Control device, control program, control method

Abstract

To provide a management device that is able to restrict power consumption by an electronic control device in a standby state in a network system of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A management device 10 is applied to a network system 100 mounted in a vehicle provided with a plurality of electronic control devices. When a state of the vehicle is a first state, the management device 10 supplies electric power to an electronic control device included in a first group 51 among the plurality of electronic control devices, but supplies no electric power to an electronic control device not included in the first group 51; and when the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, the management device 10 supplies electric power to an electronic control device included in a second group different from the first group 51 among the plurality of electronic control devices, but supplies no electric power to an electronic control device not included in the second group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a management device, a control program, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle network system that is a vehicle network system. This in-vehicle network system includes a plurality of electronic control units that execute processing while communicating with each other to realize a specific function, and a management device that activates each electronic control unit. The management device activates the electronic control unit by requesting activation using communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an in-vehicle network system as described in Patent Document 1, the management device realizes a specific function by supplying power to a plurality of electronic control units. However, the more the number of electronic control units to which power is supplied, the greater the power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Hereinafter, the means for solving the above problems and their effects will be described. The management device for solving the above problems is a management device for a network system of a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic control devices. When the state of the vehicle is a first state, the management device supplies power to the electronic control devices included in a first group, which is one of the groups containing one or more of the electronic control devices. On the other hand, when the state of the vehicle is a first state, the management device does not supply power to the electronic control devices not included in the first group, which are among the multiple electronic control devices. When the state of the vehicle is a second state, which is different from the first state, the management device supplies power to the electronic control devices included in a second group, which is different from the first group, which are among the multiple electronic control devices. On the other hand, when the state of the vehicle is a second state, the management device does not supply power to the electronic control devices not included in the second group, which are among the multiple electronic control devices.

[0006] A control program for solving the above problems is stored in the storage device of a management device in a network system of a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic control devices. The control program causes the management device to supply power to the electronic control devices included in a first group, which is one of the groups of the multiple electronic control devices that includes one or more electronic control devices, when the state of the vehicle is a first state. On the other hand, the control program causes the management device not to supply power to the electronic control devices included in the multiple electronic control devices that are not included in the first group, when the state of the vehicle is a first state. The control program causes the management device to supply power to the electronic control devices included in a second group, which is different from the first group, when the state of the vehicle is a second state, when the state of the vehicle is a second state. On the other hand, the control program causes the management device not to supply power through to the electronic control devices included in the multiple electronic control devices that are not included in the second group, when the state of the vehicle is a second state.

[0007] A control method for solving the above problems is a control method for controlling a network system of a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic control devices. This control method includes a first step in which, when the state of the vehicle is a first state, a management device in the network system supplies power to the electronic control devices included in a first group, which is one of the groups containing one or more of the electronic control devices, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices not included in the first group. Furthermore, this control method includes a second step in which, when the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, the management device supplies power to the electronic control devices included in a second group, which is different from the first group, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices not included in the second group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The management device, control program, and control method can suppress power consumption by electronic control devices in standby mode, which are in a state where power is supplied to the vehicle's network system but operation is stopped to reduce power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle network system including a management device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a table showing the relationship between the electronic control unit, which is powered according to the vehicle's state, the group, and the cluster in the in-vehicle network system of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a Venn diagram showing the relationship between groups, clusters, and electronic control devices in the in-vehicle network system of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to power supply to the electronic control unit performed by the management device. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the startup of electronic control devices within a group, as performed by the management device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the transition of electronic control devices within a group to a standby state, as performed by the management device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the control device activates the electronic control unit in the first example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the control device activates the electronic control unit in the second example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the control device activates the electronic control unit in the third example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the control device supplies power to the electronic control device in the fourth example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to power supply to the electronic control unit performed by the management device in the modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow for the operational electronic control unit that the change management device executes when the vehicle state changes. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a table showing the relationship between the electronic control unit, which is powered according to the vehicle's state, the group, and the cluster in the in-vehicle network system of the modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] An embodiment of the control device will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. <Configuration of the in-vehicle network system 100> As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle's network system, the in-vehicle network system 100, comprises a management device 10 and multiple electronic control units (ECUs). Hereafter, the electronic control units may be referred to as ECUs in the drawings.

[0011] The management device 10 includes a processing device 11 and a storage device 12. A program is stored in the storage device 12. The program stored in the storage device 12 includes a control program related to power supply and startup of a plurality of electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100. The processing device 11 executes various processes by executing the program stored in the storage device 12. The processing device 11 includes a processor.

[0012] The states of the electronic control unit include a standby state in which no power is supplied, a standby state in which power is supplied but the operation is stopped to reduce power consumption, and an operating state in which power is supplied and processing can be executed.

[0013] The in-vehicle network system 100 includes, as electronic control units, a first ECU 21, a second ECU 22, a third ECU 23, a fourth ECU 24, a fifth ECU 25, and a sixth ECU 26.

[0014] As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, the management device 10 is connected to a plurality of electronic control units through power lines. The management device 10 is connected to the first ECU 21 through the first power line 41. The management device 10 is connected to the second ECU 22 through the second power line 42. The management device 10 is connected to the third ECU 23 through the third power line 43. The management device 10 is connected to the fourth ECU 24 through the fourth power line 44. The management device 10 is connected to the fifth ECU 25 through the fifth power line 45. The management device 10 is connected to the sixth ECU 26 through the sixth power line 46.

[0015] The management device 10 is supplied with power from a power source. The management device 10 supplies the power supplied from the power source to the electronic control device through a power line. The management device 10 supplies power to the first ECU 21 through the first power line 41. The management device 10 supplies power to the second ECU 22 through the second power line 42. The management device 10 supplies power to the third ECU 23 through the third power line 43. The management device 10 supplies power to the fourth ECU 24 through the fourth power line 44. The management device 10 supplies power to the fifth ECU 25 through the fifth power line 45. The management device 10 supplies power to the sixth ECU 26 through the sixth power line 46.

[0016] The management device 10 includes a first relay unit 13, a second relay unit 14, and a third relay unit 15. The first relay unit 13 is connected to the first power line 41 and the second power line 42. The first relay unit 13 controls whether to supply power to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22. When the relay of the first relay unit 13 connected to the first power line 41 is in the closed state, power is supplied to the first ECU 21 through the first power line 41. When the relay of the first relay unit 13 connected to the second power line 42 is in the closed state, power is supplied to the second ECU 22 through the second power line 42.

[0017] The second relay unit 14 is connected to the third power line 43 and the fourth power line 44. The second relay unit 14 controls whether to supply power to the third ECU 23 and the fourth ECU 24. When the relay of the second relay unit 14 connected to the third power line 43 is in the closed state, power is supplied to the third ECU 23 through the third power line 43. When the relay of the second relay unit 14 connected to the fourth power line 44 is in the closed state, power is supplied to the fourth ECU 24 through the fourth power line 44.

[0018] The third relay unit 15 is connected to the fifth power line 45 and the sixth power line 46. The third relay unit 15 controls whether or not to supply power to the fifth ECU 25 and the sixth ECU 26. When the third relay unit 15 closes the relay connected to the fifth power line 45, power is supplied to the fifth ECU 25 through the fifth power line 45. When the third relay unit 15 closes the relay connected to the sixth power line 46, power is supplied to the sixth ECU 26 through the sixth power line 46.

[0019] In this way, the control device 10 can supply power to a specific electronic control unit. The electronic control unit that receives power transitions from a dormant state to a standby state. The control device 10 is connected to multiple electronic control devices via communication lines. The control device 10 is connected to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 via the first communication line 31. The control device 10 is connected to the third ECU 23 and the fourth ECU 24 via the second communication line 32. The control device 10 is connected to the fifth ECU 25 and the sixth ECU 26 via the third communication line 33.

[0020] The management device 10 transmits a message via the communication line that includes a signal requesting activation and identification information of the electronic control unit to which the signal is intended. Specifically, the management device 10 transmits messages to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 via the first communication line 31. The management device 10 transmits messages to the third ECU 23 and the fourth ECU 24 via the second communication line 32. The management device 10 transmits messages to the fifth ECU 25 and the sixth ECU 26 via the third communication line 33.

[0021] When an electronic control unit is in standby mode, it can receive messages from the management device 10. Upon receiving a message from the management device 10, the electronic control unit checks the destination information contained in the received message. If the electronic control unit determines that the message is addressed to it, it activates according to the received signal. In other words, an electronic control unit in standby mode transitions from standby to operational mode when it receives a message addressed to it. On the other hand, if the electronic control unit determines that the message is not addressed to it, it ignores the received signal. In this way, the management device 10 activates only specific electronic control units by sending messages over the communication line.

[0022] Once an electronic control unit enters an operational state, it communicates with other electronic control units that have also entered an operational state, and each unit performs processing to realize a specific function. By realizing a specific function, the electronic control unit enables the vehicle to provide that function to the user.

[0023] While performing a specific function, the electronic control unit periodically sends signals to the management device 10 via the communication line requesting continued operation. The electronic control unit then stops sending signals requesting continued operation when the vehicle has finished providing its function.

[0024] While the management device 10 receives a signal from the electronic control unit requesting continued operation, it transmits a message containing a signal requesting activation to the operating electronic control unit via the communication line. When the management device 10 stops receiving a signal from the electronic control unit requesting continued operation, it stops transmitting messages.

[0025] The electronic control unit, activated by the management device 10, continues to operate for a certain period of time each time it receives a message addressed to it from the management device 10 via the communication line, which includes a signal requesting it to start up. If the electronic control unit does not receive a message addressed to it from the management device 10 via the communication line, which includes a signal requesting it to start up, it performs a transition process to stop operation and move into a standby state.

[0026] During the migration process, the electronic control unit stores data into memory. While the migration process is running, the electronic control unit transmits a signal to the management device 10 indicating that the migration process is in progress. This allows the management device 10 to be aware of which electronic control unit is performing the migration process.

[0027] <Combination of electronic control devices that the management device 10 uses for power supply and startup> As mentioned above, the management device 10 can supply power to specific electronic control devices through the power line. The management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control devices included in the group corresponding to the vehicle's state, depending on the vehicle's state. A group is a combination of electronic control devices to which the management device 10 supplies power according to the vehicle's state. Note that there may be vehicle states in which no group to supply power exists.

[0028] Figure 2 is a table showing the relationship between the electronic control unit, which is powered according to the vehicle's state, the group, and the cluster. As shown in Figure 2, when the management device 10 determines that the vehicle is stationary and charging, it supplies power to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the fourth ECU 24, and the sixth ECU 26. Hereafter, the state in which the vehicle is stationary and charging will be referred to as the first state. Also, hereafter, the group to which the management device 10 supplies power when it determines that the vehicle is in the first state will be referred to as the first group 51.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, when the management device 10 determines that the vehicle is stationary and not charging, it supplies power to the first ECU 21, the third ECU 23, the fifth ECU 25, and the sixth ECU 26. Hereafter, the state in which the vehicle is stationary and not charging will be referred to as the second state. Also, hereafter, the group to which the management device 10 supplies power when it determines that the vehicle is in the second state will be referred to as the second group 52.

[0030] As mentioned earlier, electronic control units perform specific functions while communicating with other electronic control units. Each group consists of clusters of electronic control units that need to be operational for the vehicle to provide a specific function. In other words, the electronic control units included in a group form clusters according to the function they perform.

[0031] The management device 10 is requested by other devices to perform specific functions. For example, the management device 10 receives a signal from an electronic control unit, which is connected to it via communication and capable of detecting user operations, requesting that the vehicle provide a specific function. Depending on the function provided by the vehicle, the management device 10 activates an electronic control unit included in the cluster that performs that function, from among the electronic control units included in the group.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the first group 51, the first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26 constitute the first cluster 61. The first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26 can communicate with each other to realize specific functions in the first group 51. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the first group 51, the second ECU 22 and the fourth ECU 24 constitute the second cluster 62. Similarly, the second ECU 22 and the fourth ECU 24 can communicate with each other to realize functions in the first group 51 that are different from those of the first cluster 61.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the first ECU 21 is connected to the first communication line 31. The sixth ECU 26 is connected to the third communication line 33. In other words, the first cluster 61 is composed of ECUs connected to different communication lines. Thus, a cluster may be composed of ECUs connected to different communication lines. Alternatively, a cluster may be composed of ECUs connected to the same communication line.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the second group 52, the first ECU 21 and the third ECU 23 constitute the third cluster 63. The first ECU 21 and the third ECU 23 can communicate with each other to realize specific functions in the second group 52. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the second group 52, the fifth ECU 25 and the sixth ECU 26 constitute the fourth cluster 64. Similarly, the fifth ECU 25 and the sixth ECU 26 can communicate with each other to realize functions in the second group 52 that are different from those of the fourth cluster 64.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26 are included in both the first group 51 and the second group 52. Thus, some electronic control units belong to multiple groups. Furthermore, some electronic control units may belong to multiple clusters within the same group.

[0036] The clusters within a group implement specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the state of the vehicle to which the group corresponds. In other words, a group is composed of clusters that correspond to specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the state of the vehicle to which the group corresponds.

[0037] The management device 10 activates electronic control units for each cluster according to the functions provided within the same group. On the other hand, the management device 10 does not activate clusters that are not included in the group corresponding to the vehicle's state. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the vehicle's state is the first state, the management device 10 does not activate the electronic control units included in the fourth cluster 64.

[0038] <Processing flow related to power supply to the electronic control unit executed by the processing unit 11> Figure 4 shows the sequence of operations when the management device 10 supplies power to a group of electronic control units. This sequence of operations is performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10, which performs operations according to the control program stored in the storage device 12.

[0039] This series of processes is executed when the management device 10 detects that the vehicle's state has changed to a different state. Specifically, if the management device 10 detects that a user has inserted a charging plug into the vehicle while it is stopped, it detects that the vehicle's state has changed from being stopped and not charging to being stopped and charging.

[0040] In step S10, the processing unit 11 identifies the vehicle's status. Specifically, the management device 10 determines the vehicle's status by determining whether the vehicle is stopped, whether a charging plug is inserted into the vehicle, and so on.

[0041] The management device 10 may include information such as whether a user is inside the vehicle in the vehicle status. The management device 10 may also include a state in the vehicle status that is determined by whether a specified amount of time has elapsed since the user operated the vehicle.

[0042] In the next step, S11, the processing unit 11 identifies the group to be powered. The storage device 12 stores data linking the vehicle status, group, and cluster, as shown in Figure 2. Based on the data stored in the storage device 12, the processing unit 11 identifies the group corresponding to the vehicle status as the group to be powered.

[0043] In the next step, S12, the processing unit 11 determines whether there are any electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100 that are in a standby or operational state. Among the multiple electronic control units, those included in the group corresponding to the state before the vehicle state transition are in a standby or operational state according to the management device 10.

[0044] In step S12, if the processing unit 11 determines that there is an electronic control unit in the in-vehicle network system 100 that is in a standby or operational state (step S12: YES), it proceeds to step S13.

[0045] In step S13, the processing unit 11 stops supplying power to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit whose power supply is stopped by the processing unit 11 is one that is included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state before the transition and not included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state after the transition. The electronic control unit whose power supply is stopped goes from a standby state or an operating state to a dormant state. Having completed the processing in step S13, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S14.

[0046] In step S12, if the processing unit 11 determines that there are no electronic control units in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S12: NO), it proceeds to step S14. In other words, if the processing unit 11 determines that there are no electronic control units in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100, it skips step S13. One possible scenario in which there are no electronic control units in standby or operational mode in the in-vehicle network system 100 is when, in the state prior to the transition of the vehicle state, there are no groups to be powered.

[0047] In step S14, the processing unit 11 supplies power to the electronic control unit through the power line. The electronic control unit to which the processing unit 11 supplies power at this time is the electronic control unit included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state, which was identified in step S11. In step S13, the power supply has not been stopped to the electronic control unit included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state after the transition. Therefore, in step S14, the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control unit included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state after the transition, from among the multiple electronic control units whose power supply has been stopped. If there is no group corresponding to the vehicle state after the transition, the processing unit 11 does not supply power to the electronic control unit. Having supplied power to the electronic control unit in this manner, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0048] <Process flow related to the startup of the electronic control unit executed by the processing unit 11> Figure 5 shows the sequence of events when the management device 10 starts up an electronic control unit included in a group that has been powered in the sequence of events shown in Figure 4. This sequence of events is performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 performing operations according to a control program stored in the storage device 12. This sequence of events is performed when the management device 10 receives a request from another device to realize a specific function.

[0049] In step S20, the processing unit 11 identifies a cluster to be started from among the clusters included in the group that are in a standby state. At this time, the processing unit 11 identifies a cluster that implements a specific function requested by another device as the cluster to be started.

[0050] In the next step, S21, the processing unit 11 starts up all the electronic control units included in the cluster identified in step S20. At this time, the processing unit 11 sends a message to the electronic control units to be started via the communication line. The multiple electronic control units that have received the message and started up communicate with each other and each execute their respective processes to realize a specific function.

[0051] The processing unit 11, which activated the electronic control unit, terminates this series of processes. <Processing flow related to the transition of the electronic control unit to the standby state, executed by the processing unit 11> Figure 6 shows the sequence of steps taken by the management device 10 to transition the electronic control devices included in the cluster, which were started using the sequence of steps shown in Figure 5, from the operational state to the standby state. This sequence of steps is performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10, which processes according to the control program stored in the storage device 12.

[0052] As mentioned earlier, the electronic control unit periodically sends a signal to the management device 10 requesting it to continue operating while performing a specific function. While receiving this signal, the management device 10 sends a message to the operating electronic control unit. This series of processes is performed when the management device 10 stops receiving such a signal requesting the electronic control unit to continue operating after it has finished performing a specific function.

[0053] In step S30, the processing unit 11 stops sending messages to electronic control units that have finished performing a specific function. Electronic control units that no longer receive messages begin a transition process to move into a standby state. After completing the transition process, the electronic control units transition from the operational state to the standby state.

[0054] The management device 10, having stopped sending messages to the electronic control unit, terminates this series of processes. In this way, the management device 10 stops sending messages to the electronic control unit that has finished performing a specific function, thereby putting the electronic control unit from an operational state to a standby state.

[0055] <Operation of this embodiment> Figures 7-10 show examples of the effects of the management device 10 executing the processes described above. Below, we will explain the effects of the management device 10 by showing four specific examples: the first, second, third, and fourth examples.

[0056] Figure 7 shows the mode in which the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control unit and starts the electronic control unit in the first example. The first example is a scenario in which, when the vehicle is in the first state, a function that can be realized by the electronic control unit included in the first cluster 61 is requested by another device.

[0057] In the first example, the vehicle is in state 1. As explained with reference to Figure 2, in state 1, the control device 10 supplies power to the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 enclosed by the dashed line.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the management device 10 supplies power to the first ECU 21, which is an electronic control unit included in the first group 51, through the first power line 41. As shown in Figure 7, the management device 10 supplies power to the second ECU 22, which is an electronic control unit included in the first group 51, through the second power line 42. As shown in Figure 7, the management device 10 supplies power to the fourth ECU 24, which is an electronic control unit included in the first group 51, through the fourth power line 44. As shown in Figure 7, the management device 10 supplies power to the sixth ECU 26, which is an electronic control unit included in the first group 51, through the sixth power line 46. The first ECU 21, second ECU 22, fourth ECU 24, and sixth ECU 26, which are thus powered, transition from a dormant state to a standby state. On the other hand, the third ECU 23 and fifth ECU 25, which are not powered by the management device 10, remain in a dormant state.

[0059] In the first example, the management device 10 identifies the electronic control unit included in the first cluster 61 as being capable of realizing the function required by the other devices by performing the process in step S20 of Figure 5.

[0060] Next, the management device 10 activates the electronic control units included in the first cluster 61 by performing the process shown in step S21 of Figure 5. Specifically, the management device 10 sends messages to the first ECU 21 via the first communication line 31 and to the sixth ECU 26 via the third communication line 33, thereby transitioning the first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26 from standby to operational states.

[0061] Figure 8 shows the configuration in the second example in which the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control unit and starts the electronic control unit. The second example is a scenario that takes place after the first example, but before the electronic control unit in the first cluster 61 can perform a specific function, another device requests a function that can be performed by the electronic control unit in the second cluster 62 without changing the state of the vehicle. Therefore, in the second example, the state of the vehicle remains the first state, as in the first example.

[0062] In the second example, the management device 10 identifies the electronic control unit included in the second cluster 62 as the one that can perform the function required by the other device by performing the process in step S20 of Figure 5.

[0063] Next, the management device 10 activates the electronic control units included in the second cluster 62 by performing the process shown in step S21 of Figure 5. Specifically, the management device 10 sends messages to the second ECU 22 via the first communication line 31 and to the fourth ECU 24 via the second communication line 32, thereby transitioning the second ECU 22 and the fourth ECU 24 from standby to operational states.

[0064] In the second example, the electronic control unit included in the first cluster 61 has not yet completed its specific function. Therefore, the management device 10 sends messages to the first communication line 31 and the third communication line 33 to keep the electronic control unit included in the first cluster 61 operational.

[0065] Figure 9 shows the mode in which the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control unit and starts the electronic control unit in the third example. The third example assumes a scenario after the second example, where the electronic control unit in the second cluster 62 has completed a specific function, and the electronic control unit in the first cluster 61 has finished completing a specific function. Therefore, in the third example, the vehicle state remains the first state, as in the second example.

[0066] In the third example, the electronic control unit included in the first cluster 61 has finished performing a specific function and therefore stops sending a signal requesting continued operation. As a result, the management device 10, which no longer receives a signal requesting continued operation, stops sending messages to the first ECU21 and the sixth ECU26, which are electronic control units included in the first cluster 61, during the process of step S30 in Figure 6. Subsequently, the first ECU21 and the sixth ECU26, which are electronic control units included in the first cluster 61, transition from the operational state to the standby state through a transition process.

[0067] In the third example, the electronic control unit included in the second cluster 62 has not yet completed its specific function. Therefore, the management device 10 sends messages to the first communication line 31 and the second communication line 32 to keep the electronic control unit included in the second cluster 62 operational.

[0068] Figure 10 shows the mode in which the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control unit in the fourth example. The fourth example is a scenario in which, after the third example, the vehicle state transitions from the first state to the second state before the electronic control unit included in the second cluster 62 performs a specific function.

[0069] In the fourth example, the management device 10, which detects that the vehicle's state has transitioned to a different state, performs the process in step S10 of Figure 4 to identify that the vehicle's state after the transition is the second state.

[0070] Next, the management device 10 identifies the group of vehicles to be powered, corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the transition, by performing the process in step S11 of Figure 4. As explained with reference to Figure 2, in the second state, the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control devices included in the second group 52.

[0071] Next, the management device 10 performs the process shown in step S12 of Figure 4. In the third example, the electronic control unit included in the first cluster 61 has transitioned to a standby state, and the electronic control unit included in the second cluster 62 is in an operational state. Therefore, the management device 10 determines that there are electronic control units in either a standby state or an operational state.

[0072] Next, the management device 10 performs the process shown in step S13 of Figure 4. In the third example, the electronic control devices that are powered and not included in the second group 52 are the second ECU 22 and the fourth ECU 24. In the fourth example, the vehicle state transitions to the second state before the electronic control devices included in the second cluster 62 can perform a specific function. Therefore, the management device 10 stops supplying power to the second ECU 22 and the fourth ECU 24, thereby changing them from an operational state to a dormant state. On the other hand, power is continued to be supplied to the first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26, which are in a standby state.

[0073] Next, the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control devices included in the second group 52 by performing the process in step S14 of Figure 4. As shown in Figure 9, the management device 10 supplies power to the third ECU 23, which is an electronic control device included in the second group 52, through the third power line 43. As shown in Figure 9, the management device 10 supplies power to the fifth ECU 25, which is an electronic control device included in the second group 52, through the fifth power line 45. The third ECU 23 and the fifth ECU 25, having been powered in this way, transition from a dormant state to a standby state. The first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26, which continue to receive power, maintain their standby state. On the other hand, the second ECU 22 and the fourth ECU 24, which are no longer powered by the management device 10, are in a dormant state.

[0074] In this way, the management device 10 puts specific electronic control devices into a deactivated state according to the vehicle's status. <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The management device 10 communicates with the electronic control unit to switch it from standby to operational. For an electronic control unit to become operational, it must first be in standby mode. However, it consumes power even in standby mode. Therefore, the more electronic control units there are in standby mode, the greater the power consumption. The management device 10 can suppress the power consumption of such standby electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0075] (2) The control device 10 can put the electronic control device into a standby state in which it is in a state where

[0076] (3) The control device 10 is connected to multiple electronic control devices in a communicative manner. By communicating with the electronic control devices, the control device 10 can transition the electronic control devices from a standby state to an operational state.

[0077] (4) When the vehicle is in the first state and the vehicle is providing a first function, the management device 10 communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group 51. By doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the first cluster 61, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group 51, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but not included in the first cluster 61 into a standby state. When the vehicle is in the first state and the vehicle is providing a second function different from the first function, the management device 10 communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group 51. By doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the second cluster 62, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but different from the first cluster 61, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but not included in the second cluster 62 into a standby state.

[0078] When the vehicle is in the first state, power is supplied to the electronic control units included in the first group 51. As a result, all of the electronic control units included in the first group 51 are in a standby state that allows them to transition to an operational state. When the vehicle is in the first state, the management device 10 activates the electronic control units included in the cluster corresponding to the functions provided by the vehicle from among the electronic control units in the first group 51. This allows the management device 10 to quickly activate the electronic control units that realize a specific function when the vehicle provides that specific function.

[0079] (5) Each cluster consists of the electronic control devices that need to be operational to provide a corresponding specific function. The first group 51 consists of clusters corresponding to specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the first state. The management device 10 supplies power only to the electronic control devices involved in the functions that the vehicle may provide in the first state. On the other hand, the first group 51 does not include clusters corresponding to specific functions that the vehicle may not provide in the first state. This allows the management device 10 to supply power to all electronic control devices that may be activated in the first state while minimizing the number of electronic control devices to which power is supplied. In other words, the management device 10 can effectively suppress power consumption by electronic control devices in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0080] (6) Each cluster consists of the electronic control devices that need to be operational to provide a corresponding specific function. Each group consists of clusters corresponding to specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the vehicle state corresponding to each group. Therefore, the management device 10 supplies power only to the electronic control devices related to the functions that the vehicle may provide in the current vehicle state, not just in the first state, but depending on the vehicle state. This allows the management device 10 to supply power to all electronic control devices that may be activated in the current state, while minimizing the number of electronic control devices to which power is supplied. In other words, the management device 10 can effectively suppress power consumption by electronic control devices in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0081] (7) When the vehicle has finished providing a specific function, the management device 10 switches the electronic control unit included in the cluster corresponding to that function from an operational state to a standby state. The management device 10 switches the electronic control unit included in the cluster corresponding to that service from an operational state to a standby state when the vehicle has finished providing a specific function. This allows the management device 10 to reduce the power consumption of the electronic control unit included in the cluster corresponding to the function that has finished providing.

[0082] (8) When the vehicle state transitions to another state, the management device 10 stops supplying power to electronic control devices that are included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state before the transition and are not included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state after the transition. When the vehicle state transitions to another state, the management device 10 immediately stops supplying power to electronic control devices that do not need to be operated in the state after the transition. As a result, the management device 10 can reduce the power consumption of the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0083] (9) When the vehicle is in the second state and the vehicle is providing a third function, the management device 10 communicates with the electronic control devices included in the second group 52. By doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the third cluster 63, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the second group 52, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the second group 52 but not included in the third cluster 63 into a standby state. Also, when the vehicle is in the second state and the vehicle is providing a fourth function different from the third function, the management device 10 communicates with the electronic control devices included in the second group 52. By doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the fourth cluster 64, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the second group 52 and different from the third cluster 63, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the second group 52 but not included in the fourth cluster 64 into a standby state.

[0084] When the vehicle is in the second state, power is supplied to the electronic control units included in the second group 52. As a result, all of the electronic control units included in the second group 52 are in a standby state that allows them to transition to an operational state. When the vehicle is in the second state, the management device 10 activates the electronic control units included in the cluster corresponding to the functions provided by the vehicle from among the electronic control units in the second group 52. This allows the management device 10 to quickly start up the electronic control units that realize a specific function when the vehicle provides that specific function.

[0085] (10) The first state is when the vehicle is charging and stationary, and the second state is when the vehicle is not charging and stationary. When the vehicle is stationary, the functions that the vehicle provides differ between the charging state and the non-charging state. Therefore, as in the above configuration, by separating the groups of electronic control devices that supply power when the vehicle is charging and stationary from the groups that supply power when the vehicle is not charging and stationary, the management device 10 can supply power effectively.

[0086] (11) The control program is stored in the storage device 12 of the management device 10 in the in-vehicle network system 100, which is a network system of a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic control devices. The control program causes the management device 10 to supply power to the electronic control devices included in the first group 51, which is one of the groups of multiple electronic control devices that includes one or more electronic control devices, when the vehicle is in the first state. On the other hand, the control program causes the management device 10 not to supply power to the electronic control devices not included in the first group 51, when the vehicle is in the first state. The control program causes the management device 10 to supply power to the electronic control devices included in the second group 52, which is different from the first group 51, when the vehicle is in the second state. On the other hand, the control program causes the management device 10 not to supply power to the electronic control devices not included in the second group 52, when the vehicle is in the second state.

[0087] The control program puts specific electronic control units into a standby state according to the vehicle's status. This allows the control program to reduce power consumption by standby electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0088] (12) The control program is executed by a management device 10 that can put the electronic control device into a standby state, in which it is powered but not in operation, and into an operating state, in which it is powered but not in operation.

[0089] (13) The control program is executed by a management device 10 that is connected to multiple electronic control devices in a communicative manner and can communicate with the electronic control devices to transition them from a standby state to an operational state.

[0090] (14) The control program causes the management device 10 to communicate with the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 when the vehicle is in a first state and the vehicle is providing a first function. By doing so, the control program causes the management device 10 to put the electronic control devices included in the first cluster 61, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group 51, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the control program causes the management device 10 to put the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but not included in the first cluster 61 into a standby state. The control program also causes the management device 10 to communicate with the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 when the vehicle is in a first state and the vehicle is providing a second function different from the first function. By doing so, the control program causes the management device 10 to put the electronic control devices included in the second cluster 62, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 and different from the first cluster 61, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the control program causes the management device 10 to put the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but not included in the second cluster 62 into a standby state.

[0091] When the vehicle is in the first state, power is supplied to the electronic control units included in the first group 51. As a result, all of the electronic control units included in the first group 51 are in a standby state that allows them to transition to an operational state. When the vehicle is in the first state, the control program activates the electronic control units included in the cluster corresponding to the functions provided by the vehicle, from among the electronic control units in the first group 51. This allows the control program to quickly activate the electronic control units that realize a specific function when the vehicle provides that specific function.

[0092] (15) The control method is a control method for controlling an in-vehicle network system 100, which is a vehicle network system equipped with a plurality of electronic control devices. The control method includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, when the state of the vehicle is a first state, the management device 10 of the in-vehicle network system 100 supplies power to the electronic control devices included in the first group 51. The first group 51 is one of the groups of a plurality of electronic control devices that includes one or more of the aforementioned electronic control devices. On the other hand, in the first step, when the state of the vehicle is a first state, the management device 10 does not supply power to electronic control devices that are not included in the first group 51. In the second step, when the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, the management device 10 supplies power to the electronic control devices included in the second group 52, which is different from the first group 51, among the plurality of electronic control devices. On the other hand, in the second step, the management device 10 does not supply power to electronic control devices that are not included in the second group 52. The above control method puts a specific electronic control device into a dormant state according to the state of the vehicle. As a result, the above control method can suppress power consumption by the electronic control unit in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0093] (16) In the control method, a management device 10 that can put the electronic control device into a standby state in which it is in a state where

[0094] (17) In the control method, a management device 10 is connected to multiple electronic control devices in a communicative manner and can communicate with the electronic control devices to transition them from a standby state to an operational state, and the management device 10 performs the first and second steps.

[0095] (18) The control method includes a third step and a fourth step. In the third step, when the vehicle is in a first state and the vehicle is providing a first function, the management device 10 communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group 51. By doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the first cluster 61, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group 51, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but not included in the first cluster 61 into a standby state. In the fourth step, when the vehicle is in a first state and the vehicle is providing a second function different from the first function, the management device 10 communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group 51. By doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the second cluster 62, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but different from the first cluster 61, into an operational state. On the other hand, by doing so, the management device 10 puts the electronic control devices included in the first group 51 but not included in the second cluster 62 into a standby state.

[0096] When the vehicle is in the first state, power is supplied to the electronic control units included in the first group 51. As a result, all of the electronic control units included in the first group 51 are in a standby state that allows them to transition to an operational state. When the vehicle is in the first state, the control method activates the electronic control unit included in the cluster corresponding to the function provided by the vehicle from among the electronic control units in the first group 51. As a result, when the vehicle provides a specific function, the control method can quickly activate the electronic control unit that realizes that specific function.

[0097] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0098] In this embodiment, the management device 10 is connected to the electronic control unit on a one-to-one basis via a power line. Alternatively, the management device 10 may be connected to multiple electronic control units via a single power line.

[0099] In this embodiment, a group is composed of multiple electronic control devices connected to different communication lines. Alternatively, a group may be composed of multiple electronic control devices connected to the same communication line.

[0100] In this embodiment, each group consists of clusters corresponding to specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the vehicle conditions corresponding to each group. Therefore, each group consists only of electronic control devices that are involved in specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the vehicle conditions corresponding to each group. On the other hand, each group may also include electronic control devices that are not involved in specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the vehicle conditions corresponding to each group.

[0101] In this embodiment, the management device 10 exchanges messages with the electronic control unit via a communication line. Alternatively, the management device 10 may be connected to the electronic control unit for wireless communication and exchange messages via wireless communication.

[0102] In this case, the management device 10 cannot control the power supply to electronic control devices that cannot communicate wirelessly with the management device 10. Therefore, electronic control devices that cannot communicate wirelessly with the management device 10 are not among those to which the management device 10 supplies power. In other words, electronic control devices that cannot communicate wirelessly with the management device 10 are not part of the group of electronic control devices to which the management device 10 supplies power.

[0103] In this embodiment, the management device 10 identifies the vehicle's status itself in the process of step S10 in Figure 4. Alternatively, the management device 10 may acquire information about the vehicle's status from another device that has identified the vehicle's status.

[0104] In this embodiment, there are two types of vehicle states: a first state and a second state. However, the number of vehicle states is not limited to two; there can be two or more states. In this embodiment, the management device 10 sends a message to the electronic control unit while it is receiving a signal from the activated electronic control unit requesting it to continue operating. The electronic control unit then stops operating and enters a standby state if it continues not to receive a message addressed to it from the management device 10. On the other hand, the management device 10 may adopt a configuration in which it does not send a message even if it receives a signal requesting the electronic control unit to continue operating after it has been activated. In this case, the operating electronic control unit continues to operate for a certain period of time each time it receives a signal requesting it to continue operating from another electronic control unit in the same cluster. The electronic control unit then stops operating and enters a standby state if it continues not to receive a signal requesting it to continue operating from another electronic control unit in the same cluster.

[0105] In this embodiment, two clusters appear in each of the first group 51 and the second group 52. However, in the present invention, the number of clusters included in a group is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

[0106] In this embodiment, the second group 52 includes two clusters: the third cluster 63 and the fourth cluster 64. On the other hand, unlike the first group 51, the second group 52 may have only one cluster. In this case, the management device 10 simultaneously starts all the electronic control devices included in the second group 52.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the vehicle state transitions to another state, the management device 10 stops the power supply in step S13 of Figure 6, even if the electronic control device is in operation. In other words, in this embodiment, the management device 10 stops the power supply to electronic control devices for which the transition process has not been completed, without completing the transition process. On the other hand, the management device 10 may not immediately put electronic control devices for which the transition process has not been completed into a standby state even if the vehicle state transitions to another state, but may stop the power supply after the transition process is completed and the device transitions to a standby state.

[0108] Figures 11 and 12 show the processes that the control device 10 performs in such modified cases. The process shown in Figure 11 is a replacement for the process shown in Figure 4 in this embodiment. In the process shown in Figure 11, step S40 is the same as step S10, and step S41 is the same as step S11.

[0109] In step S42, the processing unit 11 determines whether an electronic control unit in a standby state exists in the in-vehicle network system 100. In step S42, if the processing unit 11 determines that there is an electronic control unit in the in-vehicle network system 100 that is in a standby state (step S42: YES), it proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the processing unit 11 stops supplying power to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit whose power supply is stopped by the processing unit 11 is an electronic control unit that is in a standby state, which is included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle before the transition and is not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the transition. The electronic control unit whose power supply is stopped goes from the standby state to a dormant state. Having completed the processing in step S43, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S44.

[0110] In step S42, if the processing unit 11 determines that there are no electronic control units in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S42: NO), it proceeds to step S44. In other words, if the processing unit 11 determines that there are no electronic control units in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100, it skips the process in step S43.

[0111] There are two possible states in which there are no electronic control devices in standby mode in the in-vehicle network system 100. The first is when all electronic control devices included in the group corresponding to the state before the vehicle state transition are in operation. The second is when there is no group to be powered in the state before the vehicle state transition.

[0112] The process in the next step, S44, is the same as the process in step S14 in Figure 4. After executing the process in step S44, the management device 10 terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 11.

[0113] In the sequence of processes shown in Figure 11, unlike the sequence of processes shown in Figure 4, the power supply to the electronic control unit, which was operational in the vehicle's state before the transition, is not stopped. The process shown in Figure 12 illustrates a sequence of operations performed on an electronic control unit that is in operation when the vehicle's state transitions to a different state. This sequence of operations is performed when the management device 10 detects that the vehicle's state has transitioned to a different state, similar to Figures 4 and 11.

[0114] When the vehicle's state changes to a different state, the electronic control unit that is currently in operation ceases to perform its specific function. Subsequently, the electronic control unit that is currently in operation performs the transition process via step S30 in Figure 5.

[0115] In step S50, the processing unit 11 determines whether the transition process has been completed for the electronic control unit. As mentioned above, the electronic control unit transmits a signal indicating that it is performing the transition process until it is completed. Therefore, the processing unit 11 determines that the electronic control unit has completed the transition process when it stops receiving a signal from the electronic control unit indicating that it is performing the transition process.

[0116] In step S50, if the processing unit 11 determines that the electronic control unit has not completed the transition process (step S50: NO), it repeats the process of step S50. Then, in step S50, if the processing unit 11 determines that the electronic control unit has completed the transition process (step S50: YES), it proceeds to step S51.

[0117] In step S51, the processing unit 11 determines whether the electronic control unit whose migration process has been completed is included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the migration. In step S51, if the processing unit 11 determines that the electronic control unit whose migration process has been completed is not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the migration (step S51: NO), it proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the processing unit 11 stops supplying power to the electronic control unit whose migration process has been completed. In other words, if the electronic control unit whose migration process has been completed is not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the migration, the processing unit 11 stops supplying power to the electronic control unit. After stopping the power supply to the electronic control unit, the processing unit 11 terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 12.

[0118] In step S51, if the processing unit 11 determines that the electronic control unit whose migration process has been completed is included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the migration (step S51: YES), it terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 12. In other words, if the processing unit 11 determines that the electronic control unit whose migration process has been completed is included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the migration, it terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 12 while continuing to supply power to the electronic control unit.

[0119] When the vehicle state transitions to a different state, the management device 10 waits for the transition process to be completed and the electronic control unit to enter the standby state before stopping the power supply to any electronic control unit that is included in the group corresponding to the vehicle state before the transition but not in the group corresponding to the vehicle state after the transition, and for which the transition process performed when transitioning from the operating state to the standby state has not yet been completed. If the power supply to an electronic control unit is stopped before the transition process is completed, data will not be stored in memory, and problems will arise such as the inability to utilize the data in the next control of the electronic control unit. When the vehicle state transitions to a different state, the management device 10 waits for the transition process to be completed for any electronic control unit whose transition process has not been completed before stopping the power supply. This allows the management device 10 to complete the transition process and prevent problems from occurring in the next control of the electronic control unit.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first state is when the vehicle is charging and stationary, and the second state is when the vehicle is not charging and stationary. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13, the first state may be when the vehicle is stationary and the second state may be when the vehicle is in motion. The functions provided by the vehicle differ between when it is stationary and when it is in motion. Therefore, as in the above configuration, by separating the groups of electronic control devices that supply power when the vehicle is stationary and when it is in motion, the management device 10 can supply power effectively.

[0121] <Note> The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. [Note 1] A management device for a network system of a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic control devices, wherein when the state of the vehicle is a first state, the management device supplies power to the electronic control devices included in a first group, which is one of the groups containing one or more of the electronic control devices, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices not included in the first group, and when the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, the management device supplies power to the electronic control devices included in a second group, which is a different group from the first group, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices not included in the second group.

[0122] [Note 2] The control device described in [Note 1], which is capable of putting the electronic control device into a standby state in which it is in a state where

[0123] [Note 3] The management device described in [Note 2] is connected to the plurality of electronic control devices in a communicative manner, and is capable of transitioning the electronic control devices from the standby state to the operating state by communicating with the electronic control devices.

[0124] [Note 4] The management device as described in [Note 3], wherein when the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides a first function, the device communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group to put the electronic control devices included in the first cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group, into the operational state, while putting the electronic control devices included in the first group but not included in the first cluster into the standby state, and when the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides a second function different from the first function, the device communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group to put the electronic control devices included in the second cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group, into the operational state, while putting the electronic control devices included in the first group but not included in the second cluster into the standby state.

[0125] [Note 5] The control device as described in [Note 4], wherein each cluster is comprised of the electronic control unit which needs to be in the operating state in order to provide a specific function corresponding to it, and the first group is comprised of the clusters corresponding to specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the first state.

[0126] [Note 6] The management device described in [Note 4] or [Note 5] that, when the vehicle has finished providing a specific function, sets the electronic control unit included in each cluster corresponding to that function from the operating state to the standby state.

[0127] [Note 7] A control device according to any one of [Note 4] to [Note 6], which stops supplying power to the electronic control device that is included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle before the transition and is not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the transition when the state of the vehicle transitions to another state.

[0128] [Note 8] When the state of the vehicle transitions to another state, the control device according to any one of [Note 4] to [Note 7], wherein, among the electronic control devices that are included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle before the transition and not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the transition, the power supply is stopped for the electronic control device that has not yet completed the transition process performed when transitioning from the operating state to the standby state, after waiting for the transition process to be completed and the vehicle to enter the standby state.

[0129] [Note 9] The management device according to any one of [Note 4] to [Note 8], wherein when the state of the vehicle is the second state and the vehicle provides a third function, the device communicates with the electronic control devices included in the second group to put the electronic control devices included in the third cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the second group, into the operational state, while putting the electronic control devices included in the second group but not included in the third cluster into the standby state, and when the state of the vehicle is the second state and the vehicle provides a fourth function different from the third function, the device communicates with the electronic control devices included in the second group to put the electronic control devices included in the fourth cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the second group, into the operational state, while putting the electronic control devices included in the second group but not included in the fourth cluster into the standby state.

[0130] [Note 10] The control device described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 9], wherein the first state is the state in which the vehicle is charging and stationary, and the second state is the state in which the vehicle is not charging and stationary.

[0131] [Note 11] The control device described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 9], wherein the first state is the state in which the vehicle is stationary, and the second state is the state in which the vehicle is in motion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10…Management device 11… Processing Unit 12...Storage device 13…1st Relay Team 14…2nd Relay Team 15…3rd Relay Team 21…1st ECU 22...2nd ECU 23…3rd ECU 24…4th ECU 25…5th ECU 26…6th ECU 31…First communication line 32...Second communication line 33... Third communication line 41...1st power line 42…Second power line 43...Third power line 44…4th power line 45...5th power line 46…6th power line 51…Group 1 52…Group 2 61…Cluster 1 62…Second cluster 63…Third cluster 64…Fourth cluster 100…In-vehicle network systems

Claims

1. It is a management device for a vehicle network system equipped with multiple electronic control devices. When the state of the vehicle is in the first state, power is supplied to the electronic control devices included in the first group, which is one of the groups containing one or more of the electronic control devices, while power is not supplied to the electronic control devices not included in the first group. When the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, power is supplied to the electronic control devices included in the second group, which is a different group from the first group, while power is not supplied to the electronic control devices not included in the second group. Management device.

2. The aforementioned electronic control device can be put into a standby state, in which it is powered but not in operation, and into an operating state, in which it is powered but capable of performing processing. The control device according to claim 1.

3. It is connected to the aforementioned multiple electronic control devices in a communicative manner, By communicating with the aforementioned electronic control device, it is possible to transition the electronic control device from the standby state to the operating state. The control device according to claim 2.

4. When the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides the first function, by communicating with the electronic control devices included in the first group, the electronic control devices included in the first cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group, are put into the operating state, while the electronic control devices included in the first group but not included in the first cluster are put into the standby state. When the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides a second function different from the first function, the electronic control unit included in the first group communicates with the electronic control unit to put a combination of some of the electronic control units included in the first group and included in a second cluster different from the first cluster into the operating state, while putting the electronic control unit included in the first group but not included in the second cluster into the standby state. The control device according to claim 3.

5. Each cluster is comprised of the electronic control unit which needs to be in the operating state in order to provide a corresponding specific function. The first group is comprised of clusters corresponding to specific functions that the vehicle may provide in the first state. The control device according to claim 4.

6. When the vehicle has finished providing a specific function, the electronic control unit included in each cluster corresponding to that function is switched from the operating state to the standby state. The control device according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. When the state of the aforementioned vehicle transitions to another state, The power supply to the electronic control unit is stopped if it is included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle before the transition and not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the transition. The control device according to claim 4 or claim 5.

8. When the state of the aforementioned vehicle transitions to another state, Among the electronic control devices that are included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle before the transition and not included in the group corresponding to the state of the vehicle after the transition, the power supply to the electronic control device that has not yet completed the transition process performed when transitioning from the operating state to the standby state will be stopped after waiting for the transition process to be completed and the vehicle to enter the standby state. The control device according to claim 4 or claim 5.

9. When the state of the vehicle is the second state and the vehicle provides the third function, by communicating with the electronic control devices included in the second group, the electronic control devices included in the third cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the second group, are put into the operating state, while the electronic control devices included in the second group but not included in the third cluster are put into the standby state. When the state of the vehicle is the second state and the vehicle provides a fourth function different from the third function, the electronic control unit included in the second group communicates with the electronic control unit to put a combination of some of the electronic control units included in the second group and included in a fourth cluster different from the third cluster into the operating state, while putting the electronic control unit included in the second group but not included in the fourth cluster into the standby state. The control device according to claim 4 or claim 5.

10. The first state is a state in which the vehicle is charging and stationary. The second state is the state in which the vehicle is not charging and is stationary. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The first state is the state in which the vehicle is stationary. The second state is the state in which the vehicle is in motion. A control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. Stored in the storage device of a management device in a vehicle network system equipped with multiple electronic control devices, When the state of the vehicle is in the first state, power is supplied to the electronic control devices included in the first group, which is one of the groups containing one or more of the electronic control devices, while power is not supplied to the electronic control devices not included in the first group. When the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, the management device is instructed to supply power to the electronic control devices included in the second group, which is different from the first group, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices not included in the second group. Control program.

13. The management device is capable of enabling the aforementioned electronic control device to enter a standby state in which it is powered but not in operation, and an operating state in which it is powered but capable of performing processing. The control program according to claim 12.

14. It is connected to the aforementioned multiple electronic control devices in a communicative manner, The management device, which communicates with the electronic control device, is capable of transitioning the electronic control device from the standby state to the operating state. The control program according to claim 13.

15. When the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides the first function, by communicating with the electronic control devices included in the first group, the electronic control devices included in the first cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group, are put into the operating state, while the electronic control devices included in the first group but not included in the first cluster are put into the standby state. When the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides a second function different from the first function, the management device is instructed to communicate with the electronic control devices included in the first group to perform the following actions: put into the operational state an electronic control device that is part of a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group and is included in a second cluster different from the first cluster, while putting into the standby state an electronic control device that is included in the first group but not in the second cluster. The control program according to claim 14.

16. A control method for controlling a network system of a vehicle equipped with multiple electronic control devices, When the state of the vehicle is in a first state, the management device of the network system supplies power to the electronic control devices that are included in a first group, which is one of the groups containing one or more of the electronic control devices, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices that are not included in the first group. The second step includes, when the state of the vehicle is a second state different from the first state, the management device supplies power to the electronic control devices that are included in the second group different from the first group among the plurality of electronic control devices, while not supplying power to the electronic control devices that are not included in the second group. Control method.

17. The management device, which can switch the electronic control unit between a standby state in which it is powered but not in operation, and an operating state in which it is powered but capable of performing processing, executes the first and second steps. The control method according to claim 16.

18. It is connected to the aforementioned multiple electronic control devices in a communicative manner, The management device, which can communicate with the electronic control device and thereby transition the electronic control device from the standby state to the operating state, executes the first and second steps. The control method according to claim 17.

19. A third step in which, when the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle is providing the first function, the management device communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group to put the electronic control devices included in the first cluster, which is a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group, into the operating state, while putting the electronic control devices included in the first group but not included in the first cluster into the standby state. The fourth step includes, when the state of the vehicle is the first state and the vehicle provides a second function different from the first function, the management device communicates with the electronic control devices included in the first group to put the electronic control devices that are a combination of some of the electronic control devices included in the first group and included in a second cluster different from the first cluster into the operational state, while putting the electronic control devices included in the first group but not included in the second cluster into the standby state. The control method according to claim 18.

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