Vehicle management systems, in-vehicle devices, and hardware selection methods

Abstract

When adding hardware to a vehicle to perform a function requested by the user, the system will notify the user of the appropriate hardware for that vehicle. [Solution] The vehicle management system comprises an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a management device located outside the vehicle. The in-vehicle device transmits to the management device function information indicating the functions that the vehicle's user wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle. Based on the function information and capacity information received from the in-vehicle device, the management device performs a selection process to select one or more hardware devices to perform the functions indicated by the function information, and the management device notifies the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle management system, an in-vehicle device, and a hardware selection method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies have been developed to determine whether a function desired by a vehicle user can be executed in the vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-63120) discloses the following technology. That is, a vehicle agent device includes an intention understanding unit that understands the intention of the speech content by an occupant of a target vehicle, and a function of the vehicle that is included in the speech content understood by the intention understanding unit and that the occupant intends to use, and that is not equipped on the target vehicle but can be equipped on the target vehicle is detected as an un-equipped function, and a processing unit that performs a process of providing information on the un-equipped function detected by the detection unit to the occupant.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After the vehicle has been shipped, hardware such as sensors and ECUs (Electronic Control Units) may be added to the vehicle in order to perform functions requested by the user.

[0005] When multiple hardware options exist, it can be difficult for users to select the appropriate hardware. In particular, in recent years, there has been an increase in cases where various hardware components are added to vehicles after shipment according to user needs, increasing the flexibility of in-vehicle network configuration changes. Therefore, a technology capable of notifying users of the appropriate hardware for each specific vehicle is desirable.

[0006] This disclosure was made to solve the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle management system, an in-vehicle device, and a hardware selection method that can notify the user of appropriate hardware for a vehicle when adding hardware to the vehicle to perform a function desired by the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vehicle management system of this disclosure comprises an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle and a management device located outside the vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle device transmits to the management device function information indicating a function that the vehicle's user wishes to perform in the vehicle and capacity information relating to the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle, the management device performs a selection process to select one or more of the hardware to perform the function indicated by the function information based on the function information and capacity information received from the in-vehicle device, and the management device notifies the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware.

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

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as an in-vehicle device equipped with such characteristic processing, but also as a method in which such characteristic processing is performed in steps, or as a program for causing a computer to perform such steps. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure can be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the in-vehicle device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, when adding hardware to a vehicle to perform a function desired by the user, the appropriate hardware for that vehicle can be notified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed in a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows another example of a screen displayed in a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of communication port information held by an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of surplus power information created by an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the server configuration according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a type table held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of candidate information held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of candidate information held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of candidate information held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of selection result information transmitted by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a process of transmitting vehicle information. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a process of transmitting vehicle information. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a selection process. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a selection process. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a selection process. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processes of a navigation device, an in-vehicle relay device, in-vehicle equipment, and a server in a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of processes of a navigation device, an in-vehicle relay device, in-vehicle equipment, and a server in a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. (1) The vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a management device located outside the vehicle, wherein the in-vehicle device transmits to the management device function information indicating a function that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle and capacity information relating to the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle, the management device performs a selection process to select one or more of the hardware to perform the function indicated by the function information based on the function information and capacity information received from the in-vehicle device, and the management device notifies the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware.

[0013] This configuration allows for the selection and notification of appropriate hardware for the vehicle to perform the desired functions, based on the vehicle's available hardware capacity. Therefore, when adding hardware to a vehicle to perform the desired functions, the appropriate hardware for that vehicle can be notified.

[0014] (2) In (1) above, the remaining capacity information may include information indicating at least one of the number and type of communication ports in the vehicle to which the hardware can be added.

[0015] This configuration allows for the selection and notification of appropriate hardware based on the number or type of communication ports to which additional hardware can be added.

[0016] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the surplus information may include information indicating the surplus power consumption of the vehicle.

[0017] This configuration allows for the selection and notification of appropriate hardware based on the vehicle's remaining power consumption capacity.

[0018] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, the remaining capacity information may include information indicating the remaining capacity of the vehicle's in-vehicle network for communication.

[0019] This configuration allows for the selection of appropriate hardware based on the available communication capacity in the in-vehicle network, enabling notifications to be sent.

[0020] (5) In any of (1) to (4) above, the in-vehicle device may further transmit priority information to the management device indicating whether to prioritize the use of existing hardware in the vehicle before the hardware was added, or to prioritize the execution of the function indicated by the function information, and the management device may further perform the selection process based on the priority information received from the in-vehicle device.

[0021] This configuration allows, for example, if there is no capacity to add hardware to a vehicle, to propose performing the user's desired functions by deactivating existing hardware.

[0022] (6) In any of (1) to (5) above, the management device may notify the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware and the conditions for performing the function indicated in the function information, the conditions may include removing existing hardware from the vehicle before the hardware was added.

[0023] This configuration allows users to understand that, as a condition for performing the desired function in the vehicle, existing hardware must be removed from the vehicle.

[0024] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the management device may perform the selection process based on correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the function and the type of hardware.

[0025] This configuration makes it easy to identify the type of hardware needed to perform the function indicated by the function information received from the in-vehicle device, using corresponding information.

[0026] (8) In any of (1) to (7) above, the management device may perform the selection process based on candidate information indicating a plurality of hardware candidates to be notified to the in-vehicle device, wherein the candidate information indicates at least one of the specifications and price of each candidate.

[0027] This configuration allows for the selection of appropriate hardware to be notified to the in-vehicle device, based on the specifications or price of each hardware candidate indicated in the candidate information.

[0028] (9) An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires function information indicating a function that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information relating to the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle; and a transmission unit that transmits the function information and the capacity information acquired by the acquisition unit to a management device located outside the vehicle.

[0029] This configuration allows for the selection and notification of appropriate hardware for the vehicle to perform the desired functions, based on the vehicle's available hardware capacity. Therefore, when adding hardware to a vehicle to perform the desired functions, the appropriate hardware for that vehicle can be notified.

[0030] (10) A hardware selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a hardware selection method in a vehicle management system comprising an in-vehicle device mounted in a vehicle and a management device located outside the vehicle, comprising the steps of: the in-vehicle device transmitting to the management device function information indicating a function that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information relating to the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle; the management device performing a selection process to select one or more hardware for realizing the function indicated by the function information based on the function information and capacity information received from the in-vehicle device; and the management device notifying the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware.

[0031] This method allows for the selection and notification of appropriate hardware for the vehicle to perform the desired functions, based on the vehicle's available capacity for additional hardware. Therefore, when adding hardware to a vehicle to perform the desired functions, the appropriate hardware for that vehicle can be notified.

[0032] 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.

[0033] [Vehicle Management System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the vehicle management system 501 comprises one or more in-vehicle systems 301 and a server 171. The in-vehicle system 301 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The server 171 is an example of a management device.

[0034] Server 171 is located outside of vehicle 1. Server 171 is used, for example, by a company that manages the operation of vehicle 1.

[0035] [In-vehicle systems] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an 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.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle system 301 comprises multiple in-vehicle relay devices 101, namely in-vehicle relay devices 101A and 101B, and multiple in-vehicle devices 202, namely in-vehicle devices 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D. The multiple in-vehicle relay devices 101 and the multiple in-vehicle devices 202 constitute an in-vehicle network 401. In-vehicle relay device 101A is an example of an in-vehicle device.

[0037] Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 301 is not limited to a configuration with two in-vehicle relay devices 101, but may also be configured with one or three or more in-vehicle relay devices 101. Also, the in-vehicle system 301 is not limited to a configuration with four in-vehicle devices 202, but may also be configured with two, three or five or more in-vehicle devices 202.

[0038] In-vehicle equipment 202 includes in-vehicle ECUs, sensors, navigation systems, OTA (Over The Air) masters, human-machine interfaces, and cameras. In-vehicle ECUs include TCUs (Telematics Communication Units), autonomous driving ECUs, engine ECUs, steering control ECUs, door control ECUs, and facial recognition ECUs.

[0039] The in-vehicle equipment 202 is connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101, for example, via an Ethernet® cable 5, a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus 6, or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 2, the in-vehicle devices 202A and 202B are connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the Ethernet cable 5. The in-vehicle devices 202C and 202D are connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101B via the CAN bus 6.

[0041] Hereinafter, the in-vehicle equipment 202 connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101 via Ethernet cable 5 will also be referred to as "Ethernet equipment." Furthermore, the in-vehicle equipment 202 connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101 via CAN bus 6 will also be referred to as "CAN equipment."

[0042] The in-vehicle relay device 101B is connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101A, for example, via an Ethernet cable 5.

[0043] The in-vehicle equipment 202 may also be configured to be connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101 via transmission lines conforming to other communication standards such as CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) (registered trademark), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0044] Furthermore, the in-vehicle relay device 101B may be configured to be connected to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via a transmission line that conforms to a communication standard other than Ethernet.

[0045] The in-vehicle device 202 creates a frame containing various types of information, as described later, and transmits it to another in-vehicle device 202 or the in-vehicle relay device 101.

[0046] The in-vehicle relay device 101 is, for example, a gateway device. The in-vehicle relay device 101 performs relay processing to relay data transmitted and received between the in-vehicle devices 202.

[0047] The in-vehicle relay device 101 creates a frame containing various types of information, as described later, and transmits it to the in-vehicle equipment 202 or another in-vehicle relay device 101.

[0048] Each in-vehicle relay device 101 and each in-vehicle device 202 communicates with each other to provide various functions in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0049] Specifically, the in-vehicle network 401 performs functions such as controlling the timing of the vehicle 1's headlight illumination, monitoring the area around vehicle 1, and updating various software used in the in-vehicle network 401 via OTA (Over-the-Air) updates.

[0050] For example, in order to perform a function desired by the driver or other user of vehicle 1, a new in-vehicle device 202 may be added to the in-vehicle network 401 after vehicle 1 has been shipped. Hereinafter, hardware such as the in-vehicle device 202 that is newly added to the in-vehicle network 401 will also be referred to as "additional device," and hardware such as the in-vehicle device 202 that was included in the in-vehicle network 401 before the addition of the additional device will also be referred to as "existing device." Furthermore, the function that is performed in the in-vehicle network 401 before the addition of the additional device will also be referred to as "existing function."

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 2, in-vehicle equipment 202A and in-vehicle equipment 202B are TCU and navigation device, respectively. Hereafter, in-vehicle equipment 202A and in-vehicle equipment 202B will also be referred to as TCU202A and navigation device 202B, respectively.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the TCU202A communicates with the server 171, for example, via the wireless base station device 161.

[0053] More specifically, the TCU202A communicates wirelessly with the wireless base station equipment 161 in accordance with communication standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark) or 5G.

[0054] Specifically, when the TCU202A receives a frame from the in-vehicle relay device 101 or other in-vehicle equipment 202, it transmits a radio signal containing various information included in the received frame to the radio base station device 161.

[0055] When the wireless base station device 161 receives a wireless signal from the TCU 202A, it transmits various information contained in the received wireless signal to the server 171 via an external network 151 such as the Internet.

[0056] Furthermore, when the wireless base station device 161 receives an IP packet from the server 171 via the external network 151, it includes the received IP packet in the wireless signal and transmits it to the TCU 202A.

[0057] When TCU202A receives a radio signal containing an IP packet from server 171 via radio base station device 161, it retrieves the IP packet from the received radio signal. Then, TCU202A stores the retrieved IP packet in a frame and transmits it to the destination device of the IP packet.

[0058] [Vehicle-mounted relay device 101A] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0059] Referring to Figure 3, the in-vehicle relay device 101A comprises a plurality of communication ports 10, a relay unit 11, a processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The processing unit 12 includes an acquisition unit 21 and a notification unit 22. 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 processing circuit.

[0060] Communication port 10 is a connector to which an Ethernet cable 5, a CAN bus 6, or a USB cable can be connected. A unique port number is assigned to communication port 10.

[0061] (Relay section) The relay unit 11 performs relay processing that involves conversion of the communication protocol. More specifically, for example, when the relay unit 11 receives a CAN frame destined for an Ethernet device from a CAN device, it changes the format of the received CAN frame to the format of an Ethernet frame and transmits it to the destination Ethernet device.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, when the relay unit 11 receives an Ethernet frame destined for a CAN device from an Ethernet device, it converts the received Ethernet frame to the format of a CAN frame and transmits it to the destination CAN device.

[0063] Furthermore, the relay unit 11 performs relay processing that does not involve conversion of the communication protocol. More specifically, the storage unit 13 stores an address table that shows the correspondence between the port number of the communication port 10 and the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the device connected to the communication port 10.

[0064] When the relay unit 11 receives an Ethernet frame from an Ethernet device, it uses the address table in the storage unit 13 to transmit the Ethernet frame to the destination Ethernet device.

[0065] Furthermore, when the relay unit 11 receives a frame from another device that is destined for its own in-vehicle relay device 101A, it outputs the received frame to the processing unit 12.

[0066] [Submit additional request information] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4, the navigation device 202B comprises a communication unit 31, a processing unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The processing unit 32 includes a receiving unit 41, a display processing unit 42, and an output unit 43. One or both of the communication unit 31 and the processing unit 32 are implemented by a processing circuit including, for example, one or more processors. The storage unit 33 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the processing circuit.

[0067] The user performs an input operation W on a predetermined screen displayed on the navigation device 202B to execute a new function in the vehicle 1.

[0068] The reception unit 41 receives an input operation W from the user. Upon receiving the input operation W, the reception unit 41 outputs additional request information to the communication unit 31 indicating that the user wishes to execute a new function in vehicle 1. The communication unit 31 transmits the additional request information received from the reception unit 41 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A. Hereinafter, the new function that the user of vehicle 1 wishes to execute in vehicle 1 will also be referred to as the "additional function S".

[0069] [Retrieving feature information and priority information] Referring again to Figure 3, in the in-vehicle relay device 101A, the acquisition unit 21 sends a request notification R1 to the IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) indicating that it requests the transmission of function information indicating the function to be executed in the vehicle 1, i.e., the additional function S, and the transmission of priority information indicating the priority items J when executing the additional function S.

[0070] Specifically, for example, when the acquisition unit 21 receives additional request information from the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11, it sends a request notification R1 to the navigation device 202B corresponding to the IVI via the relay unit 11.

[0071] Referring again to Figure 4, in the navigation device 202B, when the communication unit 31 receives a request notification R1 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it outputs the received request notification R1 to the display processing unit 42.

[0072] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed in a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the storage unit 33 stores screen information B1 that shows screen G1. For example, screen G1 is a screen that shows candidates for additional functions S.

[0074] When the display processing unit 42 receives a request notification R1 from the communication unit 31, it obtains screen information B1 from the storage unit 33. Then, based on the obtained screen information B1, the display processing unit 42 performs the process of displaying screen G1 on the display unit of its own navigation device 202B.

[0075] Screen G1 includes areas A11, A12, and A13. Area A11 indicates that the user is prompted to select an additional function S.

[0076] Area A12 displays candidate additional functions S that can be executed on vehicle 1. In the example shown in Figure 5, the additional functions S that can be executed on vehicle 1 are functions A, B, C, and D, etc. Area A12 also includes checkboxes Ch1 for selecting additional functions S. Area A13 includes buttons as part of the UI (User Interface), specifically the "Next" button Bt. If some of the functions displayed in area A12 are existing functions, a message indicating that some of those functions are existing functions may be displayed on screen G1.

[0077] While screen G1 is displayed on the navigation device 202B, the user clicks checkbox Ch1 corresponding to the additional function S that they wish to execute on vehicle 1.

[0078] The output unit 43 acquires information indicating the user's actions on the screen displayed on the display unit of its own navigation device 202B.

[0079] More specifically, for example, when the user clicks checkbox Ch1, the output unit 43 acquires information indicating the additional function S corresponding to checkbox Ch1 as function information.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 5, the user has clicked checkbox Ch1, which corresponds to function C. In this case, the output unit 43 acquires information indicating that the additional function S is function C as function information.

[0081] Furthermore, if a user wishes to execute multiple additional functions S, they may click on the corresponding checkboxes Ch1 for each of those additional functions S. In this case, the output unit 43 acquires information indicating the multiple additional functions S as function information.

[0082] Figure 6 shows another example of a screen displayed in a navigation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the storage unit 33 stores screen information B2 showing screen G2. Screen G2 is a screen that prompts the user to select priority items J when executing the additional function S.

[0084] The display processing unit 42 retrieves screen information B2 from the storage unit 33 when the user clicks the checkbox Ch1 and also presses the "Next" button Bt. Based on the retrieved screen information B2, the display processing unit 42 then displays screen G2 on the display unit of its navigation device 202B.

[0085] Screen G2 includes areas A21, A22, A23, and A24. Area A21 indicates a prompt to select priority J.

[0086] Areas A22 and A23 include checkboxes for selecting priority J. In the example shown in Figure 6, area A22 includes checkbox Ch2 for selecting the price of additional equipment as priority J. Area A23 includes checkbox Ch3 for selecting prioritizing the removal of existing equipment from the in-vehicle network 401, i.e., prioritizing the execution of additional function S over existing functions as priority J.

[0087] Areas A22 and A23 display priority J. In the example shown in Figure 6, priority J displayed in area A22 is the price of additional equipment. Area A22 includes a checkbox Ch2 for selecting priority J.

[0088] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, priority J displayed in area A23 is to prioritize the removal of existing equipment from the in-vehicle network 401, that is, to prioritize the execution of additional function S over existing functions. Area A23 includes a checkbox Ch3 for selecting priority J.

[0089] Area A24 displays candidates for existing equipment to be removed from the in-vehicle network 401. In the example shown in Figure 6, these candidates include existing equipment for performing function E, existing equipment for performing function F, etc. Area A24 also includes checkbox Ch4 for selecting these candidates.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 6, both checkboxes Ch2 and Ch3 are clicked by the user. Also in the example shown in Figure 6, checkbox Ch4, corresponding to the existing equipment for performing function E, is clicked by the user.

[0091] When the user clicks checkbox Ch2, the output unit 43 acquires information indicating that the price of additional equipment should be prioritized, as priority information. Hereinafter, the priority information indicating that the price of additional equipment should be prioritized will also be referred to as "priority information Q1".

[0092] Furthermore, if the user clicks checkbox Ch3 and also clicks checkbox Ch4, the output unit 43 acquires the type of existing equipment corresponding to checkbox Ch4 and information indicating that the removal of said existing equipment should be prioritized as priority information. Hereinafter, the priority information indicating that the removal of existing equipment should be prioritized will also be referred to as "priority information Q2".

[0093] Here, it is assumed that the output unit 43 has acquired both priority information Q1 and priority information Q2. However, the output unit 43 may acquire either priority information Q1 or priority information Q2.

[0094] The output unit 43 transmits the acquired function information and priority information Q1 and Q2 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the communication unit 31.

[0095] Referring again to Figure 3, in the in-vehicle relay device 101A, the acquisition unit 21 receives function information and priority information Q1 and Q2 from the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11. The acquisition unit 21 then outputs the received function information and priority information Q1 and Q2 to the notification unit 22.

[0096] [Acquire information on available resources] The acquisition unit 21 acquires capacity information G related to the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle 1. For example, the capacity information G includes communication port information F1, power consumption information F2, and communication volume information F3.

[0097] Communication port information F1 is information indicating the number, type, and available power of communication ports 10 in vehicle 1 to which hardware can be added. The type of communication port 10 is the communication standard of the transmission line connected to the communication port 10. The available power of communication port 10 is the power that can be supplied to a communication circuit (not shown) provided in conjunction with the communication port 10.

[0098] Power consumption information F2 indicates the remaining power consumption capacity of vehicle 1. Communication volume information F3 indicates the remaining communication volume capacity of the in-vehicle network 401.

[0099] Figure 7 shows an example of communication port information held by an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to Figures 3 and 7, the storage unit 13 stores the communication port information F1. For example, the communication port information F1 is pre-registered in the storage unit 13 by the vehicle 1's dealer or the like.

[0101] For example, communication port information F1 shows the correspondence between the port number, the type of communication port 10, the usage status of communication port 10, and the available power supply.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 7, the type, usage status, and available power supply of communication port 10 with port number "P11" are "Ethernet," "In Use," and "100" W, respectively. The type, usage status, and available power supply of communication port 10 with port number "P12" are "CAN," "Free," and "20" W, respectively. The type, usage status, and available power supply of communication port 10 with port number "P13" are "Ethernet," "In Use," and "100" W, respectively. The type, usage status, and available power supply of communication port 10 with port number "P14" are "USB," "Free," and "5" W, respectively. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 7, the communication ports 10 to which hardware can be added (hereinafter also referred to as "free ports") are the communication port 10 with port number "P13" and the communication port 10 with port number "P14."

[0103] When the acquisition unit 21 receives function information and priority information Q1 and Q2 from the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11, it acquires communication port information F1 from the storage unit 13.

[0104] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 21 collects device information from each existing device. For example, the device information includes the type of existing device, the maximum power consumption Pmax of the existing device, and the amount of data communicated per unit time V in the existing device.

[0105] More specifically, for example, when the acquisition unit 21 acquires communication port information F1 from the storage unit 13, it sends a request notification R2 to each existing device via the relay unit 11, indicating that it requests the transmission of device information.

[0106] A storage unit (not shown) in an existing device stores the device information of the existing device and identification information for identifying the existing device (hereinafter also referred to as "device ID (Identifier)").

[0107] When an existing device receives a request notification R2 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it sends its own device information, including the device ID, to the in-vehicle relay device 101A as a response to the received request notification R2.

[0108] In the in-vehicle relay device 101A, when the relay unit 11 receives device information from an existing device, it outputs the received device information, including the port number of the communication port 10 that received the device information, to the acquisition unit 21.

[0109] Figure 8 shows an example of surplus power information created by an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, the acquisition unit 21 creates surplus information G using the equipment information of each existing device received from the relay unit 11 and the communication port information F1 acquired from the storage unit 13.

[0111] The available capacity information G shows the correspondence between the port number, the type of communication port 10, the usage status of communication port 10, the available power supply of communication port 10, the type of existing equipment, the maximum power consumption Pmax, and the amount of communication V.

[0112] In the example shown in Figure 8, the type, usage status, and available power of each communication port 10 in the available power information G are the same as those registered in the communication port information F1 shown in Figure 7. Also, in the example shown in Figure 8, the type of existing equipment connected to communication port 10 with port number "P11", the maximum power consumption Pmax, and the communication volume V are "vehicle speed sensor", "10" W, and "10" Mbps, respectively. The type of existing equipment connected to communication port 10 with port number "P13", the maximum power consumption Pmax, and the communication volume V are "door control ECU", "5" W, and "1" Mbps, respectively.

[0113] When the acquisition unit 21 creates the reserve information G, it outputs vehicle information, including the function information and priority information Q1 and Q2 received from the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11, and the created reserve information G, to the notification unit 22.

[0114] (Transmission of function information, priority information, and available capacity information) The notification unit 22 transmits the function information, priority information Q1 and Q2, and surplus information G acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to the server 171.

[0115] For example, the storage unit 13 stores identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "vehicle ID") for identifying the vehicle 1 on which its in-vehicle relay device 101A is installed, and vehicle type information indicating the type of vehicle 1.

[0116] The notification unit 22 transmits the vehicle information received from the acquisition unit 21, along with the vehicle ID and vehicle type information stored in the storage unit 13, to the server 171 via the relay unit 11 and TCU 202A.

[0117] [server] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 9, the server 171 comprises a communication unit 51, a selection processing unit 52, and a storage unit 53. One or both of the communication unit 51 and the selection processing unit 52 are implemented by a processing circuit including, for example, one or more processors. The storage unit 53 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the processing circuit.

[0118] The communication unit 51 communicates with the TCU 202A by sending and receiving various information via the external network 151 and the wireless base station equipment 161.

[0119] When the communication unit 51 receives vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the TCU 202A, it outputs the received vehicle information to the selection processing unit 52.

[0120] (Type Table) Figure 10 shows an example of a type table held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Referring to Figure 10, for example, the storage unit 53 stores a type table Tb10 that shows the correspondence between the functions performed in vehicle 1 and the types of hardware. For example, the storage unit 53 stores a type table Tb10 for each vehicle type. The type table Tb10 is an example of correspondence information.

[0122] In the example shown in Figure 10, in type table Tb10, the hardware types for performing function A are the vehicle speed sensor and the headlamp ECU. The hardware types for performing function B are the vehicle speed sensor, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and the steering ECU. The hardware types for performing function C are the camera, the human detection sensor, and the facial recognition ECU. The human detection sensor is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of people around vehicle 1.

[0123] [Hardware selection and notification] Referring again to Figure 9, for example, the server 171 performs a selection process to select one or more hardware components to perform the function indicated by the function information received from the in-vehicle relay device 101A. The server 171 then notifies the in-vehicle relay device 101A of the selected hardware components.

[0124] More specifically, for example, in server 171, the selection processing unit 52 performs selection processing based on the function information, priority information Q1, Q2 and surplus information G included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51, as well as the type table Tb10 in the storage unit 53.

[0125] Specifically, when the selection processing unit 52 receives vehicle information from the communication unit 51, it obtains a type table Tb10 from the storage unit 53 that corresponds to the vehicle type indicated by the vehicle type information contained in the vehicle information.

[0126] The selection processing unit 52 then refers to the acquired type table Tb10 to confirm the type of hardware (hereinafter also referred to as "additional target hardware") for executing the additional function S indicated by the function information included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51. The following describes the selection process when the additional function S indicated by the function information is "function C". In this case, the selection processing unit 52 confirms that the three additional target hardware, namely the camera, human detection sensor, and facial recognition ECU, are hardware for executing function C.

[0127] When the selection processing unit 52 confirms the type of additional hardware to be added, it refers to the available capacity information G included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 to confirm whether all of the identified additional hardware is installed in the vehicle 1 targeted for selection processing (hereinafter also referred to as the "target vehicle").

[0128] (a1) If all of the additional hardware is installed If all three of the confirmed additional hardware items are already installed in the target vehicle, the selection processing unit 52 outputs a notification to the communication unit 51 indicating that additional hardware is not required and the vehicle ID included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51.

[0129] Referring to Figures 2 and 9, the communication unit 51 transmits the notification of no additional information received from the selection processing unit 52 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the TCU 202A.

[0130] Specifically, the communication unit 51 creates an IP packet P1 containing the notification that additional items are not needed, received from the selection processing unit 52, and the source IP address and destination IP address are the IP address of its own server 171 and the IP address of vehicle 1 corresponding to the vehicle ID indicated in the notification that additional items are not needed, respectively. The communication unit 51 then sends the created IP packet P1 to the TCU 202A.

[0131] TCU202A transmits the notification that no additional data is needed, which is included in IP packet P1 received from server 171, to the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0132] Referring again to Figure 3, in the in-vehicle relay device 101A, when the notification unit 22 receives an additional / unnecessary notification from the TCU 202A via the relay unit 11, it transmits the additional / unnecessary notification to the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11.

[0133] (a2) If the additional hardware is not installed Referring again to Figure 9, in the server 171, if at least one of the three additional target hardware components confirmed is not installed in the target vehicle, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the number of available ports Na in the target vehicle is greater than or equal to the number of uninstalled additional target hardware components Nb by referring to the available capacity information G included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51. Here, it is assumed that the camera, human detection sensor, and facial recognition ECU are all not installed in the target vehicle.

[0134] (Assuming the number of available ports, Na, is sufficient) Referring again to Figure 9, the selection processing unit 52 selects a candidate for additional hardware to be notified to the in-vehicle relay device 101A if the number Na is greater than or equal to a number Nb.

[0135] For example, the storage unit 53 stores candidate information Tb20, which indicates multiple candidates for additional hardware to be notified to the in-vehicle relay device 101A. More specifically, candidate information Tb20 includes information indicating the model number, specifications, and price of each candidate. The model number is information used to identify the additional hardware. Note that instead of the model number, candidate information Tb20 may indicate other information that can identify the additional hardware, such as the serial number.

[0136] Specifically, candidate information Tb20 shows the correspondence between model number, specifications, and price. The specifications shown in candidate information Tb20 include, for example, the communication standard K used by the additional hardware for sending and receiving various types of data, the power consumption of the additional hardware, and the amount of data transmitted per unit time U on the additional hardware. For example, the storage unit 53 stores candidate information Tb20 for each type of additional hardware.

[0137] Figure 11 shows an example of candidate information held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 shows camera candidate information Tb20 (hereinafter also referred to as "camera candidate information Tb21").

[0138] In the example shown in Figure 11, in the camera candidate information Tb21, the communication standard K, power consumption, data usage U, and price of the camera with model number "EEE" are "Ethernet", "20" W, "10" Mbps, and "PPP" yen, respectively. The communication standard K, power consumption, data usage U, and price of the camera with model number "FFF" are "CAN", "10" W, "5" Mbps, and "RRR" yen, respectively. The communication standard K, power consumption, data usage U, and price of the camera with model number "GGG" are "USB", "10" W, "8" Mbps, and "SSS" yen, respectively. The communication standard K, power consumption, data usage U, and price of the camera with model number "HHH" are "Ethernet", "15" W, "10" Mbps, and "PPP" yen, respectively.

[0139] Figure 12 shows another example of candidate information held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 shows candidate information Tb20 for a human detection sensor (hereinafter also referred to as "sensor candidate information Tb22").

[0140] In the example shown in Figure 12, the sensor candidate information Tb22 shows that the communication standard K, power consumption, data usage U, and price of the human detection sensor with model number "BBB" are "Ethernet", "15" W, "10" Mbps, and "YYY" yen, respectively. The communication standard K, power consumption, data usage U, and price of the human detection sensor with model number "JJJ" are "CAN", "20" W, "5" Mbps, and "RRR" yen, respectively.

[0141] Figure 13 shows another example of candidate information held by a server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 shows candidate information Tb20 for facial recognition ECU (hereinafter also referred to as "ECU candidate information Tb23").

[0142] In the example shown in Figure 13, the ECU candidate information Tb23 shows that the communication standard K, power consumption, data volume U, and price of the facial recognition ECU with model number "CCC" are "Ethernet", "25" W, "15" Mbps, and "YYY" yen, respectively. The communication standard K, power consumption, data volume U, and price of the facial recognition ECU with model number "DDD" are "CAN", "10" W, "10" Mbps, and "RRR" yen, respectively.

[0143] Referring again to Figure 9, the selection processing unit 52 performs a selection process based on the surplus information G, priority information Q1 and Q2, and candidate information Tb20 included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51, if the number Na is greater than or equal to the number Nb.

[0144] More specifically, for example, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether there is sufficient power consumption capacity and communication capacity in the vehicle's in-vehicle network 401 if the number Na is greater than or equal to several Nb.

[0145] Specifically, if the number Na is greater than or equal to Nb, the selection processing unit 52 obtains three candidate pieces of information Tb20 from the storage unit 53, each corresponding to one of the three additional target hardware devices for executing function C. In this case, the selection processing unit 52 obtains camera candidate information Tb21, sensor candidate information Tb22, and ECU candidate information Tb23 from the storage unit 53.

[0146] The selection processing unit 52 then uses the acquired camera candidate information Tb21, sensor candidate information Tb22, and ECU candidate information Tb23 to select a set L of candidate camera model numbers, candidate human detection sensor model numbers, and candidate facial recognition ECU model numbers. The selection of set L is performed, for example, by brute force. The following describes the selection process when the number Na in the surplus information G, i.e., the number of available ports in the target vehicle, is the same as the number Nb of additional target hardware required to execute function C, which is 3.

[0147] The selection processing unit 52 performs a comparison process H1 for each selected group L, comparing the total value Ma of the available power supply from the three empty ports in the surplus power information G included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 with the total value Mb of the power consumption in that group L.

[0148] Specifically, for example, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the total value Ma is equal to or greater than the total power consumption Mb of the selected group L.

[0149] Furthermore, if the number Na is greater than the number Nb, the selection processing unit 52 selects a set T of available ports equal to the number Nb from among the multiple available ports indicated by the available capacity information G, in this case a set T of three available ports. The selection processing unit 52 performs a brute-force selection of sets T. Then, for each selected set T, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the total power supply value Ma of the three available ports in that set T is equal to or greater than the total value Mb.

[0150] If the total value Ma is equal to or greater than the total value Mb, the selection processing unit 52 performs a comparison process H2 which compares the total value Ya of the communication volume V of the three available ports in the surplus information G included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 with the total value Yb of the communication volume U in the group L corresponding to the total value Mb.

[0151] Specifically, for example, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the sum Ya is greater than or equal to the sum Yb. The selection processing unit 52 may also be configured to perform the comparison process H2 before the comparison process H1.

[0152] <If there is surplus power consumption and data capacity> Then, if the total value Ya is greater than or equal to the total value Yb, the selection processing unit 52 outputs selection result information indicating the result of the selection process to the communication unit 51.

[0153] More specifically, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q1 indicating that the price of additional equipment should be prioritized, if there are multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea, where the total value Ma is equal to or greater than or equal to the total value Mb, and the total value Ya is equal to or greater than or equal to the total value Yb.

[0154] Then, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q1, the selection processing unit 52 selects the set L from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea that has the smallest total price of the three additional hardware components.

[0155] On the other hand, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 does not include priority information Q1, the selection processing unit 52 selects the set L with the largest total value Ya from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea.

[0156] The selection processing unit 52 then outputs selection result information (hereinafter also referred to as "selection result information Y1") to the communication unit 51, which indicates the selected set L, the three types of additional target hardware corresponding to the three model numbers in the set L, and the vehicle ID included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51, i.e., the vehicle ID of the target vehicle.

[0157] Furthermore, if there is one set L that satisfies condition Ea, the selection processing unit 52 outputs selection result information Y1 indicating the set L and the vehicle ID of the target vehicle to the communication unit 51.

[0158] Referring again to Figures 2 and 9, the communication unit 51 notifies the in-vehicle relay device 101A of the one or more additional hardware targets selected by the selection processing unit 52.

[0159] More specifically, for example, the communication unit 51 transmits the selection result information Y1 received from the selection processing unit 52 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the TCU 202A.

[0160] Specifically, the communication unit 51 creates an IP packet P2 containing the selection result information Y1 received from the selection processing unit 52, which includes the IP address of its own server 171 and the IP address of vehicle 1 corresponding to the vehicle ID indicated by the selection result information Y1 as the source IP address and destination IP address, respectively. The communication unit 51 then sends the created IP packet P2 to the TCU 202A.

[0161] TCU202A transmits the selection result information Y1 contained in the IP packet P2 received from server 171 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0162] Figure 14 shows an example of selection result information transmitted by the server according to the embodiment of this disclosure.

[0163] In the example shown in Figure 14, the additional hardware items indicated by the selection result information Y1 are a camera with model number "GGG", a human detection sensor with model number "JJJ", and a facial recognition ECU with model number "DDD".

[0164] Referring again to Figure 3, in the in-vehicle relay device 101A, when the notification unit 22 receives the selection result information Y1 from the TCU 202A via the relay unit 11, it transmits the selection result information Y1 to the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11.

[0165] <If there is insufficient power consumption or data capacity> Referring again to Figure 9, in the server 171, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q2 indicating that the removal of existing equipment should be prioritized, if the total value Ma is less than the total value Mb, or if the total value Ya is less than the total value Yb.

[0166] Then, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q2, the selection processing unit 52 performs a comparison process H1 in configuration St where the existing equipment indicated by the priority information Q2 has been removed from the in-vehicle network 401.

[0167] The selection processing unit 52 performs comparison processing H2 if, in configuration St where the existing equipment indicated by priority information Q2 has been removed from the in-vehicle network 401, the total value Ma is equal to or greater than the total value Mb. That is, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the total value Ya is equal to or greater than the total value Yb in configuration St.

[0168] Then, if there are multiple sets L in configuration St where the sum Ma is equal to or greater than or equal to the sum Mb and the sum Ya is equal to or greater than or equal to the sum Yb, that is, multiple sets L satisfying condition Ea in configuration St, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q1.

[0169] Then, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q1, the selection processing unit 52 selects the set L from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea in configuration St that has the smallest total price of the three additional hardware components.

[0170] On the other hand, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 does not include priority information Q1, the selection processing unit 52 selects the set L with the largest total value Ya from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea in configuration St.

[0171] The selection processing unit 52 then outputs selection result information (hereinafter also referred to as "selection result information Y2") to the communication unit 51, which includes the selected group L, the three types of additional target hardware corresponding to the three model numbers in the group L, the vehicle ID of the target vehicle, and the existing equipment indicated by the priority information Q2 included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51.

[0172] For example, the communication unit 51 notifies the in-vehicle relay device 101A of the additional hardware selected by the selection processing unit 52 and the conditions Cd for executing the additional function S indicated by the function information included in the vehicle information received from the in-vehicle relay device 101A. For example, the conditions Cd include removing existing equipment from the vehicle 1 before the additional hardware is added.

[0173] More specifically, for example, the communication unit 51 transmits the selection result information Y2 received from the selection processing unit 52 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the TCU 202A, including condition information indicating, as condition Cd, that the existing equipment indicated by the selection result information Y2 should be removed.

[0174] On the other hand, in configuration St, if the total value Ma is less than the total value Mb, or if the total value Ya is less than the total value Yb, the selection processing unit 52 outputs an execution failure notification to the communication unit 51 indicating that the additional function S, i.e., function C, cannot be executed, along with the vehicle ID included in the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51.

[0175] Furthermore, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 does not include priority information Q2, the selection processing unit 52 outputs an execution failure notification to the communication unit 51.

[0176] Referring again to Figures 2 and 9, the communication unit 51 transmits the execution failure notification received from the selection processing unit 52 to the TCU202A.

[0177] Specifically, for example, the communication unit 51 creates an IP packet P3 containing the execution failure notification received from the selection processing unit 52, which includes the IP address of its own server 171 and the IP address of vehicle 1 corresponding to the vehicle ID indicated in the execution failure notification as the source IP address and destination IP address, respectively. The communication unit 51 then sends the created IP packet P3 to the TCU 202A.

[0178] TCU202A transmits the execution failure notification contained in IP packet P3 received from server 171 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A.

[0179] Referring again to Figure 3, in the in-vehicle relay device 101A, when the notification unit 22 receives an execution failure notification from the TCU 202A via the relay unit 11, it transmits the execution failure notification to the navigation device 202B via the relay unit 11.

[0180] (If there are insufficient available ports Na) Referring again to Figure 9, the selection processing unit 52 checks whether the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q2 if the number Na is less than the number Nb, that is, if there are insufficient available ports in the target vehicle.

[0181] Then, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 includes priority information Q2, the selection processing unit 52 performs the comparison process H1 in configuration St as described above.

[0182] On the other hand, if the vehicle information received from the communication unit 51 does not include priority information Q2, the selection processing unit 52 outputs an execution failure notification to the communication unit 51.

[0183] [Notification processing in navigation systems] Referring again to Figure 4, when the navigation device 202B receives an additional notification, an execution failure notification, or selection result information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it performs notification processing based on the received additional notification, execution failure notification, or selection result information.

[0184] Specifically, for example, in the navigation device 202B, if the display processing unit 42 receives a notification from the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the communication unit 31 that no additional hardware is required, it displays a screen G3 on its display unit indicating that no additional hardware is required. Also, if the display processing unit 42 receives a notification from the in-vehicle relay device 101 via the communication unit 31 that the additional function S cannot be executed, it displays a screen G4 on its display unit indicating that the additional function S cannot be executed.

[0185] Furthermore, when the display processing unit 42 receives selection result information Y1 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the communication unit 31, it displays a screen G5 on its own display unit showing the type and model number of the additional target hardware indicated by the selection result information Y1. Also, when the display processing unit 42 receives selection result information Y2 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A via the communication unit 31, it displays a screen G6 on its own display unit showing the type and model number of the additional target hardware indicated by the selection result information Y2, and the condition Cd indicated by the condition information included in the selection result information Y2.

[0186] [Operation Flow] Next, the operation flow of each device in the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0187] Figures 15 and 16 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs the process of transmitting vehicle information.

[0188] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, first, the in-vehicle relay device 101A waits for the reception of additional request information from the navigation device 202B (NO in step ST101).

[0189] Then, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives additional request information from the navigation device 202B (YES in step ST101), it sends a request notification R1 to the navigation device 202B indicating that it requests the transmission of function information and priority information (step ST102).

[0190] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A awaits the reception of function information and priority information from the navigation device 202B (NO in step ST103).

[0191] Then, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives function information and priority information from the navigation device 202B (YES in step ST103), it obtains communication port information F1 from the storage unit 13 (step ST104).

[0192] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A obtains communication port information F1 from the storage unit 13, it sends a request notification R2 to each existing device indicating that it requests the transmission of device information (step ST105).

[0193] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A waits to receive device information from each existing device (NO in step ST106).

[0194] Then, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives device information from each existing device (YES in step ST106), it creates surplus information G using the acquired communication port information F1 and the received device information (step ST107).

[0195] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A transmits vehicle information, including function information and priority information received from the navigation device 202B, the created surplus information G, and the vehicle ID and vehicle type information stored in the storage unit 13, to the server 171 (step ST108).

[0196] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A awaits the reception of a notification from the server 171 indicating that no additional information is needed, that execution is not possible, or that selection result information has been received (NO in step ST109).

[0197] Then, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives a notification that additional information is not required, a notification that execution is not possible, or selection result information from the server 171 (YES in step ST109), it transmits the received notification that additional information is not required, a notification that execution is not possible, or selection result information to the navigation device 202B (step ST110), and waits to receive new additional request information from the navigation device 202B (NO in step ST101).

[0198] Figures 17, 18, and 19 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a server according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs selection processing.

[0199] Referring to Figures 17, 18, and 19, first, the server 171 waits for the reception of vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0200] Then, when the server 171 receives vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (YES in step ST201), it obtains the type table Tb10 corresponding to the vehicle type indicated by the vehicle type information contained in the vehicle information from the storage unit 53 (step ST202).

[0201] Next, the server 171 refers to the acquired type table Tb10 to confirm the type of additional hardware to be used to execute the additional function S indicated by the function information contained in the received vehicle information. Here, it is assumed that the additional hardware is a camera, a human detection sensor, and a facial recognition ECU (step ST203).

[0202] Next, server 171 checks whether all three additional target hardware components are installed in the target vehicle (step ST204).

[0203] Then, if all three additional target hardware components are installed in the target vehicle (YES in step ST204), the server 171 sends an additional no-addition notification to the in-vehicle relay device 101A indicating that additional hardware is not required (step ST205), and waits to receive new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0204] On the other hand, if at least one of the three additional target hardware components is not installed in the target vehicle (NO in step ST204), the server 171 checks whether the number of available ports Na in the target vehicle is greater than or equal to the number of uninstalled additional target hardware components Nb. Here, it is assumed that the camera, human detection sensor, and facial recognition ECU are all not installed in the target vehicle (step ST206).

[0205] Then, if the number Na is greater than or equal to the number Nb (YES in step ST206), the server 171 obtains candidate information Tb20 corresponding to the additional hardware that is not yet installed from the storage unit 53. Here, the server 171 obtains camera candidate information Tb21, sensor candidate information Tb22, and ECU candidate information Tb23 from the storage unit 53. Also, assume that the number Na is the same as the number Nb, "3" (step ST207).

[0206] Next, the server 171 uses the acquired candidate information Tb21, Tb22, and Tb23 to select a set L of candidate model numbers for the camera, human detection sensor, and face recognition ECU (step ST208).

[0207] Next, the server 171 checks whether there is any remaining power capacity in the vehicle's in-vehicle network 401. For example, as described above, the server 171 checks whether the total power supply value Ma of the three available ports in the vehicle is equal to or greater than the total power consumption value Mb of the selected group L (step ST209).

[0208] Then, if there is available power consumption (YES in step ST209), the server 171 checks whether there is available communication capacity in the in-vehicle network 401 of the target vehicle. For example, as described above, the server 171 checks whether the total value Ya of the communication volume V of the three available ports in the target vehicle is greater than or equal to the total value Yb of the communication volume U of the selected group L (step ST210).

[0209] If the in-vehicle network 401 in the target vehicle has available communication capacity (YES in step ST210), the server 171 checks whether there are multiple pairs L that satisfy condition Ea, where the total value Ma is equal to or greater than or equal to the total value Mb, and the total value Ya is equal to or greater than or equal to the total value Yb (step ST211).

[0210] Then, if there is one set L that satisfies condition Ea (NO in step ST211), the server 171 transmits selection result information Y1 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A indicating the set L, the three types of additional target hardware corresponding to the three model numbers in the set L, and the vehicle ID of the target vehicle (step ST212), and waits to receive new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0211] On the other hand, if there are multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea (YES in step ST211), server 171 checks whether the received vehicle information includes priority information Q1 indicating that the price of additional equipment should be prioritized (step ST213).

[0212] Then, if the received vehicle information includes priority information Q1 (YES in step ST213), the server 171 selects the set L from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea that has the smallest total price of the three additional hardware items (step ST214).

[0213] Next, the server 171 transmits the selection result information Y1 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST212) and waits for the reception of new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0214] On the other hand, if the received vehicle information does not include priority information Q1 (NO in step ST213), the server 171 selects the set L that has the largest total value Yaa of the communication volume V of the three available ports from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea (step ST215).

[0215] Next, the server 171 transmits the selection result information Y1 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST212) and waits for the reception of new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0216] Furthermore, if the in-vehicle network 401 of the target vehicle does not have sufficient power consumption capacity or communication capacity (NO in step ST209 or NO in step ST210), the server 171 checks whether the received vehicle information includes priority information Q2 indicating that the removal of existing equipment should be prioritized (step ST216).

[0217] Then, if the received vehicle information does not include priority information Q2 (NO in step ST216), the server 171 sends an execution failure notification to the in-vehicle relay device 101A indicating that it cannot execute the additional function S indicated by the function information included in the vehicle information, along with the vehicle ID of the target vehicle (step ST217), and waits for the receipt of new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0218] On the other hand, if the received vehicle information includes priority information Q2 (YES in step ST216), the server 171 checks whether there is any remaining power consumption capacity in configuration St where the existing equipment indicated by the priority information Q2 has been removed from the in-vehicle network 401 (step ST218).

[0219] Next, if there is surplus power consumption in configuration St (YES in step ST218), server 171 checks whether there is surplus communication capacity in configuration St (step ST219).

[0220] Then, if there is available communication capacity in configuration St (YES in step ST219), server 171 checks whether there are multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea (step ST220).

[0221] Then, if there is one set L that satisfies condition Ea (NO in step ST220), the server 171 transmits selection result information Y2 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST221) which indicates the set L, the three types of additional target hardware corresponding to the three model numbers in the set L, the fact that the existing equipment indicated by priority information Q2 will be removed from the target vehicle, and the vehicle ID of the target vehicle, and waits to receive new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0222] On the other hand, if there are multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea (YES in step ST220), server 171 checks whether the received vehicle information includes priority information Q1 (step ST222).

[0223] Then, if the received vehicle information includes priority information Q1 (YES in step ST222), the server 171 selects the set L from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea that has the smallest total price of the three additional hardware items (step ST223).

[0224] Next, the server 171 transmits the selection result information Y2 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST221) and waits for the reception of new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0225] On the other hand, if the received vehicle information does not include priority information Q1 (NO in step ST222), the server 171 selects the set L that has the largest total value Yaa of the communication volume V of the three available ports from among multiple sets L that satisfy condition Ea (step ST224).

[0226] Next, the server 171 transmits the selection result information Y2 to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST221) and waits for the reception of new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0227] On the other hand, if the server 171 does not have sufficient power consumption or communication capacity in configuration St (NO in step ST218 or NO in step ST219), it sends an execution failure notification to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST217) and waits for the reception of new vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A (NO in step ST201).

[0228] Furthermore, if the number of available ports Na in the target vehicle is less than the number of additional target hardware that is not installed Nb (NO in step ST206), the server 171 checks whether the received vehicle information includes priority information Q2 (step ST216) and performs the same processing as described above (steps ST217 to ST224).

[0229] Figures 20 and 21 show an example of the processing sequence of a navigation device, an in-vehicle relay device, in-vehicle equipment, and a server in a vehicle management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0230] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, first, when the navigation device 202B receives an input operation W from the user (step ST301), it transmits additional request information indicating the function that the user wishes to perform to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST302).

[0231] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A sends a request notification R1 to the navigation device 202B indicating that it requests the transmission of function information and priority information (step ST303).

[0232] Next, when the navigation device 202B receives a request notification R1 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it displays a screen G1 on its own display unit showing candidates for additional function S (step ST304).

[0233] Next, the navigation device 202B acquires information indicating the user's operation on screen G1 as functional information (step ST305).

[0234] Next, when the navigation device 202B acquires function information, it displays a screen G2 on its own display unit prompting the user to select priority J (step ST306).

[0235] Next, the navigation device 202B acquires information indicating the user's operation on screen G2 as priority information (step ST307).

[0236] Next, the navigation device 202B transmits the acquired function information and priority information to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST308).

[0237] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives function information and priority information from the navigation device 202B, it obtains communication port information F1 from the storage unit 13 (step ST309).

[0238] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A acquires the communication port information F1, it sends a request notification R2 to each existing device indicating that it requests the transmission of device information (step ST310). Steps ST309 and ST310 may be executed in any order, or they may be executed in parallel.

[0239] Next, when each existing device receives a request notification R2 from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it transmits its own device information to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST311).

[0240] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives device information from each existing device, it creates surplus information G using the received device information and the acquired communication port information F1 (step ST312).

[0241] Next, the in-vehicle relay device 101A transmits vehicle information, including function information and priority information received from the navigation device 202B, the created surplus information G, and the vehicle ID and vehicle type information stored in the storage unit 13, to the server 171 (step ST313).

[0242] Next, when the server 171 receives vehicle information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it uses the function information, priority information, and surplus information G contained in the received vehicle information to perform a selection process to select one or more additional target hardware to execute the function indicated by the function information (step ST314).

[0243] Next, the server 171 notifies the in-vehicle relay device 101A of the selected additional hardware. For example, as described above, the server 171 sends selection result information indicating the model number and type of the selected additional hardware to the in-vehicle relay device 101A (step ST315).

[0244] Next, when the in-vehicle relay device 101A receives the selection result information from the server 171, it transmits the received selection result information to the navigation device 202B (step ST316).

[0245] Next, when the navigation device 202B receives selection result information from the in-vehicle relay device 101A, it performs notification processing based on the received selection result information. For example, as described above, the navigation device 202B displays screen G5 on its display unit, which shows the model number and type of the additional target hardware indicated by the selection result information (step ST317).

[0246] In the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the surplus information G included in the vehicle information transmitted by the in-vehicle relay device 101A to the server 171 includes communication port information F1, power consumption information F2, and communication volume information F3, but is not limited to this. The surplus information G does not have to include parts of the communication port information F1, power consumption information F2, and communication volume information F3. In addition, the surplus information G may include other information relating to the surplus capacity for adding hardware to the vehicle 1, instead of or in addition to parts or all of the communication port information F1, power consumption information F2, and communication volume information F3.

[0247] Furthermore, in the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the in-vehicle relay device 101A is configured to send priority information to the server 171 indicating whether to prioritize the use of existing equipment to execute existing functions or to prioritize the execution of the additional function S, but it is not limited to this. The in-vehicle relay device 101A may be configured not to send priority information to the server 171. In this case, for example, if the target vehicle does not have the capacity to add hardware, the server 171 sends an execution failure notification to the in-vehicle relay device 101 indicating that it cannot execute the additional function S.

[0248] Furthermore, in the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, when the server 171 transmits to the in-vehicle relay device 101A the selection result information indicating the selected additional target hardware, including condition information indicating the condition Cd for executing the additional function S, the condition Cd is, as stated, to remove the existing equipment indicated by the priority information Q2 received from the in-vehicle relay device 101A from the vehicle 1, but it is not limited to this. The condition Cd may be any other condition other than removing the existing equipment from the vehicle 1.

[0249] Furthermore, in the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the server 171 is configured to perform selection processing to select hardware for executing the additional function S using the type table Tb10 and candidate information Tb20, but it is not limited to this. The server 171 may be configured to perform selection processing using candidate information Tb20 instead of the type table Tb10. In this case, for example, the storage unit 13 in the in-vehicle relay device 101A stores the type table Tb10. The in-vehicle relay device 101A then uses the type table Tb10 to identify one or more types of hardware corresponding to the additional function S, and transmits hardware information indicating the identified hardware type to the server 171, including it in the vehicle information. The server 171 performs selection processing using candidate information Tb20 corresponding to the hardware type indicated by the hardware information.

[0250] Furthermore, in the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the candidate information Tb20 stored in the storage unit 53 of the server 171 indicates the specifications and price of each candidate in addition to a plurality of hardware candidates, but is not limited to this. The candidate information Tb20 may indicate either the specifications or the price of each candidate. Also, the candidate information Tb20 may indicate other information other than specifications and price, instead of or in addition to either or both of the specifications and price of each candidate.

[0251] Furthermore, while the vehicle management system 501 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is configured such that the in-vehicle relay device 101A includes an acquisition unit 21 and a notification unit 22, the disclosure is not limited to this configuration. Other devices in the in-vehicle network 401 may also include an acquisition unit 21 and a notification unit 22.

[0252] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the server 171 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may be provided by cloud computing. That is, the server 171 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may be a cloud server composed of multiple servers.

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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.

[0255] The above description includes the following features. [Note 1] An in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, Equipped with a processing circuit, The aforementioned processing circuit is The system acquires function information indicating the functions that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle. An in-vehicle device that transmits the acquired functional information and surplus information to a management device located outside the vehicle.

[0256] [Note 2] A method for transmitting information in an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, The steps include obtaining function information indicating the functions that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle, An information transmission method comprising the step of transmitting the acquired functional information and the remaining capacity information to a management device located outside the vehicle.

[0257] [Note 3] An information transmission program used in an in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, Computers, A unit for acquiring function information indicating the functions that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle, A transmission unit transmits the function information and the remaining capacity information acquired by the acquisition unit to a management device located outside the vehicle. An information transmission program designed to function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0258] 1 vehicle 5 Ethernet cables 6 CAN bus 10 communication ports 11 Relay section 12,32 Processing Unit 13,23,53 Storage section 21 Acquisition Department 22 Notification Department 31,51 Communications Department Output section 41 42 indicates a processing unit 52 selection processing unit 101, 101A, 101B in-vehicle relay device 151 external network 161 radio base station device 171 server 202, 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D in-vehicle equipment 301 in-vehicle system 401 in-vehicle network 501 vehicle management system Tb10 type table Tb20, Tb21, Tb22, Tb23 candidate information

Claims

1. Onboard equipment installed in the vehicle, The vehicle is equipped with a management device located outside the vehicle, The in-vehicle device transmits to the management device function information indicating the functions that the vehicle user wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle. The management device performs a selection process to select one or more hardware devices for executing the function indicated by the function information, based on the function information and the available capacity information received from the in-vehicle device. The management device is a vehicle management system that notifies the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware.

2. The vehicle management system according to claim 1, wherein the available capacity information includes information indicating at least one of the number and type of communication ports in the vehicle to which the hardware can be added.

3. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the surplus power information includes information indicating the surplus power consumption of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the surplus capacity information includes information indicating the surplus capacity of the communication volume in the vehicle's in-vehicle network.

5. The in-vehicle device further transmits priority information to the management device indicating whether to prioritize the use of existing hardware in the vehicle before the hardware was added, or to prioritize the execution of the function indicated by the function information. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management device performs the selection process based on the priority information received from the in-vehicle device.

6. The management device notifies the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware and the conditions for executing the function indicated in the function information. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the condition includes removing existing hardware from the vehicle before the hardware is added.

7. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management device performs the selection process based on correspondence information indicating the correspondence between the function and the type of hardware.

8. The vehicle management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the management device performs the selection process based on candidate information indicating a plurality of hardware candidates to be notified to the in-vehicle device, and further on candidate information indicating at least one of the specifications and price of each candidate.

9. An in-vehicle device installed in a vehicle, An acquisition unit that acquires function information indicating the functions that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle. An in-vehicle device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the function information and the remaining capacity information acquired by the acquisition unit to a management device located outside the vehicle.

10. A method for selecting hardware in a vehicle management system comprising an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a management device located outside the vehicle, The in-vehicle device transmits to the management device function information indicating the functions that the user of the vehicle wishes to perform in the vehicle, and capacity information regarding the capacity to add hardware to the vehicle. The management device performs a selection process to select one or more hardware components for realizing the function indicated by the function information, based on the function information and the available capacity information received from the in-vehicle device. A hardware selection method comprising the step of the management device notifying the in-vehicle device of the selected hardware.

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