Power control system, central unit, control method and program for central unit

Abstract

To provide technology that reduces the power consumption of vehicles. [Solution] The power control system 1 controls the power supply state to a cluster consisting of multiple devices 15. The power control system 1 comprises a data acquisition unit 63, a vehicle state estimation unit 55, a control condition derivation unit 57, and a control condition reflection unit 73. The data acquisition unit 63 collects information regarding the power supplied to the terminal ECU 15. The vehicle state estimation unit 55 estimates the power usage state corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle 5 based on the collected power information. The control condition derivation unit 57 determines control conditions to control the power supply state to each terminal ECU 15 of the cluster based on the estimated power usage state of the vehicle 5. The control condition reflection unit 73 reflects the control conditions when supplying power to the terminal ECU 15.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for reducing the power consumption of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding the power supply system that supplies power to a vehicle, power saving is required. This is because while the power demand is increasing with the increase in vehicle functions such as advanced safety functions, an extension of the vehicle's cruising range is also required. In order to reduce the power consumption of the vehicle, it is effective to shut down or put to sleep the power supply of devices (for example, ECUs) that are not required to operate (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Therefore, regarding a specific combination of devices (that is, a cluster), a technology of a partial network cluster (that is, PNC) that selectively controls the activation and stop of devices is known. Furthermore, in order to achieve power saving in response to software / hardware updates after vehicle sales, a technology of a dynamic partial network cluster (that is, D-PNC) that enables the update of a new cluster is known. Note that PNC is an abbreviation of Partial Network Cluster, and D-PNC is an abbreviation of Dynamic-Partial Network Cluster.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, as a result of the inventors' detailed examination, the following problems were found in the conventional technology. In conventional technology, the group of devices (i.e., clusters) that should be started / stopped differ for each vehicle service. Furthermore, because vehicle services are diverse, clusters are often defined for several similar service groups (for example, parking service groups).

[0006] However, since clusters are determined by calculating the power required for the operation of each ECU on paper, it is not precisely known what classification system will result in the highest power savings when defining common clusters. This is because power consumption is partly determined by how the user drives their car, making it difficult to set appropriate conditions for reducing power consumption through preliminary calculations.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a technology that can reduce the power consumption of a vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (a) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a power control system (1) for controlling the power supply state to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) mounted on a vehicle (5). The power control system comprises a data acquisition unit (63), a vehicle state estimation unit (55), a control condition derivation unit (57), and a control condition reflection unit (73).

[0009] The data acquisition unit is configured to collect information about the power consumed by each device. The vehicle status estimation unit is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the vehicle's cluster based on power information collected by the data acquisition unit.

[0010] The control condition derivation unit is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster, based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit.

[0011] The control condition reflection unit is configured to reflect the control conditions determined by the control condition calculation unit when supplying power to each device. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of a cluster-based system (i.e., a network system) in a vehicle, as described in this disclosure.

[0012] This disclosure collects information on the power supplied to each device, estimates the power usage status corresponding to the vehicle's cluster based on the collected information, and determines new control conditions for controlling the power supply status to the cluster's devices based on the estimated power usage status. These control conditions (i.e., updated control conditions) are then reflected when controlling the power supplied to each device.

[0013] Therefore, instead of relying on theoretical calculations, it is possible to set up a new cluster and configure control conditions for supplying power to each device in that cluster based on the actual power usage in the cluster. This allows for a reduction in power consumption in the network system compared to conventional methods.

[0014] (b) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a central device (9) in a vehicle (5) that controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15). The center device comprises a data receiving unit (51), a vehicle state estimation unit (55), a control condition derivation unit (57), and a control condition transmission unit (61). The data receiving unit is configured to receive information regarding the power consumed by each device. The vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the vehicle's cluster based on power information received by the data receiving unit. The control condition derivation unit is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster, based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit. The control condition transmission unit is configured to transmit the control conditions determined by the control condition derivation unit to the vehicle so that they are reflected when power is supplied to each device. With this configuration, as described above, this disclosure makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of a cluster-based system (i.e., a network system) in a vehicle. (c) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control method for a central device (9) that controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) in a vehicle (5). The control method of the central unit receives information on the power consumed by each unit, estimates the power usage status corresponding to the vehicle's cluster based on the received power information, determines control conditions for controlling the power supply status to each unit in the cluster based on the estimated power usage status, and transmits these determined control conditions to the vehicle so that they are reflected when supplying power to each unit. With this configuration, as described above, this disclosure makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of a cluster-based system (i.e., a network system) in a vehicle. (d) One aspect of the present disclosure is a program used in a central device (9) that controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) in a vehicle (5). Regarding. This program implements the functions of a data receiving unit (51) configured to receive information on the power consumed by each device, a vehicle state estimation unit (55) configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the vehicle cluster based on the power information received by the data receiving unit, a control condition derivation unit (57) configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply status to each device in the cluster based on the power usage status estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit, and a control condition transmission unit (61) configured to transmit the control conditions determined by the control condition derivation unit to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each device. With such a configuration, in the present disclosure, as described above, in a vehicle, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of a system having a cluster (i.e., a network system). Also, the reference numerals within parentheses described in this column and the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments to be described later as one aspect, and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the power control system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of operation of the power control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram for supplying power to the ECU of a certain cluster, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram for supplying power to the ECU of another cluster. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram functionally showing the power control system of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the control process of the power control system of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram functionally showing the power control system of the second embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the power control system 1 of the first embodiment is a system that uses the cloud 3 to control the power supply state of the network system 7 mounted on a vehicle 5 such as an automobile.

[0017] In this network system 7, the multiple devices that make up the system are divided into clusters, which are groups of devices. The power supplied to the devices in each cluster is controlled to reduce the power consumption of the network system 7. The number of devices in each cluster can be one or more.

[0018] Specifically, the power control system 1 of this first embodiment has a configuration on the cloud 3 side and a configuration on the vehicle 5 side (for example, a network system 7), and the cloud 3 and the network system 7 are connected to each other via a wide-area wireless communication network NW. The vehicle 5 can be one or more. The cloud 3 is a system configuration that allows remote use of computing resources via a communication network.

[0019] The Cloud 3 system includes a central device 9 that functions as a computer. On the other hand, the Vehicle 5 network system 7 includes a vehicle central ECU 11 and one or more vehicle management ECUs 13 that are connected to the vehicle central ECU 11 in a manner that allows them to communicate with each other. Note that ECU stands for Electronic Control Unit, meaning an electronic control unit.

[0020] The vehicle management ECU 13 is a zone ECU that manages one or more terminal ECUs 15 located in a specific area of ​​the vehicle 5. The terminal ECUs 15 are zone ECUs that manage one or more terminal ECUs 15 located in a specific area of ​​the vehicle 5. An example is a slave ECUE controlled by the ECU. In the following, as shown in the diagram, the terminal ECU 15 may simply be referred to as ECU.

[0021] [1-2.Each configuration] The following provides a detailed explanation of each component. <Center Equipment> The central device 9 is a separate unit from the vehicle 5 and is capable of communicating with the vehicle 5. The central device 9 comprises a cloud MCU 17, a cloud storage unit 19, and a cloud communication device 21. Note that an MPU may be used instead of an MCU (the same applies hereafter). MCU stands for Micro Control Unit, and MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit.

[0022] The Cloud MCU17 is equipped with a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The various functions of the Cloud MCU17 are realized by the CPU executing programs stored in non-transitional tangible storage media. In this example, for instance, ROM corresponds to the non-transitional tangible storage media that stores the program. Furthermore, when this program is executed, the method corresponding to the program is executed.

[0023] The number of Cloud MCU17s can be one or more. Furthermore, the methods for realizing the various functions of Cloud MCU17 are not limited to software; some or all of its elements may be realized using one or more hardware components. For example, if the above functions are realized by an electronic circuit, which is hardware, that electronic circuit may be a digital circuit containing many logic circuits, an analog circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0024] Examples of cloud storage units 17 include well-known non-volatile memories such as flash memory and EEPROM, as well as various storage devices such as hard disks. The cloud communication device 21 is a communication device that can send and receive data with the in-vehicle central ECU 11 via a wide-area wireless communication network NW.

[0025] <Vehicle Central ECU> The vehicle's central ECU 11 is an electronic control unit that controls the overall operation of the vehicle 5, and comprises a vehicle's central MCU 23, a vehicle's central memory unit 25, and a vehicle's central communication device 27.

[0026] The vehicle's central MCU23 is equipped with a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The various functions and configuration of the vehicle's central MCU23 are the same as those of the cloud MCU9 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0027] Examples of the vehicle's central storage unit 25 include well-known storage devices such as flash memory and non-volatile memory such as EEPROM. The vehicle's central communication device 27 is a communication device capable of sending and receiving data with the center device 9 via a wide-area wireless communication network NW. Furthermore, the vehicle's central communication device 27 can communicate with the vehicle management ECU 13 via the in-vehicle communication network. The communication network can utilize, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) or CAN. CAN stands for Controller Area Network.

[0028] <Vehicle Management ECU> The vehicle management ECU 13 is an electronic control device that controls various devices under its control (for example, terminal ECU 15, etc.), and comprises a vehicle management MCU 29, a vehicle management storage unit 31, and a vehicle management communication device 33.

[0029] The vehicle management MCU29 is equipped with a well-known CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The various functions and configuration of the vehicle management MCU29 are the same as those of the aforementioned cloud MCU9, etc., so their explanation will be omitted.

[0030] Examples of vehicle management memory units 31 include well-known flash memory and non-volatile memory such as EEPROM. The vehicle management communication device 33 can communicate with the vehicle's central ECU 11, terminal ECUs 15, etc., via the in-vehicle communication network (e.g., CAN).

[0031] For example, the vehicle management communication device 33 is connected to each terminal ECU 15 and electronic equipment 37 via a communication line 35 so as to be able to communicate with them. Therefore, it is possible to transmit control signals (for example, CAN frames containing information about predetermined control) to each terminal ECU 15 via the communication line 35, and each terminal ECU 15 can transmit signals indicating the operating status of each terminal ECU 15 to the vehicle management communication device 33. Examples of electronic equipment 37 include various sensors (for example, sensors and cameras that detect vehicle conditions) and actuators.

[0032] Furthermore, in the vehicle management ECU 13, multiple electronic fuses 43 are arranged on the power line 41 extending from the battery 39. In other words, each power line 41 that supplies power from the battery 39 to each terminal ECU 15 and other electronic devices 37 is equipped with an electronic fuse 43 that either energizes (i.e., turns on) or disconnects (i.e., turns off) the power supply.

[0033] Specifically, a first electronic fuse 43a is placed between the battery 39 and the first terminal ECU 15a, a second electronic fuse 43b is placed between the battery 39 and the second terminal ECU 15b, a third electronic fuse 43c is placed between the battery 39 and the third terminal ECU 15c, and a fourth electronic fuse 43d is placed between the battery 39 and the electronic equipment 37.

[0034] An efuse can be used as the electronic fuse 43. The efuse has the function of a power relay that turns the power supply on and off, and the function of a current value sensor that detects the value of the current supplied to each terminal ECU 15, etc.

[0035] Additionally, power is supplied from the battery 39 to the vehicle's central ECU 11 and the vehicle management ECU 13. Here, a network system 7 equipped with a vehicle central ECU 11 and a vehicle management ECU 13 is given as an example, but the vehicle management ECU 13 may also be configured to have the functions of the vehicle central ECU 11.

[0036] <End side ECU> Each terminal ECU 15 has a control unit 45 and a transceiver 47. The control unit 45 has functions such as performing various controls similar to those of the MCU described above. A CAN transceiver can be used as the transceiver 47.

[0037] Furthermore, each terminal ECU 15 may be connected to sensors 49, etc., that detect various states. Examples of sensors 49, etc., include sensors that detect the state of the vehicle 5, such as vehicle speed, cameras that take pictures inside and outside the vehicle, and GPS devices that detect the position of the vehicle 5. GPS is Global It is an abbreviation for Positioning System.

[0038] The power supply status to the terminal ECU15 is as follows, from highest power to lowest: startup (i.e., wake-up), shutdown (i.e., sleep), and high power. There are four states: power saving settings (i.e., deep sleep), power cut-off (i.e., shutdown), and power saving settings (i.e., shutdown).

[0039] During wake-up, the electronic fuse 43 is on, and normal power is supplied to the terminal ECU 15, allowing for normal operation. In sleep mode, the electronic fuse 43 is on, and power can be supplied to the terminal ECU 15. Power is also supplied to the transceiver 47, and the transceiver 47 is operating. However, in sleep mode, the operation (i.e., functions) of the control unit 45 is more limited than during wake-up mode, so the power consumption of the control unit 45 is less than during wake-up mode.

[0040] In deep sleep mode, the electronic fuse 43 is on, and power is supplied to the transceiver 47. However, since the power supply to the control unit 45 is cut off, there is no power consumption in the control unit 45. In the following, when simply referred to as "sleep," it means the aforementioned shutdown state with limited functionality compared to wake-up mode.

[0041] During shutdown, the electronic fuse 43 is turned off, so the power supply to the terminal ECU 15 is completely cut off. Furthermore, the power supply state to the terminal ECU 15 may be limited to two states, wake-up and sleep, or to three states, such as wake-up, sleep, and shutdown.

[0042] [1-3. Principle] The principle of operation in this first embodiment will now be explained. In this first embodiment, the system analyzes how the user's vehicle 5 is used and predicts the services that will be used in the future to distinguish between necessary and unnecessary ECUs (e.g., end-side ECU 15), and controls the unnecessary ECUs to a state that is more power-efficient.

[0043] The operating principle will be explained in detail below. As shown in Figure 2, examples of services performed by vehicle 5 include remote service, pet monitoring mode, and parking monitoring mode.

[0044] Remote service is a service that allows you to operate the equipment inside the vehicle remotely (i.e., wirelessly) from outside the vehicle. Pet monitoring mode is a service that monitors the condition of pets inside the vehicle using cameras, etc. Parking monitoring mode is a service that monitors the safety of a vehicle parked in a parking lot, etc., using sensors, cameras, etc.

[0045] Here, we will give an example of using seven ECUs, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, to perform various services, including the three types of services mentioned above. In order to implement three types of services—remote service, pet monitoring mode, and parking monitoring mode—a cluster consisting of three ECUs, A, B, and G (i.e., a common cluster), is configured, and the power consumption of the common cluster is W1.

[0046] In addition, three types of ECUs, A, B, and G, are used in remote service and pet monitoring modes, while two types of ECUs, A and G, are used in parking monitoring mode. However, when actually performing each service, the power consumption of each cluster consisting of each ECU was measured, and the results were as shown in Figure 2. In other words, when performing remote services, the power consumption is slightly less than that of the common cluster, and the power consumption in pet monitoring mode is equivalent to that of the common cluster. However, the power consumption in parking monitoring mode is considerably lower than that of the common cluster. In other words, the power consumption of the common cluster and each The power consumption will differ between the case of individual clusters corresponding to the service and the case of individual clusters.

[0047] Therefore, in such cases, power is supplied to the cluster of ECUs A, B, and G in remote service and pet monitoring modes (see, for example, Figure 3A), and updated to supply power to the cluster of ECUs A and G in parking monitoring mode (see, for example, Figure 3B). Note that in Figure 3, the ECUs that supply power are indicated by diagonal lines, and the configuration of the network system 7 is shown in a simplified manner.

[0048] By controlling in this way, for example, in the case of a user who frequently uses the parking surveillance mode, the frequency of supplying power to the A and G ECU clusters (i.e., the clusters with lower power consumption than the common cluster) increases. As a result, the power consumption of the network system 7 can be reduced after the update compared to before the update. Therefore, the depletion of the battery 39 can be reduced.

[0049] Specific methods for reducing power consumption include, for example, the aforementioned sleep mode, deep sleep mode, and shutdown using the electronic fuse 43. In this way, for example, by estimating the usage status of the power used by the clusters for each service, such as the usage time, number of uses, and frequency of use (i.e., the proportion of usage time within a certain period) for each service over a certain period, and based on this usage status, for example, by defining each cluster and setting the power saving state for each ECU, power saving can be achieved in the network system 7.

[0050] In this context, a cluster refers to a group of multiple ECUs connected via a network, specifically a group that operates as if it were a single computer. It is also possible to use a cluster consisting of a single ECU. [1-4. Functional Description] The procedure for processing in this first embodiment will now be described.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the power control system 1 of this first embodiment includes a central device 9 as part of the cloud 3 configuration, and an in-vehicle network system 7 as part of the vehicle 5 configuration, as described above.

[0052] In this example, the vehicle's central ECU 11 is used as an example within the network system 7, but the vehicle management ECU 13 may be used instead. In other words, the vehicle management ECU 13 may have the functions of the vehicle's central ECU 11.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the central device 9 functionally comprises a data receiving unit 51, a data storage unit 53, a vehicle state estimation unit 55, a control condition derivation unit 57, a control condition storage unit 59, and a control condition transmission unit 61.

[0054] Of these, for example, the data receiving unit 51 and the control condition transmission unit 61 function in the cloud communication device 21, the control condition storage unit 59 function in the cloud storage unit 19, and the vehicle state estimation unit 55 and the control condition derivation unit 57 function in the cloud MCU 17, etc.

[0055] On the other hand, the vehicle's central ECU 11 functionally includes a data acquisition unit 63, a data storage unit 65, and a data transmission unit 67, as well as a control condition receiving unit 69, a control condition storage unit 71, and a control condition reflection unit 73.

[0056] Of these, for example, the data storage unit 65 and the control condition storage unit 71 function in the vehicle's central storage unit 25, and the data transmission unit 67 and the control condition receiving unit 69 function in the vehicle's central communication device 27. The data acquisition unit 63 and the control condition reflection unit 73 function in the vehicle's central MCU 23, etc.

[0057] The functions of each configuration are described in detail below. <Data Collection Department, etc.> The data collection unit 63 can collect four types of data, for example, as shown in (1) to (4) below. This data is stored in the data storage unit 65, for example, and transmitted to the cloud 3 by the data transmission unit 67.

[0058] (1) Current consumption per ECU The current value consumed by each end-side ECU 15 is measured using the electronic fuse 43 installed in the vehicle management ECU 29. The electronic fuse 43 acts as both a relay that can be electrically switched on and off and a current value sensing fuse through a shunt resistor, and is used to acquire time-series current value data for each end-side ECU 15 in the vehicle 5.

[0059] (2) Usage time for each vehicle service The vehicle's central ECU 11, etc., centrally controls and manages how vehicle 5 is used, for example, "which services vehicle 5 used and for how long."

[0060] (3) Power status of each ECU The vehicle's central ECU 11 or vehicle management ECU 13 centrally controls and manages which end-side ECU 15 is in what power state (e.g., wake-up / sleep / deep sleep / shutdown) in order to operate each service.

[0061] (4) Vehicle location information GPS information (i.e., location information) indicating the position of vehicle 5 is collected from the GPS device. The data described in (1) to (4) above can be used directly in the vehicle's central ECU 11. Alternatively, it can be defined as a predetermined API and sent to Cloud 3. API stands for Application Programming Interface.

[0062] By the above method, it is possible to determine (4) where, (2) what kind of service to provide, (3) what kind of power control is performed on which ECU, and (1) how much current was actually consumed.

[0063] <Vehicle state estimation unit, control condition derivation unit, etc.> The data transmitted from vehicle 5 is received by the data receiving unit 51 of cloud 3 and stored in the data storage unit 53. Then, the vehicle state estimation unit 55 estimates the power usage status of vehicle 5 corresponding to the cluster (i.e., corresponding to the service) based on the data stored in the data storage unit 53, as described below.

[0064] For example, the vehicle state estimation unit 55 estimates, based on past trends in user usage collected as described above, which services the user will use or not use in the future, and how much power saving can be expected in total if the terminal ECU 15, which is only needed for services that are not used, is set to a power-saving state. Note that the power-saving state also includes the power-off state.

[0065] In other words, as explained in Figure 2 above, by recognizing, for example, how each service was used, and therefore how each cluster's terminal ECU 15 corresponding to each service was used, it is possible to predict a state in which power saving effects can be expected. It can be determined.

[0066] Then, the control condition derivation unit 57 derives conditions (i.e., newly set control conditions: updated control conditions) for controlling the state of power supplied to each terminal ECU 15 of each cluster used for each service, in order to enhance power saving effects.

[0067] For example, for services that are empirically known to be unused or infrequently used by users, the terminal ECU 15 required for such services can be controlled to a state that is more power-efficient than a simple sleep mode (however, this may be an inconvenient state that takes a long time to start up: for example, deep sleep or shutdown).

[0068] For example, if the terminal ECU 15 used in the parking monitoring mode shown in Figure 2 is set to sleep mode, the terminal ECU 15 used for other services may be set to deep sleep or shutdown mode. If a terminal ECU 15 is used for various services in common, the power supply method should be determined in advance by setting whether to prioritize power saving or faster startup.

[0069] This is based on the trade-off relationship between the power saving effect and startup responsiveness of the terminal ECU15. Lowering standby power increases the power saving effect, but it also increases the time from receiving a startup command to actually starting up. Therefore, depending on the user's usage, a terminal ECU15 that will not receive a startup command for a while is identified and set to a state that maximizes power saving.

[0070] In other words, there is no particular problem as long as the startup time is fast, even if the end-side ECU 15 is power-efficient. However, in reality, it is known that there is a trade-off between power saving and fast startup. Therefore, we identify situations where fast startup is not required (for example, when the user does not use that ECU) from the vehicle 5's big data and achieve high power saving.

[0071] For example, suppose a user commutes to work in the morning, goes to the company, and parks their car in the company parking lot. Then, based on user usage data (i.e., the data collected as described above), it is known that the user will not use "remote services" (for example, a service that allows them to remotely turn lights on / off to find their car in the parking lot) for about eight hours until they finish work and return home.

[0072] Normally, the ECU required for remote services (for example, the terminal ECU 15 used for light control) can be kept in a sleep state with some power-saving effect so that it can respond immediately whenever a service command is received from the user. However, as described above, if it can be empirically determined that the user will not use a particular service, the terminal ECU 15 (i.e., the cluster ECU used for that service) may be set to a more power-saving condition (for example, deep sleep or shutdown).

[0073] If we consider the state where the MCU is powered on as normal sleep, then deep sleep takes longer to wake up. This is because, unlike the ECU which only enters "light sleep" because it doesn't know when it will be called upon, it is now understood from experience that it will not be woken up for a while, so it is allowed to enter "deep sleep."

[0074] Conversely, if you know that you frequently use remote services when going to shopping malls or similar places during the daytime on holidays, you should make sure that remote services are always available. For example, you could set the ECU used for remote services (i.e., the cluster ECU used for that service) to wake up or sleep (i.e., a sleep state other than deep sleep).

[0075] As described above, the control conditions derived by the control condition derivation unit 57 (i.e., updated control conditions) are stored in the control condition storage unit 59 and transmitted to the vehicle 5 by the control condition transmission unit 61. These control conditions are new conditions, i.e., updated control conditions, that indicate how to control the terminal ECU 15 according to the power usage status corresponding to the cluster in the vehicle 5.

[0076] The control conditions derived by the control condition derivation unit 57 may be stored, for example, as a table (for example, a cluster management table on the cloud 3 side). The configuration of this cluster management table may include, for example, a table corresponding to each service, containing data on the cluster used to implement each service and the terminal ECU 15 included in that cluster. In addition to the above data, it may also include data on the electronic fuses 43 that turn the power supplied to each terminal ECU 15 on / off.

[0077] <Control condition reflection unit, etc.> The data transmitted from Cloud 3 to Vehicle 5 (i.e., update control conditions) is received by the control condition receiving unit 69 of Vehicle 5 and stored in the control condition storage unit 71. Then, the control condition reflection unit 73 reflects the update control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 71 in the power supply control of the terminal ECU 15.

[0078] In other words, update control conditions are sent from Cloud 3 to Vehicle 5, specifically via the Vehicle Central ECU 11, to the ECU responsible for starting and stopping the terminal ECU 15 (for example, the Vehicle Management ECU 13). The Vehicle Management ECU 13 then changes (i.e., updates) the control conditions that control the power supply state of the terminal ECU 15 to the received update control conditions.

[0079] The update control conditions may be stored, for example, in a table (e.g., a cluster management table on the vehicle 5 side). The cluster management table on the vehicle 5 side can be configured in the same way as the cluster management table on the cloud 3 side.

[0080] For example, under certain conditions (e.g., when parked in the office parking lot on a weekday), the relevant end-side ECU15 (i.e., the end-side ECU15 that is necessary for a service that is known not to be used and is not necessary for activating other necessary functions) is updated to a control condition that is more power-efficient.

[0081] [1-5. Control Processing] The control process in this first embodiment will now be described. This first embodiment relates to a dynamic partial network cluster and provides control that allows for updating to a new cluster in response to software / hardware updates, etc., in order to achieve power saving.

[0082] Here, we will explain together the processes performed by the central device 9 and the processes performed by the vehicle's central ECU 11 and vehicle management ECU 13. As shown in Figure 5, in step (hereinafter referred to as S) 100, the vehicle's central ECU 11 collects data indicating the power status, such as the current value detected by the electronic fuse 43 of the vehicle 5 as described above, and data indicating the position of the vehicle 5, via the vehicle management ECU 13, etc.

[0083] In the subsequent S110, the collected data is stored in the vehicle's central memory unit 25. In the subsequent S120, the collected data stored in the vehicle's central memory unit 25 is transmitted to the cloud 3 via the vehicle's central communication device 27.

[0084] In the subsequent S130, the data transmitted from vehicle 5 is received by the cloud communication device 21 of cloud 3. In the subsequent S140, the data received by the cloud communication device 21 is stored in the cloud storage unit 19.

[0085] In the subsequent S150, the cloud MCU 17 estimates the power usage status (for example, the usage status of each service that consumes power) corresponding to the service in the vehicle 5, and therefore corresponding to the cluster used for the service, based on the data stored in the cloud storage unit 19.

[0086] In the subsequent S160, the cloud MCU17 derives new control conditions (i.e., updated control conditions) based on the estimated power usage status corresponding to the cluster of vehicle 5. In the subsequent S170, the derived update control conditions are stored in the cloud storage unit 19 as a cluster management table on the cloud 3 side.

[0087] In the subsequent S180, the cloud communication device 21 transmits the update control conditions stored in the cloud storage unit 19 to the vehicle 5. In the subsequent S190, the update control conditions transmitted from Cloud 3 are received by the vehicle's central communication device 27 in vehicle 5.

[0088] In the subsequent S200, the update control conditions received by the vehicle's central communication device 27 are stored in the vehicle's central storage unit 25 as a cluster management table on the vehicle 5 side. These update control conditions are then sent to the vehicle management ECU 13 and stored in the vehicle management storage unit 31.

[0089] In the subsequent S210, the vehicle management MCU29 performs a process to update the control conditions of the terminal ECU15 to the updated control conditions (i.e., a process to reflect the updated control conditions). The control conditions are updated when predetermined conditions are met. Alternatively, they may be updated immediately in real time.

[0090] In the subsequent S220, the vehicle management MCU29 controls the power supply status of each terminal ECU15 based on the update control conditions, and then terminates this process. [1-6. Effects, etc.] According to this first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0091] (1a) In this first embodiment, power consumption can be reduced in the network system 7 installed in the vehicle 5. Specifically, information regarding the power supplied to each end-side ECU 15 is collected, and based on the collected information, the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle 5 (for example, power consumption per service and how the vehicle is used by each user) is estimated, and based on the estimated power usage status, control conditions are determined to control the power supply status to each end-side ECU 15 for each cluster. Then, these control conditions (updated control conditions) are reflected when controlling the power supplied to each end-side ECU 15.

[0092] In other words, in this first embodiment, control conditions for supplying power to each terminal ECU 15 corresponding to a cluster can be set based on the actual power supplied to each terminal ECU 15 of each cluster used for each service, etc. (i.e., the power consumption of each terminal ECU 15), rather than on theoretical calculations. Therefore, power consumption in the network system 7 can be reduced compared to conventional systems.

[0093] (1b) In this first embodiment, in the vehicle 5, at each terminal ECU 15 of each cluster Information regarding power is collected and sent to Cloud 3. Cloud 3 then estimates the power usage status and derives control conditions corresponding to the cluster of vehicle 5, and distributes the control conditions from Cloud 3 to vehicle 5. Based on the distributed control conditions, vehicle 5 can then control the power supply status to each end-side ECU 15. Although Cloud 3 is used as an example in this explanation, an on-premise system may also be used.

[0094] (1c) In this first embodiment, when updating control conditions, the cluster before the update can be subdivided according to the power usage state corresponding to the estimated vehicle 5 cluster. In other words, a cluster containing multiple terminal ECUs 15 can be subdivided into clusters containing even smaller numbers of terminal ECUs 15 (for example, into two clusters). This allows the power supply state to be controlled finely according to the subdivided cluster (i.e., controlled with high precision), thereby further reducing power consumption.

[0095] Furthermore, when updating control conditions, multiple clusters prior to the update may be integrated according to the estimated power usage status. For example, if there are two clusters containing multiple terminal ECUs 15, they may be integrated into one cluster. For example, if the power consumption does not differ significantly between two clusters and one integrated cluster, the clusters may be integrated. This simplifies the control of the power supply status to the terminal ECUs 15 in the cluster.

[0096] (1d) In this first embodiment, if the control condition derivation unit 57 is provided in the cloud 3, the cloud 3 may store in association the control conditions (for example, conditions such as which terminal ECU 15 to operate when performing a certain service) and the information of the electronic fuse 43 used based on those control conditions. For example, when controlling the power supply to a certain terminal ECU 15 to be turned on or off, the electronic fuse 43 for performing that control (i.e., an electronic fuse connected to the power line 41 of a certain terminal ECU 15) 43 and the terminal ECU 15 may be associated and stored in a table or the like in the cloud storage unit 19.

[0097] Furthermore, if the control condition derivation unit 57 is provided in the cloud 3, the control conditions may be stored in the cloud 3, and the control conditions transmitted from the cloud 3 and the information of the electronic fuse 43 used based on the control conditions may be associated with each other and stored in the vehicle 5, for example, in the vehicle management storage unit 31.

[0098] (1e) In this first embodiment, the operation of the data acquisition unit 63, the vehicle state estimation unit 55, the control condition derivation unit 57, and the control condition reflection unit 73 can be performed for each driver (i.e., user) operating the vehicle 5. Therefore, the actual usage status, such as how the driver is operating the vehicle, can be grasped for each driver, and control conditions corresponding to the driver can be derived, so power consumption can be appropriately reduced according to the driver.

[0099] As for the method of recognizing the driver, for example, it may be done automatically based on images of the driver taken by an on-board camera. Alternatively, the driver may be recognized by communicating with an information terminal (for example, a smartphone) or electronic key carried by the driver.

[0100] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 63, vehicle state estimation unit 55, control condition derivation unit 57, and control condition reflection unit 73 can be operated for each vehicle 5. Therefore, the power consumption of each vehicle 5 can be appropriately reduced according to the characteristics of each vehicle 5 (for example, actual power consumption).

[0101] (1f) In this first embodiment, the timing for reflecting the control conditions in the vehicle 5 can be immediately after acquiring the control conditions (i.e., in real time). As a setting, it can be adopted when predetermined conditions set to reflect the control conditions are met (for example, when the vehicle's central ECU 11 or vehicle management ECU 13 is started, or when the engine of the vehicle 5 is started).

[0102] (1g) In this first embodiment, information regarding the power of the vehicle 5 may be collected when predetermined collection conditions are met. For example, information regarding power may be collected for a predetermined period, such as the period during which the service is provided, or at regular intervals.

[0103] For example, the system may collect information about power when the state of the power information being collected changes (for example, when the current value changes). Furthermore, as information regarding power, current and voltage values ​​may be collected when each device, such as the terminal ECU 15, is operating. The current value can be collected by the electronic fuse 43, and the voltage value can be determined from the voltage of the battery 39.

[0104] [1-7. Correspondence] Next, the relationship between this disclosure and this first embodiment will be described. The power control system corresponds to power control system 1, the cloud corresponds to cloud 3, the vehicle corresponds to vehicle 5, the device corresponds to terminal ECU 15, the data acquisition unit corresponds to data acquisition unit 63, the vehicle state estimation unit corresponds to vehicle state estimation unit 55, the control condition derivation unit corresponds to control condition derivation unit 57, and the control condition reflection unit corresponds to control condition reflection unit 73.

[0105] [1-8. Variations] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. <Example 1> In Modification 1, the cluster to which power is supplied may be changed depending on the remaining battery level. Depending on the remaining battery level, it may not be possible to maintain the functions necessary to ensure the safety of the vehicle 5 unless the functions of the vehicle 5 are restricted. Therefore, the cluster to which power is supplied may be switched, such as by setting a power saving mode. For example, when the battery voltage drops below a predetermined value, power may be allowed to be supplied only to the cluster that has been set to perform services that have been predetermined to be important. Note that the remaining battery level is an indicator of how much power remains in the battery 39.

[0106] Furthermore, the power supplied to the cluster may be changed according to the remaining battery level. For example, if the battery voltage drops below a predetermined value, each terminal ECU 15 of the clusters pre-configured according to their importance (for example, clusters with low importance regarding safety, etc.) may be put into sleep mode (i.e., a state with more limited functionality than usual).

[0107] <Modification 2> In the first modification, the cluster supplying power may be changed, or the power supplied to the cluster may be changed, depending on the surrounding environment of the vehicle 5.

[0108] For example, if the GPS device detects the location of vehicle 5 and it is determined that vehicle 5 is in a specific parking lot where surveillance cameras are installed, then the condition of vehicle 5 is considered to be highly secure against damage, theft, etc.

[0109] In such cases, it is considered that there is little need to monitor the surroundings of vehicle 5 using the vehicle's sensors 49 (e.g., a camera). Therefore, the service for monitoring the surroundings of vehicle 5 may be stopped, and the terminal ECU 15 used for that service may be put to sleep, or power to the terminal ECU 15 may be cut off.

[0110] [2. Second Embodiment] Since the basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Reference numerals that are the same as those in the first embodiment indicate the same components, and refer to the preceding description.

[0111] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the network system 7, so the explanation will focus on the differences. In the first embodiment described above, the power control system 1 includes a configuration on the vehicle 5 side and a configuration on the cloud 3 side, but in this second embodiment, it includes a configuration only on the vehicle 5 side.

[0112] Specifically, as functionally shown in Figure 6, in this second embodiment, the vehicle's central ECU 11 includes a data acquisition unit 81, a data storage unit 83, a vehicle state estimation unit 85, a control condition derivation unit 87, a control condition storage unit 89, a control condition reflection unit 91, and the like. The above configuration may also be provided in the vehicle management ECU 13 instead of the vehicle's central ECU 11.

[0113] Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 81, data storage unit 83, vehicle state estimation unit 85, control condition derivation unit 87, control condition storage unit 89, and control condition reflection unit 91 each have the same functions as the data acquisition unit 63, data storage unit 65, vehicle state estimation unit 55, control condition derivation unit 57, control condition storage unit 71, and control condition reflection unit 73 of the first embodiment.

[0114] In other words, in this second embodiment, the vehicle 5 collects information regarding power, such as that of the terminal ECU 15, estimates the power usage state and derives control conditions for the clusters of the vehicle 5 based on the collected information, and uses the derived control conditions to control the power supply state of the terminal ECU 15.

[0115] This second embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, since it does not use Cloud 3, it has the advantage of simplifying system configuration and control. [3. Third Embodiment] Since the basic configuration of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Reference numerals that are the same as those in the first embodiment indicate the same components, and refer to the preceding description.

[0116] Since the data handled by vehicle 5 is diverse, the power control system 1 of this third embodiment can efficiently collect data from multiple vehicles 5 through the configurations of <System A> and <System B> described below.

[0117] <System A> In this third embodiment of System A, similar to the first embodiment, each of the multiple vehicles 5 is equipped with a data collection unit 63, and the collected data (i.e., power-related data) is transmitted to the central device 9 of the cloud 3 for processing. Note that there may be only one vehicle 5.

[0118] The central device 9 is configured to generate collection condition data for each of the multiple scenes, which includes a collection data item indicating the type of data to be collected, and a collection start condition indicating when data collection should begin. A scene refers to the circumstances in which the vehicle 5 is located, and examples include "services used," "external brightness," "vehicle behavior," "driver's actions," and "road conditions."

[0119] The central device 9 is configured to distribute the collection condition data to each data collection unit 63. Each data acquisition unit 63 is configured to acquire data corresponding to the data to be acquired when the acquisition start condition is met, based on the acquisition conditions indicated by the acquisition condition data distributed from the central device 9. Acquisition conditions include manually set conditions and conditions automatically generated by machine learning models. Examples of acquisition start conditions include "driver overwrite operation," "specific scene," and "operation result of the application corresponding to the service."

[0120] Each data collection unit 63 is configured to transmit (i.e., upload) the data collected based on the collection conditions to the central device 9, linking it to the collection conditions. With this configuration, data can be collected by narrowing down the scope based on the scene, allowing for efficient data collection from each data acquisition unit 63. Furthermore, since the data is classified by scene, the central device 9 can store the data in an easily manageable format.

[0121] Furthermore, the central device 9 is configured to manage scene tags that identify scenes and collection condition IDs that identify collection conditions by linking them together. As a result, each data collection unit 63 can collect data based on the collection condition ID without having to recognize the scene.

[0122] Furthermore, the conditions for starting data collection may include conditions linked to the data handled by vehicle 5. Examples of conditions linked to the data handled by vehicle 5 include "whether or not the sensor detection value is above a threshold." Each data collection unit 63 can collect data based on whether or not the data handled by vehicle 5 matches the above conditions. As a result, each data collection unit 63 can identify a scene based on the data handled by vehicle 5 and collect data more precisely based on that scene.

[0123] The central device 9 can further configure the vehicles 5 to which the data collection conditions will be distributed. This allows for the selection of vehicles 5 from which data will be collected. <System B> Similar to System A, System B includes a data collection unit 63 for each of the multiple vehicles 5, and the collected data (i.e., power-related data) is transmitted to the central device 9 in Cloud 3 for processing. Note that there may be only one vehicle 5.

[0124] The central device 9 stores the data collected from each data acquisition unit 63. The central device 9 uses the saved data to perform machine learning on the machine learning model, including annotation, model training, and model evaluation. Based on the results of the model evaluation obtained, it identifies scenes in which the machine learning model does not meet the pre-set evaluation criteria. For the identified scenes, it generates collection condition data, which includes a collection data item indicating the type of vehicle data to be collected and a collection start condition for initiating data collection. The generated collection condition data is then stored in association with a scene tag that identifies the scene.

[0125] Here, the machine learning configuration (i.e., the machine learning unit) comprises an annotation configuration (i.e., the annotation unit), a model training configuration (i.e., the model training unit), and a model evaluation configuration (i.e., the model evaluation unit).

[0126] The annotation unit performs annotation on preprocessed data, adding information (such as labels) for machine learning. Preprocessing can include making the collected data easier to use in machine learning (for example, changing the resolution or converting to grayscale).

[0127] The model training unit uses the data generated by the annotation unit to train a machine learning model. For example, a machine learning model might take image data captured by an in-vehicle camera as input, identify objects within the image, and output a determination result.

[0128] The model evaluation unit evaluates the accuracy of the machine learning model based on the training results from the model training unit. The central device 9 then distributes the collection condition data to each data collection unit 63.

[0129] The central device 9 stores the data uploaded from each data acquisition unit 63 based on the acquisition condition data, linking it to scene tags. This configuration allows for data collection by narrowing down the data based on the scene, enabling efficient data collection from each data collection unit 63. Furthermore, by identifying scenes that do not meet the evaluation criteria and generating collection condition data, collection condition data can be generated efficiently.

[0130] [4. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.

[0131] (4a) In the above embodiment, an electronic control device was given as an example of an object to control the power supplied, but various electronic devices other than electronic control devices may be used as objects to control. Examples of such electronic devices include cameras, various sensors other than cameras, and actuators such as motors.

[0132] (4b) The operation of the power control system or central device described herein may be realized by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program.

[0133] Alternatively, the operation of the power control system or central device described herein may be implemented by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.

[0134] Alternatively, the operation of the power control system or central device described herein may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers comprising a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor comprising one or more hardware logic circuits.

[0135] Furthermore, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable, non-transitional tangible recording medium as instructions to be executed by the computer. The method for realizing the functions of the power control system does not necessarily have to include software; all of its functions may be realized using one or more hardware components.

[0136] (4c) In addition to the power control system described above, the disclosure can also be implemented in various forms, such as a configuration comprising the power control system, a central device, a program for operating the power control system and the computer of the central device, a non-transition tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, a control method for the power control system, and a control method for the central device.

[0137] (4d) Multiple functions of one component in each of the above embodiments, Functions may be realized by a single element, or one function possessed by one element may be realized by multiple elements. Alternatively, multiple functions possessed by multiple elements may be realized by one element, or one function realized by multiple elements may be realized by one element. Furthermore, some parts of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be added to or replaced with the configuration of other embodiments. [Technical Concept Disclosed in This Specified Specification] [Item 1] A power control system (1) that controls the power supply state to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) mounted on a vehicle (5), A data acquisition unit (63) configured to collect information on the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices, A vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the power information collected by the data acquisition unit, A control condition derivation unit (57) is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit, A control condition reflecting unit (73) is configured to reflect the control conditions obtained by the control condition derivation unit when supplying power to each of the devices, A power control system equipped with this system.

[0138] [Item 2] The power control system described in item 1, The vehicle is configured to collect information relating to the power and transmit it to a central device (9), the central device to estimate the power usage status and derive the control conditions, the central device to distribute the control conditions to the vehicle, and the vehicle to control the power supply status based on the control conditions. Power control system.

[0139] [Item 3] The power control system described in item 1, The vehicle is configured to collect information regarding the power, estimate the power usage status and derive control conditions based on the collected information, and control the power supply status using the derived control conditions. Power control system.

[0140] [Item 4] A power control system described in any one of items 1 to 3, When updating the control conditions, the cluster before the update is configured to be subdivided according to the usage status of the power, Power control system.

[0141] [Item 5] A power control system described in any one of items 1 to 3, When updating the control conditions, the system is configured to integrate the multiple clusters before the update according to the usage status of the power, Power control system.

[0142] [Item 6] A power control system described in any one of item 1, item 2, item 4, or item 5, When the control condition derivation unit is provided in the central device, the central device is configured to store the control conditions and the information of the power relay (43) used based on the control conditions in association with each other. Power control system.

[0143] [Item 7] A power control system described in any one of item 1, item 2, item 4, or item 5, When the control condition derivation unit is provided in the center device, the center device is configured to store the control conditions, and the vehicle is configured to store the control conditions transmitted from the center device in association with the information of the power relay used based on the control conditions. Power control system.

[0144] [Item 8] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 7, For each of the aforementioned vehicles, the data acquisition unit, the vehicle state estimation unit, the control condition derivation unit, and the control condition reflection unit are configured to perform their respective operations. Power control system.

[0145] [Item 9] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 8, The system is configured to perform the operations of the data collection unit, the vehicle state estimation unit, the control condition derivation unit, and the control condition reflection unit for each driver operating the vehicle. Power control system.

[0146] [Item 10] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 9, The timing for reflecting the control conditions in the vehicle is immediately after acquiring the control conditions, or when predetermined conditions set for reflecting the control conditions are met. Power control system.

[0147] [Item 11] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 10, A device configured to collect information on the power when predetermined collection conditions are met, Power control system.

[0148] [Item 12] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 11, The system is configured to collect information about the power when the state of the information about the power being collected changes. Power control system.

[0149] [Item 13] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 12, The system is configured to collect current and voltage values ​​when each of the devices is operating, as information relating to the aforementioned power. Power control system.

[0150] [Item 14] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 13, The system is configured to change the cluster that supplies power, or to change the power supplied to each device of the cluster, depending on the remaining battery level. Power control system.

[0151] [Item 15] A power control system as described in any one of items 1 through 14, The system is configured to change the cluster that supplies power, or to change the power supplied to each device of the cluster, depending on the surrounding environment of the vehicle. Power control system. [Item 16] In a vehicle (5), a central device (9) controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15), A data receiving unit (51) configured to receive information regarding the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices, A vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the usage state of the power corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the power information received by the data receiving unit, A control condition derivation unit (57) is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit, A control condition transmission unit (61) is configured to transmit the control conditions obtained by the control condition derivation unit to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each of the devices, A central unit equipped with this system. [Claim 17] A control method for a central device (9) that controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) in a vehicle (5), The system receives information regarding the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices, estimates the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the received power information, determines control conditions for controlling the power supply status to each of the devices in the cluster based on the estimated power usage status, and transmits the determined control conditions to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each of the aforementioned devices. Control method for the central device. [Claim 18] A program used in a central device (9) that controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) in a vehicle (5), A data receiving unit (51) is configured to receive information regarding the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices. A vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the power information received by the data receiving unit. A control condition derivation unit (57) is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit. A control condition transmission unit (61) is configured to transmit the control conditions obtained by the control condition derivation unit to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each of the devices. A program designed to implement the function of [that]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0152] 1...Power control system, 3...Cloud, 5...Vehicle, 9...Center device, 11...Vehicle central ECU, 13...Vehicle management ECU, 13...End-side ECU, 39...Battery, 43...Electronic fuse, 55, 85...Vehicle state estimation unit, 57, 87...Control condition derivation unit, 63, 81...Data acquisition unit, 73, 91...Control condition reflection unit

Claims

1. A power control system (1) that controls the power supply state to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) mounted on a vehicle (5), A data acquisition unit (63) configured to collect information on the power consumed by each of the above devices, A vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the power information collected by the data acquisition unit, A control condition derivation unit (57) is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit, A control condition reflecting unit (73) is configured to reflect the control conditions obtained by the control condition derivation unit when supplying power to each of the devices, A power control system equipped with this system.

2. A power control system according to claim 1, The vehicle is configured to collect information relating to the power and transmit it to a central device (9), the central device to estimate the power usage status and derive the control conditions, the central device to distribute the control conditions to the vehicle, and the vehicle to control the power supply status based on the control conditions. Power control system.

3. A power control system according to claim 1, The vehicle is configured to collect information regarding the power, estimate the power usage status and derive control conditions based on the collected information, and control the power supply status using the derived control conditions. Power control system.

4. A power control system according to claim 1, When updating the control conditions, the cluster before the update is configured to be subdivided according to the usage status of the power, Power control system.

5. A power control system according to claim 1, When updating the control conditions, the system is configured to integrate the multiple clusters before the update according to the usage status of the power, Power control system.

6. A power control system according to claim 1, When the control condition derivation unit is provided in the central device, the central device is configured to store the control conditions and the information of the power relay (43) used based on the control conditions in association with each other. Power control system.

7. A power control system according to claim 1, When the control condition derivation unit is provided in the center device, the center device is configured to store the control conditions, and the vehicle is configured to store the control conditions transmitted from the center device in association with the information of the power relay used based on the control conditions. Power control system.

8. A power control system according to claim 1, For each of the aforementioned vehicles, the data acquisition unit, the vehicle state estimation unit, the control condition derivation unit, and the control condition reflection unit are configured to perform their respective operations. Power control system.

9. A power control system according to claim 1, The system is configured to perform the operations of the data collection unit, the vehicle state estimation unit, the control condition derivation unit, and the control condition reflection unit for each driver operating the vehicle. Power control system.

10. A power control system according to claim 1, The timing for reflecting the control conditions in the vehicle is immediately after acquiring the control conditions, or when predetermined conditions set for reflecting the control conditions are met. Power control system.

11. A power control system according to claim 1, A device configured to collect information on the power when predetermined collection conditions are met, Power control system.

12. A power control system according to claim 1, The system is configured to collect information about the power when the state of the information about the power being collected changes. Power control system.

13. A power control system according to claim 1, The system is configured to collect current and voltage values ​​when each of the devices is operating, as information relating to the aforementioned power. Power control system.

14. A power control system according to claim 1, The system is configured to change the cluster that supplies power, or to change the power supplied to each device of the cluster, depending on the remaining battery level. Power control system.

15. A power control system according to claim 1, The system is configured to change the cluster that supplies power, or to change the power supplied to each device of the cluster, depending on the surrounding environment of the vehicle. Power control system.

16. In a vehicle (5), a central device (9) controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15), A data receiving unit (51) configured to receive information regarding the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices, A vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the power information received by the data receiving unit, Based on the power usage status estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit, control conditions are determined to control the power supply status to each device in the cluster. A control condition derivation unit (57) configured as follows: A control condition transmission unit (61) is configured to transmit the control conditions obtained by the control condition derivation unit to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each of the devices, A central unit equipped with this system.

17. A control method for a central device (9) that controls the power supply status to a cluster composed of one or more devices (15) in a vehicle (5), The system receives information regarding the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices, estimates the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the received power information, determines control conditions for controlling the power supply status to each of the devices in the cluster based on the estimated power usage status, and transmits the determined control conditions to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each of the aforementioned devices. Control method for the central device.

18. A program used in a central device (9) that controls the power supply status to a cluster consisting of one or more devices (15) in a vehicle (5), A data receiving unit (51) configured to receive information regarding the power consumed by each of the aforementioned devices, A vehicle state estimation unit (55) is configured to estimate the power usage status corresponding to the cluster of the vehicle based on the power information received by the data receiving unit. A control condition derivation unit (57) is configured to determine control conditions for controlling the power supply state to each device in the cluster based on the power usage state estimated by the vehicle state estimation unit. A control condition transmission unit (61) is configured to transmit the control conditions obtained by the control condition derivation unit to the vehicle so as to be reflected when supplying power to each of the devices. A program designed to implement the function of [that].

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