vehicle relay device 101B via the relay unit 11.

[0157] When the in-vehicle relay device 101B receives configuration information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it changes the settings of the transfer rates W1 and W2 in each of its communication ports 10 according to the configuration patterns S and R included in the received configuration information, just as the in-vehicle relay device 101A does.

[0158] (Classification of messages to be configured) For example, messages to be configured on server 150 are classified as either message Ma or message Mb based on at least one of the following: the communication requirements of the message, the method for determining the configuration pattern, and the design time required to design the configuration pattern.

[0159] For example, there may be an error in the generation algorithm of server 150, or the generation program may contain a bug. Therefore, the configuration pattern for messages with strict communication requirements is determined by the selection process, not the generation process. In other words, the message in question is classified as message Ma.

[0160] On the other hand, message configuration patterns with lenient communication requirements are determined by the generation process. In other words, such messages are classified as message Mb.

[0161] Furthermore, if the configuration pattern for a message is designed inductively, for example, thorough verification of that configuration pattern is necessary, which increases the time required to complete the design. Therefore, the configuration pattern for the message is determined by a selection process that chooses from several pre-designed configuration patterns. In other words, the message is classified as message Ma.

[0162] On the other hand, if the configuration pattern for the message to be configured is designed using a deductive method, the message configuration pattern is determined by the generation process. That is, the message is classified as message Mb.

[0163] Furthermore, if, for example, the configuration pattern for messages with long design time requirements is determined by the generation process, the usability of the system may be compromised. Therefore, the configuration pattern for messages with long design time requirements is determined by a selection process, which has a lower processing load than the generation process. In other words, such messages are classified as message Ma.

[0164] On the other hand, message configuration patterns with short design time are determined by the generation process. In other words, these messages are classified as message Mb.

[0165] [Operation Flow] Next, the operation of each device in the communication system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0166] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting process.

[0167] Referring to Figure 15, first, the in-vehicle relay device 101A waits for the addition of new equipment to the in-vehicle network 401 (NO in step ST101), and when it detects the addition of new equipment (YES in step ST101), it acquires connection device information T11. For example, as described above, the in-vehicle relay device 101A collects topology information from new equipment and existing equipment, and creates connection device information T11 based on the collected topology information (step ST102).

[0168] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A acquires specification information T12. For example, as described above, the in-vehicle relay device 101A collects message information from new and existing equipment and creates specification information T12 based on the collected message information (step ST103). Steps ST102 and ST103 may be executed in any order or in parallel.

[0169] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A transmits the acquired connection device information T11 and specification information T12, as well as in-vehicle network information including the vehicle ID of vehicle 1, to the server 150 (step ST104).

[0170] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A waits to receive configuration information from the server 150 (NO in step ST105).

[0171] Then, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives configuration information from the server 150 (YES in step ST105), it changes the settings of the transfer rates W1 and W2 in its own communication port 10 according to the configuration patterns S and R included in the received configuration information (step ST106).

[0172] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A transmits the configuration information received from the server 150 to the in-vehicle relay device 101B (step ST107). Steps ST106 and ST107 may be executed in any order, or they may be executed in parallel.

[0173] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure when the server according to the first embodiment of this disclosure performs selection processing and generation processing.

[0174] Referring to Figure 16, first, the server 150 waits for the reception of in-vehicle network information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0175] Then, when the server 150 receives in-vehicle network information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (YES in step ST201), it uses the received in-vehicle network information to identify the network configuration ID as described above (step ST202).

[0176] Next, the server 150 performs a selection process to select the setting pattern S necessary for setting up message Ma from among several pre-designed setting patterns (step ST203).

[0177] Next, server 150 performs a generation process to dynamically generate the configuration pattern R necessary for configuring message Mb (step ST204).

[0178] Next, server 150 performs a verification process to verify the configuration patterns S and R (step ST205).

[0179] Next, if the verification of setting patterns S and R is successful (YES in step ST206), the server 150 sends the setting information, including setting patterns S and R and the vehicle ID of vehicle 1, to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST207), and waits to receive new in-vehicle network information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0180] On the other hand, if the verification of at least one of the setting patterns S and R fails (NO in step ST206), the server 150 sends one or both of the verification failure information L1 and verification failure information L2 to the terminal device 181 (step ST208), and waits to receive new in-vehicle network information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0181] Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of the processing sequence of each device in a communication system according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0182] Referring to Figure 17, first, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A detects the addition of a new device to the in-vehicle network 401 (step ST301), it acquires the connection device information T11 as described above (step ST302).

[0183] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A acquires the specification information T12 as described above (step ST302). Steps ST302 and ST303 may be executed in any order, or they may be executed in parallel.

[0184] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A transmits the acquired connection device information T11 and specification information T12, as well as in-vehicle network information including the vehicle ID of vehicle 1, to the server 150 (step ST304).

[0185] Next, when the server 150 receives in-vehicle network information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it uses the received in-vehicle network information to identify the network configuration ID as described above (step ST305).

[0186] Next, the server 150 performs a selection process to select the setting pattern S necessary for setting up message Ma from among several pre-designed setting patterns (step ST306).

[0187] Server 150 performs a generation process to dynamically generate the configuration pattern R necessary for configuring message Mb (step ST307).

[0188] Next, server 150 performs a verification process to verify the configuration patterns S and R (step ST308). Here, it is assumed that server 150 succeeded in the verification process.

[0189] Next, the server 150 transmits configuration information, including configuration patterns S and R and the vehicle ID of vehicle 1, to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST309).

[0190] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives configuration information from the server 150, it changes the settings of the transfer rates W1 and W2 in its own communication port 10 according to the configuration patterns S and R included in the received configuration information (step ST310).

[0191] Furthermore, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives configuration information from the server 150, it transmits the received configuration information to the in-vehicle relay device 101B (step ST311).

[0192] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101B receives configuration information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it changes the settings of the transfer rates W1 and W2 in its own communication port 10 according to the configuration patterns S and R included in the received configuration information (step ST312).

[0193] In the communication system 501 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the server 150 is configured to perform a selection process before the generation process and to perform the generation process using the results of the selection process, but it is not limited to this configuration. The server 150 may also be configured to perform the selection process after the generation process.

[0194] Furthermore, in the communication system 501 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the server 150 was configured to perform generation processing according to a combination of the connection configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 and the message specifications, but it is not limited to this. Regardless of the combination, the server 150 may be configured to perform generation processing according to, for example, either the connection configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 or the message specifications.

[0195] Furthermore, while the communication system 501 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the server 150 performs verification processing to verify the setting patterns S and R, it is not limited to this configuration. The server 150 may also be configured not to perform verification processing.

[0196] Furthermore, in the communication system 501 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the messages to be configured are classified as either message Ma or message Mb based on at least one of the communication requirements, determination method, and design time, but this is not limited to this. The messages to be configured may be classified as either message Ma or message Mb based on other conditions not mentioned above.

[0197] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the server 150 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure may be provided by cloud computing. That is, the server 150 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure may be a cloud server composed of multiple servers.

[0198] Next, other 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 descriptions will not be repeated.

[0199] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the server 150 in the communication system 501 performs selection processing, generation processing, and verification processing. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the in-vehicle relay device 102A performs selection processing, generation processing, and verification processing. Except for the contents described below, it is the same as the communication system 501 according to the first embodiment.

[0200] Figure 18 shows an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle relay device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 18, the in-vehicle relay device 102A manages settings for multiple messages transmitted in the in-vehicle network 401. Compared to the in-vehicle relay device 101A shown in Figure 4, the in-vehicle relay device 102A includes a processing unit 12A instead of a processing unit 12. Compared to the processing unit 12 shown in Figure 4, the processing unit 12A further includes a selection unit 32, a generation unit 33, and a verification unit 34.

[0201] When the network management unit 22 creates connection device information T11 and specification information T12, it outputs the created connection device information T11 and specification information T12 to the selection unit 32.

[0202] The storage unit 13 stores the connection configuration table Tb1 shown in Figure 8, the message table Tb2 shown in Figure 9, the network table Tb3 shown in Figure 10, and the settings table Tb4 shown in Figure 11.

[0203] When the selection unit 32 receives connection device information T11 and specification information T12 from the network management unit 22, it refers to the connection configuration table Tb1 in the storage unit 13 to identify the connection configuration ID corresponding to the connection device information T11. The selection unit 32 also refers to the message table Tb2 in the storage unit 13 to identify the message group ID corresponding to the specification information T12.

[0204] When the selection unit 32 identifies the connection configuration ID and the message group ID, it refers to the network table Tb3 in the storage unit 13 to identify the network configuration ID corresponding to the pair of connection configuration ID and message group ID.

[0205] When the selection unit 32 identifies a network configuration ID, it refers to the setting table Tb4 in the storage unit 13 to identify a setting pattern S corresponding to that network configuration ID. The selection unit 32 then outputs the connection device information T11 and specification information T12, as well as the identified setting pattern S, received from the network management unit 22, to the generation unit 33.

[0206] When the generation unit 33 receives connection device information T11, specification information T12, and setting pattern S from the selection unit 32, it dynamically generates a setting pattern R.

[0207] If the verification process is successful, the verification unit 34 outputs the setting patterns S and R to the setting unit 23.

[0208] The setting unit 23 changes the settings of the transfer rates W1 and W2 at each communication port 10 of its in-vehicle relay device 102A according to the setting patterns S and R received from the verification unit 34.

[0209] On the other hand, if the verification process fails, the verification unit 34 transmits either or both of the verification failure information L1 and verification failure information L2 to a navigation device (not shown) via the relay unit 11.

[0210] When the navigation system receives verification failure information from the in-vehicle relay device 102A, it performs notification processing based on the received verification failure information. Specifically, for example, the navigation system displays a screen on its own display unit showing the contents of the verification failure information received from the in-vehicle relay device 102A.

[0211] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change.

[0212] Referring to Figure 19, the process from step ST401 to step ST403 is the same as the process from step ST101 to step ST103 shown in Figure 15.

[0213] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 102A uses the acquired connection device information T11 and specification information T12 to identify the network configuration ID as described above (step ST404).

[0214] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 102A performs a selection process to select the setting pattern S necessary for setting up message Ma from among a plurality of pre-designed setting patterns (step ST405).

[0215] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 102A performs a generation process to dynamically generate the setting pattern R necessary for setting the message Mb (step ST406).

[0216] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 102A performs a verification process to verify the setting patterns S and R (step ST407).

[0217] Next, if the verification of setting patterns S and R is successful (YES in step ST408), the in-vehicle relay device 102A changes the settings of the transfer rates W1 and W2 at each of its communication ports 10 according to setting patterns S and R (step ST409).

[0218] On the other hand, if the verification of at least one of the setting patterns S and R fails (NO in step ST408), the in-vehicle relay device 102A transmits one or both of the verification failure information L1 and verification failure information L2 to the navigation device (step ST410).

[0219] In the in-vehicle system 301 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, the in-vehicle relay device 102A is configured to include a selection unit 32, a generation unit 33, and a verification unit 34, but this is not the only configuration. Other devices in the in-vehicle network 401 may include some or all of the selection unit 32, generation unit 33, and verification unit 34. Alternatively, multiple devices may be configured to include the selection unit 32, generation unit 33, and verification unit 34 as an in-vehicle network management system. For example, the in-vehicle relay device 102A may include some of the units of the selection unit 32, generation unit 33, and verification unit 34, and the server 150 may include the remaining units.

[0220] The embodiments described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0221] Each process (each function) of the above-described embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit including one or more processors. The processing circuit may consist of one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, and other integrated circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or they may execute each of the above processes according to logic circuits that have been pre-designed to execute each of the above processes. The processors may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the physically separated multiple processors may cooperate with each other to execute each of the above processes. For example, the processors installed in each of several physically separate computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet to perform the above processes. The program may be installed in the memory via the network from an external server device, or it may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory, and then installed in the memory from the recording medium.

[0222] The above description includes the following features. [Note 1] An in-vehicle network management system that manages settings for multiple messages, Equipped with a processing circuit, The aforementioned processing circuit is A selection process is performed to select a first setting pattern from among the multiple setting patterns that are pre-designed, which are necessary for the above setting. A generation process is performed to dynamically generate the second setting pattern. The aforementioned multiple messages are transmitted via an in-vehicle network installed in the vehicle. The plurality of messages include the first message and the second message, The first setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the first message, The in-vehicle network management system wherein the second setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the second message. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 1 vehicle 10,20 communication ports 11 Relay section 12,12A Processing Unit 13,35 Storage section 21 Detection unit 22 Management Department 23. Settings Section 31 Communications Department 32 Selection Section 33 Generation part 34 Verification Department 51, 52 Ethernet cable 101, 101A, 102A, 101B In-vehicle relay device 150 servers 161 External Network 171 Wireless base station equipment 202,202A,202B,202C,202D,202E,202F Vehicle equipment 301 In-vehicle systems 401 In-vehicle network 501 Communication System

Claims

1. An in-vehicle network management system that manages settings for multiple messages, A first setting unit performs a selection process to select a first setting pattern from among a plurality of setting patterns that have been pre-designed, which are necessary for the above setting. It comprises a second setting unit that performs generation processing to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, The aforementioned multiple messages are transmitted via an in-vehicle network installed in the vehicle. The plurality of messages include the first message and the second message, The first setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the first message, The in-vehicle network management system wherein the second setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the second message.

2. The first setting unit performs the selection process before the generation process performed by the second setting unit. The in-vehicle network management system according to claim 1, wherein the second setting unit performs the generation process using the result of the selection process performed by the first setting unit.

3. The in-vehicle network management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second setting unit performs the generation process according to the combination of the connection configuration of the in-vehicle network and the specifications of the message.

4. The aforementioned in-vehicle network management system is The vehicle is equipped with external devices located outside the vehicle, The in-vehicle network management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the external device includes the second setting unit.

5. The aforementioned in-vehicle network management system further, The in-vehicle network management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a verification unit for verifying the first setting pattern selected by the first setting unit and the second setting pattern generated by the second setting unit.

6. The aforementioned in-vehicle network management system is The vehicle is equipped with external devices located outside the vehicle, The in-vehicle network management system according to claim 5, wherein the external device includes the verification unit.

7. The in-vehicle network management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the messages to be configured are classified into the first message or the second message based on at least one of the communication requirements of the messages to be configured, the method for determining the configuration pattern, and the time required to design the configuration pattern.

8. An in-vehicle network management method in an in-vehicle network management system that manages settings for multiple messages, The steps include: selecting a first setting pattern from among a plurality of setting patterns necessary for the aforementioned setting, which have been pre-designed; The process includes the step of performing a generation process to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, The aforementioned multiple messages are transmitted via an in-vehicle network installed in the vehicle. The plurality of messages include the first message and the second message, The first setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the first message, An in-vehicle network management method wherein the second setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the second message.

9. An in-vehicle network management program used in an in-vehicle network management system that manages settings for multiple messages, Computers, A first setting unit performs a selection process to select a first setting pattern from among a plurality of setting patterns that have been pre-designed, which are necessary for the above setting. A second setting unit that performs generation processing to dynamically generate a second setting pattern, It is a program designed to function as such. The aforementioned multiple messages are transmitted via an in-vehicle network installed in the vehicle. The plurality of messages include the first message and the second message, The first setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting relating to the first message, The in-vehicle network management program is an in-vehicle network management program in which the second setting pattern is the setting pattern necessary for the setting of the second message.

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