Communication control device, vehicle, communication control method, and communication control program

Abstract

To suppress a communication problem when changing a network setting.SOLUTION: A central ECU 22 as a communication control device accepts a change notification relating to a change in a communication setting of an in-vehicle network 14, and after accepting the change notification, at a predetermined trigger for operating the in-vehicle network 14, new setting information in the network, which is necessary with the change notification, is reflected to the central ECU 22 and the Ethernet switch 30 connected to the central ECU 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control device, a vehicle, a communication control method, and a program for controlling communication in a network.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses SDN (Software Defined Networking) technology capable of changing communication settings (hereinafter also referred to as "network settings") in a network. The SDN network includes an SDN controller and a plurality of SDN switches, and the SDN controller distributes network settings to the SDN switches, whereby the SDN switches perform network control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, when software is downloaded by over-the-air (OTA) delivery, if the network settings are not changed according to the timing when the software is activated, communication problems may occur. Similarly, in the prior art, when adding an ECU by plug-and-play, if the network settings are not changed according to the timing of logical connection or communication start of the added ECU, communication problems may occur.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object thereof is to provide a communication control device, a vehicle, a communication control method, and a communication control program that suppress communication problems when changing network settings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication control device according to claim 1 is a communication control device that controls the communication of a network, and includes a reception unit that receives a change notification related to a change in the communication settings of the network, and after receiving the change notification, at a predetermined timing when the network operates, a reflection unit that reflects new setting information in the network, which is required along with the change notification, on a switching control unit connected to the communication control device. , the change notification is a notification accompanying the connection of a new control device to the network, and the reflection unit causes the switching control unit to reflect the setting information on the occasion of restarting the system including the network as the predetermined opportunity. It is. The communication control device according to claim 2 is the communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection unit reflects the new setting information on the communication control device.

[0007] The communication control device according to claim 1 is a device that controls the communication of a network. When changing the communication settings of the network, after the reception unit receives a change notification related to the change in the communication settings, the reflection unit reflects new setting information on the switching control unit at a predetermined timing. Also, in the communication control device according to claim 2, the reflection unit reflects the new setting information on the communication control device. Therefore, according to the communication control device, since the communication settings of the communication control device and the switching control unit in the network are reflected at a predetermined timing, communication failures when changing the network settings are suppressed. Further, according to the communication control device described in claim 1, communication failures in the case where communication settings are changed at the time of connection of a new control device are suppressed.

[0008] Claim 3 The communication control device described in is the communication control device described in claim 1 Or 2 In the communication control device described in, the change notification is a notification related to the update of software in a control device connected to the network, and the reflection unit uses the completion of the software download as the predetermined timing to reflect the setting information on the switching control unit.

[0009] Claim 3 According to the communication control device described in, communication failures when the communication settings are changed during software download are suppressed.

[0012] Claim 4 The communication control device according to claim 1 to 3 In the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to

[0013] Claim 4 In the communication control device according to claim

[0014] Claim 5 The communication control device according to claim A communication control device that controls communication of a network, comprising: a reception unit that receives a change notification related to a change in communication settings of the network; and a reflection unit that, after receiving the change notification, causes a switching control unit connected to the communication control device to reflect new setting information in the network required along with the change notification on the occasion of operating the network. A determination unit that determines whether at least one of the communication control device and the switching control unit connected to the communication control device stores the new setting information of the network required along with the change notification; and when the determination unit determines that neither the communication control device nor the switching control unit stores the setting information, a request unit that requests the setting information from an external device outside the network.

[0015] Claim 5 In the communication control device according to claim

[0016] Claim6 The vehicle described in 5 comprises the communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to

[0017] Claim 6 According to the vehicle described in

[0018] Claim 7 The communication control method described in , the change notification is a notification accompanying the connection of a new control device to the network, and the setting information is caused to be reflected on the switching control unit on the occasion of restarting the system including the network as the predetermined opportunity. is a communication control method for controlling the communication of a network, which receives a change notice related to the change of the communication setting of the network, and after receiving the change notice, at a predetermined opportunity to operate the network, reflects the new setting information required along with the change notice in the switching control unit connected to the communication control device

[0019] Claim 7 The communication control method described in

[0020] Claim 8 The communication control program described in , the change notification is a notification accompanying the connection of a new control device to the network, and the setting information is caused to be reflected on the switching control unit on the occasion of restarting the system including the network as the predetermined opportunity. is a communication control program for controlling the communication of a network, which receives a change notice related to the change of the communication setting of the network, and after receiving the change notice, at a predetermined opportunity to operate the network, reflects the new setting information required along with the change notice in the switching control unit connected to the communication control device

[0021] Claim 8 The communication control program described in is a program for controlling network communication, and causes a communication control device to execute the following processing. That is, when changing the communication settings of the network, after receiving a change notice regarding the change of the communication settings, the communication control device causes the switching control unit to reflect the new setting information at a predetermined timing. Therefore, according to the communication control program, since the communication settings of the switching control unit in the network are reflected at a predetermined timing, communication failures when changing the network settings are suppressed. The communication control method according to claim 9 is a communication control method for controlling communication of a network, comprising: receiving a change notification related to a change in communication settings of the network; after receiving the change notification, causing a switching control unit connected to a communication control device to reflect new setting information in the network required along with the change notification on the occasion of operating the network; determining whether at least one of the communication control device and the switching control unit connected to the communication control device stores the new setting information in the network required along with the change notification; and when it is determined that neither the communication control device nor the switching control unit stores the setting information, causing the communication control device to execute a process of requesting the setting information from an external device outside the network. The communication control program according to claim 10 is a communication control program for controlling the communication of a network, which receives a change notification related to the change of the communication settings of the network, and at a predetermined timing for operating the network after receiving the change notification, reflects new setting information in the network required along with the change notification in a switching control unit connected to the communication control device, determines whether at least one of the communication control device and the switching control unit connected to the communication control device stores the new setting information in the network required along with the change notification, and when it is determined that neither the communication control device nor the switching control unit stores the setting information, causes the communication control device to execute a process of requesting the setting information from an external device outside the network.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, communication failures when changing network settings can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] A communication control system including the communication control device of the present invention will be described. The communication control system is a system that performs communication in a vehicle, is compatible with SDN (Software Defined Networking), and is configured to be able to acquire setting information related to communication settings from an external server as needed.

[0025] [First Embodiment] (Overall Configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the communication control system 10 of the first embodiment includes a vehicle 12 and a center server 40 as an external device. The center server 40 is installed at a business office that manages and operates the communication control system 10, such as the manufacturer of the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 and the center server 40 are connected to each other through a public network N.

[0026] (Vehicle) In the vehicle 12 of the present embodiment, an in-vehicle network 14 including a plurality of ECUs 20, a plurality of Ethernet switches 30, and a DCM (Data Communication Module) 32 is configured. The in-vehicle network 14 is an example of a network. Further, the ECU 20 includes a central ECU 22 that oversees the control of the vehicle 12 and an ECU 24 whose communication is controlled by the central ECU 22. Examples of the ECU 24 include an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)-ECU, a steering ECU, a body ECU, and an information system ECU. The ECU 24 is an example of a control device.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the ECU 20 includes at least a control unit 21 that functions as an SDN controller, and is configured to include an Ethernet switch 30 as necessary. The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 20B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20C, an in-vehicle communication I / F (Interface) 20D, and an input / output I / F 20E. The CPU 20A, the ROM 20B, the RAM 20C, the in-vehicle communication I / F 20D, and the input / output I / F 20E are communicably connected to each other via an internal bus 20G.

[0028] The CPU 20A is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 20A reads a program from the ROM 20B and executes the program using the RAM 20C as a work area.

[0029] The ROM 20B stores various programs and various data. In the ROM 20B of the present embodiment, a control program 100 for controlling the ECU 20 including communication is stored. Also, an application program 110 for realizing an application by the ECU 20 is stored in the ROM 20B. The control program 100 is an example of a communication control program. The RAM 20C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area.

[0030] The in-vehicle communication I / F 20D is an interface for connecting to each ECU 20. The communication standard based on Ethernet (registered trademark) is used for this interface. The in-vehicle communication I / F 20D is connected to the external bus 20H (see FIG. 1).

[0031] The input / output I / F 20E is an interface for connecting the control unit 21 and other devices that make up the ECU 20. For example, an Ethernet switch 30 is connected to the input / output I / F 20E of the central ECU 22.

[0032] The Ethernet switch 30 is a relay device that performs communication based on Ethernet (registered trademark). The Ethernet switch 30 in this embodiment functions as an SDN switch. The Ethernet switch 30 performs communication between ECUs 20 based on communication information related to the communication settings of the in-vehicle network 14. Also, the Ethernet switch 30 is configured to be able to acquire communication information from the control unit 21 or another Ethernet switch 30. The Ethernet switch 30 is an example of a switching control unit.

[0033] The DCM 32 is a module that communicates according to communication standards such as 5G, 4G, and LTE. The DCM 32 is connected to the public network N (see FIG. 1). In the vehicle 12, the DCM 32 is connected to the control unit 21 of the central ECU 22, but this is not the only case, and it may be built into the central ECU 22 or other ECUs 24.

[0034] (Central ECU) The central ECU 22 is an ECU 20 equipped with the control unit 21 and the Ethernet switch 30. In the central ECU 22 of this embodiment, the CPU 20A functions as the overall control unit 50 and the communication control unit 52 shown in FIG. 3 by executing the control program 100. The central ECU 22 is an example of a communication control device.

[0035] The overall control unit 50 controls the download associated with the update of software such as the application program 110 and the execution of plug and play when a new ECU 20 is connected to the in-vehicle network 14. The overall control unit 50 includes a reception unit 200, an inquiry unit 210, and an execution unit 220.

[0036] The reception unit 200 has a function of receiving the download of the application program 110 and the detection of plug and play of the ECU 20. Further, the reception unit 200 of the present embodiment receives a change notification related to the change of the communication settings of the in-vehicle network 14.

[0037] The inquiry unit 210 has a function of inquiring the user of the vehicle 12 whether to change the settings of the in-vehicle network 14.

[0038] The execution unit 220 as a reflection unit has a function of executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network 14 accompanying the download of software or the execution of plug and play. In the present embodiment, when the software is updated, the execution unit 220 causes the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 to reflect the setting information upon completion of the download of the application program 110. Further, when the plug and play is executed, the execution unit 220 causes the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 to reflect the setting information upon the restart of the vehicle 12 (that is, when the ignition is turned from OFF to ON).

[0039] The communication control unit 52 functions as an SDN controller. The communication control unit 52 includes a determination unit 250, a notification unit 260, and a request unit 270.

[0040] The determination unit 250 has a function of determining whether the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 have appropriate setting information during the download of software or the execution of plug and play.

[0041] The notification unit 260 has a function of notifying the overall control unit 50 of the states of the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30. When a failure occurs in the in-vehicle network 14, the notification unit 260 of the present embodiment transmits a diagnostic code to the overall control unit 50. Thereby, the center server 40 or the like that has acquired the diagnostic code through the overall control unit 50 can grasp the cause of the failure.

[0042] The request unit 270 has a function of requesting appropriate setting information when the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 do not have appropriate setting information. In this case, the request unit 270 of the present embodiment requests the overall control unit 50 or the center server 40 for setting information. Further, the request unit 270 requests the Ethernet switch 30 for operation verification. Furthermore, the request unit 270 requests the Ethernet switch 30 to be activated.

[0043] (Flow of control) The flow of processing executed in the communication control system 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 6, the flowchart of FIG. 7, the display screen of FIG. 8, and the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 9 and 10. The processing in the central ECU 22 is executed by the CPU 20A functioning as the overall control unit 50 and the communication control unit 52.

[0044] First, the flow of processing of the entire system in the center server 40, the control unit 21 of the central ECU 22, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 will be described. In each sequence diagram, only one Ethernet switch 30 and one ECU 24 are shown, but this is not limiting, and the Ethernet switches 30 and ECU 24 on the in-vehicle network 14 are the targets.

[0045] In step S10 of FIG. 4, the center server 40 transmits a package program to the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21. The package program includes the application program 110 and the setting information of the in-vehicle network 14.

[0046] In step S11, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 transmits setting information to the communication control unit 52.

[0047] In step S12, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 transmits setting information to the Ethernet switch 30.

[0048] In step S13, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 executes verification processing. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 verifies whether appropriate setting information is stored. Here, the appropriate setting information is the setting information that enables the application program 110 downloaded in step S10 to operate in the in-vehicle network 14.

[0049] In step S14, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 makes a verification request to the Ethernet switch 30. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 requests the Ethernet switch 30 to transmit the verification result of whether the Ethernet switch 30 stores appropriate setting information.

[0050] In step S15, the Ethernet switch 30 executes verification processing. Specifically, the Ethernet switch 30 verifies whether appropriate setting information is stored.

[0051] In step S16, the Ethernet switch 30 transmits the verification result to the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21. Specifically, the Ethernet switch 30 transmits to the communication control unit 52 the verification result of whether the Ethernet switch 30 stores setting information.

[0052] In step S17, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 executes determination processing. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 determines whether the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 have appropriate setting information.

[0053] In step S18, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 transmits the determination result of the determination process executed in step S17 to the overall control unit 50.

[0054] In step S19, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 determines whether at least one of the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 stores appropriate setting information, that is, whether the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 can operate according to the setting information. When the overall control unit 50 determines that the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 can operate (step S19: YES), it proceeds to step S40. On the other hand, when the overall control unit 50 determines that the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 cannot operate (step S19: NO), it proceeds to step S30.

[0055] Next, the processing flow of the entire system in the center server 40, the control unit 21, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 when the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 determines that the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 cannot operate will be described.

[0056] In step S30 of FIG. 5, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 requests the center server 40 for the setting information that enables the Ethernet switch 30 to operate. Here, when the overall control unit 50 determines in step S19 that the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 cannot operate, it generates a diag code indicating that they cannot operate and the cause of the inoperability. Then, the overall control unit 50 transmits, together with the command for requesting the setting information, a diag code indicating that the ECU 20 and the Ethernet switch 30 cannot operate and the cause of the inoperability in the in-vehicle network 14. In step S31, the center server 40 transmits to the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 the setting information that enables the application program 110 to operate in the in-vehicle network 14.

[0057] Then, the center server 40, the control unit 21, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 execute the same processes from step S11 to step S18 shown in FIG. 4.

[0058] Next, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 will explain the flow of the entire system processing in the center server 40, the control unit 21, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 when it determines that the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 are operable.

[0059] In step S40 of FIG. 6, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 executes an inquiry process. Details of the inquiry process will be described later.

[0060] In step S41, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 determines whether it is possible to reflect the setting information based on the processing result of step S40. When the overall control unit 50 determines that it is possible to reflect the setting information (step S41: YES), it proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, when the overall control unit 50 determines that it is not possible to reflect the setting information (step S41: NO), the process ends.

[0061] In step S42, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 transmits the application program 110 to the ECU 24 that is the target for installing the application program 110.

[0062] In step S43, the ECU 24 notifies the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 that the download of the application program 110 has been completed.

[0063] In step S44, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 requests activation from the communication control unit 52. Specifically, the overall control unit 50 requests to reflect the setting information in the communication control unit 52.

[0064] In step S45, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 requests activation from the Ethernet switch 30. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 requests to reflect the setting information in the Ethernet switch 30.

[0065] In step S46, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 requests activation from the ECU 24. Specifically, the overall control unit 50 requests to reflect the setting information in the ECU 24.

[0066] In step S47, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 executes the reflection process. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 reflects the setting information in the communication control unit 52.

[0067] In step S48, the Ethernet switch 30 executes the reflection process. Specifically, the Ethernet switch 30 reflects the setting information in the Ethernet switch 30.

[0068] In step S49, the ECU 24 executes the reflection process. Specifically, the ECU 24 reflects the installed application program 110 and the setting information.

[0069] In step S50, the Ethernet switch 30 notifies the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 that the setting information has been reflected in the Ethernet switch 30.

[0070] In step S51, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 notifies the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 that the setting information has been reflected in the Ethernet switch 30 and the communication control unit 52.

[0071] In step S52, the ECU 24 notifies the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 that the installed application program 110 and the setting information have been reflected in the ECU 24.

[0072] In step S53, the control unit 21, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 start communication associated with the execution of the application program 110 installed in the ECU 24.

[0073] Next, the inquiry process in FIG. 7 will be described. In step S100 of FIG. 7, the overall control unit 50 causes the inquiry content to be displayed on a monitor provided on the instrument panel or the meter panel of the vehicle 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in order to reflect the software of the application program 110, it is displayed that an update of the communication settings is necessary and that the vehicle 12 cannot be restarted for a certain period during the update of the communication settings. When the user of the vehicle 12 wants to execute the reflection of the software including the update of the communication settings, the user selects the button 80 displayed as "Yes". On the other hand, when the user of the vehicle 12 does not want to execute the reflection of the software including the update of the communication settings, the user selects the button 82 displayed as "No".

[0074] In step S101, the overall control unit 50 determines whether it is within the timer time (for example, 1 minute from the start of the display of the inquiry content). If the overall control unit 50 determines that it is within the timer time (step S101: YES), it proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the timer time has elapsed (step S101: NO), the overall control unit 50 proceeds to step S105.

[0075] In step S102, the overall control unit 50 determines whether it has received a selection on whether to update the communication settings. If the overall control unit 50 has received a selection on whether to update the communication settings (step S102: YES), it proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the overall control unit 50 has not received a selection on whether to update the communication settings (step S102: NO), it returns to step S100.

[0076] In step S103, the overall control unit 50 determines whether the communication settings can be updated. Specifically, the overall control unit 50 determines whether the button 80 has been selected. If the communication settings can be updated (step S103: YES), the overall control unit 50 proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the communication settings cannot be updated (step S103: NO), the overall control unit 50 proceeds to step S105.

[0077] In step S104, the overall control unit 50 decides to update the communication settings.

[0078] In step S105, the overall control unit 50 interrupts the update of the communication settings.

[0079] In step S106, the overall control unit 50 outputs the selection result of the user of the vehicle 12. Specifically, the overall control unit 50 outputs the selection result of the user on whether to update the communication settings received during the determination in step S102. Then, the overall control unit 50 ends this inquiry process and returns to step S40 in FIG. 6.

[0080] Next, the flow of the plug-and-play process when a new ECU 24 is connected to the in-vehicle network 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0081] In the process flow of the communication control system 10 shown in FIG. 4 and the process flow of the communication control system 10 shown in FIG. 9, the process of step S60 is applied instead of the process of step S10, and when a positive determination is made in step S19, the process proceeds to step S70, which are different. Note that the setting information verified during plug-and-play is setting information that enables the newly connected ECU 24 to operate in the in-vehicle network 14.

[0082] For the steps that execute the same process as the process flow of the communication control system 10 shown in FIG. 4, the same step numbers as those in FIG. 4 are assigned, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0083] In step S60 of FIG. 9, the ECU 24 transmits setting information to the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21.

[0084] Next, the processing flow of the entire system in the center server 40, the control unit 21, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 when the determination in step S19 is affirmative will be described.

[0085] In step S70 of FIG. 10, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 executes an inquiry process. The flow of the inquiry process is the same as the flow of the process shown in FIG. 7.

[0086] In step S71, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 determines whether it is possible to reflect the setting information based on the processing result of step S70. When the overall control unit 50 determines that it is possible to reflect the setting information (step S71: YES), it proceeds to step S72. On the other hand, when the overall control unit 50 determines that it is not possible to reflect the setting information (step S71: NO), the process ends.

[0087] In step S72, the vehicle 12 restarts. Specifically, the vehicle 12 is controlled so that the ignition is once turned OFF and then turned ON again.

[0088] In step S73, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 requests activation from the communication control unit 52. Specifically, the overall control unit 50 requests to reflect the setting information in the communication control unit 52.

[0089] In step S74, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 requests activation from the Ethernet switch 30. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 requests to reflect the setting information in the Ethernet switch 30.

[0090] In step S75, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 requests activation from the ECU 24. Specifically, the overall control unit 50 requests to reflect the setting information in the ECU 24.

[0091] In step S76, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 executes a reflection process. Specifically, the communication control unit 52 reflects the setting information in the communication control unit 52.

[0092] In step S77, the Ethernet switch 30 executes a reflection process. Specifically, the Ethernet switch 30 reflects the setting information in the Ethernet switch 30.

[0093] In step S78, the ECU 24 executes a reflection process. Specifically, the ECU 24 reflects the setting information in the ECU 24.

[0094] In step S79, the Ethernet switch 30 notifies the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 that the setting information has been reflected in the Ethernet switch 30.

[0095] In step S80, the communication control unit 52 of the control unit 21 notifies the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 that the setting information has been reflected in the Ethernet switch 30 and the communication control unit 52.

[0096] In step S81, the ECU 24 notifies the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 that the setting information has been reflected in the ECU 24.

[0097] In step S82, the control unit 21, the Ethernet switch 30, and the ECU 24 start communication.

[0098] (Summary) In the central ECU 22 of the present embodiment, when the communication control unit 52 determines that the Ethernet switch 30 is inoperable according to the setting information, the communication control unit 52 notifies the user of the vehicle 12 that the Ethernet switch 30 is inoperable and the diagnostic code according to the setting information. Therefore, the user can grasp that the Ethernet switch 30 is inoperable according to the setting information and the cause of the inoperability.

[0099] Also, in the central ECU 22 of the present embodiment, when the communication control unit 52 determines that the Ethernet switch 30 is inoperable according to the setting information, the communication control unit 52 requests the center server 40 for the setting information that enables the Ethernet switch 30 to operate. Therefore, even if the Ethernet switch 30 is inoperable according to the setting information, the setting information that enables the Ethernet switch 30 to operate can be obtained.

[0100] Also, in the central ECU 22 of the present embodiment, the overall control unit 50 receives a change notification together with the update of the application program 110 executed in the control device on the ECU 24 vehicle network. Therefore, a change notification can be received together with the update of the application program 110.

[0101] Also, in the central ECU 22 of the present embodiment, the overall control unit 50 receives a change notification when the ECU 24 is newly connected. Therefore, a change notification can be received when the ECU 24 is newly connected.

[0102] The change notification of the present embodiment is a notification related to the update of the application program 110. In the central ECU 22, the communication control unit 52 determines whether the setting information is stored based on the updated application program 110. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the setting information is stored based on the information of the application program 110.

[0103] Also, in the central ECU 22 of the present embodiment, the overall control unit 50 receives a change notification from the center server 40. Therefore, a change notification can be received from a device outside the in-vehicle network 14.

[0104] Further, when the central ECU 22 of the present embodiment changes the communication settings of the in-vehicle network 14, after receiving a change notice related to the change of the communication settings, it reflects the new setting information on the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 at a predetermined timing. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the communication settings of the communication control unit 52 and the Ethernet switch 30 in the in-vehicle network 14 are reflected at a predetermined timing, communication failures when changing the network settings are suppressed.

[0105] In particular, according to the present embodiment, communication failures when the communication settings are changed during software download by OTA are suppressed. Further, according to the present embodiment, communication failures when the communication settings are changed during plug-and-play accompanying the connection of a new ECU 24 are suppressed.

[0106] The vehicle 12 of the present embodiment includes a central ECU 22, one or more Ethernet switches 30, and an ECU 24. According to the vehicle 12 of the present embodiment, as described above, it is possible to reduce the possibility of problems caused by poor communication after changing the settings of the in-vehicle network 14, and suppress communication failures in software download and plug-and-play. Thereby, the running safety of the vehicle 12 can be ensured.

[0107] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the Ethernet switch 30 is configured separately from the central ECU 22. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 11, the central ECU 22 includes only the control unit 21 and is configured without including the Ethernet switch 30. That is, the Ethernet switch 30 is configured separately from the central ECU 22.

[0109] As described above, in the present embodiment, the Ethernet switch 30 is configured separately from the central ECU 22. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the central ECU 22 does not include the Ethernet switch 30, when the communication settings of the in-vehicle network 14 are changed without the user's recognition, it is possible to suppress the problem that it becomes apparent that the Ethernet switch 30 cannot operate according to the new network settings afterwards.

[0110] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 functions by an ECU 20 different from the central ECU 22. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 12, in the vehicle 12 of the present embodiment, an in-vehicle network 14 including a plurality of ECUs 20, a plurality of Ethernet switches 30, and a DCM 32 is configured. The ECU 20 includes a central ECU 22, an ECU 24, and a management ECU 26. The DCM 32 is connected to the public network N via the management ECU 26.

[0112] The central ECU 22 functions as a communication control unit 52 shown in FIG. 13 when the CPU 20A executes the control program 100. On the other hand, the management ECU 26 functions as an overall control unit 50 shown in FIG. 13 when the CPU 20A executes the control program 100. That is, in the vehicle 12 of the present embodiment, the processing of the communication control unit 52 and the overall control unit 50 related to the change of the network settings is realized by a plurality of CPUs 20A.

[0113] As described above, in the present embodiment, the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 functions by an ECU 20 separate from the central ECU 22. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the overall control unit 50 of the control unit 21 functions by an ECU 20 separate from the central ECU 22, when the communication settings of the in-vehicle network 14 are changed without the user's recognition, it is possible to suppress the manifestation that the Ethernet switch 30 cannot operate according to the new network settings afterwards.

[0114] [Remarks] Note that the processing related to the change of the network settings in each of the above embodiments is exemplified as the processing when the application program 110 which is software is downloaded, and the processing in the case of plug and play when the ECU 24 is added to the in-vehicle network 14. However, the cases to which the processing related to the change of the network settings of the present embodiment is applied are not limited to this, and it may be applied when the configuration of the in-vehicle network 14 is constructed at the time of manufacturing the vehicle 12, and when the in-vehicle network 14 is attacked from the outside and enters the fail-safe state.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the various processes executed by the CPU 20A by reading software (program) may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of the processor in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit which is a processor having a circuit configuration dedicated to executing specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Further, each of the above-described processes may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). Further, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0116] Also, in the above-described embodiment, each program has been described in a mode where it is pre-stored (installed) in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. For example, the control program 100 in the ECU 20 is pre-stored in the ROM 20B. However, this is not the only case, and each program may be provided in a form recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Further, the program may be in a form downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0117] The processing flow described in the above embodiment is an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within a range not departing from the gist.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 12 Vehicle 14 In-vehicle network (network) 22 Central ECU (communication control device) 24 ECU (control device) 30 Ethernet switch (switching control unit) 40 Center server (external device) 200 Reception unit 210 Inquiry unit 220 Execution unit (reflection unit) 250 Determination unit 270 Request unit 100 Control program (communication control program)

Claims

1. A communication control device for controlling communication of a network, a reception unit that receives a change notification related to a change in communication settings of the network, a reflection unit that, upon a predetermined opportunity to operate the network after receiving the change notification, reflects new setting information in the network, which is required along with the change notification, in a switching control unit connected to the communication control device, comprising: the change notification is a notification accompanying connection of a new control device to the network, the reflection unit reflects the setting information in the switching control unit using restart of a system including the network as the predetermined opportunity, A communication control device.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection unit reflects the new setting information in the communication control device.

3. the change notification is a notification related to software update in a control device connected to the network, The communication control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflection unit reflects the setting information in the switching control unit using completion of software download as the predetermined opportunity.

4. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an inquiry unit that inquires a user whether to reflect the new setting information in the switching control unit before the predetermined opportunity after receiving the change notification.

5. A communication control device for controlling communication of a network, a reception unit that receives a change notification related to a change in communication settings of the network, a reflection unit that, upon a predetermined opportunity to operate the network after receiving the change notification, reflects new setting information in the network, which is required along with the change notification, in a switching control unit connected to the communication control device, A determination unit that determines whether at least one of the communication control device and the switching control unit connected to the communication control device stores new setting information of the network required along with the change notification; A request unit that requests the setting information from an external device outside the network when the determination unit determines that neither the communication control device nor the switching control unit stores the setting information; A communication control device comprising:

6. The communication control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, One or more of the switching control units, A control device connected to the switching control unit, A vehicle comprising:

7. A communication control method for controlling communication of a network, comprising: Receiving a change notification related to a change in communication settings of the network, After receiving the change notification, at a predetermined timing when the network is operated, reflecting new setting information in the network required along with the change notification in a switching control unit connected to the communication control device, The change notification is a notification accompanying connection of a new control device to the network, Using restart of the system including the network as the predetermined timing to reflect the setting information in the switching control unit, A communication control method executed by the communication control device.

8. A communication control program for controlling communication of a network, comprising: Receiving a change notification related to a change in communication settings of the network, After receiving the change notification, at a predetermined timing when the network is operated, reflecting new setting information in the network required along with the change notification in a switching control unit connected to the communication control device, The change notification is a notification accompanying connection of a new control device to the network, Using the restart of the system including the network as the predetermined trigger, causing the switching control unit to reflect the setting information. A communication control program for causing the communication control device to execute the process.

9. A communication control method for controlling network communication, comprising: Receiving a change notification related to a change in the communication settings of the network; After receiving the change notification, at a predetermined trigger for operating the network, causing a switching control unit connected to the communication control device to reflect new setting information in the network required along with the change notification; Determining whether at least one of the communication control device and the switching control unit connected to the communication control device stores the new setting information in the network required along with the change notification; When it is determined that neither the communication control device nor the switching control unit stores the setting information, requesting the setting information from an external device outside the network. A communication control method for causing the communication control device to execute the process.

10. A communication control program for controlling network communication, comprising: Receiving a change notification related to a change in the communication settings of the network; After receiving the change notification, at a predetermined trigger for operating the network, causing a switching control unit connected to the communication control device to reflect new setting information in the network required along with the change notification; Determining whether at least one of the communication control device and the switching control unit connected to the communication control device stores the new setting information in the network required along with the change notification; When it is determined that neither the communication control device nor the switching control unit stores the setting information, requesting the setting information from an external device outside the network. A communication control program for causing the communication control device to execute the process.

Images