Control system and control method for control system

Abstract

To enable easy-to-use vehicle data (VD) to be transmitted to an external device (39) of a vehicle (V) while suppressing an increase in a communication traffic in the vehicle (V).SOLUTION: A control system (1) includes a first electronic device (38), a second electronic device (2) that receives vehicle data (VD) regarding the vehicle (V) from the first electronic device (38), a communication device (12) that transmits the vehicle data (TD) received by the second electronic device (2) to an external device (39) of the vehicle (V), a determination unit (201) that determines whether to transmit the vehicle data (VD) to the external device (39), and a grant portion (302) that adds the time data (TD) to the vehicle data (VD) to be transmitted to the external device (39) when the determination unit (201) determines to transmit the vehicle data (VD) to the external device (39).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system, and Control system control method law Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transportation systems that take into consideration vulnerable traffic participants have been gaining momentum. To achieve this, efforts are being made in research and development to further improve traffic safety and convenience. As a technology for further improving traffic safety and convenience, a technology in which a vehicle transmits vehicle-related data to an external device has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a data collection device mounted on a vehicle transmits CAN data indicating vehicle information about the vehicle to a vehicle data management device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-138210 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to prevent restrictions on the use of vehicle data in external devices of the vehicle, it is desirable to add time data to the vehicle data. However, if time data is added to all vehicle data, there is a problem that the amount of communication traffic in the vehicle increases. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to transmit easily usable vehicle data to an external device of the vehicle while suppressing an increase in the amount of communication traffic in the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a control system for a vehicle, the control system including: a first electronic device; a second electronic device that receives vehicle data related to the vehicle from the first electronic device; a communication device that transmits the vehicle data received by the second electronic device to an external device of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether to transmit the vehicle data to the external device; and an assignment unit that assigns time data to the vehicle data to be transmitted to the external device when the determination unit determines to transmit the vehicle data to the external device. the first electronic device includes the assigning unit, and the second electronic device includes the determination unit and an instruction unit that instructs the first electronic device to assign the time data when the determination unit determines that the vehicle data should be transmitted to the external device, and the assignment unit assigns the time data to the vehicle data when instructed by the instruction unit. It is a control system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to transmit vehicle data that is easy to use to an external device of the vehicle while suppressing an increase in the amount of communication traffic in the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system for a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the control system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the packed data. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations of the central ECU and the connection ECUs. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central ECU. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the control system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central ECU. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the central ECU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a control system 1 for a vehicle. The control system 1 includes a central ECU 2 that performs overall control and information processing of the vehicle. The central ECU 2 is connected to communication lines including a first communication line 3a and second communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c. The central ECU 2 functions as a gateway that manages the exchange of communication data between these communication lines. The central ECU 2 also performs OTA (Over The Air) management. The OTA management includes control over the process of downloading update programs for on-board devices installed in the vehicle from a server outside the vehicle and the process of applying the downloaded update programs to the on-board devices.

[0009] The first communication line 3a and the second communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c are configured by buses that perform communication in accordance with standards such as CAN or Ethernet (registered trademark), or communication lines that perform P2P (Peer to Peer) communication. Note that the second communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c may be configured by multiple communication lines that perform communication in accordance with the same standard, or may be configured by multiple communication lines that perform communication in accordance with different standards.

[0010] A TCU (Telematics Control Unit) 12 is connected to the first communication line 3a. The TCU 12 is a wireless communication device that complies with the communication standards of a mobile communication system. ECUs are connected to the central ECU 2. Examples of ECUs connected to the central ECU 2 include an ICB, a rear camera, a speaker, a microphone, a meter panel, a steering switch, the TCU 12, a V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication device, a GNSS sensor 14, and a touch panel. The V2X communication device 13 performs vehicle-to-vehicle communication and / or road-to-vehicle communication. The touch panel 15 includes a display 16 and a touch sensor 17.

[0011] The ICB is an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) ECU that provides various information and entertainment to vehicle occupants using a speaker, a microphone, a GNSS sensor 14, a touch panel, and the like.

[0012] The second communication line 4a is connected to the zone A ECU 23. The zone A ECU 23 is connected to a plurality of ECUs.

[0013] The second communication line 4b is connected to the zone B ECU 24. A plurality of ECUs are connected to the zone B ECU 24. Examples of ECUs connected to the zone B ECU 24 include a drive unit, a battery, a steering controller, and a VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) device. The steering controller may include a brake, an accelerator, an EPS (Electric Power Steering), etc. The drive unit is, for example, a motor or an internal combustion engine that drives the vehicle.

[0014] A zone C ECU 29 is connected to the second communication line 4c. A plurality of ECUs are connected to the zone C ECU 29. Examples of ECUs connected to the zone C ECU 29 include a lamp and a window motor. Examples of lamps include headlamps, tail lamps, and turn signals. The window motor opens and closes vehicle windows. Examples of ECUs connected to the zone C ECU 29 include a door sensor, a door lock mechanism, an ESL (Electronic Steering Lock), and an air conditioner. The door sensor detects operation on the vehicle door. The door lock mechanism locks and unlocks the vehicle doors. An example of an ECU connected to the zone C ECU 29 is an LF / RF antenna that wirelessly communicates with the vehicle's electronic key. The electronic key is an electronic device with wireless communication capabilities and is also called a smart key or FOB key.

[0015] The zone A ECU 23, the zone B area ECU 24, and the zone C area ECU 29 are ECUs connected to the central ECU 2. Therefore, in the following description, when the zone A ECU 23, the zone B area ECU 24, and the zone C area ECU 29 are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "connected ECUs" and assigned the reference number "38."

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the control system 1. As shown in FIG. A first communication line 3a and a TCU 12 are connected to the central ECU 2. A GNSS sensor 14 is also connected to the central ECU 2. A connection ECU 38 is also connected to the central ECU 2 via a second communication line 4. The second communication line 4 is an expression that does not distinguish between the second communication lines 4a, 4b, and 4c. An example of the communication standard of the first communication line 3a is Ethernet. An example of the communication standard of the second communication line 4 is CAN. The first communication line 3a has a wider communication bandwidth than the second communication line 4. The central ECU 2 corresponds to the "second electronic device" in this disclosure. The connection ECU 38 corresponds to the "first electronic device" in this disclosure. The TCU 12 corresponds to the "communication device" in this disclosure. The GNSS sensor 14 corresponds to the "output device" in this disclosure.

[0017] The TCU 12 communicates with an external device 39 connected to a communication network NW. The external device 39 is, for example, a server device that uses a vehicle V as a client. The communication network NW is configured with a public line network, a dedicated line, or other communication circuits. The TCU 12 transmits data packs PD generated by the central ECU 2 to the external device 39. Details of the data packs PD will be described later.

[0018] The GNSS sensor 14 transmits time data TD indicating the current time obtained from a GNSS satellite to the central ECU 2 and the connection ECU 38. The GNSS sensor 14 transmits the time data TD periodically (for example, every second).

[0019] The connection ECU 38 includes a second processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a second memory 310, and an interface circuit to which devices such as devices and sensors are connected.

[0020] The second memory 310 is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the second processor 300. The second memory 310 is configured by a semiconductor storage element such as a magnetic storage device or a flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of nonvolatile storage devices. The second memory 310 may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that configures a work area for the second processor 300. The first memory 210 may also include a nonvolatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The second memory 310 stores data processed by the second processor 300 and a second control program 311 executed by the second processor 300.

[0021] The second processor 300 reads and executes the second control program 311 stored in the second memory 310, thereby functioning as a second receiving unit 301, a vehicle data acquiring unit 302, an assigning unit 303, and a second transmitting unit 304. The second receiving unit 301 corresponds to the "receiving unit" in this disclosure.

[0022] The second receiving unit 301 receives the time data TD from the GNSS sensor 14 via the central ECU 2. The second receiving unit 301 also receives instruction information from the central ECU 2, which will be described later.

[0023] The vehicle data acquisition unit 302 acquires vehicle data VD related to the vehicle V having the control system 1. The type of vehicle data VD acquired by the vehicle data acquisition unit 302 varies depending on the connected ECU 38. For example, the vehicle data acquisition unit 302 of the zone C ECU 29 acquires vehicle data VD indicating the operating status of each device connected to the zone C ECU 29.

[0024] The adding unit 303 adds the time data TD received by the second receiving unit 301 to the vehicle data VD acquired by the vehicle data acquiring unit 302. Specifically, the assigning unit 303 generates a vehicle data frame F1 in which the vehicle data VD acquired by the vehicle data acquiring unit 302 is recorded. The vehicle data frame F1 is a frame that complies with the CAN communication standard. The assigning unit 303 also generates a time data frame F2 in which the time data TD received by the second receiving unit 301 is recorded. The time data frame F2 is a frame that complies with the CAN communication standard. The assigning unit 303 links the generated time data frame F2 to the generated vehicle data frame F1. Through this linking process, the assigning unit 303 assigns the time data TD received by the second receiving unit 301 to the vehicle data VD acquired by the vehicle data acquiring unit 302.

[0025] The second transmission unit 304 transmits the vehicle data VD to which the time data TD has been added by the adding unit 303 to the central ECU 2. Specifically, the second transmission unit 304 transmits the vehicle data frame F1 to which the time data frame F2 is linked to the central ECU2.

[0026] The central ECU 2 includes a first processor 200 such as a CPU or an MPU, a first memory 210, and an interface circuit to which devices such as devices and sensors are connected.

[0027] The first memory 210 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the first processor 200. The first memory 210 is configured by a semiconductor storage element such as a magnetic storage device or a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The first memory 210 may also include a RAM that configures a work area for the first processor 200. The first memory 210 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The first memory 210 stores data processed by the first processor 200 and a first control program 211 executed by the first processor 200.

[0028] The first processor 200 functions as a determination unit 201, an instruction unit 202, a generation unit 203, a first reception unit 204, and a first transmission unit 205 by reading and executing a first control program 211 stored in a first memory 210.

[0029] The determination unit 201 determines whether or not to transmit the vehicle data VD to the external device 39. When the external device 39 requests the vehicle V to transmit the vehicle data VD, the determination unit 201 determines to add time data TD to the vehicle data VD.

[0030] When the determination unit 201 determines that the vehicle data VD should be transmitted to the external device 39, the instruction unit 202 instructs the connection ECU 38 to add time data TD to the vehicle data VD. Specifically, when the determination unit 201 determines that the vehicle data VD should be transmitted to the external device 39, the instruction unit 202 transmits instruction information to the connection ECU 38. The instruction information is information instructing the connection ECU 38 to add time data TD to the vehicle data VD.

[0031] The generation unit 203 generates a data pack PD. The data pack PD is data obtained by packing one or more pieces of vehicle data VD and time data TD. The data pack PD will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the data pack PD. The data packing PD of this embodiment has a header and a payload that comply with the Ethernet standard. The header of the data packing PD includes an Ethernet header, an IP header, and a UDP header. One or more combinations of a vehicle data frame F1 and a time data frame F2 are recorded in the payload of the data packing PD.

[0033] The vehicle data frame F1 has a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) header and a payload in which vehicle data VD is recorded. The time data frame F2 has a PDU header and a payload in which time data TD is recorded. The vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 are linked by a value recorded in the PDU header.

[0034] The generating unit 203 generates the data packing PD by recording the vehicle data frame F1 associated with the time data frame F1 in the payload of the data packing PD. Note that, in this embodiment, the frame that the generating unit 203 records in the data packing PD is a frame that the first receiving unit 204 received from the connected ECU 38.

[0035] The first receiver 204 receives the time data TD from the GNSS sensor 14. The first receiver 204 also receives from the connection ECU 38 a combination of the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2.

[0036] The first transmitting unit 205 transmits the data packing PD generated by the generating unit 203 to the TCU 12. The TCU 12 transmits the data packing PD received from the central ECU 2 to the external device 39. The first transmitting unit 205 transmits the time data TD received by the first receiving unit 204 to the connected ECU 38.

[0037] Next, the operation of each part of the control system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operations of the central ECU 2 and the connection ECU 38. In FIG. 4, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the central ECU 2, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the connection ECU .

[0038] As shown in the flowchart FA, the determination unit 201 determines whether or not to transmit the vehicle data VD to the external device 39 (step SA1). If the determination unit 201 determines not to transmit the vehicle data VD to the external device 39 (step SA1: NO), the determination unit 201 performs the determination of step SA1 again.

[0039] On the other hand, if the determination unit 201 determines that the vehicle data VD should be transmitted to the external device 39 (step SA1: YES), the instruction unit 202 transmits instruction information to the connection ECU 38 (step SA2).

[0040] As shown in the flowchart FB, the second receiving unit 301 receives instruction information from the connection ECU 38 (step SB1).

[0041] Next, the assigning unit 303 starts assigning the time data TD to the vehicle data VD (step SB2).

[0042] After step SB2, the connection ECU 38 transmits the vehicle data VD, to which the time data TD has been added, to the central ECU 2 every time the vehicle data acquisition unit 302 acquires the vehicle data VD.

[0043] Next, the operation of the central ECU 2 related to the data packing PD after the time data TD has been added will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart FC showing the operation of the central ECU 2.

[0044] The first receiving unit 204 determines whether or not a combination of the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 has been received from the connected ECU 38 (step SC1). That is, in step SC1, the first receiving unit 204 determines whether or not the vehicle data VD to which the time data TD has been added has been received from the connected ECU 38.

[0045] If the first receiver 204 determines that the combination of the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 has not been received (step SC1: NO), the first processor 200 performs the process of step SC3.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined that the combination of the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 has been received (step SC1: YES), the first receiving unit 204 records the received combination in the first memory 210 (step SC2).

[0047] Next, the generating unit 203 determines whether to generate a data pack PD (step SC3). For example, when the first receiving unit 204 receives a predetermined number of vehicle data VD, the generating unit 203 determines to generate a data pack PD.

[0048] If the generating unit 203 determines not to generate a data pack PD (step SC2: NO), the first processor 200 returns the process to step SC1.

[0049] On the other hand, when determining to generate a data pack PD (step SC3: YES), the generating unit 203 generates the data pack PD (step SC4). The payload of the data pack PD generated in step SC4 includes one or more combinations of the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 recorded in step SC2.

[0050] Next, the first transmission unit 205 transmits the data pack PD generated by the generation unit 203 to the TCU 12 (step SC5).

[0051] As described above, the data packing PD is packed with time data TD. In this way, by including the time data TD in the data packing PD, when events occurring in each of the connection ECUs 38 connected to the central ECU 2 (such as detection of a failure in the connection ECU 38, detection of the driver's driving state, frequency and duration of use of content used in the ICB, and fluctuations in vehicle position and vehicle speed) are used as vehicle data VD, the data of these events can be made more usable.

[0052] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the control system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0053] In this embodiment, the central ECU 2 corresponds to the "second electronic device" and the "electronic device" in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the first processor 200 corresponds to the "processor" in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the first control program 211 corresponds to the "program" in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the first memory 210 corresponds to the "storage unit" in this disclosure.

[0054] The GNSS sensor 14 of this embodiment outputs the time data TD to the central ECU 2.

[0055] The second processor 300 of this embodiment reads and executes the second control program 311, thereby functioning as the vehicle data acquisition unit 302 and the second transmission unit 304. In other words, the second processor 300 of this embodiment does not function as the second reception unit 301 or the assignment unit 303.

[0056] The second transmission unit 304 of this embodiment transmits the vehicle data VD acquired by the vehicle data acquisition unit 302 to the central ECU 2. Specifically, the second transmission unit 304 generates a vehicle data frame F1 in which the vehicle data VD acquired by the vehicle data acquisition unit 302 is recorded, and transmits the generated vehicle data frame F1 to the central ECU2.

[0057] The first processor 200 of this embodiment functions as a judgment unit 201, an assignment unit 206, a generation unit 203, a first receiving unit 204, and a first transmission unit 205 by reading and executing the first control program 211 stored in the first memory 210.

[0058] The assigning unit 206 receives the vehicle data VD from the connection ECU 38, and assigns the time data TD received by the first receiving unit 204 to the received vehicle data VD. Specifically, the attachment unit 206 generates a time data frame F2 in which the time data TD received by the first receiving unit 204 is recorded, and links the generated time data frame F2 to the vehicle data frame F1 received from the connected ECU 38.

[0059] After linking the vehicle data frame F1 with the time data frame F2, the attachment unit 206 records the vehicle data frame F1 linked with the time data frame F2 in the first memory 210.

[0060] The generating unit 203 of this embodiment generates data packing PD by recording the vehicle data frame F1 linked to the time data frame F1 in the payload of the data packing PD. Note that the frames recorded in the data packing PD by the generating unit 203 of this embodiment are frames linked by the adding unit 206.

[0061] The first receiving unit 204 of this embodiment receives the time data TD from the GNSS sensor 14. The first receiving unit 204 of this embodiment also receives the vehicle data frame F1 from the connection ECU .

[0062] Next, the operation of each part of the control system 1 in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart FD showing the operation of the central ECU 2.

[0063] As shown in the flowchart FA, the determination unit 201 determines whether or not to transmit the vehicle data VD to the external device 39 (step SD1). If the determination unit 201 determines not to transmit the vehicle data VD to the external device 39 (step SD1: NO), the determination unit 201 performs the determination of step SA1 again.

[0064] On the other hand, if the determination unit 201 determines that the vehicle data VD should be transmitted to the external device 39 (step SD1: YES), the attachment unit 206 starts attaching the time data TD to the vehicle data VD (step SD2).

[0065] After step SD2, the central ECU 2 assigns the time data TD to the vehicle data TD received from the connection ECU 38. That is, after step SD2, the central ECU 2 associates the vehicle data frame F1 received from the connection ECU 38 with the time data frame F2.

[0066] Next, the operation of the central ECU 2 related to the data packing PD after the time data TD has been added will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart FE showing the operation of the central ECU 2.

[0067] As shown in the flowchart FD, the first receiving unit 204 determines whether or not the vehicle data frame F1 has been received from the connection ECU 38 (step SE1). That is, in step SE1, the first receiving unit 204 determines whether or not the vehicle data VD has been received from the connection ECU 38.

[0068] If the first receiver 204 determines that the vehicle data frame F1 has not been received from the connection ECU 38 (step SE1: NO), the first receiver 204 performs the determination in step SE3 again.

[0069] On the other hand, if the first receiving unit 204 determines that the vehicle data frame F1 has been received from the connected ECU 38 (step SE3: YES), the assigning unit 206 links the vehicle data frame F1 received from the connected ECU 38 to a time data frame F2 in which time data TD indicating the time at which the vehicle data frame F1 was received is recorded, and records them in the first memory 210 (step SE2).

[0070] Next, the generating unit 203 determines whether to generate a data pack PD (step SE3). If the generating unit 203 determines not to generate a data pack PD (step SE3: NO), the first processor 200 returns the process to step SE1.

[0071] On the other hand, when the generating unit 203 determines to generate the data packing PD (step SE3: YES), the generating unit 203 generates the data packing PD (step SE4). In step SE4, the generating unit 203 generates the data packing PD in which the combinations of the vehicle data frames F1 and the time data frames F2 recorded in the first memory 210 until the affirmative determination is made in step SE3 are recorded.

[0072] Next, the first transmission unit 205 transmits the data pack PD generated by the generation unit 203 to the TCU 12 (step E5).

[0073] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and can be modified and applied as desired.

[0074] In each of the above-described embodiments, one data packing PD includes a vehicle data frame F1 and a time data frame F2. In other embodiments, two types of data packing PD may be generated: a data packing PD including only the vehicle data frame F1, and a data packing PD including only the time data frame F2, and these two types of data packing PD may be transmitted to the external device 39 consecutively.

[0075] In the first embodiment described above, when the instruction unit 202 instructs the connection ECU 38, the connection ECU 38 assigns the time data TD to the vehicle data VD. In this configuration, after the connection ECU 38 transmits the vehicle data VD to the central ECU 2, the instruction unit 202 may instruct the connection ECU 38 to assign the time data TD. Therefore, in the above case, the assigning unit 303 in another embodiment assigns the first time data TD corresponding to the first vehicle data VD transmitted to the central ECU 2 to the second vehicle data VD that is transmitted to the central ECU 2 after the first vehicle data VD. Then, the second transmitting unit 304 transmits the second vehicle data VD with the first time data TD assigned to it to the central ECU 2. If there is vehicle data VD to be transmitted following the second vehicle data VD, the connection ECU 38 assigns the (N-1)th time data TD corresponding to the (N-1)th vehicle data VD to the Nth vehicle data VD and transmits the Nth vehicle data VD to the central ECU 2. Here, N is an integer greater than or equal to 3. According to this other embodiment, even if the connection ECU 38 transmits vehicle data VD to the central ECU 2 without adding time data TD, the control system 1 can transmit time data TD corresponding to the already transmitted vehicle data VD to the central ECU 2. Therefore, even if the connection ECU 38 transmits vehicle data VD to the central ECU 2 without adding time data TD, the central ECU 2 can receive time data TD corresponding to the already received vehicle data VD. Therefore, even if the connection ECU 38 transmits vehicle data VD to the central ECU 2 without adding time data TD, the control system 1 can transmit data that is easy to use to the external device 39.

[0076] In each of the above-described embodiments, the central ECU 2 generates the data packing PD. However, the data packing PD may be generated by the TCU 12. In this configuration, the central ECU 2 and the TCU 12 communicate in accordance with the CAN standard. In a first embodiment with this configuration, the central ECU 2 transmits the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 received from the connection ECU 38 to the TCU 12. In a second embodiment with this configuration, the central ECU 2 transmits the vehicle data frame F1 and the time data frame F2 to the TCU 12. In the second embodiment with this configuration, the central ECU 2 may also assign time data TD, which indicates the time when the vehicle data frame F1 is transmitted, to the vehicle data VD. This eliminates the need to store the time data TD in the first memory 210, thereby avoiding unnecessary use of the storage area of ​​the first memory 210.

[0077] In another embodiment, the type of vehicle data VD to be transmitted to the external device 39 may be specified by the external device 39. In this configuration, the control system 1 assigns time data TD to the vehicle data VD specified by the external device 39, and transmits the type of vehicle data VD specified by the external device 39 to the external device 39.

[0078] In the above-described embodiments, the GNSS sensor 14 is exemplified as the "output device" of the present disclosure. However, in other embodiments, the "output device" of the present disclosure may be a device other than the GNSS sensor 14. An example of a device other than the GNSS sensor 14 is a device with a built-in quartz oscillator.

[0079] The first processor 200 and the second processor 300 may be configured with multiple processors or may be configured with a single processor. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the above-mentioned processor functions. In this case, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0080] Furthermore, each unit of the control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is of course possible to configure the functions of each unit to be realized by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configuration of each unit of the control system 1 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Furthermore, the step units of the operations shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8 are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing units may be divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] The first control program 211 can also be realized in a state in which the first control program 211 is recorded on a portable information recording medium. Examples of information recording media include magnetic recording media such as hard disks, optical recording media such as CDs, and semiconductor storage devices such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories and SSDs (Solid State Drives), but other recording media can also be used. Like the first control program 211, the second control program 311 can also be realized in a state in which the second control program 311 is recorded on a portable information recording medium.

[0083] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0084] (Configuration 1) A control system possessed by a vehicle, the control system comprising: a first electronic device; a second electronic device that receives vehicle data related to the vehicle from the first electronic device; a communication device that transmits the vehicle data received by the second electronic device to an external device of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether to transmit the vehicle data to the external device; and an assignment unit that assigns time data to the vehicle data to be transmitted to the external device when the determination unit determines to transmit the vehicle data to the external device. According to the control system of configuration 1, time data is not assigned to all vehicle data, so that vehicle data that can be easily utilized by external devices of the vehicle can be transmitted to external devices of the vehicle while suppressing an increase in communication traffic in the vehicle.

[0085] (Configuration 2) The control system according to configuration 1 further includes an output device that periodically outputs the time data, the first electronic device includes a receiving unit that receives the time data from the output device, and the assigning unit, and the assigning unit assigns the time data received by the receiving unit to the vehicle data. According to the control system of configuration 2, the output device periodically outputs the time data, so the first electronic device does not need to perform processing to request the time data from the output device. This reduces the processing load involved in adding the time data, and further suppresses an increase in communication traffic in the vehicle.

[0086] (Configuration 3) The second electronic device includes the determination unit and an instruction unit that instructs the first electronic device to add the time data when the determination unit determines that the vehicle data should be transmitted to the external device, and the addition unit adds the time data to the vehicle data when instructed by the instruction unit. According to the control system of configuration 3, the first electronic device adds time data when an instruction is received from the second electronic device, so that an increase in the amount of communication traffic in the vehicle can be further suppressed.

[0087] (Configuration 4) The control system of configuration 3, wherein when the instruction unit issues an instruction to the first electronic device to assign first time data corresponding to the first vehicle data after the first vehicle data is transmitted to the second electronic device, the assignment unit assigns the first time data to second vehicle data to be transmitted to the second electronic device next to the first vehicle data. According to the control system of configuration 4, even if the first electronic device transmits vehicle data to the second electronic device without adding time data, the second electronic device can receive time data corresponding to the already received vehicle data. Therefore, even if the first electronic device transmits vehicle data to the second electronic device without adding time data, the control system can transmit data that the external device can easily use to the external device.

[0088] (Configuration 5) 2. The control system according to configuration 1, wherein the second electronic device includes the determination unit and the assignment unit. According to the control system of configuration 5, it is possible to transmit easily usable vehicle data to an external device of the vehicle while suppressing an increase in communication traffic in the vehicle through processing by the second electronic device.

[0089] (Configuration 6) The control system of configuration 5, wherein the second electronic device includes a memory unit that stores the time data indicating the time at which the vehicle data was received from the first electronic device, and the assigning unit assigns the time data stored in the memory unit to the vehicle data. According to the control system of configuration 6, by storing time data, vehicle data with appropriate time data can be transmitted to an external device even if the timing of receiving the vehicle data and the timing of transmitting the vehicle data to an external device are far apart.

[0090] (Configuration 7) 6. The control system according to configuration 5, wherein the adding unit adds the time data when transmitting the vehicle data to the communication device. According to the control system of configuration 7, it is possible to add time data to vehicle data while avoiding unnecessary use of the storage area of ​​the second electronic device.

[0091] (Configuration 8) A control system according to any one of configurations 5 to 7, wherein a first communication line through which the second electronic device and the communication device communicate has a wider communication bandwidth than a second communication line through which the first electronic device and the second electronic device communicate. According to the control system of configuration 8, although the amount of communication traffic increases due to the addition of time data, the communication bandwidth between the first electronic device and the communication device is wider than the communication bandwidth between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, so that the impact on vehicle communication can be suppressed.

[0092] (Configuration 9) A control method for a control system that is included in a vehicle and includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device that receives vehicle data related to the vehicle from the first electronic device, and a communication device that transmits the vehicle data received by the second electronic device to an external device of the vehicle, the control method determining whether to transmit the vehicle data to the external device, and if it is determined that the vehicle data should be transmitted to the external device, adding time data to the vehicle data to be transmitted to the external device. According to the control method of the control system of the ninth aspect, the same effects as those of the control system of the first aspect can be achieved.

[0093] (Configuration 10) An electronic device provided in a vehicle that communicates with an external device, the electronic device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not to transmit vehicle data related to the vehicle to the external device; and an assignment unit that assigns time data to the vehicle data to be transmitted to the external device when the determination unit determines that the vehicle data should be transmitted to the external device. The electronic device of the tenth aspect provides the same effects as the control system of the first aspect.

[0094] (Configuration 11) A program that causes a processor of an electronic device possessed by a vehicle that communicates with an external device to function as a determination unit that determines whether or not to send vehicle data related to the vehicle to the external device, and as an assignment unit that assigns time data to the vehicle data to be sent to the external device when the determination unit determines that the vehicle data should be sent to the external device. According to the program of the eleventh aspect, the same effect as that of the control system of the first aspect can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...control system, 2...central ECU (second electronic device, electronic device), 3a...first communication line, 4...second communication line, 4a...second communication line, 4b...second communication line, 4c...second communication line, 12...TCU (communication device), 14...GNSS sensor (output device), 23...zone A (first electronic device), 24...zone B ECU (first electronic device), 29...zone C ECU (first electronic device), 38...connection ECU (first electronic device), 39...external device, 200...first processor (processor), 201...determination unit, 202...instruction unit, 203...generation unit, 204...first receiving unit, 205...first transmitting unit, 206...assignment unit, 210...first memory (storage unit), 211...first control program (program), 300...second processor, 301...second receiving unit, 302...vehicle data acquisition unit, 303...assignment unit, 304...second transmitting unit, 310...second memory, 311...second control program, TD...time data, V...vehicle, VD...vehicle data.

Claims

1. A control system of a vehicle, a first electronic device; a second electronic device that receives vehicle data related to the vehicle from the first electronic device; a communication device that transmits the vehicle data received by the second electronic device to an external device of the vehicle; a determination unit that determines whether or not to transmit the vehicle data to the external device; an assigning unit that assigns time data to the vehicle data to be transmitted to the external device when the determining unit determines that the vehicle data should be transmitted to the external device; the first electronic device includes the providing unit, the second electronic device includes the determination unit and an instruction unit that instructs the first electronic device to add the time data when the determination unit determines that the vehicle data should be transmitted to the external device; the assigning unit assigns the time data to the vehicle data when instructed by the instruction unit. Control system.

2. an output device that periodically outputs the time data; the first electronic device includes a receiving unit that receives the time data from the output device; the assigning unit assigns the time data received by the receiving unit to the vehicle data. The control system of claim 1 .

3. The granting unit when an instruction to assign the first time data corresponding to the first vehicle data is received from the instruction unit to the first electronic device after the first vehicle data is transmitted to the second electronic device, the first time data is assigned to the second vehicle data to be transmitted to the second electronic device after the first vehicle data; 3. A control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A control method for a control system provided in a vehicle, the control system including: a first electronic device; a second electronic device that receives vehicle data related to the vehicle from the first electronic device; and a communication device that transmits the vehicle data received by the second electronic device to an external device of the vehicle, the method comprising: The second electronic device is determining whether to transmit the vehicle data to the external device; instructing the first electronic device to add time data when it is determined that the vehicle data is to be transmitted to the external device; The first electronic device is When instructed by the second electronic device, the time data is added to the vehicle data to be transmitted to the external device. Control methods for control systems.

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