In-vehicle control device, Ethernet switch, and device setting method

Abstract

To provide a configuration capable of changing the setting of an on-vehicle network, the configuration implementing stable communication in the on-vehicle network.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle control device to be mounted on a vehicle comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring information for calculation to be used for calculating setting change timing for an on-vehicle network from an electronic apparatus in the on-vehicle network; a calculation unit for calculating the setting change timing on the basis of the information for calculation acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit for performing processing for execution of change in the setting of the on-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit. The information for calculation includes at least any one of topology of the on-vehicle network, a service of a system to which the electronic apparatus belongs, a traveling state of the vehicle, and a power supply state of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle control device, an Ethernet switch, and a device setting method.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for changing the configuration of an in-vehicle network have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2015 / 145334) discloses the following technique. That is, a vehicle control device controls a plurality of repeaters based on a control scenario in which the state of a vehicle in which a vehicle network composed of a plurality of repeaters is built inside is associated with the control content set for each of the plurality of repeaters.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When dynamically changing the settings of an in-vehicle network, depending on the environment of the vehicle or the like, the setting change may affect communication in the in-vehicle network.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an in-vehicle control device, an Ethernet switch, and a device setting method capable of realizing stable communication in the in-vehicle network in a configuration in which the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The in-vehicle control device of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing from an electronic device in the in-vehicle network, a calculation unit that calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a control unit that performs processing for executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit. The calculation unit further calculates the setting change timing based on at least any one of a timing at which a function or service of a system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing at which functions or services of systems other than the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network are not affected, and a timing at which a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more exists in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least any one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the running state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle. The calculation unit calculates the timing at which setting change is possible for each system that includes the system to be set-changed and has different services provided, and calculates the setting change timing based on each calculated timing.

[0007] The Ethernet switch of the present disclosure is an Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle, and includes a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. The relay unit acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device, transmits it to another device that calculates the setting change timing, receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device, and includes a setting unit that changes the setting of the relay unit according to the received setting change request. The calculation information includes at least any one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the running state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle.

[0008] The device setting method of the present disclosure is a device setting method in an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, including: a step of acquiring calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from an electronic device in the in-vehicle network; a step of calculating the setting change timing based on the acquired calculation information; and a step of performing processing for executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, the setting change timing is further calculated based on at least any one of: a timing when the function or service of the system to be set in the in-vehicle network can be stopped; a timing when the function or service of a system other than the system to be set in the in-vehicle network is not affected; and a timing when there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least any one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, for each system that provides different services including the system to be set, the timing when the setting change is possible is calculated, and the setting change timing is calculated based on the calculated timings.

[0009] The device setting method of the present disclosure is a device setting method in an Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle and having a relay unit for relaying information between electronic devices in the in-vehicle network, including: a step of acquiring or generating calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmitting it to another device for calculating the setting change timing; and a step of receiving a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device and performing the setting change of the relay unit according to the received setting change request. The calculation information includes at least any one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle control device including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute steps of such characteristic processing. Further, one aspect of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the in-vehicle control device, or can be realized as a system including the in-vehicle control device.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as an Ethernet switch including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute steps of such characteristic processing. Further, one aspect of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the Ethernet switch, or can be realized as a system including the Ethernet switch.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, in a configuration in which the in-vehicle network can be set and changed, stable communication can be realized in the in-vehicle network.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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[0014] First, the contents of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0015] (1) The in-vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used for calculating a setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from an electronic device in the in-vehicle network, a calculation unit that calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a control unit that performs processing for executing a setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit. The calculation unit further calculates the setting change timing based on at least any one of a timing at which a function or service of a system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing at which a function or service of a system other than the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network is not affected, and a timing at which a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more exists in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least any one of a topology of the in-vehicle network, a service of a system to which the electronic device belongs, a running state of the vehicle, and a power supply state of the vehicle. The calculation unit calculates a timing at which a setting change is possible for each system including the system to be set-changed and having different services provided, and calculates the setting change timing based on the calculated timings.

[0016] With such a configuration, since an appropriate setting change timing can be calculated using the calculation information acquired from the electronic device in the in-vehicle network, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, considering high-priority communication and communication load, the possibility that the setting change affects communication in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. Therefore, in a configuration in which the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed, stable communication in the in-vehicle network can be realized.

[0017] The calculation unit may calculate the setting change timing based on a timing at which a function or service of a system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped.

[0018] With such a configuration, it is possible to achieve more stable communication, particularly for the system targeted for setting changes, before and after the setting change of the in-vehicle network.

[0019] The calculation unit may calculate the setting change timing based on a timing that does not affect the functions or services of systems other than the system targeted for setting change in the in-vehicle network.

[0020] With such a configuration, it is possible to achieve more stable communication, particularly for systems other than the system targeted for setting change, before and after the setting change of the in-vehicle network.

[0021] The calculation unit may calculate the setting change timing based on a timing at which a bandwidth margin equal to or greater than a predetermined value exists in the in-vehicle network.

[0022] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing that takes into account the communication traffic situation in the in-vehicle network before and after the setting change of the in-vehicle network.

[0023] The information for calculation may include the topology of the in-vehicle network.

[0024] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing that takes into account the device configuration in the in-vehicle network when changing the settings of the in-vehicle network.

[0025] The information for calculation may include the services of the system to which the electronic device belongs.

[0026] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing that takes into account the various services provided in the in-vehicle network when changing the settings of the in-vehicle network.

[0027] The information for calculation may include the driving state of the vehicle.

[0028] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing, particularly considering the driving state of the vehicle, when changing the in-vehicle network settings. For example, when high-priority communication is being performed or the communication load is high due to autonomous driving, it is possible to appropriately determine whether to perform a setting change of the in-vehicle network.

[0029] The information for calculation may include the power supply state of the vehicle.

[0030] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing, particularly considering the power supply state and the type of power supply in the vehicle, when changing the in-vehicle network settings.

[0031] The calculation unit may calculate the timing at which a setting change is possible for each system that provides different services, including the system to be changed, and calculate the setting change timing based on the calculated timings.

[0032] With such a configuration, when changing the in-vehicle network settings, it is possible to comprehensively determine an appropriate setting change timing considering the situations and conditions for each service provided in the in-vehicle network, and realize smoother provision of each service.

[0033] (2) The acquisition unit acquires the information for calculation via a relay device that relays information between the electronic devices in the in-vehicle network, the calculation unit calculates the content of the setting change of the relay device and the setting change timing of the relay device based on the information for calculation, and the control unit may perform, as the process, a process for reflecting the content of the setting change in the relay device at the setting change timing.

[0034] With such a configuration, it is possible to determine more appropriate setting change contents and setting change timings for relay processing that has a great impact on communication in the in-vehicle network, and to realize smoother communication before and after the setting change of the in-vehicle network.

[0035] (3) The Ethernet switch according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is an Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle, and includes a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. The relay unit acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device, and transmits it to another device that calculates the setting change timing. The relay unit receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device, and includes a setting unit that changes the setting of the relay unit according to the received setting change request. The calculation information includes at least any one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle.

[0036] With such a configuration, since it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing using the calculation information acquired from the electronic devices in the in-vehicle network, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the setting change affects communication in the in-vehicle network in consideration of high-priority communication and communication load. In addition, it is possible to determine more appropriate setting change contents and setting change timings for relay processing that has a great impact on communication in the in-vehicle network, and to realize smoother communication before and after the setting change of the in-vehicle network. Therefore, in a configuration in which the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed, stable communication can be realized in the in-vehicle network.

[0037] (4) The device setting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a device setting method in an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, including: obtaining calculation information used for calculating a setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from an electronic device in the in-vehicle network; calculating the setting change timing based on the obtained calculation information; and performing processing for executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, the setting change timing is calculated based on at least any one of a timing when a function or service of a system to be set in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing that does not affect functions or services of systems other than the system to be set in the in-vehicle network, and a timing when a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more exists in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least any one of a topology of the in-vehicle network, a service of a system to which the electronic device belongs, a driving state of the vehicle, and a power state of the vehicle. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, for each system that provides different services including the system to be set, a timing when the setting change is possible is calculated, and the setting change timing is calculated based on the calculated timings.

[0038] By such a method, since an appropriate setting change timing can be calculated using the calculation information obtained from the electronic device in the in-vehicle network, when dynamically changing the setting of the in-vehicle network, considering high-priority communication and communication load, the possibility that the setting change affects communication in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. Therefore, in a configuration where the setting of the in-vehicle network can be changed, stable communication in the in-vehicle network can be realized.

[0039] (5) The device setting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a device setting method in an Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle and including a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in a vehicle-mounted network. The method includes obtaining or generating calculation information used for calculating a setting change timing of the vehicle-mounted network from the electronic devices, and transmitting the calculation information to another device that calculates the setting change timing; and receiving a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device, and performing a setting change of the relay unit according to the received setting change request. The calculation information includes at least any one of a topology of the vehicle-mounted network, a service of a system to which the electronic device belongs, a driving state of the vehicle, and a power supply state of the vehicle.

[0040] By such a method, an appropriate setting change timing can be calculated using the calculation information obtained from the electronic devices in the vehicle-mounted network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the setting of the vehicle-mounted network, considering high-priority communication and communication load, the possibility that the setting change affects communication in the vehicle-mounted network can be reduced. Further, more appropriate setting change content and setting change timing of relay processing that has a great impact on communication in the vehicle-mounted network can be determined, and smoother communication can be realized before and after the setting change of the vehicle-mounted network. Therefore, in a configuration in which the setting of the vehicle-mounted network can be changed, stable communication in the vehicle-mounted network can be realized.

[0041] 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 their description will not be repeated. Further, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0042] [Configuration and Basic Operation] [Vehicle-Mounted Communication System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the in-vehicle communication system 301 is mounted on a vehicle 1 and includes an in-vehicle control device 101, relay devices 151A and 151B, six electronic devices 202, and a power supply unit 51. Hereinafter, each of the relay devices 151A and 151B is also referred to as a relay device 151. The relay device 151 is an example of an electronic device.

[0043] Note that the in-vehicle communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration including one in-vehicle control device 101, and may be a configuration including two or more in-vehicle control devices 101. Also, the in-vehicle communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration including two relay devices 151, and may be a configuration including one or three or more relay devices 151. Further, the in-vehicle communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration including six electronic devices 202, and may be a configuration including five or less or seven or more electronic devices 202.

[0044] The in-vehicle control device 101 is connected to the relay devices 151A and 151B via two cables 2, respectively. The relay device 151A is connected to three electronic devices 202 via three cables 2, respectively. The relay device 151B is connected to three electronic devices 202 via three cables 2, respectively. The cable 2 is, for example, an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable. The relay device 151 is, for example, an Ethernet switch. The in-vehicle control device 101, the relay device 151, the electronic device 202, and the cable 2 constitute an in-vehicle network.

[0045] The electronic device 202 is, for example, an in-vehicle device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0046] Specifically, the electronic device 202 is, for example, a driving assistance device that gives instructions to various devices in an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS). Further, the electronic device 202 is, for example, an Electric Power Steering (EPS), a brake control device, an accelerator control device, or a steering control device, which are examples of the various devices described above, or a sensor that provides measurement information to the driving assistance device.

[0047] Further, the electronic device 202 is, for example, a car navigation device, a display, and a car audio, etc. in an In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system. Note that, as a device constituting the IVI system, the electronic device 202 may be a device that a user brings into the vehicle 1, for example, a portable terminal such as a tablet or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory.

[0048] Further, the electronic device 202 is not limited to the devices constituting the ADAS and the IVI system, and may be a device for other uses.

[0049] In the in-vehicle communication system 301 shown in FIG. 1, electronic devices 202 belonging to different systems are connected to a common relay device 151. More specifically, one ADAS-based electronic device 202 and two IVI-based electronic devices 202 are connected to the relay device 151A, and two ADAS-based electronic devices 202 and one IVI-based electronic device 202 are connected to the relay device 151B.

[0050] The relay device 151 performs relay processing of information between a plurality of electronic devices 202 in the in-vehicle network. More specifically, the relay device 151 receives an Ethernet frame in which various information is stored from the electronic device 202, and transmits the received Ethernet frame to the destination electronic device 202 directly or via another device.

[0051] In addition, the relay device 151 performs relay processing of information between the electronic device 202 and the in-vehicle control device 101. More specifically, the relay device 151 receives an Ethernet frame storing various information from the electronic device 202 and transmits the received Ethernet frame to the in-vehicle control device 101. Also, the relay device 151 receives an Ethernet frame storing various information from the in-vehicle control device 101 and transmits the received Ethernet frame to the destination electronic device 202 directly or via another device.

[0052] The in-vehicle control device 101 changes the settings of the in-vehicle network. More specifically, the in-vehicle control device 101 generates setting information for changing the relay processing settings by, for example, the relay device 151, in accordance with software updates of the electronic device 202 using OTA (Over The Air) and addition of a new electronic device 202 to the in-vehicle network, etc., and transmits an Ethernet frame storing the generated setting information to the destination relay device 151. The relay device 151 acquires the setting information from the received Ethernet frame and changes its own relay processing settings based on the acquired setting information.

[0053] Note that the in-vehicle control device 101 may be configured to directly connect a plurality of electronic devices 202 (not shown) and perform relay processing of information between the respective electronic devices 202, similar to the relay device 151. In this case, the in-vehicle control device 101 generates setting information for changing its own relay processing settings and changes its own relay processing settings based on the generated setting information.

[0054] The power supply unit 51 supplies power to the in-vehicle control device 101, the relay device 151, the electronic device 202, etc. For example, the power supply unit 51 includes a plurality of types of power supplies such as a constant power supply, an ignition power supply, and an accessory power supply. The power supply unit 51 supplies the power of the corresponding type of power supply to the electronic device 202, etc.

[0055] Specifically, for example, the power supply unit 51 supplies the power of the ignition power supply to the ADAS system electronic device 202, and supplies the power of the ignition power supply and the accessory power supply to the IVI system electronic device 202.

[0056] [Relay device] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the relay device 151 includes four communication ports 21, a relay unit 22, a processing unit 24, and a storage unit 25. The processing unit 24 is an example of a setting unit. Note that the relay device 151 is not limited to a configuration including four communication ports 21, and may have a configuration including two, three, or five or more communication ports 21.

[0057] The communication port 21 is a terminal to which, for example, the cable 2 can be connected. Note that the communication port 21 may be a terminal of an integrated circuit. The four communication ports 21 are connected to the in-vehicle control device 101 or the electronic device 202 via the cable 2.

[0058] The processing unit 24 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The relay unit 22 is realized by, for example, an L2 switch IC and a processor. The storage unit 25 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0059] The relay unit 22 performs relay processing of information between a plurality of electronic devices 202 in the in-vehicle network. That is, the relay unit 22 receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the electronic device 202 via the communication port 21, and performs relay processing on the received Ethernet frame. For example, the relay unit 22 can function as an L2 switch, and performs relay processing on the Ethernet frame transmitted between the electronic devices 202 connected to its own relay device 151. Note that the relay unit 22 can function as an L3 switch, and may be configured to perform relay processing on the Ethernet frame transmitted between the electronic devices 202 connected to different relay devices 151.

[0060] Similarly, the relay unit 22 performs relay processing of information between the in-vehicle control device 101 and the electronic device 202 in the in-vehicle network. That is, the relay unit 22 receives an Ethernet frame transmitted from the in-vehicle control device 101 or the electronic device 202 via the communication port 21, and performs relay processing on the received Ethernet frame.

[0061] The relay unit 22 performs the above-described relay processing by referring to various tables stored in the storage unit 25, for example.

[0062] The relay unit 22 acquires calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 or generates it by itself, and transmits it to another device that calculates the setting change timing.

[0063] More specifically, the relay unit 22 receives an Ethernet frame from the electronic device 202 via the corresponding communication port 21, and acquires calculation information from the received Ethernet frame. The relay unit 22 transmits the generated or acquired calculation information to the in-vehicle control device 101 via the corresponding communication port 21.

[0064] As an example, the calculation information includes the topology of the in-vehicle network. As another example, the calculation information may include the service of the system to which the electronic device 202 belongs. As another example, the calculation information may include the running state of the vehicle 1. As another example, the calculation information may include the power state of the vehicle 1. Further, the calculation information may include any one, a plurality, or all of these pieces of information.

[0065] Specifically, for example, the calculation information provided from the electronic device 202 includes the running state of the vehicle 1 such as during parking and driving, the power state of the vehicle 1 such as the ignition power supply and the accessory power supply, the service information provided by the electronic device 202, and the system to which the electronic device 202 belongs, and the like.

[0066] Further, for example, the calculation information provided by the relay device 151 includes, for example, the bandwidth margin of each communication port and the like. Thereby, using the information on the communication path of the relay device 151 where communication congestion is likely to occur, the communication traffic in the in-vehicle network can be judged more appropriately.

[0067] As a method for transmitting the calculation information, for example, the calculation information is stored in the option area of a message in service information, specifically, SD (Service Discovery) in SOME / IP (Scalable service-Oriented MiddlewarE over IP). For example, from the information of the message, the system to which the transmitting device or apparatus belongs can be grasped.

[0068] Further, for example, the calculation information is stored in the extension area of a frame of LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol), or the extended MIB (Management Information Base) area of a packet in SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), specifically, topology information.

[0069] Note that the calculation information may be configured to be stored in a dedicated frame and transmitted to the in-vehicle control device 101.

[0070] [In-vehicle control device] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the in-vehicle control device 101 includes two communication ports 11, a relay unit 12, a calculation unit 13, a control unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The relay unit 12 is an example of an acquisition unit. Note that the in-vehicle control device 101 is not limited to a configuration including two communication ports 11, and may have a configuration including one or three or more communication ports 11.

[0071] Communication port 11 is a terminal to which, for example, cable 2 can be connected. Note that communication port 11 may be a terminal of an integrated circuit. For example, two communication ports 11 are respectively connected to relay devices 151A and 151B via cable 2.

[0072] The calculation unit 13 and the control unit 14 are realized by, for example, processors such as a CPU and a DSP. The relay unit 12 is realized by, for example, an L2 switch IC and a processor. The storage unit 15 is, for example, a non-volatile memory.

[0073] The relay unit 12 acquires calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 and the relay device 151 in the in-vehicle network.

[0074] For example, the relay unit 12 acquires the calculation information from the electronic device 202 via the relay device 151 that relays information between the electronic devices 202 in the in-vehicle network, or acquires the calculation information generated by the relay device 151.

[0075] More specifically, the relay unit 12 receives an Ethernet frame from the relay device 151 via the communication port 11, and acquires the calculation information from the received Ethernet frame. The relay unit 12 outputs the acquired calculation information to the calculation unit 13.

[0076] Note that the relay unit 12 is not limited to a configuration that acquires the calculation information from both the electronic device 202 and the relay device 151, and may be a configuration that acquires the calculation information from either the electronic device 202 or the relay device 151, or may be a configuration that acquires the calculation information from an electronic device 202 (not shown) directly connected to its own in-vehicle control device 101.

[0077] The calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change content and the setting change timing of the relay device 151 or the like based on at least the calculation information.

[0078] For example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the content of setting changes for the relay device 151 and the like based on various pieces of information collected, specifically, topology information, service information, and the like.

[0079] More specifically, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change content in which at least one of the setting content of the relay process by the relay device 151 and the setting content of the relay process by its own in-vehicle control device 101 is changed based on the various pieces of information collected. As an example, the setting change content is filtering in the relay process, the priority order of various frames in QoS (Quality of Service) control, and the like. Further, the setting change content is determined for each communication port in the relay device 151 and the in-vehicle control device 101, including whether there is a setting change.

[0080] Note that the calculation unit 13 may be configured to calculate the content of setting changes for an electronic device or apparatus other than the provider of the various pieces of information collected.

[0081] Also, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the relay unit 12 and notifies the control unit 14.

[0082] For example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the timing at which the function or service of the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped.

[0083] As another example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the timing that does not affect the function or service of a system other than the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network. For example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the timing that does not affect the functions and services related to the running of the vehicle 1.

[0084] As another example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the timing at which a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more exists in the in-vehicle network.

[0085] Note that the calculation unit 13 may be configured to comprehensively calculate the setting change timing based on any one, a plurality, or all combinations of the above timings.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a condition table in the in-vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the storage unit 15 in the in-vehicle control device 101 stores a condition table indicating conditions under which setting changes are permitted for each system to which the electronic device 202 belongs. In this example of the condition table, when both the condition regarding the behavior (i.e., state) of the vehicle and the condition of the bandwidth margin are satisfied, setting changes of the electronic device 202 are permitted.

[0087] More specifically, in ADAS, when the ignition power supply is on, services such as autonomous driving operate. For this reason, as a condition regarding the behavior (i.e., state) of the vehicle, in the ADAS-based electronic device 202, when only the accessory power supply is on, setting changes are permitted without any restrictions on the behavior of the vehicle 1, and when the ignition power supply is on, setting changes are permitted when the vehicle 1 is stopped.

[0088] Furthermore, as a condition of the bandwidth margin, when a bandwidth margin of X bps (bits per second) or more is ensured between the in-vehicle control device 101 and the relay device 151, setting changes are permitted.

[0089] On the other hand, in the IVI system, when the accessory power supply or the ignition power supply is on, the service operates. For this reason, as a condition regarding the behavior (i.e., state) of the vehicle, in the IVI-based electronic device 202, when the accessory power supply or the ignition power supply is on, setting changes are permitted without any restrictions on the running of the vehicle 1, and when the service of the IVI system is stopped.

[0090] Furthermore, as a condition for bandwidth margin, when a bandwidth margin of Y bps or more is ensured between the in-vehicle control device 101 and the relay device 151, a setting change is permitted. As an example, by setting X to a value larger than Y, for example, the possibility that the ADAS is affected by a setting change of the in-vehicle network can be made lower than that of the IVI system.

[0091] For example, when the communication path setting of the IVI-based electronic device 202 is changed, while the settings such as relay processing for the IVI system are the objects of change, it is necessary to determine the setting change timing so as not to affect the services of the non-target ADAS system.

[0092] Specifically, for example, as described above, during the running of the vehicle 1, a setting change of the ADAS system is prohibited, and when the ignition power is on and the vehicle 1 is stopped and a bandwidth of X bps or more is ensured between the in-vehicle control device 101 and the relay device 151, the calculation unit 13 determines the setting change timing, and the setting change of the in-vehicle network is carried out.

[0093] Note that the in-vehicle control device 101 is not limited to a configuration that holds a condition table in advance, that is, a configuration in which conditions for setting change timing are registered in advance, and may be a configuration that uses a learning model or the like to calculate the same content as the condition table and determine the setting change timing.

[0094] Also, for example, the calculation unit 13 determines the system configuration as shown in FIG. 1 based on the topology information as calculation information. The calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change target and the setting change content in consideration of the determined system configuration. For example, the calculation unit 13 refers to the condition table, determines from the difference in the current bandwidth margin that the relay device 151A can be set changed, but the relay device 151B cannot be set changed, determines the relay device 151A as the setting change target, and then calculates the setting change content and the setting change timing of the relay device 151A.

[0095] Also, in the in-vehicle communication system 301, assuming that only a plurality of electronic devices 202 belonging to the same system A are connected to a certain relay device 151, the calculation unit 13 determines such a system configuration based on the topology information as the calculation information. When system A becomes the target of setting change, the calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the timing at which the functions or services of system A can be stopped without considering the timing that does not affect the functions or services of systems other than system A.

[0096] The control unit 14 changes at least one of, for example, the relay process setting by the relay device 151 and the relay process setting by its own in-vehicle control device 101 as the setting change of the in-vehicle network.

[0097] More specifically, the control unit 14 performs a setting change request process for executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network according to the above setting change content at the setting change timing notified from the calculation unit 13.

[0098] For example, as the above setting change request process, the control unit 14 performs a process for reflecting the setting change content on the relay device 151 at the setting change timing.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 2 again, the processing unit 24 receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the in-vehicle control device 101, which is another device, via the relay unit 22, and updates the contents of the various tables in the storage unit 25, for example, to change the setting of the relay unit 22 according to the received setting change request.

[0100] [Flow of operation] Each device in the in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer including a memory, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads and executes a program including some or all of the steps of the following sequence from the memory. Programs for these multiple devices can each be installed from the outside. Programs for these multiple devices are each stored in a recording medium or distributed via a communication line.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of setting change processing in the in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows a case where two electronic devices 202 are connected to one relay device 151.

[0102] In the in-vehicle communication system 301, the relay device 151 receives calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 or generates the calculation information and transmits it to the in-vehicle control device 101.

[0103] The in-vehicle control device 101 receives the calculation information and transmits a setting change request based on the setting change timing to the relay device 151.

[0104] Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, first, each electronic device 202 periodically or irregularly generates calculation information and transmits it to the relay device 151. The relay device 151 transmits the calculation information received from each electronic device 202 to the in-vehicle control device 101 (steps S1 and S2).

[0105] Also, the relay device 151 periodically or irregularly generates calculation information and transmits it to the relay device 151 (step S3).

[0106] Here, the electronic device 202 and the relay device 151 transmit calculation information to the relay device 151 including, for example, topology information and service information.

[0107] Next, based on the various pieces of information collected, the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates, for example, the content and timing of setting changes of the relay device 151 (step S4).

[0108] Next, the in-vehicle control device 101 transmits a setting change request indicating the calculated content of the setting change and timing information indicating the calculated setting change timing to the relay device 151. Note that the in-vehicle control device 101 may be configured to include the setting change timing in the setting change request and transmit it (step S5).

[0109] Next, the relay device 151 detects the arrival of the setting change timing indicated by the timing information received from the in-vehicle control device 101 (step S6), and changes the settings of the relay unit 22 and the like according to the content of the setting change indicated by the setting change request received from the in-vehicle control device 101 (step S7).

[0110] Next, the relay device 151 transmits a setting change response indicating that the setting change has been completed to the in-vehicle control device 101 (step S8).

[0111] As described above, with the configuration of periodically or irregularly acquiring the calculation-use information, for example, it is possible to grasp a change in the required bandwidth due to an update of software such as the electronic device 202 by OTA, and calculate a more appropriate setting change timing.

[0112] Note that the configuration is not limited to one in which each of the electronic devices 202 and the relay device 151 autonomously transmits the calculation-use information to the in-vehicle control device 101. The in-vehicle control device 101 may be configured to request the calculation-use information from each of the electronic devices 202 and the relay device 151 and acquire the calculation-use information transmitted as a response to the request.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a flowchart defining an example of the operation procedure when the in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs setting change request processing.

[0114] The calculation unit 13 calculates the timing at which setting changes can be made for each system that provides different services, including the system to be set-changed, and calculates the setting change timing based on each calculated timing.

[0115] More specifically, the calculation unit 13 comprehensively determines the timing at which the function or service of the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, the timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network are not affected, and the timing at which a bandwidth margin equal to or greater than a predetermined value exists in the in-vehicle network, thereby calculating the setting change timing.

[0116] In addition, as setting change request processing, the control unit 14 transmits a setting change request including the setting change timing to an electronic device in the in-vehicle network, for example, the relay device 151.

[0117] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, first, the in-vehicle control device 101 collects service information, topology information, calculation information, etc. periodically or irregularly transmitted from each electronic device 202 and the relay device 151 (step S21), checks the content of each collected piece of information (hereinafter also referred to as collected information), and waits for the arrival of new information if the content has not been updated (NO in step S22).

[0118] Then, when the content of the collected information is updated (YES in step S22), the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates, for example, the communication port 21 of the relay device 151 to be set-changed and the setting change content based on the content of the latest collected information (step S23).

[0119] Next, the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates the setting change timing for each system, for example, the period that satisfies the conditions shown in the condition table, as a candidate based on, for example, the latest calculation information and the condition table (step S24).

[0120] Next, the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates a setting change timing based on each candidate setting change timing and the setting change target. For example, the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates the timing obtained by taking the AND of the timing at which the function or service of the system corresponding to the communication port 21 to be set changed can be stopped and the timing at which the function or service of the system corresponding to the communication port 21 not targeted is not affected as the setting change timing. Specifically, for example, the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates the timing such as a period that satisfies both the conditions of the ADAS and the conditions of the IVI system shown in the condition table as the setting change timing (step S25).

[0121] Next, when there is a timing as a result of the AND, that is, when there is a timing that does not affect each system (YES in step S26), the in-vehicle control device 101 performs at least one of the setting change request processing, which includes transmitting to the relay device 151 for the setting change request and the timing information, and the setting change of its own relay process (step S27).

[0122] On the other hand, when there is no timing that does not affect each system as a result of the AND (NO in step S26) and the in-vehicle control device 101 has not timed out (NO in step S28), it continues to collect new information (step S21).

[0123] On the other hand, when the in-vehicle control device 101 times out (YES in step S28), it performs error processing such as warning display (step S29).

[0124] Note that the in-vehicle control device 101 may be configured to continue collecting new information when a predetermined number of tries have not been performed (NO in step S28) as a condition for error processing, and to perform error processing when a predetermined number of tries have been performed (YES in step S28).

[0125] FIG. 7 is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure when the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure makes a setting change.

[0126] The processing unit 24 in the relay device 151 detects the arrival of the setting change timing included in the setting change request and performs the setting change.

[0127] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the relay device 151 waits for the arrival of the generation timing of the calculation information (NO in step S41), waits for the reception of the calculation information from the electronic device 202 (NO in step S43), and waits for the reception of the setting change request and timing information from the in-vehicle control device 101 (NO in step S45).

[0128] When the generation timing of the calculation information arrives (YES in step S41), the relay device 151 generates the calculation information and transmits it to the in-vehicle control device 101 (step S42).

[0129] When the relay device 151 receives the calculation information from the electronic device 202 (YES in step S43), it transmits the received calculation information to the in-vehicle control device 101 (step S44).

[0130] When the relay device 151 receives the setting change request and timing information from the in-vehicle control device 101 (YES in step S45), it waits for the arrival of the setting change timing indicated by the timing information (NO in step S46). When the setting change timing arrives (YES in step S46), it performs the setting change of the relay unit 22 etc. according to the setting change content indicated by the setting change request (step S47).

[0131] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the sequence of the setting change process in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 shows the case where two electronic devices 202 are connected to one relay device 151.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 8, the operations of steps S11 to S14 are the same as the operations of steps S1 to S4 shown in FIG. 5.

[0133] Next, when the calculated setting change timing arrives, the in-vehicle control device 101 transmits a setting change request indicating the calculated setting change content to the relay device 151 (step S15).

[0134] Next, in response to receiving the setting change request from the in-vehicle control device 101, the relay device 151 changes the settings of the relay unit 22 and the like according to the received setting change content (step S16).

[0135] Next, the relay device 151 transmits a setting change response indicating that the setting change has been completed to the in-vehicle control device 101 (step S17).

[0136] FIG. 9 is a flowchart defining another example of the operation procedure when the in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs setting change request processing.

[0137] Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, the operations in steps S31 to S36 are the same as the operations in steps S21 to S26 shown in FIG. 6.

[0138] Next, when there is a timing of the AND result, that is, when there is a timing that does not affect each system (YES in step S36), the in-vehicle control device 101 waits for the arrival of the setting change timing (NO in step S37). When the setting change timing arrives (YES in step S37), the in-vehicle control device 101 performs at least one of the setting change request transmission to the relay device 151 and the setting change of its own relay process (step S38).

[0139] The operations in steps S39 and S40 are the same as the operations in steps S28 and S29 shown in FIG. 6.

[0140] FIG. 10 is a flowchart defining another example of the operation procedure when the relay device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure performs setting change.

[0141] In response to receiving a setting change request that does not include the setting change timing, the processing unit 24 performs a setting change.

[0142] Specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the operations of steps S51 to S54 are the same as the operations of steps S41 to S44 shown in FIG. 7.

[0143] In response to receiving a setting change request from the in-vehicle control device 101 (YES in step S55), the relay device 151 changes the settings of the relay unit 22 and the like according to the setting change content indicated by the setting change request (step S56).

[0144] Note that in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculation unit 13 in the in-vehicle control device 101 is configured to calculate the timing at which setting changes are possible for each system that provides different services, but is not limited thereto. The calculation unit 13 may be configured to calculate the setting change timing that satisfies the permission conditions of only one system, for example, a system other than the setting change target. Also, in the in-vehicle communication system 301, only one type of system may be provided.

[0145] Also, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the calculation unit 13 in the in-vehicle control device 101 is configured to calculate the setting change content and setting change timing of the relay device 151 or the in-vehicle control device 101 itself, but is not limited thereto. The calculation unit 13 may be configured to calculate the setting change content and setting change timing of, for example, the electronic device 202. Also, in the in-vehicle communication system 301, the relay device 151 may not be provided.

[0146] Also, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the topology information, service information, and calculation information are configured to be dynamically provided to the in-vehicle control device 101, that is, periodically or irregularly, but are not limited thereto. Some or all of the topology information, service information, and calculation information may be provided statically, for example, pre-registered in the in-vehicle control device 101 at the time of shipment of the vehicle 1.

[0147] By the way, when dynamically changing the in-vehicle network settings, depending on the vehicle environment and the like, such setting changes may affect communication in the in-vehicle network.

[0148] Specifically, dynamic setting changes of the network accompanying software updates using OTA (Over The Air) and addition of new electronic devices to the in-vehicle network have drawn attention.

[0149] When implementing dynamic setting changes of the network, depending on the environment, it may be necessary to temporarily interrupt communication. For example, when the systems to which a plurality of electronic devices 202 directly connected to the relay device 151 belong are different from each other, communication interruption may occur in systems that are not the setting change target depending on the setting change timing.

[0150] In a system simply equipped with a function to dynamically change the network settings, for example, when high-priority communication is being performed or the communication load is high because of autonomous driving, it cannot appropriately determine whether to implement network setting changes.

[0151] Also, when changes occur in the system configuration accompanying software updates using OTA (Over The Air) and addition of new electronic devices to the in-vehicle network, the system cannot determine how much bandwidth is required in network setting changes.

[0152] On the other hand, in the in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the relay unit 12 acquires calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 in the in-vehicle network. The calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the relay unit 12. The control unit 14 performs setting change request processing for executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit 13.

[0153] Also, in the device setting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the in-vehicle control device 101, first, calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing in the in-vehicle network is acquired from the electronic device 202 in the in-vehicle network. Next, based on the acquired calculation information, the setting change timing is calculated. Next, a setting change request process for executing the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing is performed.

[0154] With such a configuration, since an appropriate setting change timing can be calculated using the calculation information acquired from the electronic device in the in-vehicle network, when dynamically changing the setting of the in-vehicle network, considering high-priority communication and communication load, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the setting change affects communication in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, in a configuration where the setting of the in-vehicle network can be changed, stable communication can be realized in the in-vehicle network.

[0155] Also, in the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the relay unit 22 relays information between the electronic devices 202 in the in-vehicle network. The relay unit 22 acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 and transmits it to another device that calculates the setting change timing. The processing unit 24 receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device.

[0156] Also, in the device setting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the relay device 151, first, calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network is acquired or generated from the electronic device 202 and transmitted to another device that calculates the setting change timing. Next, a setting change request based on the setting change timing is received from the other device, and the setting of the relay unit 22 is changed according to the received setting change request.

[0157] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing using the calculation information obtained from the electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, considering high-priority communications and communication loads, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the setting change will affect the communications in the in-vehicle network. Further, it is possible to determine more appropriate setting change contents and setting change timings for relay processing that has a greater impact on communications in the in-vehicle network, and to achieve smoother communications before and after the setting change of the in-vehicle network. Therefore, in a configuration in which the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed, stable communications can be achieved in the in-vehicle network.

[0158] The above embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

[0159] The above description includes the features described in the following supplementary notes. [Supplementary Note 1] An in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network; a calculation unit that calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that performs processing for executing the setting change according to the setting change content at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit. The calculation unit calculates the setting change content and the setting change timing based on at least the calculation information. The control unit performs processing for executing the setting change according to the setting change content at the setting change timing. The calculation unit comprehensively determines the timing when the function or service of the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, the timing that does not affect the function or service of the system other than the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network, and the timing when there is a bandwidth margin equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the in-vehicle network, and calculates the setting change timing. The control unit, as the process, is an in-vehicle control device that transmits a setting change request including the setting change timing to an electronic device in the in-vehicle network, or transmits a setting change request not including the setting change timing to an electronic device in the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing.

[0160] [Appendix 2] An Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle, comprising a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in the in-vehicle network, The relay unit acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device, and transmits it to another device that calculates the setting change timing. comprising a setting unit that receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device, and performs a setting change of the relay unit according to the received setting change request. The setting unit is an Ethernet switch that detects the arrival of the setting change timing included in the setting change request and performs the setting change, or performs the setting change in response to receiving the setting change request not including the setting change timing.

[0161] [Appendix 3] An in-vehicle communication system mounted on a vehicle, comprising an Ethernet switch that relays information between electronic devices in the in-vehicle network, and an in-vehicle control device. The Ethernet switch receives or generates calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmits it to the in-vehicle control device. The in-vehicle control device receives the information for calculation and transmits a setting change request based on the setting change timing to the Ethernet switch, which is an in-vehicle communication system.

Description of Signs

[0162] 1 Vehicle 2 Cable 11 Communication Port 12 Relay Section 13 Calculation Section 14 Control Section 15 Storage Section 21 Communication Port 22 Relay Section 24 Processing Section 25 Storage Section 51 Power Supply Section 101 In-vehicle Control Device 151, 151A, 151B Relay Device 202 Electronic Device 301 In-vehicle Communication System

Claims

1. An in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used for calculating a setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from an electronic device in the in-vehicle network; a calculation unit that calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the acquisition unit; a control unit that performs processing for executing a setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit, wherein the calculation unit further calculates the setting change timing based on at least any one of a timing at which a function or service of a system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing at which a function or service of a system other than the system to be set-changed in the in-vehicle network is not affected, and a timing at which a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more exists in the in-vehicle network; the calculation information includes at least any one of a topology of the in-vehicle network, a service of a system to which the electronic device belongs, a traveling state of the vehicle, and a power supply state of the vehicle; the calculation unit calculates a timing at which a setting change is possible for each system including the system to be set-changed and having different services provided thereby, and calculates the setting change timing based on each calculated timing; the acquisition unit acquires the calculation information via a relay device that relays information between the electronic devices in the in-vehicle network; the calculation unit calculates a setting change content of the relay device and the setting change timing of the relay device based on the calculation information; the control unit performs, as the processing, processing for reflecting the setting change content on the relay device at the setting change timing, the in-vehicle control device.

2. An Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in the in-vehicle network; the relay unit acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating a setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmits the information to another device that calculates the setting change timing; a setting unit that receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device and performs a setting change of the relay unit according to the received setting change request. The calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power supply state of the vehicle. An Ethernet switch.

3. A method for setting a device in an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: Obtaining calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing from an electronic device in the in-vehicle network; Calculating the setting change timing based on the obtained calculation information; Performing a process for executing a setting change of the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing, In the step of calculating the setting change timing, based on at least one of a timing at which the function or service of the system to be set in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing at which the function or service of a system other than the system to be set in the in-vehicle network is not affected, and a timing at which a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more exists in the in-vehicle network, the setting change timing is calculated. The calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power supply state of the vehicle. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, for each system that provides different services including the system to be set, a timing at which the setting change is possible is calculated, and the setting change timing is calculated based on the calculated timings. In the step of obtaining the calculation information, the calculation information is obtained via a relay device that relays information between the electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, based on the calculation information, the setting change content of the relay device and the setting change timing of the relay device are calculated. In the step of performing the process, as the process, a process for reflecting the setting change content in the relay device at the setting change timing is performed. A device setting method.

4. A method for setting a device in an Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle and including a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, Obtaining or generating calculation information used for calculating the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmitting it to another device that calculates the setting change timing; Receiving a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device and performing a setting change of the relay unit according to the received setting change request; The calculation information includes at least any one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle. A device setting method.

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