Management device, vehicle communication system, vehicle communication management method, and vehicle communication management program

Abstract

To provide a management device, a vehicle communication system, a vehicle, a vehicle communication management method, and a vehicle communication management program that flexibly construct a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in a network.SOLUTION: A vehicle communication system includes a management device and one or more in-vehicle functional units that constitute a network. A management unit of a relay device, which is the management device, includes: a detection unit that detects addition of a functional unit to the network including the one or more in-vehicle functional units; an acquisition unit that acquires each piece of functional unit information including information about a network configuration of layers lower than an application layer of a new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected by the detection unit, and the in-vehicle functional units; and a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is a network that further includes the new functional unit, on the basis of each piece of functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a management device, a vehicle communication system, a vehicle, a vehicle communication management method, and a vehicle communication management program. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-39548, filed March 5, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2018-192876 A) discloses a driving assistance device as follows: That is, the driving assistance device is a driving assistance device that can be connected to an in-vehicle network including one or more communication buses, and includes a message acquisition unit that acquires a communication message flowing through the communication bus, a determination unit that determines whether or not an electronic control device for vehicle control is connected to the communication bus based on the communication message acquired by the message acquisition unit, and a communication control unit that stops transmission of a communication message to the communication bus to which the electronic control device is connected when the determination unit determines that the electronic control device is connected to the communication bus.

[0003] Also, Patent Document 2 (JP Patent Publication 2017-220220A) discloses the following vehicle electronic control device. That is, the vehicle electronic control device is a vehicle electronic control device (1-5) that is connected to an in-vehicle network (6) and executes a predetermined function by an application installed therein, and includes a service interface (8) that requests a service that utilizes a function installed in another vehicle electronic control device connected to the in-vehicle network in response to a request from the application, and generates and responds to a service when a service request is received from the other vehicle electronic control device, a service bus (9) that transmits and receives messages corresponding to the service request and response between the service interface and the service interface of the other vehicle electronic control device using a predetermined protocol, and a service management unit (11) that manages the location of the service to make the service dynamically available to each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-192876 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-220220 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] The management device of the present disclosure comprises a detection unit that detects the addition of a functional unit to a network that includes one or more in-vehicle functional units, an acquisition unit that acquires functional unit information including a new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition is detected by the detection unit, and information regarding the network configuration of the in-vehicle functional unit at a layer lower than the application layer, and a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network that further includes the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0006] The vehicle communication system disclosed herein comprises a management device and one or more in-vehicle functional units that constitute a network, wherein the management device detects the addition of a functional unit to the network and obtains functional unit information from the new functional unit that detected the addition, the functional unit information including information regarding the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer, and the one or more in-vehicle functional units transmit their own functional unit information including information regarding the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer to the management device, and the management device generates configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information obtained from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from the one or more in-vehicle functional units.

[0007] The vehicle communication management method disclosed herein is a vehicle communication management method in a management device, and includes the steps of detecting the addition of a functional unit to a network that includes one or more in-vehicle functional units, acquiring functional unit information for the new functional unit whose addition has been detected, and for the in-vehicle functional units included in the network, the functional unit including information regarding the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer, and based on the acquired functional unit information for each of the functional unit information, generating configuration information for a new network, the network that further includes the new functional unit.

[0008] The vehicle communication management method disclosed herein is a vehicle communication management method in a vehicle communication system having a management device and one or more on-board functional units that constitute a network, and includes the steps of: the management device detecting the addition of a functional unit to the network, and acquiring functional unit information from the new functional unit that detected the addition, the functional unit information including information about the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer; the one or more on-board functional units transmitting their own functional unit information including information about the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer to the management device; and the management device generating configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from the one or more on-board functional units.

[0009] The vehicle communication management program disclosed herein is a vehicle communication management program used in a management device, and is a program for causing a computer to function as a detection unit that detects the addition of a functional unit to a network that includes one or more in-vehicle functional units, an acquisition unit that acquires a new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition is detected by the detection unit, and functional unit information including information regarding the network configuration of the in-vehicle functional unit at a layer lower than the application layer, and a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network that further includes the new functional unit, based on each of the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure may be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or all of a management device. Also, one aspect of the present disclosure may be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or all of a vehicle communication system. Also, one aspect of the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute processing steps in the vehicle communication system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a new network in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of configuration information generated by a generating unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a new network after a setting change in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of configuration information generated by the generating unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network after a setting change in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of configuration information generated by the generating unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network after a setting change in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the management unit creates a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of a process for establishing a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of a process for establishing a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of a process for establishing a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In recent years, with the spread of car sharing and the demand for improved processing power of in-vehicle devices installed in vehicles, there is a demand for customizing in-vehicle networks by adding applications to the in-vehicle network. Thus, there is a demand for technology that enables users to add or remove various applications to or from the in-vehicle network according to their needs.

[0013] [Problem that this disclosure aims to solve] There is a need for a technology that goes beyond the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 and enables a network with a new configuration to be flexibly constructed while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0014] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a management device, a vehicle communication system, a vehicle, a vehicle communication management method, and a vehicle communication management program that are capable of flexibly constructing a network of a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0015] [Effects of this disclosure] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to flexibly construct a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0016] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0017] (1) A management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that detects the addition of a functional unit to a network that includes one or more in-vehicle functional units, an acquisition unit that acquires functional unit information including a new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition is detected by the detection unit, and information regarding the network configuration of the in-vehicle functional unit at a layer lower than an application layer, and a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network that further includes the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0018] In this manner, by acquiring functional unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer, and generating configuration information of a new network based on each acquired functional unit information, a new network can be constructed taking into consideration the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new functional unit to the network. Therefore, a network with a new configuration can be flexibly constructed while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0019] (2) Preferably, the management device further includes a notification unit that notifies at least one of the new function unit and one or more of the in-vehicle function units that constitute the new network of the setting contents for communicating in the new network based on the configuration information generated by the generation unit.

[0020] With this configuration, the settings of each functional unit can be changed to appropriate settings according to the specifications related to communication in the new network.

[0021] (3) Preferably, the functional unit information is information capable of recognizing at least one of a plurality of specifications in the new network and a topology of the new network, constraints on the placement of the new functional unit and the in-vehicle functional unit in hardware devices in the new network, and constraints on the communication method in the new network.

[0022] With this configuration, a new network can be constructed taking into account various pieces of information related to the new network.

[0023] (4) Preferably, the generation unit obtains feasibility information indicating the feasibility of the new network, corresponding to the generated configuration information.

[0024] With such a configuration, it is possible to build a new network whose feasibility has been verified by taking into consideration, for example, the logical configuration and the physical configuration.

[0025] (5) Preferably, the generation unit changes a generation condition based on the obtained feasibility information, and newly generates the configuration information according to the changed generation condition.

[0026] With this configuration, when it is difficult to build a network based on the generated configuration information, it is possible to generate new configuration information for a new network in which the content of the new functional unit added to the network has been changed, for example. This makes it possible to build a new network more flexibly.

[0027] (6) Preferably, the management device further includes a storage unit that stores the configuration information generated by the generation unit.

[0028] With this configuration, when adding a new functional unit to a network and constructing a new network, some or all of the functional unit information of the existing functional units can be obtained from the configuration information of the existing network in the memory unit, thereby simplifying the network construction process.

[0029] (7) A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the management device.

[0030] With this configuration, in a vehicle equipped with a management device, it is possible to flexibly build a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0031] (8) A vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a management device and one or more in-vehicle functional units that constitute a network, wherein the management device detects the addition of a functional unit to the network and obtains functional unit information from the new functional unit that detected the addition, the functional unit information including information regarding the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer, and the one or more in-vehicle functional units transmit their own functional unit information including information regarding the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer to the management device, and the management device generates configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information obtained from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from the one or more in-vehicle functional units.

[0032] In this manner, by acquiring functional unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer, and generating configuration information of a new network based on each acquired functional unit information, a new network can be constructed taking into consideration the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new functional unit to the network. Therefore, a network with a new configuration can be flexibly constructed while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0033] (9) A vehicle communication management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle communication management method in a management device, and includes the steps of detecting the addition of a functional unit to a network that includes one or more in-vehicle functional units, acquiring functional unit information for the new functional unit whose addition has been detected, and for the in-vehicle functional units included in the network, the functional unit including information regarding the network configuration at a layer lower than the application layer, and generating configuration information for the new network, the network that further includes the new functional unit, based on the acquired functional unit information for each of the functional unit information.

[0034] In this way, by acquiring functional unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer, and generating configuration information of a new network based on each acquired functional unit information, a new network can be constructed taking into consideration the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new functional unit to the network. Therefore, a network with a new configuration can be flexibly constructed while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0035] (10) A vehicle communication management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle communication management method in a vehicle communication system having a management device and one or more in-vehicle functional units that constitute a network, and includes the steps of: the management device detecting the addition of a functional unit to the network and acquiring functional unit information from the new functional unit that detected the addition, the functional unit information including information about the network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer; the one or more in-vehicle functional units transmitting their own functional unit information including information about the network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer to the management device; and the management device generating configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from the one or more in-vehicle functional units.

[0036] In this way, by acquiring functional unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer, and generating configuration information of a new network based on each acquired functional unit information, a new network can be constructed taking into consideration the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new functional unit to the network. Therefore, a network with a new configuration can be flexibly constructed while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0037] (11) A vehicle communication management program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle communication management program used in a management device, and causes a computer to function as a detection unit that detects the addition of a functional unit to a network that includes one or more in-vehicle functional units, an acquisition unit that acquires a new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition is detected by the detection unit, and functional unit information including information regarding the network configuration of the in-vehicle functional unit at a layer lower than the application layer, and a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network that further includes the new functional unit, based on each of the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0038] In this manner, by acquiring functional unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer, and generating configuration information of a new network based on each acquired functional unit information, a new network can be constructed taking into consideration the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new functional unit to the network. Therefore, a network with a new configuration can be flexibly constructed while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0040] [Vehicle communication system] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] 1, the communication system 400 includes a server 180 and one or more vehicle communication systems 300. The vehicle communication system 300 is mounted on a vehicle 1.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] 2, the vehicle communication system 300 includes one or more in-vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs) 111 and a relay device 112. Specifically, the vehicle communication system 300 includes in-vehicle ECUs 111A to 111E as the in-vehicle ECUs 111. The relay device 112 includes a management unit 200.

[0044] Each of the in-vehicle ECUs 111A to 111E and the relay device 112 includes an application 100.

[0045] More specifically, as the applications 100, the in-vehicle ECU 111A includes an application 100A, the in-vehicle ECU 111B includes an application 100B, the in-vehicle ECU 111C includes an application 100C, the in-vehicle ECU 111D includes an application 100D, the in-vehicle ECU 111E includes an application 100E, and the relay device 112 includes an application 100F.

[0046] The in-vehicle ECUs 111A to 111E and the relay device 112 configure a network 12.

[0047] The in-vehicle ECU 111 and the application 100 are examples of in-vehicle functional units that are functional units mounted on the vehicle 1, among functional units, that is, objects, in the network 12. The relay device 112 is an example of a management device.

[0048] The vehicle communication system 300 is not limited to a configuration including five in-vehicle ECUs 111, but may be a configuration including one, two, three, four, or six or more in-vehicle ECUs 111. The vehicle communication system 300 is not limited to a configuration in which one application 100 is provided in one in-vehicle ECU 111, but may be a configuration in which two or more applications 100 are provided in one in-vehicle ECU 111.

[0049] The vehicle communication system 300 is not limited to a configuration including one relay device 112, but may be a configuration including multiple relay devices 112. The vehicle communication system 300 is not limited to a configuration including one application 100 provided to one relay device 112, but may be a configuration including two or more applications 100 provided to one relay device 112.

[0050] Furthermore, the network 12 may include, as functional units, that is, objects, external devices outside the vehicle 1 and applications provided in the external devices.

[0051] The in-vehicle ECU 111 is, for example, a TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), an automatic driving ECU, an engine ECU, a sensor, a navigation device, a human-machine interface, a camera, and the like.

[0052] In this example, the in-vehicle ECUs 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, and 111E are a TCU, an intake pressure sensor, an engine ECU, a temperature sensor, and a water temperature sensor, respectively.

[0053] Hereinafter, the in-vehicle ECUs 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, and 111E will also be referred to as the TCU 111A, the intake pressure sensor 111B, the engine ECU 111C, the temperature sensor 111D, and the water temperature sensor 111E, respectively.

[0054] In the network 12, the in-vehicle ECUs 111A to 111E are connected to a relay device 112 via an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 11.

[0055] The relay device 112 is, for example, a gateway device, and is capable of relaying data between a plurality of in-vehicle ECUs 111 connected thereto.

[0056] The relay device 112 relays Ethernet frames in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard. Specifically, the relay device 112 relays Ethernet frames exchanged between the in-vehicle ECUs 111, for example. An IP packet is stored in the Ethernet frame.

[0057] In addition, the vehicle communication system 300 is not limited to a configuration in which Ethernet frames are relayed in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard, but may be a configuration in which data is relayed in accordance with communication standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) (registered trademark), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0058] 1 and 2, the TCU 111A is capable of communicating with the server 180. In particular, the TCU 111A is capable of communicating with the server 180 via the wireless base station device 161 by using, for example, IP packets.

[0059] More specifically, the TCU 111A is capable of performing wireless communication with the wireless base station device 161 in accordance with a communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 3G.

[0060] Specifically, when the wireless base station device 161 receives an IP packet from the server 180 via the external network 170, the wireless base station device 161 transmits the received IP packet in a wireless signal to the TCU 111A.

[0061] For example, when TCU 111A receives a wireless signal including an IP packet from server 180 from wireless base station device 161, it acquires the IP packet from the received wireless signal, stores the acquired IP packet in an Ethernet frame, and transmits it to relay device 112.

[0062] Furthermore, when TCU 111A receives an Ethernet frame from relay device 112, it acquires an IP packet from the received Ethernet frame, and transmits the acquired IP packet to wireless base station device 161 by including the IP packet in a wireless signal.

[0063] When the wireless base station device 161 receives a wireless signal from the TCU 111 A, it acquires an IP packet from the received wireless signal and transmits the acquired IP packet to the server 180 via the external network 170 .

[0064] The intake pressure sensor 111B is capable of communicating with other in-vehicle ECUs 111 via the relay device 112, and measures the intake pressure of the engine in the vehicle 1 periodically, for example.

[0065] The engine ECU 111C is capable of communicating with other vehicle-mounted ECUs 111 via the relay device 112, and controls the engine of the vehicle 1, for example.

[0066] More specifically, the engine ECU 111C acquires information indicating, for example, the engine speed, the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1, the engine torque, the state of the transmission, the state of the throttle valve, and the measurement values ​​of each sensor, and controls the engine based on the acquired information.

[0067] Furthermore, engine ECU 111C can transmit a part or all of the acquired information to relay device 112 in response to a request from relay device 112, for example.

[0068] The temperature sensor 111D is capable of communicating with other in-vehicle ECUs 111 via the relay device 112, and measures the outside air temperature of the vehicle 1 periodically, for example.

[0069] The water temperature sensor 111E is capable of communicating with other in-vehicle ECUs 111 via the relay device 112, and periodically measures the temperature of the cooling water circulating in the engine of the vehicle 1, for example.

[0070] Each application 100 performs, for example, application layer processing to perform a predetermined process in the in-vehicle ECU 111 or the relay device 112 in which the application 100 is provided. For example, the application 100D in the temperature sensor 111D generates temperature information indicating the outside air temperature of the vehicle 1 at a predetermined period.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] 3, relay device 112 includes communication ports 120A, 120B, and 120C. Each of communication ports 120A, 120B, and 120C is also referred to as communication port 120. Communication port 120 is, for example, a terminal to which Ethernet cable 11 can be connected.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the TCU 111A is connected to the communication port 120A, the intake pressure sensor 111B and the engine ECU 111C are connected to the communication port 120B, and the temperature sensor 111D and the water temperature sensor 111E are connected to the communication port 120C.

[0074] In the network 12, the TCU 111A belongs to a virtual local area network (VLAN) 10. The intake pressure sensor 111B and the engine ECU 111C belong to a VLAN 20 that is different from the VLAN 10. The temperature sensor 111D and the water temperature sensor 111E belong to a VLAN 30 that is different from the VLANs 10 and 20.

[0075] The relay device 112 relays, for example, an Ethernet frame between the in-vehicle ECUs 111 belonging to the same VLAN. Specifically, the relay device 112 transmits the received Ethernet frame to the in-vehicle ECU 111 as a destination based on a source MAC (Media Access Control) address and a destination MAC address included in the received Ethernet frame.

[0076] Furthermore, the relay device 112 relays IP packets between the in-vehicle ECUs 111 that belong to different VLANs, for example. Specifically, the relay device 112 acquires an IP packet from a received Ethernet frame, and transmits the IP packet to the in-vehicle ECU 111 that is the destination, based on the destination IP address of the acquired IP packet.

[0077] [Management Department] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] 4, management unit 200 includes a detection unit 210, an acquisition unit 220, a generation unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a notification unit 250. Storage unit 240 is, for example, a flash memory.

[0079] The detection unit 210, the acquisition unit 220, the generation unit 230, and the notification unit 250 are realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), for example.

[0080] [Detection unit] The detection unit 210 detects a new functional unit that is a functional unit newly added to the network 12. That is, the detection unit 210 detects the addition of a new functional unit to the network 12. More specifically, the detection unit 210 detects the addition of the in-vehicle ECU 111, the external device, the application 100, and the like to the network 12. As an example, the detection unit 210 detects the in-vehicle ECU 111 newly added to the network 12 as a new ECU.

[0081] For example, the new function unit transmits connection request information for requesting a communication connection in the network 12 to the detection unit 210 .

[0082] The detection unit 210 receives the connection request information and detects the new function unit that is the source of the connection request information.

[0083] The detection unit 210 may be configured to periodically broadcast a search message for detecting a new function unit. In this case, the new function unit receives the search message and transmits the connection request information in response to the received search message.

[0084] Hereinafter, the network 12 including the new functional unit is also referred to as a new network, the network 12 before the new functional unit is added is also referred to as an existing network, and the functional unit included in the existing network is also referred to as an existing functional unit. The in-vehicle ECU 111 included in the existing network is an example of an existing functional unit, i.e., an existing ECU.

[0085] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a new network in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] 5, it is assumed that an in-vehicle ECU 111G is newly added to the network 12. In this example, the in-vehicle ECU 111G is an image sensor. Hereinafter, the in-vehicle ECU 111G is also referred to as an image sensor 111G. The image sensor 111G includes an application 100G which is a new functional unit.

[0087] When the image sensor 111G is supplied with power and connected to the communication port 120C of the relay device 112 via the Ethernet cable 11, for example, the image sensor 111G transmits connection request information for requesting a communication connection in the network 12 to the detection unit 210.

[0088] More specifically, the application 100G in the image sensor 111G generates an Ethernet frame including connection request information, its own ID, and the MAC address of the relay device 112 as the destination MAC address, and transmits the generated Ethernet frame to the relay device 112.

[0089] When the detector 210 in the relay device 112 receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the application 100G, the detector 210 performs authentication processing for the application 100G using the ID and the like included in the received Ethernet frame.

[0090] When the detection unit 210 successfully authenticates the application 100G, it generates an Ethernet frame including authentication success information indicating that the authentication was successful and the MAC address of the image sensor 111G as the destination MAC address, and transmits the generated Ethernet frame to the image sensor 111G.

[0091] Note that the new function unit detected by the detection unit 210 is not limited to the application 100 included in the in-vehicle ECU 111 newly connected to the relay device 112. For example, the detection unit 210 may be configured to detect the application 100 installed in the in-vehicle ECU 111 in the existing network as a new function unit.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 6, it is assumed that in network 12, application 100H is newly installed as a new functional unit in engine ECU 111C, which is an existing functional unit.

[0094] When the application 100H is installed in the engine ECU 111C, it generates an Ethernet frame including connection request information, its own ID, and the MAC address of the relay device 112 as the destination MAC address, and transmits the generated Ethernet frame to the relay device 112.

[0095] When the detection unit 210 in the relay device 112 receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the application 100H, the detection unit 210 performs authentication processing for the application 100H using the ID and the like included in the received Ethernet frame.

[0096] If the detection unit 210 succeeds in authenticating the application 100H, the detection unit 210 generates an Ethernet frame including authentication success information indicating that the authentication was successful and the MAC address of the engine ECU 111C as the destination MAC address, and transmits the generated Ethernet frame to the engine ECU 111C.

[0097] Note that the new function unit detected by the detection unit 210 is not limited to the application 100 included in the in-vehicle ECU 111 newly connected to the relay device 112, or the application 100 installed in the in-vehicle ECU 111, as described above. For example, the detection unit 210 may be configured to detect, as a new function unit, the application 100 included in the external device 113 added to the network 12 outside the vehicle 1.

[0098] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network in a vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] 7, it is assumed that an external device 113 is newly added to the network 12. The external device 113 is a device provided outside the vehicle 1. The external device 113 includes an application 100J which is a new functional unit.

[0100] The external device 113 is capable of communicating with the TCU 111A. More specifically, the external device 113 is capable of communicating with the TCU 111A via the wireless base station device 161 using, for example, IP packets.

[0101] The external device 113 transmits connection request information for requesting a communication connection in the network 12 to the detection unit 210 via the TCU 111A.

[0102] More specifically, the application 100 J in the external device 113 transmits an IP packet including connection request information, its own ID, and the MAC address of the relay device 112 to the wireless base station device 161 via the external network 170 .

[0103] When the wireless base station device 161 receives an IP packet from the external device 113 via the external network 170, the wireless base station device 161 transmits the received IP packet to the TCU 111A by including the packet in a wireless signal.

[0104] When TCU 111A receives a wireless signal including an IP packet from application 100J from wireless base station device 161, it acquires the IP packet from the received wireless signal, generates an Ethernet frame including the acquired IP packet and the MAC address of relay device 112 as the destination MAC address, and transmits the generated Ethernet frame to relay device 112.

[0105] When the detection unit 210 in the relay device 112 receives the Ethernet frame from the TCU 111A, it performs authentication processing for the application 100J using the ID and the like included in the IP packet stored in the received Ethernet frame.

[0106] If the authentication of the application 100J is successful, the detection unit 210 generates an Ethernet frame including authentication success information indicating that the authentication was successful and the MAC address of the external device 113 as the destination MAC address, and transmits the generated Ethernet frame to the TCU 111A.

[0107] When the TCU 111 A receives the Ethernet frame from the detection unit 210 , it acquires an IP packet from the received Ethernet frame, and transmits the acquired IP packet to the external device 113 via the wireless base station device 161 via a wireless signal.

[0108] When the detection unit 210 succeeds in authenticating the new function unit as described above, it outputs to the acquisition unit 220 detection information indicating the ID of the new function unit.

[0109] [Acquisition Department] The acquiring unit 220 acquires functional unit information including information on the network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer for each of the new functional unit and the in-vehicle functional unit.

[0110] More specifically, when the acquiring unit 220 receives detection information from the detecting unit 210, the acquiring unit 220 acquires function unit information of a new function unit indicated by the detection information, and also acquires function unit information of existing function units.

[0111] For example, the acquisition unit 220 acquires, as functional unit information, information capable of recognizing at least one of the specifications of hardware devices in the new network, such as the in-vehicle ECU 111, the relay device 112, and the external device 113, and the topology of the new network, constraints regarding the placement of the application 100 in the hardware devices in the new network, and constraints on the communication method in the new network.

[0112] The acquisition unit 220 acquires at least one of the following types of information as information capable of recognizing the specifications of the hardware devices and the topology of the new network: device type indicating the identifier, name, sensor type, etc. of the hardware device, memory size, number of physical ports provided for each communication protocol, identifier of the physical ports, power supply configuration, power consumption, VLAN ID, subnet address, and functional domain; information regarding the specifications of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) installed in the hardware device; information regarding the connection relationship between the hardware devices; information regarding the bandwidth of communication between the hardware devices; and information regarding the specifications of the relay device 112.

[0113] The acquisition unit 220 acquires at least one type of information, such as information regarding the computation speed required for execution of the application 100, memory usage, constraints of the OS (Operating System) environment, and constraints of communication protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User datagram Protocol), as information that enables recognition of constraints regarding the placement of the application 100 in a hardware device.

[0114] The acquisition unit 220 acquires at least one of the following information, as information capable of recognizing the constraints of the communication method in the new network: communication data size, communication frequency, whether burst transmission is required, acceptable delay time, acceptable amount of loss, required security level, operation timing, communication type indicating, for example, periodic or irregular communication, identifier of the application 100 with which the communication is to be performed, and messaging method indicating, for example, request-response type or publish-subscribe type, as well as information regarding the priority of communication by the application 100.

[0115] For example, the acquiring unit 220 identifies one or more types of functional unit information necessary for generating configuration information of a new network in the generating unit 230, from among the types of functional unit information described above. Hereinafter, each of the one or more types of functional unit information identified by the acquiring unit 220 is also referred to as target information.

[0116] The acquisition unit 220 transmits an information request notification indicating that the target information should be transmitted to the existing function unit and the new function unit.

[0117] In response to the information request notification received from the acquisition section 220, the existing function section and the new function section transmit to the acquisition section 220 their own function section information of the type specified in the information request notification, for example.

[0118] The acquiring unit 220 may be configured to acquire part or all of the functional unit information of each existing functional unit from the storage unit 240.

[0119] More specifically, the storage unit 240 may store configuration information of the existing network. The configuration information of the existing network may include functional unit information of the existing functional units, such as information on the topology of the hardware devices.

[0120] The acquisition unit 220 refers to the storage unit 240, and if configuration information of the existing network is registered in the storage unit 240 and the configuration information includes functional part information of the existing functional parts, the acquisition unit 220 acquires the functional part information from the storage unit 240.

[0121] If there is any functional unit information among the target information related to each existing functional unit that could not be obtained from the configuration information of the existing network in the memory unit 240, i.e., missing information, the acquisition unit 220 sends an information request notification to one or more existing functional units to request the missing information.

[0122] For example, if the acquisition unit 220 is unable to acquire all types of target information for a certain existing functional unit from the storage unit 240, the acquisition unit 220 transmits an information request notification to the existing functional unit to request all types of target information.

[0123] Also, for example, if the acquisition unit 220 is unable to acquire some types of target information from the memory unit 240 for one or more existing functional units, the acquisition unit 220 sends an information request notification to the one or more existing functional units to request the some types of target information.

[0124] The existing functional unit transmits to the acquisition unit 220 its own functional unit information of the type specified in the information request notification, for example.

[0125] The acquiring unit 220 outputs each piece of functional unit information acquired as described above to the generating unit 230.

[0126] [Generation part] The generating unit 230 generates configuration information of the new network based on the functional unit information received from the acquiring unit 220 .

[0127] More specifically, the generating unit 230 generates configuration information indicating the settings of the existing function units and the new function units for performing communication in the new network.

[0128] For example, based on the information about each functional unit received from the acquisition unit 220, the generation unit 230 takes into consideration the logical configuration and physical configuration of the new network and generates configuration information indicating the settings of each functional unit in the new network for communicating at layer 4 or below in the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model.

[0129] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of configuration information generated by a generating unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] In the following, for convenience, the port numbers of the communication ports 120A, 120B, and 120C of the relay device 112 are set to "1," "2," and "3," respectively. Also, the in-vehicle ECU 111 is assumed to include one communication port, and the port number of the communication port is assumed to be "1."

[0131] 8, the generation unit 230 generates configuration information indicating the setting contents of each functional unit in the new network, for example, the VLAN ID for each communication port 120. For example, the generation unit 230 generates configuration information indicating the setting of "VLAN30" as the ID of the VLAN to which the image sensor 111G including the application 100G, which is a new functional unit, belongs in the new network shown in FIG.

[0132] The generating unit 230 outputs the generated configuration information to the notifying unit 250 and also registers it in the storage unit 240 .

[0133] Upon receiving the configuration information from the generation unit 230, the notification unit 250 notifies at least one of the functional units in the new network of the setting contents for performing communication in the new network based on the received configuration information.

[0134] For example, the notification unit 250 notifies the functional units that need to have their settings changed of the setting contents based on the configuration information received from the generation unit 230. If there is no functional unit that needs its settings changed in the new network, the notification unit 250 does not, for example, notify the functional units of the setting contents. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 8, the notification unit 250 assigns an IP address corresponding to VLAN 30 to the image sensor 111G that includes the application 100G, and notifies the image sensor 111G of the assigned IP address.

[0135] Alternatively, the notification unit 250 notifies all functional units in the new network of the setting contents based on the configuration information received from the generation unit 230. That is, the notification unit 250 notifies all functional units in the new network of the setting contents regardless of whether or not a setting change is required.

[0136] When the functional units in the new network are notified of the setting contents by the notification unit 250, they change various settings in accordance with the notified setting contents. The functional units in the new network communicate with each other in accordance with the changed setting contents.

[0137] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a new network after a setting change in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] 9, in the new network shown in FIG. 5, the image sensor 111G is enabled to perform communication in the VLAN 30 by changing the settings using the IP address notified by the notification unit 250.

[0139] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of configuration information generated by the generating unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Referring to Figure 10, for example, the generation unit 230 generates configuration information indicating the content of setting "VLAN20" as the ID of the VLAN to which the image sensor 111G including the application 100G, which is a new functional unit, belongs in the new network shown in Figure 5, and additionally setting "VLAN20" as the ID of the VLAN corresponding to the communication port 120C of the relay device 112 including the application 100F.

[0141] The generating unit 230 outputs the generated configuration information to the notifying unit 250. Based on the configuration information received from the generating unit 230, the notifying unit 250 notifies the image sensor 111G and the relay device 112 of the setting contents.

[0142] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network after a setting change in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] 11, in the new network shown in FIG. 5, the image sensor 111G and the relay device 112 change the settings using the setting contents notified by the notification unit 250. This enables the image sensor 111G to perform communication in the VLAN 20.

[0144] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of configuration information generated by the generating unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Referring to Figure 12, for example, the generation unit 230 generates configuration information indicating the content of setting "VLAN30" as the ID of the VLAN to which the image sensor 111G including the new functional unit application 100G belongs in the new network shown in Figure 5, changing the VLAN ID of the temperature sensor 111D including application 100D from "VLAN30" to "VLAN20", and additionally setting "VLAN20" as the ID of the VLAN corresponding to the communication port 120C of the relay device 112 including application 100F.

[0146] The generating unit 230 outputs the generated configuration information to the notifying unit 250. Based on the configuration information received from the generating unit 230, the notifying unit 250 notifies the image sensor 111G, the temperature sensor 111D, and the relay device 112 of the setting contents.

[0147] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a new network after a setting change in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0148] 13, in the new network shown in FIG. 5, the image sensor 111G, the temperature sensor 111D, and the relay device 112 change the settings based on the setting contents notified by the notification unit 250. This enables the image sensor 111G to communicate in VLAN30, and the temperature sensor 111D to communicate in VLAN20.

[0149] In addition, the generation unit 230 may be configured to obtain feasibility information indicating the feasibility of a new network corresponding to the generated configuration information before outputting the generated configuration information to the notification unit 250 and registering it in the memory unit 240.

[0150] More specifically, the generation unit 230 acquires feasibility information indicating the feasibility of the new network from the server 180 by communicating with the server 180 via the TCU 111A.

[0151] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a server in a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 14, a server 180 includes an evaluation unit 181 .

[0153] The generating unit 230 in the management unit 200 transmits each piece of functional unit information acquired from the acquiring unit 220 and configuration information generated based on the functional unit information to the evaluating unit 181 in the server 180 .

[0154] When the evaluation unit 181 receives each functional unit information and configuration information from the generation unit 230, the evaluation unit 181 evaluates the feasibility of the new network based on the received each functional unit information and configuration information. For example, the evaluation unit 181 judges the success or failure of the new network when each functional unit in the new network is set according to the contents indicated by the received configuration information by simulating the new network.

[0155] The evaluation unit 181 generates feasibility information indicating "feasible" or "not feasible" as the evaluation result of the feasibility of the new network.

[0156] When the feasibility information generated by the evaluation unit 181 indicates “established”, it means that the new network being evaluated is established, and when the feasibility information indicates “not established”, it means that the new network being evaluated is not established.

[0157] The evaluation unit 181 transmits the feasibility information generated as the evaluation result to the generation unit 230 in the management unit 200.

[0158] In the management unit 200 , when the generation unit 230 acquires validity information indicating “validated” from the evaluation unit 181 , the generation unit 230 outputs the configuration information generated by itself to the notification unit 250 and also registers it in the storage unit 240 .

[0159] Upon receiving the configuration information from the generation unit 230, the notification unit 250 notifies at least one of the functional units in the new network of the setting contents, as described above.

[0160] On the other hand, when the generating unit 230 acquires feasibility information indicating "not established" from the evaluating unit 181, the generating unit 230 changes the generating conditions based on the acquired feasibility information, and generates new configuration information according to the changed generating conditions.

[0161] For example, the generating unit 230 changes the current generating conditions to generating conditions that do not add some of the multiple new functional units to the network 12, and generates new configuration information according to the changed generating conditions.

[0162] Also, for example, the generating section 230 changes the generating conditions by changing the functional arrangement between the functional sections under the current generating conditions, and generates new configuration information according to the changed generating conditions.

[0163] The generating unit 230 acquires from the server 180 feasibility information indicating the feasibility of the new network corresponding to the newly generated configuration information.

[0164] [Operation flow] Each device in the vehicle communication system 300 includes a computer including a memory, and a processor such as a CPU in the computer reads out from the memory and executes a program including some or all of the steps in the following flowcharts and sequences. Each of the programs for the devices can be installed from the outside. Each of the programs for the devices is distributed in a state in which it is stored in a recording medium.

[0165] FIG. 15 is a flowchart that defines an operation procedure when the management unit creates a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 15, first, the management unit 200 waits for a new functional unit to be added to the network 12 (NO in step S102), and when it detects a new functional unit (YES in step S102), it acquires functional unit information of the detected new functional unit (step S104).

[0167] Next, the management unit 200 acquires functional unit information of the existing functional units (step S106).

[0168] Next, the management unit 200 generates configuration information for the new network based on the acquired information on each of the new and existing functional units (step S108).

[0169] Next, the management unit 200 acquires feasibility information indicating the feasibility of the new network corresponding to the generated configuration information from the server 180 (step S110).

[0170] Next, if the obtained feasibility information indicates "established" (YES in step S112), the management unit 200 notifies one or more functional units in the new network of the setting contents based on the generated configuration information (step S114).

[0171] Next, the management unit 200 waits for the addition of a new function unit to the new network (NO in step S102).

[0172] On the other hand, if the obtained feasibility information indicates "not valid" (NO in step S112), the management unit 200 changes the generation conditions of the configuration information and generates new configuration information according to the changed generation conditions (step S116).

[0173] Next, the management unit 200 acquires feasibility information indicating the feasibility of the new network corresponding to the newly generated configuration information from the server 180 (step S110).

[0174] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of a process for establishing a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] 16, first, a new functional unit to be newly added to network 12 transmits connection request information to management unit 200 (step S202).

[0176] Next, the management unit 200 receives connection request information from the new function unit, detects the new function unit, and performs authentication processing for the new function unit (step S204).

[0177] Next, when the management unit 200 has succeeded in authenticating the new function unit, it transmits an information request notification for requesting function unit information to the new function unit and each of the existing function units (step S206).

[0178] Next, the new function unit and each existing function unit transmits their own function unit information of the type specified in the information request notice to the management unit 200 in response to the information request notice (step S208).

[0179] Next, the management unit 200 generates configuration information for the new network based on the functional unit information received from the new functional unit and each existing functional unit (step S210).

[0180] Next, the management unit 200 registers the generated configuration information in the storage unit 240 (step S212).

[0181] Next, the management unit 200 notifies the new function unit and each existing function unit of the setting contents based on the generated configuration information (step S214).

[0182] Next, the new function unit changes various settings according to the setting contents notified by the management unit 200 (step S216).

[0183] Furthermore, each existing function unit changes various settings according to the setting contents notified by the management unit 200 (step S218).

[0184] Next, the new function unit and each existing function unit in the new network communicate with each other according to the changed setting contents (step S220).

[0185] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of a process for establishing a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] 17, first, a new functional unit to be newly added to network 12 transmits connection request information to management unit 200 (step S302).

[0187] Next, the management unit 200 receives connection request information from the new function unit, detects the new function unit, and performs authentication processing for the new function unit (step S304).

[0188] Next, when the management unit 200 has succeeded in authenticating the new function unit, it transmits an information request notification for requesting function unit information to the new function unit (step S306).

[0189] Next, the new function unit transmits its own function unit information of the type specified in the information request notice to the management unit 200 in response to the information request notice (step S308).

[0190] Next, the management unit 200 acquires functional unit information of each existing functional unit from the configuration information of the existing network in the storage unit 240 (step S310).

[0191] Next, the management unit 200 identifies, among the functional unit information related to each existing functional unit required for generating the configuration information, functional unit information that could not be acquired from the configuration information of the existing network in the storage unit 240, i.e., missing information. If the configuration information of the existing network in the storage unit 240 does not include functional unit information of each existing functional unit, the management unit 200 regards all functional unit information related to each existing functional unit required for generating the configuration information as missing information (step S312).

[0192] Next, when the management unit 200 identifies, for example, one or more types of functional unit information related to one or more existing functional units as missing information, it sends an information request notification to the one or more existing functional units to request the missing information (step S314).

[0193] Next, the existing functional unit that has received the information request notification transmits its own functional unit information of the type specified in the information request notification to the management unit 200 as a response to the information request notification (step S316).

[0194] Next, the management unit 200, the new function unit, and each existing function unit perform the same processes as steps S210 to S220 in FIG. 16 as the processes of steps S318 to S328.

[0195] The order of steps S306, S308 and S310, S312, S314, and S316 is not limited to the above, and may be reversed.

[0196] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of a process for establishing a new network in the vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] The processing from step S402 to step S410 in FIG. 18 is similar to the processing from step S202 to step S210 in FIG. 16 or the processing from step S302 to step S318 in FIG.

[0198] After step S410, the management unit 200 transmits the functional unit information and the configuration information to the server 180 via the wireless base station device 161 (step S412).

[0199] Next, the server 180 evaluates the feasibility of the new network based on the functional unit information and configuration information received from the management unit 200 (step S414).

[0200] Next, server 180 generates feasibility information as an evaluation result of the evaluation of the feasibility of the new network, and transmits the generated feasibility information to management unit 200 via wireless base station device 161 (step S416).

[0201] Next, when the management unit 200 receives from the server the feasibility information indicating "not valid", it changes the generating conditions of the configuration information and generates new configuration information according to the changed generating conditions (step S418).

[0202] Next, management unit 200 transmits the functional unit information and the newly generated configuration information to server 180 via wireless base station device 161 (step S420).

[0203] Next, the server 180 evaluates the feasibility of the new network based on the functional unit information and configuration information received from the management unit 200 (step S422).

[0204] Next, server 180 generates feasibility information as an evaluation result of the evaluation of the feasibility of the new network, and transmits the generated feasibility information to management unit 200 via wireless base station device 161 (step S424).

[0205] Next, when the management section 200 receives the feasibility information indicating "validated" from the server, the management section 200 performs the same processes as those of steps S212 to S220 in FIG. 16 as the processes of steps S426 to S434.

[0206] In the management unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 210 is configured to detect, when an in-vehicle ECU 111 or an external device is added to the network 12, the application 100 included in the in-vehicle ECU 111 or the external device as a new functional unit, but this is not limited to the above. The detection unit 210 may be configured to detect, as a new functional unit, an in-vehicle ECU 111 or an external device that is added to the network 12 and does not include the application 100.

[0207] In addition, in the management unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the generation unit 230 outputs the generated configuration information to the notification unit 250, and the notification unit 250 notifies the functional unit that needs to change the settings of the settings based on the configuration information received from the generation unit 230, but this is not limited to the above. The generation unit 230 may be configured to generate configuration information for a new network that does not require a setting change in the functional unit, for example. In this case, the management unit 200 may not include the notification unit 250.

[0208] In addition, in the management unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the generation unit 230 receives feasibility information indicating "not established" from the evaluation unit 181 in the server 180, the generation unit 230 changes the generation condition of the configuration information and generates new configuration information according to the changed generation condition, but this is not limited to the above. The generation unit 230 may be configured not to generate new configuration information even when it receives feasibility information indicating "not established". In this case, for example, the notification unit 250 notifies the new function unit that the new function unit will not be added to the network 12.

[0209] In addition, in the management unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the generation unit 230 is configured to register the generated configuration information in the storage unit 240, but this is not limited to the above. The generation unit 230 may be configured not to register the generated configuration information in the storage unit 240.

[0210] In addition, in the vehicle communication system 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the management unit 200 is configured to be included in the relay device 112 in the network 12, but this is not limiting. Some or all of the units in the management unit 200 may be included in a device other than the relay device 112 in the network 12, or may be provided outside the network 12. Note that a configuration in which the management unit 200 is included in the relay device 112 in a star topology such as that shown in FIG. 2 allows the management unit 200 to perform the above-mentioned processes more efficiently.

[0211] Furthermore, the management unit 200 may be realized by the server 180. In this case, some or all of the functions of the management unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided by cloud computing. That is, the management unit 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured by a plurality of cloud servers or the like.

[0212] Meanwhile, there is a demand for a technique that allows for the flexible construction of networks with new configurations while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0213] For example, when constructing a new network by adding a new functional unit to a network, there are cases where the communication required by the upper layer cannot be realized due to the network configuration of the lower layer.

[0214] One example of such a network configuration and constraints in the lower layer is the constraints on the communication band in the physical layer. In particular, in a network that requires low cost, such as a network including an in-vehicle function unit such as an in-vehicle ECU, the above-mentioned communication band constraints may make it difficult to add a new function unit to the network while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0215] In contrast, in the relay device 112 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection unit 210 detects the addition of a functional unit to the network 12 including one or more in-vehicle functional units. The acquisition unit 220 acquires functional unit information including information on the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected by the detection unit 210, and the network configuration of the in-vehicle functional unit at a layer lower than the application layer. The generation unit 230 generates configuration information of the new network, which is the network 12 further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit 220.

[0216] In this manner, by acquiring functional unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer and generating configuration information of a new network based on the acquired functional unit information, a new network can be constructed taking into consideration the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new functional unit to the network.

[0217] Therefore, in the relay device 112 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to flexibly construct a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0218] In addition, in the relay device 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the notification unit 250 notifies at least one of the new function unit and one or more in-vehicle function units constituting the new network of the setting contents for communicating in the new network based on the configuration information generated by the generation unit 230.

[0219] With this configuration, the settings of each functional unit can be changed to appropriate settings according to the specifications related to communication in the new network.

[0220] In addition, in the relay device 112 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit 220 is information capable of recognizing at least one of the specifications of multiple hardware devices in the new network and the topology of the new network, constraints on the placement of new functional units and in-vehicle functional units in the hardware devices in the new network, and constraints on the communication method in the new network.

[0221] With this configuration, a new network can be constructed taking into account various pieces of information related to the new network.

[0222] Furthermore, in the relay device 112 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the generation unit 230 acquires feasibility information indicating the feasibility of a new network corresponding to the generated configuration information.

[0223] With such a configuration, it is possible to build a new network whose feasibility has been verified by taking into consideration, for example, the logical configuration and the physical configuration.

[0224] Furthermore, in the relay device 112 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the generation unit 230 changes the generation conditions based on the acquired feasibility information, and generates new configuration information according to the changed generation conditions.

[0225] With this configuration, when it is difficult to build a network based on the generated configuration information, it is possible to generate new configuration information for a new network in which the content of the new functional unit added to the network has been changed, for example. This makes it possible to build a new network more flexibly.

[0226] Furthermore, in the relay device 112 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage unit 240 stores the configuration information generated by the generation unit 230.

[0227] With this configuration, when adding a new functional unit to a network and constructing a new network, some or all of the functional unit information of the existing functional units can be obtained from the configuration information of the existing network in the memory unit, thereby simplifying the network construction process.

[0228] The vehicle 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a relay device 112.

[0229] With this configuration, in vehicle 1 equipped with relay device 112, it is possible to flexibly build a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0230] Moreover, the vehicle communication system 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a relay device 112 and one or more in-vehicle functional units constituting the network 12. The relay device 112 detects the addition of a functional unit to the network 12, and acquires functional unit information including information on the network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer from the new functional unit, which is the functional unit that detected the addition. The one or more in-vehicle functional units transmit their own functional unit information including information on the network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer to the relay device 112. The relay device 112 generates configuration information of the new network, which is the network 12 further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from the one or more in-vehicle functional units.

[0231] In this way, by acquiring function unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer for each of the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit, and generating configuration information for the new network based on the acquired function unit information, it is possible to build a new network taking into account the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new function unit to the network.

[0232] Therefore, in the vehicle communication system 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to flexibly build a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0233] Moreover, a vehicle communication management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle communication management method in a relay device 112. In this vehicle communication management method, first, the relay device 112 detects the addition of a functional unit to the network 12 including one or more in-vehicle functional units. Next, the relay device 112 acquires functional unit information including information on the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected, and on the network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer of the in-vehicle functional unit included in the network 12. Next, the relay device 112 generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network 12 further including the new functional unit, based on each acquired piece of functional unit information.

[0234] In this way, by acquiring function unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer for the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit, and generating configuration information for the new network based on the acquired function unit information, it is possible to build a new network taking into account the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new function unit to the network.

[0235] Therefore, the vehicle communication management method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure makes it possible to flexibly build a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0236] A vehicle communication management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a vehicle communication management method in a vehicle communication system including a relay device 112 and one or more in-vehicle functional units constituting a network 12. In this vehicle communication management method, first, the relay device 112 detects the addition of a functional unit to the network 12, and acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer from the new functional unit, which is the functional unit that detected the addition. Next, the one or more in-vehicle functional units transmit their own functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than the application layer to the relay device 112. Next, the relay device 112 generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network 12 further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from the one or more in-vehicle functional units.

[0237] In this way, by acquiring function unit information including information on the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer for the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit, and generating configuration information for the new network based on the acquired function unit information, it is possible to build a new network taking into account the network configuration of layers lower than the application layer. This makes it possible to suppress delays in important communications caused by, for example, adding a new function unit to the network.

[0238] Therefore, the vehicle communication management method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure makes it possible to flexibly build a network with a new configuration while maintaining stable operation in the network.

[0239] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0240] The above description includes the following additional features. [Appendix 1] A detection unit that detects a new functional unit that is a functional unit that is newly added to a network including one or more in-vehicle functional units; an acquisition unit that acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer of the new functional unit and the in-vehicle functional unit detected by the detection unit; a generating unit that generates configuration information that takes into consideration a logical configuration and a physical configuration of a new network that further includes the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquiring unit; a management device comprising a notification unit that notifies at least one of the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit in the new network of setting contents for communication in the new network based on the configuration information generated by the generation unit.

[0241] [Appendix 2] A management device; One or more in-vehicle functional units constituting a network; a new functional unit which is a functional unit newly added to the network; The management device detects the addition of the new function unit to the network, the new function unit and one or more of the in-vehicle function units transmit their own function unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer to the management device; the management device generates configuration information that takes into account a logical configuration and a physical configuration of a new network that is the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information received from the new functional unit and one or more of the in-vehicle functional units; A vehicle communication system in which the management device notifies at least one of the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit in the new network of the setting contents for communicating in the new network based on the generated configuration information.

[0242] [Appendix 3] A management device including a processor, The processor, A detection unit that detects a new ECU, which is a functional unit that is newly added to a network including one or more in-vehicle ECUs; an acquisition unit that acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer of the new ECU and the in-vehicle ECU detected by the detection unit; a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new ECU, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit; A management device that achieves the above.

[0243] [Appendix 4] A management device; One or more in-vehicle ECUs that form a network; A new ECU that is a functional unit to be newly added to the network, The management device detects the addition of the new ECU to the network; the new ECU and the one or more in-vehicle ECUs transmit their own functional unit information, including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer, to the management device; A vehicle communication system, wherein the management device generates configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new ECU, based on the functional part information received from the new ECU and one or more of the in-vehicle ECUs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0244] 1 vehicle 10 VLAN 11 Ethernet cable 12 Network 20 VLAN 30 VLAN 100 Applications 111 Automotive ECU 112 Relay Device 113 External device 161 Wireless base station equipment 170 External Network 180 Servers 181 Evaluation Department 182 Storage device 200 Management Department 210 Detection unit 220 Acquisition Department 230 Generation part 240 Storage section 250 Notification Department 300 Vehicle Communication System 400 Communication Systems

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects the addition of a functional unit to a network including one or more in-vehicle functional units; an acquisition unit that acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer of the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected by the detection unit, and the in-vehicle functional unit; a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit; The generation unit generates the configuration information indicating the setting contents of the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit for communicating in the new network, determined from the logical configuration and physical configuration of the new network.

2. The management device further comprises:

2. The management device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies at least one of the new function unit and one or more of the in-vehicle function units that constitute the new network of setting contents for communication in the new network based on the configuration information generated by the generation unit.

3. The management device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the functional unit information is information capable of recognizing at least one of the specifications of multiple hardware devices in the new network and the topology of the new network, constraints regarding the placement of the new functional unit and the in-vehicle functional unit on the hardware devices in the new network, and constraints on the communication method in the new network.

4. A management device; One or more in-vehicle functional units that configure a network, the management device detects the addition of a functional unit to the network, and acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer from the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected; one or more of the in-vehicle function units transmit their own function unit information, including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer, to the management device; the management device generates configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from one or more of the in-vehicle functional units; A vehicle communication system in which the management device generates the configuration information indicating the setting contents of the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit for communicating in the new network, determined from the logical configuration and physical configuration of the new network.

5. A vehicle communication management method in a management device, comprising: Detecting the addition of a functional unit to a network including one or more in-vehicle functional units; acquiring functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer of the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected, and the in-vehicle functional unit included in the network; generating configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the acquired information of each functional unit; A vehicle communication management method, in which the step of generating the configuration information generates the configuration information indicating the setting contents of the new functional unit and the in-vehicle function unit for communicating in the new network, determined from the logical configuration and physical configuration of the new network.

6. A vehicle communication management method in a vehicle communication system including a management device and one or more in-vehicle functional units that configure a network, comprising: a step in which the management device detects the addition of a functional unit to the network, and acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer from the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected; one or more of the in-vehicle functional units transmit their own functional unit information, including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer, to the management device; and generating configuration information of a new network, the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired from the new functional unit and the functional unit information received from one or more of the in-vehicle functional units, by the management device; A vehicle communication management method, in which the step of generating the configuration information generates the configuration information indicating the setting contents of the new functional unit and the in-vehicle function unit for communicating in the new network, determined from the logical configuration and physical configuration of the new network.

7. A vehicle communication management program for use in a management device, Computer, A detection unit that detects the addition of a functional unit to a network including one or more in-vehicle functional units; an acquisition unit that acquires functional unit information including information on a network configuration of a layer lower than an application layer of the new functional unit, which is the functional unit whose addition has been detected by the detection unit, and the in-vehicle functional unit; a generation unit that generates configuration information of a new network, which is the network further including the new functional unit, based on the functional unit information acquired by the acquisition unit; It is a program to function as A vehicle communication management program in which the generation unit generates the configuration information indicating the setting contents of the new function unit and the in-vehicle function unit for communicating in the new network, determined from the logical configuration and physical configuration of the new network.

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