In-vehicle communication device, in-vehicle communication system, and communication method

Abstract

This in-vehicle communication device (100) comprises: a communication unit (120); and a control unit (150). The communication unit (120) wirelessly communicates with a first zone control node (20) disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and transmits first data to a receiving device via the first zone control node (20). The control unit (150) adds, to the first data, synthesis information for use when the receiving device synthesizes the first data and other data.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle communication device, an in-vehicle communication system, and a communication method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, autonomous driving has become more practical, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, and vehicles are becoming more energy-efficient. Furthermore, these advances in vehicles have led to cars being connected to networks (connected cars) and vehicles being equipped with many sensors.

[0003] When a vehicle is equipped with many sensors, dedicated cables are required to connect the sensors, which hinders efforts to reduce the vehicle's weight.

[0004] In recent years, a technology called zone architecture has been attracting attention for intra-vehicle communication. In zone architecture, a vehicle is divided into multiple zones, and a network is constructed in each zone.

[0005] A known technology is to use a local area network (LAN) as a network constructed in each zone or as a network connecting the zones. By using LAN technology, information collected at multiple points by multiple nodes can be transmitted within the network.

[0006] In particular, systems using Ethernet (registered trademark) are widely used as general-purpose LAN systems for communication between information and communication devices. The construction of systems using Ethernet is also being considered for zone architecture.

[0007] In addition, in the zone architecture, the construction of a system that transmits information via wireless connections in addition to wired connections is also being considered. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that combines wired communication and wireless communication as intra-vehicle communication.

[0008] In the above-mentioned LAN systems, in addition to systems that transmit information using wired transmission paths such as Ethernet, systems that transmit information using wireless transmission paths such as WiFi (registered trademark) are known. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that uses a wireless LAN for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-006786 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-215930 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] When LAN technology is used for intra-vehicle communication, unlike when dedicated cables are used, various types of information, such as information acquired by sensors, are transmitted in a mixed state over the LAN's wireless transmission path.In addition, with LAN systems, access control is performed when multiple pieces of data that want to be transmitted simultaneously, which can cause delays in data transmission, making them unsuitable for transmitting information that requires immediacy.

[0011] To address this issue, LAN technologies have been developed to increase the amount of data exchanged over transmission paths. However, these technologies have focused on increasing the maximum transmission speed in order to increase the amount of information, and it cannot be said that sufficient consideration has been given to access control technologies.

[0012] LAN systems use an access control procedure that is compatible with Carrier Sense Multiple Access / Collision Detection (CSMA / CD), but the problem of transmission delays caused by access control still remains.

[0013] Intra-vehicle communication may involve the use of information simultaneously detected by multiple different sensors, such as radar devices and cameras, as a single piece of information. For example, there may be cases where an object detected by a radar device and an object detected by a camera at the same time are desired to be recognized as the same object.

[0014] However, as mentioned above, when LAN technology is applied to intra-vehicle communication, there is a risk that multiple pieces of information will not be synchronized due to transmission delays caused by access control. If multiple pieces of information are not synchronized, they cannot be used as a single piece of information, and there is a risk that, for example, an object detected by a radar device and an object detected by a camera at the same time will be recognized as different objects.

[0015] Thus, even if a transmission delay occurs due to access control, it is desirable to correctly synchronize multiple pieces of information.

[0016] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can correctly synchronize multiple pieces of information even when a transmission delay occurs due to access control.

[0017] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an in-vehicle communication device. The in-vehicle communication device includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit performs wireless communication with a first zone control node located in a first zone among multiple zones obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and transmits first data to a receiving device via the first zone control node. The control unit adds combination information to the first data, which is used when the receiving device combines the first data with other data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a zone architecture. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data transmission when LAN technology is applied to a zone architecture. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the hierarchical structure of an in-vehicle network according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an in-vehicle communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining problems caused by access control. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining problems caused by access control. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining problems caused by access control. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of data transmission in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of composite information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of composite information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of composite information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a transmission process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a reception process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a wireless communication range of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a wireless communication range of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of management information managed by a zone control node according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an overview of communication by an in-vehicle communication system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an overview of communication by an in-vehicle communication system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a detailed example of communication by the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a transmission process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system that is an example of a mobile object control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. [Figure 23] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of installation positions of an imaging unit and an outside-vehicle information detection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0021] In this specification and drawings, similar components of the embodiments may be distinguished by adding different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between the similar components, only the same reference numeral will be used.

[0022] One or more embodiments (including examples and modifications) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from one another. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects.

[0023] <<1. Introduction>> <1.1. Zone Architecture> As mentioned above, in recent years, a technology called zone architecture has been attracting attention in intra-vehicle communication.

[0024] An example of a zone architecture will now be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a zone architecture.

[0025] In the zone architecture shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle Ca is divided into multiple areas (zones), and a control node 20a (hereinafter also referred to as a zone control node 20a) is provided in each area. The multiple zone control nodes 20a are connected, for example, in a ring shape by a trunk cable, and communicate with each other via a wired LAN. In this way, a ring-type wired communication network is constructed in the vehicle Ca shown in Fig. 1. Another example of a wired LAN connection is a configuration in which multiple zone control nodes 20a are connected to each other in a mesh shape by a trunk cable.

[0026] Furthermore, the zone control node 20a in each area is connected to one or more devices 30a by, for example, a cable, and performs wired LAN communication with each device 30a.

[0027] The device 30a includes, for example, sensors such as a camera or a distance measuring device, and display devices such as a car navigation system or a DVD player. Thus, the device 30a includes, for example, a device that is mounted on the vehicle Ca and acquires and controls information for autonomous driving, and a device that presents entertainment, vehicle status, etc. to a user riding in the vehicle Ca.

[0028] The device 30a communicates with other devices 30a installed in the vehicle Ca via the zone control node 20a.

[0029] In this way, by realizing intra-vehicle communication using a zone architecture, the number and length of cables connecting sensors can be reduced, making the vehicle lighter and improving fuel efficiency.

[0030] In addition, in use cases such as remote driving and platooning, it is necessary to access the control system of the vehicle Ca from outside the vehicle. In this case, it is necessary to connect the network within the vehicle Ca (hereinafter also referred to as the in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network)) to an external network.

[0031] 1, a central control node 10a is provided in a vehicle Ca. The central control node 10a is connected to a zone control node 20a via, for example, a cable. This allows the central control node 10a to communicate with the zone control node 20a and the device 30a via an in-vehicle LAN.

[0032] The central control node 10a may also be configured to be able to perform wireless communication with other vehicles Cb and the base station B. In the following drawings, wired communication is indicated by straight lines, and wireless communication is indicated by dotted lines.

[0033] In this way, by zoning the vehicle Ca and providing a zone control node 20a for each zone, the number and length of cables connecting sensors can be reduced, making the vehicle lighter and improving fuel efficiency. Also, by providing a central control node 10a in the in-vehicle LAN as needed and connecting to an external network via the central control node 10a, security can be improved.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission when LAN technology is applied to a zone architecture. Here, for example, the zone control node 20 a1 Device 30 belonging to the first zone managed by a1 The zone control node 20 transmits data to the central control node 10a, which is the destination node. a2 Device 30 belonging to the second zone managed by a2 , Zone Control Node 20 a31 Device 30 belonging to the third zone managed by a31 , and a device 30 belonging to the third zone a32 Similarly, it is assumed that the node 10b transmits data to the central control node 10a.

[0035] In addition, device 30 a1 , 30 a2 , 30 a31 , 30 a32 are, for example, cameras placed in each zone, and simultaneously capture images (captured images) #1 to #4, which are transmitted as data to the central control node 10a.

[0036] As shown in FIG. a1 , 30 a2 , 30 a31 , 30 a32 In the example shown in FIG. 2, after a predetermined access waiting time has elapsed, the device 30 captures capture images #1 to #4 at the same time. a1 acquires the access right (transmission right) and transmits the captured image #1 as data #1 to the central control node 10a.

[0037] If all devices are always connected as one network and operate using the same protocol, then device 30 a1 While sending data #1, other devices 30 a2 ~30 a32 In the example shown in FIG. a1 After the transmission is complete, the next step is to send the data to device 30. a2 acquires the access right and transmits the captured image #2 as data #2 to the central control node 10a.

[0038] Similarly, device 30 a31 , device 30 a32 acquire the access right in turn and transmit the captured images #3 and #4 to the central control node 10a as data #3 and #4, respectively.

[0039] In this way, with the conventional in-vehicle LAN technology, even if information (for example, captured images #1 to #4) is simultaneously acquired, the device 30 a1 , 30 a2 , 30 a31 , 30 a32 However, multiple central control nodes 10a cannot transmit simultaneously. Depending on the size of the data, the amount of data that can be transmitted on the transmission path may be limited to one. Therefore, multiple central control nodes 10a cannot receive the information simultaneously, which may result in delays due to access control.

[0040] Therefore, in the prior art, in order to synchronize data in which transmission delays have occurred due to access control, information indicating the timing at which the data was collected is added to the data before transmission.

[0041] Even when a general-purpose network (LAN) is used, clock synchronization can be achieved to a certain extent in the case of a wired network such as the above-mentioned Ethernet.

[0042] However, when building an in-vehicle LAN using a wireless network, there is a section of the wireless transmission path between the transmitting device and the receiving device, making it impossible to achieve accurate clock synchronization between the transmitting device and the receiving device.

[0043] For example, a system installed in a vehicle may include both a wireless network and a wired network. When a LAN is used in such a system, there is a possibility that the timing at which a receiving device receives data collected by a transmitting device connected to the wired network differs from the timing at which a receiving device receives data collected by a transmitting device connected to the wireless network. In this case, the receiving device will receive data that is not synchronized.

[0044] In other words, even if multiple transmitting devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously in an in-vehicle network system, the number of data streams on the network is limited to, for example, one, which results in differences in the timing at which receiving devices receive these data.

[0045] Therefore, a mechanism is desired that allows a receiving device to obtain information about the timing at which data was collected by a transmitting device, regardless of the timing at which the receiving device received the data.

[0046] <<2. First Embodiment>> 2.1. Example of in-vehicle communication system configuration 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to this embodiment is provided in a vehicle C. The in-vehicle communication system 1 includes a central control node 10, a zone control node 20, and a device 30.

[0047] The central control node 10 is an in-vehicle communication device that controls communication in an in-vehicle LAN network. The central control node 10 is connected to the zone control nodes 20 in a ring shape via a trunk cable, and performs wired communication with the zone control nodes 20. The central control node 10 also communicates with the devices 30 via the zone control nodes 20.

[0048] The central control node 10 also connects to an external network via wireless communication. For example, the central control node 10 communicates with a base station B via Uu link communication in 3GPP, and communicates with another vehicle Cb via side link communication.

[0049] The device 30 is an in-vehicle communication device that acquires and notifies various types of information. The device 30 includes, for example, sensors such as a camera and a distance measuring device, a control device that controls the engine, and a display device such as a car navigation system and a DVD player. The device 30 includes, for example, a device that is mounted on the vehicle C and acquires and controls information for autonomous driving, and a device that presents entertainment, vehicle status, and the like to a user riding in the vehicle C.

[0050] The device 30 is provided in each of the areas (zones) into which the vehicle C is divided. A plurality of devices 30 may be provided in one zone. The devices 30 perform wireless communication in accordance with the wireless LAN standard with the zone control node 20 corresponding to each area. Note that while FIG. 3 shows a case in which all devices 30 perform wireless communication with the zone control node 20, there may also be devices 30 that perform wired communication with the zone control node 20.

[0051] The device 30 communicates with other devices (for example, other devices 30, other zone control nodes 20, and the central control node 10A) via the zone control node 20.

[0052] A zone control node 20 is provided in each of the multiple areas (zones) that the vehicle C is divided into. The zone control nodes 20 are connected in a ring shape via a trunk cable, and perform wired communication with other zone control nodes 20 and the central control node 10 in accordance with the wired LAN standard. In the example of FIG. 3, the vehicle C is divided into six zones #1 to #6, and zone control nodes 201 to 206 are provided in each zone. Note that the trunk cable connection is not limited to a ring shape, and may be connected in a mesh shape.

[0053] The zone control node 20 performs wireless communication in accordance with wireless LAN with devices 30 that belong to the zone in which it is located. The zone control node 20 has a communication area Z according to the size of the zone, and performs wireless communication with devices 30 within the communication area Z. In this case, the zone control node 20 functions as an access point AP of the wireless LAN. Hereinafter, when the zone control node 20 operates as an AP, the zone control node 20 will also be referred to as AP 20.

[0054] 4 is a diagram for explaining the hierarchical structure of an in-vehicle network according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 4, a central control node 10 functioning as a network controller is disposed in the in-vehicle network of a vehicle C. The central control node 10 manages the number of zones constituting the in-vehicle network as the number of configured zones.

[0055] In addition, below the central control node 10, N zone control nodes 201 to 20 N The zone control node 20 manages the number of devices 30 that belong to the zone to which it belongs as the Zone #n Device number (n=1 to N).

[0056] Each zone control node 20 includes M devices 30 below it. Although Fig. 4 shows that each zone #n includes the same M devices 30, this is not limiting. The number of devices 30 included in each zone #n may be different from each other or the same.

[0057] <2.2. Configuration example of in-vehicle communication device> 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as each node or device 30 of the in-vehicle communication system 1. Referring to FIG. 5, the in-vehicle communication device 100 includes an antenna unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, a network communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a control unit 150.

[0058] (1) Antenna unit 110 The antenna unit 110 radiates the signal output by the wireless communication unit 120 into space as radio waves. The antenna unit 110 also converts the radio waves in space into signals and outputs the signals to the wireless communication unit 120. The antenna unit 110 of this embodiment has multiple antenna elements and can form beams.

[0059] (2) Wireless communication unit 120 The wireless communication unit 120 transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits signals to other devices and receives signals from other devices. The wireless communication unit 120 can form multiple beams using the antenna unit 110 for communication.

[0060] For example, when the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as the central control node 10, the wireless communication unit 120 communicates with a base station B or another vehicle Cb via an external network. In this case, the wireless communication unit 120 performs communication in accordance with a cellular communication method such as NR, LTE, W-CDMA, or cdma2000.

[0061] Furthermore, when the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as the zone control node 20, the wireless communication unit 120 communicates with the device 30. When the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as the device 30B, the wireless communication unit 120 communicates with the zone control node 20. In this case, the wireless communication unit 120 performs communication in accordance with, for example, a wireless LAN system.

[0062] (3) Network communication unit 130 The network communication unit 130 transmits and receives information. For example, the network communication unit 130 transmits information to other in-vehicle communication devices 100 and receives information from other in-vehicle communication devices. For example, when the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as the central control node 10, the network communication unit 130 communicates with the zone control node 20 via a trunk cable. When the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as the zone control node 20, the network communication unit 130 communicates with the central control node 10 and other zone control nodes 20.

[0063] (4) Storage section 140 The storage unit 140 temporarily or permanently stores programs and various data for the operation of the in-vehicle communication device 100 .

[0064] (5) Control unit 150 The control unit 150 is a controller that controls each unit of the in-vehicle communication device 100. The control unit 150 is realized by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 150 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the in-vehicle communication device 100 using a RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 150 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0065] If the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as a node that performs wireless communication but not wired communication, like the device 30, the above-described network communication unit 130 may be omitted. Alternatively, the device 30 may perform both wireless communication and wired communication. In this case, the device 30 connects to the zone control node 20 via wireless and wired transmission paths.

[0066] Furthermore, when the in-vehicle communication device 100 functions as a device 30 that is, for example, a sensor that acquires information inside and outside the vehicle, the in-vehicle communication device 100 may have a sensor unit (not shown) that acquires the information. Furthermore, when the in-vehicle communication device 100 is a device 30 that presents information to a user, such as a car navigation system, it may have an input / output unit (not shown). In this way, the in-vehicle communication device 100 may have a configuration according to the functions to be realized.

[0067] <2.3. Problems with access control> 6 to 8 are diagrams for explaining problems that arise due to access control. As shown in Fig. 6, devices 301 to 304 belonging to zones #1 to #4 each capture (take images of) the periphery of vehicle C at the same time and transmit the images to, for example, the central control node 10. The devices 301 to 304 take images at predetermined intervals and transmit the captured images to the central control node 10. In Fig. 6, the devices 301 to 304 take images four times from Time 1 to Time 4 and transmit the captured images to the central control node 10.

[0068] The central control node 10 generates a composite image by synchronizing and combining captured images captured by the devices 301 to 304 at the same timing, for example. For example, the central control node 10 generates a single composite image by combining captured images captured by the devices 301 to 304 at Time 1. Alternatively, the central control node 10 may detect the same object included in captured images captured at the same timing. Note that the devices 301 to 304 transmit captured images without including composition information (e.g., information related to delays) for combining the captured images.

[0069] Here, it is assumed that access control is performed when the devices 301 to 304 transmit captured images to the central control node 10. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7, an access control delay occurs before the captured images transmitted by each device 30 arrive at the central control node 10, and there is a risk that all information will not arrive by the desired time. Note that Fig. 7 shows a case where access control limits the number of captured images that can be transmitted over the in-vehicle communication network to one.

[0070] 7, for example, devices 301 to 304 attempt to simultaneously transmit captured images captured at time #1 (Time 1) to the central control node 10. However, as described above, the number of captured images that can be transmitted over, for example, a backbone cable (wired transmission path) of an in-vehicle communication network is limited to one. Therefore, devices 301 to 304 transmit the captured images only after the access waiting time has elapsed and they have acquired access rights.

[0071] As a result, the captured images transmitted by the devices 301 to 303 are transmitted to the central control node 10 with a time difference. At this time, for example, assume that the timing at which the device 304 obtains the access right is after time #2 (Time 2) at which each device 30 next captures a captured image. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the device 304 transmits the captured image captured at time #2 (Time 2).

[0072] The next time that devices 301 and 302 obtain access rights, they transmit the captured images they captured at time #2 (Time 2). The next time that devices 303, 304, and 301 obtain access rights, they transmit the captured images they captured at time #3 (Time 3).

[0073] Similarly, the devices 302, 303, and 304 transmit the captured images captured at time #4 (Time 4) the next time they obtain access rights.

[0074] When access control is performed in this way, each device 30 may acquire access rights after capturing a captured image, and may not be able to transmit all captured images to the central control node 10.

[0075] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the central control node 10 acquires captured images from the devices 30 in zones #1 to #4, but due to the access control delay, the acquired captured images include images captured at different times.

[0076] As described above, the captured images do not include synthesis information used to synthesize the captured images, such as information about access control delays. Therefore, when the central control node 10 acquires captured images from the devices 30 in zones #1 to #4, it generates a composite image regardless of the capture time.

[0077] In this way, if the central control node 10 cannot obtain composite information such as access control delays, the central control node 10 may combine and analyze images captured at different times (see range I in Figure 7), which may result in errors in the analysis results.

[0078] <2.4. Overview of communication methods> Therefore, in the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, a transmitting device (e.g., device 30) transmits multiple pieces of data (e.g., captured images) by attaching synthesis information to the data so that a receiving device (e.g., central control node 10) can synthesize the data.

[0079] This allows the receiving device to synchronize multiple pieces of data and combine the data even if a transmission delay occurs due to access control.

[0080] 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of data transmission over multiple paths in the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 9, a device 301 belonging to zone #1 and a device 302 belonging to zone #2 act as transmitting devices and transmit data, and a device 303 belonging to zone #3 and a device 304 belonging to zone #4 act as receiving devices and receive the data.

[0081] For example, the device 301 divides the data into pieces of data that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, and generates four pieces of Data 1-1 to 1-4. The device 301 stores the four pieces of Data 1-1 to 1-4 in a transmission buffer with no access control delay (Delay: 0).

[0082] When the device 301 acquires the right to access the data as a result of the access control, the device 301 sequentially transmits Data 1-1 to 1-4 stored in the transmission buffer. In the example of Fig. 9, the device 301 first transmits Data 1-1 with composite information (Delay: 0) indicating that there is no delay due to the access control.

[0083] Subsequently, as a result of the access control, the device 301 transmits Data 1-2 with Delay:1 and Data 1-3 with Delay:2.

[0084] Now, suppose that device 302 also attempts to transmit data. Device 302 divides the data into sizes that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, and generates four pieces of Data 2-1 to 2-4. Device 302 stores the four pieces of Data 2-1 to 2-4 in a transmission buffer with no access control delay (Delay: 0), and attempts to obtain access rights.

[0085] 9, after device 301 transmits Data 1-3, device 302 acquires access rights and transmits Data 2-1 with Delay: 0. As a result, Data 1-4 is saved in the transmission buffer with Delay: 3 added as composite information indicating the delay due to access control, for example.

[0086] After device 302 transmits Data 2-1, device 302 subsequently acquires access rights, causing device 302 to transmit Data 2-2 with Delay: 1. Data 1-4 is added with Delay: 4 as composite information indicating a delay due to access control, for example, and is then stored in the transmission buffer.

[0087] After device 302 transmits Data 2-2, device 301 acquires access rights. As a result, device 301 transmits Data 1-4 with Delay: 5. As a result, Data 2-3 and Data 2-4 are saved in the transmission buffer with Delay: 2 added as composite information indicating the delay due to access control, for example.

[0088] By transmitting Data 1-4, all of Data 1-1 to 1-4 transmitted by device 301 have reached device 303. By checking the combination information added to Data 1-4, device 303 can determine that all of Data 1-1 to 1-4 have been received at the timing of Delay: 5. In this case, device 303 combines Data 1-1 to 1-3, which were received earlier, with Data 1-4, going back in time according to the information about delay (Delay: 5) included in the combination information.

[0089] Thereafter, device 302 acquires access rights and transmits Data 2-3 as Delay:3 and Data 2-4 as Delay:4.

[0090] By transmitting Data 2-4, all of Data 2-1 to 2-4 transmitted by device 302 have reached device 304. By checking the combination information added to Data 2-4, device 304 can determine that all of Data 2-1 to 2-4 have been received at the timing of Delay: 4. In this case, device 304 combines Data 2-1 to 2-3, which were received earlier, with Data 2-4, going back in time according to the information about delay (Delay: 4) included in the combination information.

[0091] The combining information may include information other than delay information related to delays due to access control. The combining information may include, for example, combining target information indicating that the transmission data is the target of combining processing, and output timing information related to the timing at which the receiving device outputs data. The output timing information is, for example, information indicating the timing at which the receiving device combines and outputs the data.

[0092] By checking the delay information, the receiving device can check the timing at which all of the divided data transmitted from one device 30 was received. Furthermore, by checking the output timing information of the data transmitted from multiple devices 30, the receiving device can combine and output data collected at the same timing.

[0093] 9 illustrates a case where the devices 301 and 302 act as transmitting devices and transmit data, and the devices 303 and 304 act as receiving devices and receive data, but this is not limiting. For example, the zone control node 20 may operate as a transmitting device or a receiving device, and the central control node 10 may operate as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0094] <2.5. Example of synthesis information> Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the synthesis information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The example illustrated in Fig. 10 illustrates a case where the synthesis information is added to the header of the transmission data.

[0095] The composite information is written, for example, in an arbitrary header portion added to the payload of the transmitted data. For example, a typical MAC header configuration includes at least one of the following: Type indicating the format, Source Address indicating the sender, Transmit Address indicating the sender, Receive Address indicating the receiver, and Destination Address indicating the destination. Furthermore, parameters for each layer required for communication are set as necessary.

[0096] In the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to these, a Mobility Zone Parameter for combining and processing data in the receiving device is set as the combining information.

[0097] The Mobility Zone Parameter may include at least one of the following parameters: - Combining process information (Rx Combine) indicating that the data will be combined on the receiving side Output timing information regarding the timing of data output (Output Time) ·Delay information about access control delays (Delay Times)

[0098] The delay information may include information indicating that an access control delay has occurred and information regarding the delay time.

[0099] Furthermore, the synthesis information is not limited to the above-described examples, and may include information other than the above-described information, as long as the synthesis information is information used when the receiving device performs a synthesis process on the data.

[0100] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the combined information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The example shown in Fig. 11 shows a case where the zone control node 20 operating as an access point of a wireless LAN adds combined information to transmission data and transmits the transmission data.

[0101] The data shown in FIG. 11 includes a predetermined PLCP header (Physical Layer Convergence Protocol Header) and a PPDU (Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit).

[0102] The PLCP header consists of the following fields: Short training field L-STF Long training field L-LTF Signal Field L-SIG Repeated signal field RL-SIG First signal field EXHT-SIG-A Short training field EXHT-STF Long training field EXHT-LTF First signal field EXHT-SIG-B

[0103] Note that multiple EXHT-LTFs can be included in the PLCP header. EXHT-SIG-A, EXHT-STF, EXHT-LTF, and EXHT-SIG-B are fields that will be standardized as next-generation wireless LAN standards.

[0104] The PPDU contains the data that is actually transmitted.

[0105] The synthesis information is stored in the EXHT-SIG-A of the PLCP header described above. Note that the synthesis information includes the same information as in the example of Fig. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The synthesis information may be stored in EXHT-SIG-B of the PLCP header, and may be stored in any field of the PLCP header.

[0107] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the combined information according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The example shown in Fig. 12 shows a case where the zone control node 20 operating as an access point of a wireless LAN adds combined information to transmission data and transmits the transmission data.

[0108] The example of FIG. 12 shows a case where the combined information is included in a header or a similar delimiter portion present in the PPDU.

[0109] 12 shows an example of a PPDU configuration in which multiple MPDUs are aggregated into an A-MPDU frame. In the A-MPDU frame, multiple A-MPDU subframes are arranged consecutively, and a delimiter is added to the beginning of each A-MPDU subframe.

[0110] The combining information is stored in the delimiter as an MZP (Mobility Zone Parameter). While Fig. 12 shows a case where the combining information is included in the first A-MPDU subframe, the A-MPDU subframe that includes the combining information is not limited to the first, and may be any A-MPDU subframe. For example, the combining information may be included in the last A-MPDU subframe.

[0111] The combining information may also be stored in a portion corresponding to the MAC header of each MPDU constituting the A-MPDU frame. While Fig. 12 illustrates a case in which the combining information is stored in both the delimiter and MAC header of the A-MPDU subframe, this is not limiting. The combining information may also be stored in either the delimiter or MAC header of the A-MPDU subframe.

[0112] <2.6. Communication Processing> <2.6.1. Transmission process> 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transmission process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The transmission process shown in FIG. 13 is executed by the transmission device.

[0113] For example, the transmitting device determines whether or not transmission data has been received from a sensor unit (not shown) or the like via an interface (step S101). If transmission data has not been received (step S101; No), the transmitting device returns to step S101 and waits for reception of transmission data.

[0114] On the other hand, when the transmission data is received (step S101; Yes), the transmission device acquires characteristic information of the application of the transmission data (step S102).The transmission device sets the timing at which the output device outputs the data according to the acquired characteristic information (step S103).

[0115] Next, the transmitting device determines whether or not the receiving device needs to perform synthesis processing on the transmission data (step S104). If synthesis processing is not needed (step S104; No), the transmitting device proceeds to step S106. If synthesis processing is needed (step S104; Yes), the transmitting device sets synthesis processing parameters (synthesis processing information) (step S105).

[0116] The transmitting device determines whether or not the transmission timing has arrived (step S106). If the transmission timing has not arrived (step S106; No), the transmitting device returns to step S06 and waits for the transmission timing to arrive.

[0117] When the transmission timing arrives (step S106; Yes), the transmitting device determines whether or not the access right (access transmission right) has been acquired (step S107). When the access right has not been acquired (step S107; No), the transmitting device proceeds to step S112.

[0118] If the access right is acquired (step S107; Yes), the transmitting device calculates the amount of transmission opportunity data (step S108). The transmitting device calculates, for example, the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, corresponding to the duration.

[0119] The transmitting device acquires the calculated amount of data from the buffer (step S109) and transmits the data (step S110). The transmitting device determines whether or not there is any data waiting to be transmitted (step S111). If there is no data waiting to be transmitted (step S111; Yes), the transmitting device ends the process.

[0120] If there is data waiting to be transmitted (step S111; No), the transmitting device acquires access delay information (step S112) and adds the access delay information to the delay parameter (delay information) (step S113). After adding the access delay information, the transmitting device returns to step S106 and waits for the arrival of transmission timing.

[0121] Although the transmitting device here has been described as acquiring transmission data from the sensor unit, this is not limiting. For example, when the zone control node 20 operates as a transmitting device, it acquires transmission data from the device 30.

[0122] <2.6.2. Reception processing> 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of reception processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The reception processing shown in FIG. 14 is executed by the reception device.

[0123] For example, the receiving device determines whether or not data has been received from another device (for example, the zone control node 20) (step S201). If data has not been received (step S201; No), the receiving device returns to step S201 and waits for reception of data.

[0124] On the other hand, if data is received (step S201; Yes), the receiving device acquires received header information from the data (step S202). Based on the acquired header information, the receiving device determines whether the received data requires synthesis processing (step S203).

[0125] If it is not necessary to perform the combining process (step S203; No), the receiving device proceeds to step S210. If it is necessary to perform the combining process (step S203; Yes), the receiving device determines whether the received data contains access delay information (step S204).

[0126] If the received data does not contain access delay information (step S204; Yes), the receiving device acquires the received data (step S205) and stores it as composite data (step S206).

[0127] If the received data contains access delay information (step S204; No), the receiving device reads out data that was previously received, has already been subjected to synthesis processing, and has been stored (existing synthesized data) (step S207), and acquires the currently received data (step S208). The receiving device synthesizes the read-out existing synthesized data and the received data as data of the same timing (step S209), and returns to step S206 to store the synthesized data as synthesized data.

[0128] Here, if the transmitting device determines in step S203 that the data does not require combined data processing (step S203; No), the transmitting device determines whether the received data contains access delay information (step S210).

[0129] If the received data does not contain access delay information (step S210; Yes), the receiving device proceeds to step S212. If the received data contains access delay information (step S210; No), the receiving device determines whether the output timing of the received data has passed (step S211).

[0130] If the output timing has passed (step S211; Yes), the receiving device discards the received data and ends the receiving process. If the output timing has not passed (step S211; No), the receiving device acquires the received data (step S212) and stores the acquired received data as uncombined individual data (step S213).

[0131] The receiving device that has stored the composite data in step S206 or the individual data in step S213 determines whether the timing to output the composite data or the individual data (hereinafter also simply referred to as output data) has arrived (step S214).

[0132] If the output timing has not arrived (step S214; No), the process returns to step S214 and waits for the arrival of the output timing. If the output timing has arrived (step S214; Yes), the receiving device acquires output data at the same timing (step S215) and outputs the output data (step S216).

[0133] The receiving device determines whether there is any data waiting to be output (step S217). That is, the receiving device determines whether there is any output data whose output timing has not yet arrived.

[0134] If there is data waiting to be output (step S217; No), the process returns to step S214 and waits for the output timing of the data waiting to be output. If there is no data waiting to be output (step S217; Yes), the receiving device ends the process.

[0135] As described above, the device 30 (an example of an in-vehicle communication device) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the wireless communication unit 120 (an example of a communication unit) and the control unit 150. The wireless communication unit 120 performs wireless communication with the zone control node 20 disposed in one of the zones obtained by dividing the interior of the vehicle C, and transmits data to a receiving device (e.g., the central control node 10, the zone control node 20, and another device 30) via the zone control node 20. The control unit 150 adds, to the first data, synthesis information that is used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data with other data.

[0136] As a result, a receiving device that receives data can synchronize and synthesize multiple pieces of data by using the synthesis information, even if a transmission delay occurs in the data due to access control.

[0137] Although the device 30 adds the combined information to the data and transmits it, this is not limiting. When a delay occurs due to access control, the combined information may be added, and the node control zone 20 or the central control node 10 may add the combined information to the data and transmit it.

[0138] <<3. Second Embodiment>> The in-vehicle communication system 1 of the present disclosure includes a wired transmission path and a wireless transmission path. In this case, the access control delay of the transmission data may become large due to the influence of the access control delay occurring in the wireless transmission path. The wireless transmission path tends to have a smaller communication capacity and less stable communication than the wired transmission path. Therefore, the access control delay occurring in the wireless transmission path may become larger than that occurring in the wired transmission path.

[0139] On the other hand, the communication range of a wired transmission path is limited to the communication devices to which the cable is actually connected, whereas the communication range of a wireless transmission path is within the area that the radio waves of the communication devices reach. Therefore, in wireless communication, the communication range can be changed by the communication devices controlling the power of the radio waves.

[0140] Here, the wireless communication range of the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 are diagrams for explaining the wireless communication range of the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] 15, the zone control node 20 of the in-vehicle communication system 1 performs power control so that the communication range is limited to the range in which wireless communication can be performed with the devices 30 that belong to the zones that the zone control node 20 manages. This allows the zone control node 20 to suppress an increase in power consumption and also reduces interference with the wireless communication of other zone control nodes 20.

[0142] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the zone control node 20 can perform wireless communication with devices 30 that belong to other zones by controlling at least one of the transmission power and the reception power to the maximum.

[0143] For example, in FIG. 15, device 30 4A is included in the communication range R4 of the zone control node 204, but is not included in the communication ranges R2 and R3 of the other zone control nodes 202 and 203. 4A performs wireless communication with the zone control node 204 but does not perform wireless communication with the other zone control nodes 202 and 203.

[0144] However, the power control by the zone control nodes 202 and 203 allows the device 30 4A This allows wireless communication with the other zone control nodes 202 and 203 in addition to the zone control node 204 .

[0145] It should be noted that the zone control node 20 does not necessarily need to maximize the transmission power or reception power, but may control the power to a level that allows wireless communication with devices 30 belonging to other zones.

[0146] 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of management information managed by the zone control node 20 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, an example of management information managed by the zone control node 201 that manages zone #1 among the multiple zone control nodes 20 is shown.

[0147] As described above, the zone control node 201 controls the transmission power (or reception power) to enable wireless communication with devices 30 that belong to zones other than the zone that the node itself manages.

[0148] Therefore, the zone control node 201 manages not only own zone information (Own Zone information) related to devices 30 in the zone it manages, but also neighbor zone information (Neighbor Zone information) related to devices 30 in other zones with which wireless communication is possible.

[0149] For example, the zone control node 201, as a controller function of zone #1, stores the number of devices constituting zone #1 (M in the example of FIG. 17) and device information on each device 30 (Zone #1 Device 30 11 ~Zone #1 Device30 1M ) is managed. The device information may include, for example, ID information for identifying the device 30.

[0150] The zone control node 201 manages its own zone information regarding the device 30 belonging to zone #1, and transfers communications between the device 30 and other communication devices (e.g., other devices 30, the central control node 10, other zone control nodes 20).

[0151] As described above, the zone control node 201 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can perform wireless communication with devices 30 in other zones. Therefore, the zone control node 201 manages adjacent zone information related to devices 30 in other zones with which wireless communication can be performed, in addition to the device 30 belonging to zone #1.

[0152] For example, the zone control node 201 stores the number of devices constituting the adjacent zone #2 (M in the example of FIG. 17) and device information on the device 30 constituting the zone #2 (Zone #2 Device 30 21 ~Zone #2 Device30 2M ) is managed. The device information may include, for example, ID information for identifying the device 30.

[0153] The zone control node 201 may manage, as the adjacent zone information, devices 30 that can directly communicate wirelessly among all devices 30 that belong to zone #2. Alternatively, the zone control node 201 may manage all devices 30 that belong to zone #2. In this case, the zone control node 201 may acquire information about the devices 30 that belong to zone #2 from the zone control node 202 that manages zone #2.

[0154] Here, the devices 30 managed by the zone control node 201 as adjacent zone information belong to one zone #2, but this is not limiting. The zone control node 201 may also manage devices 30 that belong to a zone other than zone #2 (e.g., zone #3) as adjacent zone information. In this case, the zone control node 201 may manage the adjacent zone information separately for zones #2 and #3.

[0155] The zone managed by the zone control node 201 as adjacent zone information does not have to be adjacent to zone #1 managed by the zone control node 201 as its own zone information. The zone managed as adjacent zone information may be a zone to which a device 30 that can communicate wirelessly with the zone control node 201 belongs. The zone may be a zone managed by a node other than the zone control nodes 202 and 206 (see FIG. 3) that are directly connected to the zone control node 201 by wire.

[0156] The management information described above is an example, and is not limited to this. For example, the zone control node 201 may manage information relating to the corresponding transmission power (or received field strength) in association with the zone.

[0157] As described above, the zone control node 201 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure can perform wireless communication with the device 30 in another zone. Therefore, the device 30 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure transmits transmission data to a receiving device via a zone control node 20 that manages a zone to which the device 30 does not belong, depending on the access control delay between the device 30 and the zone control node 20 that manages the zone to which the device 30 belongs.

[0158] The zone control node 20 that manages the zone to which the device 30 belongs is also referred to as the local zone control node 20. The zone control node 20 that manages a zone to which the device 30 does not belong is also referred to as the other zone control node 20.

[0159] As a result, even if an access control delay occurs in wireless communication with the own zone control node 20, the device 30 can further reduce the amount of delay in data arriving at the receiving device.

[0160] When performing wireless communication with the other zone control node 20, the device 30 may perform wireless communication by maximizing the transmission power or reception power. Alternatively, the device 30 may perform wireless communication with the other zone control node 20 by performing power control so that the power is at a level that allows wireless communication with the other zone control node 20.

[0161] 18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining an overview of communication by the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the device 30 4A From device 30 1A The data will be sent to

[0162] Device 30 4A is managed by the zone control node 204. Therefore, the device 30 4A first tries to obtain access rights from the zone control node 204 to send data.

[0163] Here, device 304A The amount of data that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity that the device acquires is 30 4A is smaller than the size of the data you want to send. In this case, device 30 4A In this case, not all of the data can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, and access control delays occur for the remaining data.

[0164] So, Device 30 4A As shown in FIG. 18, the node acquires access rights to the other zone control nodes 202 and 203 and transmits the remaining data.

[0165] In this way, if the size of the data to be transmitted is larger than the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, the device 30 4A divides the data to be transmitted and transmits the divided data to the other zone control nodes 202 and 203 in addition to the own zone control node 204 .

[0166] As shown in FIG. 19, the own zone control node 204 and other zone control nodes 202 and 203 each transmit a signal to the device 30, which is a receiving device, via the zone control node 201. 1A Transfer data to.

[0167] This will allow you to 4A This can further reduce the amount of delay (delay due to access control) in data arriving at the receiving device.

[0168] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a detailed example of communication by the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0169] In FIG. 20, a device 30 which is a source device 4A The device 30 is a destination device. 1A Here, the data is sent to device 30. 4A In this example, the data is divided into four parts, Data1 to Data4, and then transmitted.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 20, device 30 4A transmits Data1 of a size that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity to its own zone control node 204, which is an access point. The own zone control node 204 transmits the received Data1 to the zone control node 201, which is an access point, at the next timing. At this time, the other zone control nodes 20 detect that the wired transmission path (for example, Ethernet) is busy and do not transmit data. The zone control node 201 transmits the received Data1 to the device 30 at the next timing. 1A Send to.

[0171] Device 30 4A At the same time that the own zone control node 204 transmits Data1 to the zone control node 201, it transmits Data2, which has a data size that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, to the other zone control node 202, which is the access point. The other zone control node 202 transmits the received Data1 to the zone control node 201 at the next timing. At this time, the other zone control nodes 20 detect that the wired transmission path is busy and do not transmit data. The zone control node 201 transmits the received Data2 to the device 30 at the next timing. 1A Send to.

[0172] Device 30 4A At the same time that other zone control node 202 transmits Data2 to zone control node 201, other zone control node 203, which is the access point, transmits Data3, which has a data size that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity. Other zone control node 203 transmits the received Data3 to zone control node 201 at the next timing. At this time, the other zone control nodes 20 detect that the wired transmission path is busy and do not transmit data. Zone control node 201 transmits the received Data3 to device 30 at the next timing. 1A Send to.

[0173] Device 30 4Atransmits Data4, which is the data size that can be transmitted in one transmission opportunity, to its own zone control node 204. The own zone control node 204 transmits the received Data4 to the zone control node 201, which is the access point, at the next timing. At this time, the other zone control nodes 20 detect that the wired transmission path is busy and do not transmit data. The zone control node 201 transmits the received Data4 to the device 30 at the next timing. 1A Send to.

[0174] In this way, device 30 4A However, by transmitting Data1 to Data4 via the own zone control node 204 and other zone control nodes 202 and 203, the zone control node 201 and the device 30 1A The device 30 can receive Data1 to Data4 consecutively. 1A can receive all of Data1 to Data4 with a shorter transmission delay time.

[0175] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of transmission processing according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the same processes as those in the transmission processing shown in Fig. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0176] 21, the transmitting device that has added the access delay information to the delay parameter (delay information) determines whether or not the adjacent zone can be used (step S301). For example, if the transmitting device has permission from its own zone control node 20, the transmitting device determines that the adjacent zone can be used.

[0177] If the adjacent zone cannot be used (step S301; No), the transmitting device returns to step S116 and waits for the arrival of a transmission timing at which data can be transmitted to the own zone control node 20.

[0178] If the adjacent zone can be used (step S301; Yes), the transmitting device acquires adjacent zone information from the own zone control node 20 (step S302). The transmitting device acquires, for example, information about other zone control nodes 20 with which it can communicate, information about transmission power, and the like.

[0179] Next, the transmitting device determines whether transmission to the adjacent zone is permitted (step S303). For example, if the transmitting device is unable to acquire access rights from the other zone control node 20 in the adjacent zone or if transmission is not possible with the transmission power acquired in step S302, the transmitting device determines that transmission to the adjacent zone is not permitted.

[0180] If transmission to the adjacent zone is not possible (step S303; No), the transmitting device returns to step S116 and waits for the arrival of a transmission timing at which data can be transmitted to the own zone control node 20.

[0181] If transmission to the adjacent zone is possible (step S303; Yes), the transmitting device transmits the data to the adjacent zone (step S304), and the process proceeds to step S111.

[0182] The reception process is the same as the process shown in FIG. 14, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0183] As described above, the wireless communication unit 120 (an example of a communication unit) of the device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure transmits data via the other zone control node 20 (an example of a second zone control node) that is capable of communicating with the wireless communication unit 120.

[0184] This allows the device 30 to further reduce the transmission delay caused by access control.

[0185] Here, when a device 30 operating as a transmitting device transmits data to a receiving device, the data is transmitted via the other node control zone 20, but this is not limiting. For example, when a device 30 operating as a receiving device receives data, the data may be received via the other node control zone 20. In this case, the other node control zone 20 uses management information that it manages itself to transfer data to a device 30 in another zone with which wireless communication is possible.

[0186] In this case, the other node control zones 202 and 203 are connected to the receiving device (device 30) via the zone control node 201. 1A ) (see FIGS. 18 and 19), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the device 30 operating as a transmitting device may 3A However, if the device 30 can directly communicate with the zone control node 201 by wireless communication, 3A may transmit data directly to the node control zone 201. In this case, the device 30 3A The node control zone 201 that receives the data from the device 30 belonging to its own zone 1A Send data to

[0187] <<4. Application Examples>> The technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) can be applied to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as a device mounted on any type of moving body, such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a ship, or a robot.

[0188] 22 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a vehicle control system 7000, which is an example of a mobile object control system to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The vehicle control system 7000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected via a communication network 7010. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the vehicle control system 7000 includes a drive system control unit 7100, a body system control unit 7200, a battery control unit 7300, an outside-vehicle information detection unit 7400, an inside-vehicle information detection unit 7500, and an integrated control unit 7600. The communication network 7010 connecting these multiple control units may be an in-vehicle communication network conforming to any standard, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN), a Local Interconnect Network (LIN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or FlexRay (registered trademark).

[0189] Each control unit includes a microcomputer that performs arithmetic processing according to various programs, a storage unit that stores the programs executed by the microcomputer or parameters used in various calculations, and a drive circuit that drives various devices to be controlled. Each control unit includes a network I / F for communicating with other control units via a communication network 7010, and a communication I / F for communicating with devices or sensors inside and outside the vehicle via wired or wireless communication. FIG. 22 illustrates the functional configuration of the integrated control unit 7600, including a microcomputer 7610, a general-purpose communication I / F 7620, a dedicated communication I / F 7630, a positioning unit 7640, a beacon receiving unit 7650, an in-vehicle device I / F 7660, an audio / video output unit 7670, an in-vehicle network I / F 7680, and a storage unit 7690. Similarly, the other control units also include a microcomputer, a communication I / F, a storage unit, and the like.

[0190] The drivetrain control unit 7100 controls the operation of devices related to the drivetrain of the vehicle in accordance with various programs. For example, the drivetrain control unit 7100 functions as a control device for a driving force generating device for generating driving force for the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine or a drive motor, a driving force transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force to the wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, and a braking device for generating braking force for the vehicle. The drivetrain control unit 7100 may also function as a control device for an ABS (Antilock Brake System) or an ESC (Electronic Stability Control), etc.

[0191] A vehicle state detection unit 7110 is connected to the drivetrain control unit 7100. The vehicle state detection unit 7110 includes at least one of a gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity of the axial rotational motion of the vehicle body, an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, or a sensor that detects the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal, the amount of operation of the brake pedal, the steering angle of the steering wheel, the engine rotation speed, the rotation speed of the wheels, etc. The drivetrain control unit 7100 performs arithmetic processing using signals input from the vehicle state detection unit 7110, and controls the internal combustion engine, the drive motor, the electric power steering device, the brake device, etc.

[0192] Body system control unit 7200 controls the operation of various devices mounted on the vehicle body in accordance with various programs. For example, body system control unit 7200 functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various lamps such as head lamps, backup lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, and fog lamps. In this case, radio waves transmitted from a portable device that serves as a key or signals from various switches may be input to body system control unit 7200. Body system control unit 7200 receives these radio waves or signals and controls the vehicle's door lock device, power window device, lamps, etc.

[0193] The battery control unit 7300 controls the secondary battery 7310, which is the power supply source for the drive motor, in accordance with various programs. For example, information such as battery temperature, battery output voltage, or remaining battery capacity is input to the battery control unit 7300 from a battery device equipped with the secondary battery 7310. The battery control unit 7300 performs arithmetic processing using these signals, and controls the temperature regulation of the secondary battery 7310 or a cooling device or the like provided in the battery device.

[0194] The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 detects information outside the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 7000. For example, at least one of an imaging unit 7410 and an outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 is connected to the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400. The imaging unit 7410 includes at least one of a ToF (Time Of Flight) camera, a stereo camera, a monocular camera, an infrared camera, and other cameras. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 includes at least one of an environmental sensor for detecting the current weather or climate, or a surrounding information detection sensor for detecting other vehicles, obstacles, pedestrians, etc. around the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 7000.

[0195] The environmental sensor may be, for example, at least one of a raindrop sensor that detects rain, a fog sensor that detects fog, a sunshine sensor that detects the intensity of sunlight, and a snow sensor that detects snowfall. The surrounding information detection sensor may be at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, and a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging, Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) device. The imaging unit 7410 and the outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 may each be provided as an independent sensor or device, or may be provided as a device in which multiple sensors or devices are integrated.

[0196] 23 shows an example of the installation positions of the imaging unit 7410 and the vehicle exterior information detection unit 7420. The imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, 7916, and 7918 are provided, for example, at least one of the front nose, side mirrors, rear bumper, back door, and upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7910 provided on the front nose and the imaging unit 7918 provided on the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin mainly acquire images of the front of the vehicle 7900. The imaging units 7912 and 7914 provided on the side mirrors mainly acquire images of the sides of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7916 provided on the rear bumper or back door mainly acquires images of the rear of the vehicle 7900. The imaging unit 7918 provided on the upper part of the windshield inside the vehicle cabin is mainly used to detect leading vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, traffic lights, traffic signs, lanes, etc.

[0197] 23 shows an example of the imaging ranges of the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916. Imaging range a indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 7910 provided on the front nose, imaging ranges b and c indicate the imaging ranges of the imaging units 7912 and 7914 provided on the side mirrors, respectively, and imaging range d indicates the imaging range of the imaging unit 7916 provided on the rear bumper or back door. For example, by overlaying the image data captured by the imaging units 7910, 7912, 7914, and 7916, a bird's-eye view image of the vehicle 7900 viewed from above can be obtained.

[0198] The vehicle exterior information detection units 7920, 7922, 7924, 7926, 7928, and 7930 provided on the front, rear, sides, and corners of the vehicle 7900 and above the windshield inside the vehicle cabin may be, for example, ultrasonic sensors or radar devices. The vehicle exterior information detection units 7920, 7926, and 7930 provided on the front nose, rear bumper, back door, and above the windshield inside the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 7900 may be, for example, LIDAR devices. These vehicle exterior information detection units 7920 to 7930 are mainly used to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, etc.

[0199] Returning to FIG. 22 , the explanation will be continued. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 causes the imaging unit 7410 to capture an image outside the vehicle and receives the captured image data. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 also receives detection information from the connected outside vehicle information detection unit 7420. If the outside vehicle information detection unit 7420 is an ultrasonic sensor, a radar device, or a LIDAR device, the outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 emits ultrasonic waves or electromagnetic waves and receives information on the received reflected waves. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may perform object detection processing or distance detection processing for people, cars, obstacles, signs, text on the road, etc. based on the received information. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also perform environment recognition processing for recognizing rainfall, fog, road conditions, etc. based on the received information. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also calculate the distance to an object outside the vehicle based on the received information.

[0200] The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also perform image recognition processing or distance detection processing to recognize people, vehicles, obstacles, signs, characters on the road, etc., based on the received image data. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may perform processing such as distortion correction or alignment on the received image data, and may also generate an overhead image or a panoramic image by combining image data captured by different image capturing units 7410. The outside vehicle information detection unit 7400 may also perform viewpoint conversion processing using image data captured by different image capturing units 7410.

[0201] The interior information detection unit 7500 detects information inside the vehicle. A driver state detection unit 7510 that detects the state of the driver is connected to the interior information detection unit 7500, for example. The driver state detection unit 7510 may include a camera that captures an image of the driver, a biosensor that detects the driver's biometric information, or a microphone that collects audio from within the vehicle cabin. The biosensor is provided, for example, on the seat or steering wheel, and detects biometric information of a passenger sitting in the seat or the driver gripping the steering wheel. The interior information detection unit 7500 may calculate the driver's level of fatigue or concentration, or may determine whether the driver is dozing, based on the detection information input from the driver state detection unit 7510. The interior information detection unit 7500 may perform processing such as noise canceling on the collected audio signal.

[0202] The integrated control unit 7600 controls the overall operation of the vehicle control system 7000 in accordance with various programs. An input unit 7800 is connected to the integrated control unit 7600. The input unit 7800 may be implemented by a device that can be operated by a passenger, such as a touch panel, a button, a microphone, a switch, or a lever. Data obtained by voice recognition of a voice input through a microphone may be input to the integrated control unit 7600. The input unit 7800 may be, for example, a remote control device using infrared or other radio waves, or an externally connected device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA) that can operate the vehicle control system 7000. The input unit 7800 may be, for example, a camera, in which case the passenger can input information by gestures. Alternatively, data obtained by detecting the movement of a wearable device worn by the passenger may be input. Furthermore, the input unit 7800 may include, for example, an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on information input by the passenger or the like using the input unit 7800 and outputs the input signal to the integrated control unit 7600. By operating this input unit 7800, passengers and the like input various data to the vehicle control system 7000 and instruct processing operations.

[0203] The storage unit 7690 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs executed by the microcomputer, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various parameters, calculation results, sensor values, etc. The storage unit 7690 may also be realized by a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage device, or the like.

[0204] The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 is a general-purpose communication I / F that mediates communication between various devices present in the external environment 7750. The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 may implement a cellular communication protocol such as GSM (Global System of Mobile communications), WiMAX (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), or other wireless communication protocols such as wireless LAN (also referred to as Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 may connect to devices (e.g., application servers or control servers) present on an external network (e.g., the Internet, a cloud network, or an operator-specific network) via, for example, a base station or an access point. The general-purpose communication I / F 7620 may also connect to terminals present near the vehicle (e.g., terminals of drivers, pedestrians, or stores, or machine-type communication (MTC) terminals) using, for example, P2P (Peer to Peer) technology.

[0205] The dedicated communication I / F 7630 is a communication I / F that supports a communication protocol designed for use in vehicles. The dedicated communication I / F 7630 may implement a standard protocol such as WAVE (Wireless Access in Vehicle Environment), which is a combination of a lower layer IEEE802.11p and an upper layer IEEE1609, a dedicated short range communications (DSRC), or a cellular communication protocol. The dedicated communication I / F 7630 typically performs V2X communication, which is a concept including one or more of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, vehicle-to-home communication, and vehicle-to-pedestrian communication.

[0206] The positioning unit 7640 performs positioning by receiving, for example, GNSS signals from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites (for example, GPS signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites), and generates position information including the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the vehicle. Note that the positioning unit 7640 may identify the current position by exchanging signals with a wireless access point, or may obtain position information from a terminal such as a mobile phone, PHS, or smartphone that has a positioning function.

[0207] The beacon receiver 7650 receives, for example, radio waves or electromagnetic waves transmitted from radio stations or the like installed on the road, and acquires information such as the current location, congestion, road closures, required travel time, etc. The function of the beacon receiver 7650 may be included in the dedicated communication I / F 7630 described above.

[0208] The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 is a communication interface that mediates connections between the microcomputer 7610 and various in-vehicle devices 7760 present in the vehicle. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 may establish wireless connections using wireless communication protocols such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or WUSB (Wireless USB). The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 may also establish a wired connection such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI (registered trademark), or a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL)) via a connection terminal (and a cable, if necessary) not shown. The in-vehicle device 7760 may include, for example, at least one of a mobile device or a wearable device owned by a passenger, or an information device carried into or attached to the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 7760 may also include a navigation device that searches for a route to an arbitrary destination. The in-vehicle device I / F 7660 exchanges control signals or data signals with these in-vehicle devices 7760.

[0209] The in-vehicle network I / F 7680 is an interface that mediates communication between the microcomputer 7610 and the communication network 7010. The in-vehicle network I / F 7680 transmits and receives signals in accordance with a predetermined protocol supported by the communication network 7010.

[0210] The microcomputer 7610 of the integrated control unit 7600 controls the vehicle control system 7000 in accordance with various programs based on information acquired via at least one of the general-purpose communication I / F 7620, the dedicated communication I / F 7630, the positioning unit 7640, the beacon receiving unit 7650, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and the in-vehicle network I / F 7680. For example, the microcomputer 7610 may calculate control target values ​​for the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device based on acquired information inside and outside the vehicle, and output control commands to the drivetrain control unit 7100. For example, the microcomputer 7610 may perform cooperative control aimed at realizing functions of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), including vehicle collision avoidance or impact mitigation, following driving based on the following distance, vehicle speed maintenance driving, vehicle collision warning, vehicle lane departure warning, etc. In addition, the microcomputer 7610 may perform cooperative control for the purpose of autonomous driving, in which the vehicle travels autonomously without relying on driver operation, by controlling a driving force generating device, a steering mechanism, a braking device, etc. based on information acquired about the vehicle's surroundings.

[0211] The microcomputer 7610 may generate three-dimensional distance information between the vehicle and objects such as surrounding structures and people, and create local map information including information about the vicinity of the vehicle's current location, based on information acquired via at least one of the general-purpose communication I / F 7620, the dedicated communication I / F 7630, the positioning unit 7640, the beacon receiving unit 7650, the in-vehicle device I / F 7660, and the in-vehicle network I / F 7680. Furthermore, the microcomputer 7610 may predict dangers, such as a vehicle collision, the approach of a pedestrian, or entry into a closed road, based on the acquired information, and generate a warning signal. The warning signal may be, for example, a signal for generating a warning sound or turning on a warning lamp.

[0212] The audio / video output unit 7670 transmits at least one of audio and image output signals to an output device capable of visually or audibly notifying vehicle occupants or the outside of the vehicle of information. In the example of FIG. 22 , an audio speaker 7710, a display unit 7720, and an instrument panel 7730 are illustrated as output devices. The display unit 7720 may include, for example, at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display. The display unit 7720 may have an AR (Augmented Reality) display function. The output device may be other devices besides these devices, such as headphones, a wearable device such as an eyeglass-type display worn by the occupant, a projector, or a lamp. When the output device is a display device, the display device visually displays results obtained by various processes performed by the microcomputer 7610 or information received from other control units in various formats, such as text, images, tables, and graphs. When the output device is an audio output device, the audio output device converts audio signals consisting of reproduced audio data or acoustic data into analog signals and audibly outputs the analog signals.

[0213] In the example shown in FIG. 22 , at least two control units connected via the communication network 7010 may be integrated into one control unit. Alternatively, each control unit may be composed of multiple control units. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 7000 may include another control unit not shown. In the above description, some or all of the functions performed by one control unit may be assigned to another control unit. In other words, as long as information is transmitted and received via the communication network 7010, predetermined arithmetic processing may be performed by one of the control units. Similarly, a sensor or device connected to one control unit may be connected to another control unit, and multiple control units may transmit and receive detection information to and from each other via the communication network 7010.

[0214] A computer program for realizing each function of the in-vehicle communication device 100 according to this embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 can be implemented in any control unit or the like. A computer-readable recording medium storing such a computer program can also be provided. The recording medium can be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0215] In the vehicle control system 7000 described above, the in-vehicle communication system 1 according to this embodiment described with reference to Fig. 3 can be applied to the vehicle control system 7000 of the application example shown in Fig. 22. For example, the central control node 10 of the in-vehicle communication system 1 corresponds to the integrated control unit 7600. For example, the device 30 corresponds to each unit, each section, in-vehicle equipment 7760, etc. The zone control node 20 corresponds to a relay device (not shown) that relays communication of the device 30 in the communication network 7010.

[0216] <<5. Other embodiments>> In the above-described embodiments, the central control node 10 controls communication, but this is not limiting. For example, each zone control node 20 may independently control communication.

[0217] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the communication between the central control node 10 and the zone control nodes 20 is described as being wired communication, but this is not limited to this. The communication between the central control node 10 and the zone control nodes 20 may be wireless communication, or may be both wired communication and wireless communication. In addition, the communication between the zone control node 20 and the device 30 is described as being wireless communication, but this is not limited to this. The communication between the zone control node 20 and the device 30 may be wired communication, or may be both wired communication and wireless communication.

[0218] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, the data transmitted by the device 30 is an image captured by a camera, but this is not limiting. The data transmitted by the device 30 may include various information such as a depth image, audio information, and the temperature inside the vehicle C.

[0219] <<6. Summary>> The steps in the processes performed by each device in this specification do not necessarily have to be performed in chronological order according to the order depicted in the drawings. For example, the steps in the processes performed by each device may be performed in an order different from the order depicted in the drawings, or may be performed in parallel.

[0220] It is also possible to create a computer program that causes the hardware, such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM, built into each device to perform functions equivalent to those of the above-mentioned device configurations. Storage media storing such computer programs can also be provided. Furthermore, by configuring each functional block shown in the functional block diagram with hardware, a series of processes can be realized by hardware.

[0221] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0222] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above-described effects.

[0223] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first zone control node that is disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones that are obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and transmits first data to a receiving device via the first zone control node; a control unit that adds, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data and other data; An in-vehicle communication device comprising: (2) The in-vehicle communication device according to (1), wherein the communication unit transmits a maximum amount of the first data in one transmission opportunity when the access right is acquired. (3) the communication unit is a second zone control node that is located in a second zone different from the first zone to which the device belongs, and transmits the first data via the second zone control node that is capable of wireless communication with the communication unit; An in-vehicle communication device according to (1) or (2). (4) the control unit divides the first data into a plurality of divided data when the data amount of the first data is greater than a maximum transmission amount in one transmission opportunity acquired by the communication unit; the communication unit transmits the divided data via the second zone control node. (3) An in-vehicle communication device according to the present invention. (5) The in-vehicle communication device according to (3) or (4), wherein the communication unit controls transmission power or reception power according to the second zone control node. (6) The in-vehicle communication device described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the combined information includes at least one of information indicating that an access control delay has occurred and information indicating the amount of delay caused by the access control delay. (7) the first data is data collected in the first zone, The in-vehicle communication device described in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the synthesis information includes at least one of information indicating that the first data is synthesized with the other data collected in a second zone different from the first zone, and information indicating the output timing of synthesized data synthesized from the first data and the other data. (8) An in-vehicle communication device disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones into which a vehicle is divided, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first communication device that belongs to the first zone and transfers first data transmitted by the first communication device to a receiving device; a control unit that adds, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data and other data; An in-vehicle communication device comprising: (9) The in-vehicle communication device according to (8), wherein the combined information includes at least one of information indicating that an access control delay has occurred and information indicating the amount of delay caused by the access control delay. (10) The in-vehicle communication device according to (8) or (9), wherein the communication unit performs wireless communication with a second communication device belonging to a second zone different from the first zone, and transfers second data transmitted by the second communication device to the receiving device. (11) The in-vehicle communication device according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein the communication unit transfers transfer data received from a zone control node of a zone different from the first zone to the receiving device belonging to the first zone. (12) The in-vehicle communication device according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the communication unit transmits forwarding data received from a zone control node of a zone different from the first zone to the receiving device belonging to a zone different from the first zone. (13) The in-vehicle communication device according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the communication unit controls transmission power or reception power depending on the communication device when performing wireless communication with the communication device that belongs to a zone different from the first zone. (14) The in-vehicle communication device according to any one of (8) to (13), wherein the communication unit transfers transfer data received from a communication device belonging to a zone different from the first zone to the receiving device belonging to the first zone. (15) a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first zone control node that is disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and receives first data from a transmitting device via the first zone control node; a control unit that combines the first data with other data using combination information included in header information added to the first data, the combination information being for combining the first data with other data; An in-vehicle communication device comprising: (16) The in-vehicle communication device according to (15), wherein the control unit combines the other data with the combined information by going back to a timing corresponding to the delay information based on delay information regarding access control delay included in the combined information. (17) The control unit outputs composite data obtained by combining the first data and the other data by the output timing based on timing information regarding the output timing included in the composite information. (18) The vehicle is divided into a plurality of zones, and a transmitting device and a receiving device are provided in each of the zones. The transmitting device a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first zone control node that is located in the zone to which the transmitting device belongs, and transmits first data to the receiving device via the first zone control node; a control unit that adds, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data and other data; Equipped with The receiving device a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a second zone control node that is located in the zone to which the receiving device belongs, and receives the first data from the transmitting device via the second zone control node; a control unit that uses the synthesis information to synthesize the first data and the other data; An in-vehicle communication system comprising: (19) performing wireless communication with a first zone control node disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and transmitting first data to a receiving device via the first zone control node; adding, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data with other data; A communication method including: (20) A communication method for an in-vehicle communication device disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones in a vehicle, comprising: performing wireless communication with a first communication device belonging to the first zone and transferring first data transmitted by the first communication device to a receiving device; adding, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data with other data; A communication method including: (twenty one) performing wireless communication with a first zone control node disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and receiving first data from a transmitting device via the first zone control node; combining the first data with the other data using combining information included in header information added to the first data, the combining information being for combining the first data with the other data; A communication method including: [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 1. In-vehicle communication system 10 Central Control Node 20 Zone Control Nodes 30 devices 100 In-vehicle communication device 110 Antenna section 120 Radio Communication Department 130 Network Communications Department 140 Storage section 150 control section

Claims

1. a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first zone control node that is disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones that are obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and transmits first data to a receiving device via the first zone control node; a control unit that adds, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data with other data; An in-vehicle communication device comprising:

2. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits a maximum amount of the first data in one transmission opportunity when the communication unit acquires the access right.

3. the communication unit transmits the first data via a second zone control node located in a second zone different from the first zone to which the device belongs; the second zone control node is capable of wireless communication with the communication unit; The vehicle-mounted communication device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit divides the first data into a plurality of divided data when the data amount of the first data is greater than a maximum transmission amount in one transmission opportunity acquired by the communication unit; the communication unit transmits the divided data via the second zone control node. The vehicle-mounted communication device according to claim 3 .

5. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the communication unit controls transmission power or reception power in response to the second zone control node.

6. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the combined information includes at least one of information indicating that an access control delay has occurred and information indicating an amount of delay caused by the access control delay.

7. the first data is data collected in the first zone; 2. The in-vehicle communication device according to claim 1, wherein the combination information includes at least one of information indicating that the first data is combined with the other data collected in a second zone different from the first zone, and information indicating an output timing of combined data obtained by combining the first data and the other data.

8. The vehicle is divided into a plurality of zones, and a transmitting device and a receiving device are included in each of the zones. The transmitting device a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a first zone control node that is located in the zone to which the transmitting device belongs, and transmits first data to the receiving device via the first zone control node; a control unit that adds, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data with other data; Equipped with The receiving device a communication unit that performs wireless communication with a second zone control node that is located in the zone to which the receiving device belongs, and receives the first data from the transmitting device via the second zone control node; a control unit that uses the synthesis information to synthesize the first data and the other data; An in-vehicle communication system comprising:

9. performing wireless communication with a first zone control node disposed in a first zone among a plurality of zones obtained by dividing the interior of a vehicle, and transmitting first data to a receiving device via the first zone control node; adding, to the first data, synthesis information to be used when the receiving device synthesizes the first data with other data; A communication method including:

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