In-vehicle control device and equipment setting method

Abstract

To realize a stable communication in an on-vehicle network in a configuration where a setting change of the on-vehicle network can be made.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle control device to be mounted onto a vehicle, comprises: an acquisition part that acquires calculation information used for calculating a setting change timing of an on-vehicle network from an electron device in the on-vehicle network; a calculation part that calculates the setting change timing on the basis of the calculation information acquired by the acquisition part; and a control part that performs a processing that the setting change of the on-vehicle network is executed at the setting change timing to be calculated by the calculation part. The calculation information contains at least one of a topology of the on-vehicle network, a service of a system to which the electron device is belonged, a traveling state of the vehicle, and a power supply state of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When dynamically changing the settings of an in-vehicle network, depending on the vehicle environment and the like, the setting change may affect communication in the in-vehicle network. [[ID=4o]]

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The in-vehicle control device of this disclosure is an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network; a calculation unit that calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a control unit that performs processing to execute the setting change for the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit, wherein the calculation unit calculates the setting change timing based on at least one of the following: a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected, and a timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network, the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic devices belong, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle, and the calculation unit calculates the timing at which setting changes can be made for each system that provides different services, including the system to be changed, and calculates the setting change timing based on each of the calculated timings.

[0007] The Ethernet switch of this disclosure is an Ethernet switch mounted in a vehicle, comprising a relay unit for relaying information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, the relay unit comprising a setting unit that acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating the timing of setting changes in the in-vehicle network from the electronic devices, transmits it to another device for calculating the timing of setting changes, receives a setting change request based on the timing of setting changes from the other device, and performs a setting change on the relay unit in accordance with the received setting change request, wherein the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic devices belong, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle.

[0008] The equipment setting method of this disclosure is an equipment setting method for an in-vehicle control device mounted in a vehicle, comprising the steps of: acquiring calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from electronic equipment in the in-vehicle network; calculating the setting change timing based on the acquired calculation information; and performing processing to execute the setting change for the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing, wherein the setting change timing is calculated based on at least one of the following: a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped; a timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected; and a timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network, wherein the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic equipment belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle, wherein the setting change timing is calculated for each system that provides different services, including the system to be changed, at which the setting change timing is possible, and the setting change timing is calculated based on each of the calculated timings.

[0009] The device configuration method of this disclosure is a device configuration method for an Ethernet switch mounted in a vehicle and equipped with a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, comprising the steps of: acquiring or generating calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes in the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmitting it to another device that calculates the timing of setting changes; and receiving a setting change request based on the timing of setting changes from the other device and performing a setting change on the relay unit in accordance with the received setting change request, wherein the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle.

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

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure can be implemented not only as an Ethernet switch equipped with such characteristic processing steps, but also as a program for causing a computer to perform such characteristic processing steps. Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure can be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of an Ethernet switch, or as a system including an Ethernet switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, stable communication can be achieved in an in-vehicle network in a configuration where the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a condition table in an in-vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a sequence of configuration change processing in an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change request process. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a relay device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of a sequence of configuration change processing in an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change request process. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation procedure when a relay device according to the embodiment of this disclosure makes a setting change. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained.

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

[0016] With such a configuration, it is possible to calculate an appropriate setting change timing using the calculation information acquired from the electronic device in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the setting change affects the communication in the in-vehicle network in consideration of high-priority communication and communication load. Thus, in a configuration where the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed, stable communication in the in-vehicle network can be realized.

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

[0018] This configuration enables more stable communication, particularly for the system being modified, before and after changes to the in-vehicle network settings.

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

[0020] This configuration enables more stable communication, particularly for systems other than the one being modified, before and after changes to the in-vehicle network settings.

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

[0022] This configuration makes it possible to calculate the appropriate timing for configuration changes, taking into account the communication traffic conditions within the in-vehicle network, both before and after the configuration changes are made.

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

[0024] This configuration makes it possible to calculate the appropriate timing for configuration changes when modifying the in-vehicle network settings, taking into account the equipment configuration within the in-vehicle network.

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

[0026] This configuration makes it possible to calculate the appropriate timing for configuration changes when modifying the in-vehicle network settings, taking into account the various services provided within the in-vehicle network.

[0027] The calculation information may include the vehicle's driving status.

[0028] This configuration makes it possible to calculate the appropriate timing for changing the in-vehicle network settings, especially considering the vehicle's driving conditions. For example, it can appropriately determine whether or not to change the in-vehicle network settings when high-priority communications are taking place or the communication load is high, such as during autonomous driving.

[0029] The calculation information may include the power status of the vehicle.

[0030] This configuration makes it possible to calculate the appropriate timing for changing settings in the in-vehicle network, taking into account factors such as the power supply status and type of power supply in the vehicle.

[0031] The calculation unit may calculate the timing at which configuration changes can be made for each system that provides different services, including the system whose settings are to be changed, and then calculate the timing for changing the settings based on each of the calculated timings.

[0032] This configuration allows for the comprehensive determination of the appropriate timing for configuration changes when modifying the in-vehicle network settings, taking into account the status and conditions of each service provided within the in-vehicle network, thereby enabling smoother provision of each service.

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

[0034] This configuration allows for the determination of more appropriate configuration changes and timing for relay processing, which has a significant impact on communication in the in-vehicle network, thereby enabling smoother communication before and after configuration changes to the in-vehicle network.

[0035] (3) An Ethernet switch according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an Ethernet switch mounted on a vehicle, comprising a relay unit for relaying information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, wherein the relay unit acquires or generates calculation information used for calculating the timing of setting changes in the in-vehicle network from the electronic devices, transmits it to another device for calculating the timing of setting changes, receives a setting change request based on the timing of setting changes from the other device, and performs a setting change on the relay unit in accordance with the received setting change request, wherein the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic devices belong, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle.

[0036] This configuration allows for the calculation of appropriate timing for configuration changes using calculation information obtained from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the possibility of such changes affecting communication within the network by considering high-priority communications and communication load. Furthermore, it enables the determination of more appropriate configuration changes and timing for relay processing, which has a significant impact on communication within the in-vehicle network, thereby achieving smoother communication before and after configuration changes. Consequently, stable communication can be achieved within the in-vehicle network in configurations where configuration changes are possible.

[0037] (4) A device setting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a device setting method for an in-vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: acquiring calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from electronic equipment in the in-vehicle network; calculating the timing of setting changes based on the acquired calculation information; and performing processing to execute the setting change for the in-vehicle network at the calculated timing of setting changes, wherein the calculation information includes, in the step of calculating the timing of setting changes, at least one of the following: a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, a timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected, and a timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network, and the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic equipment belongs, the driving state of the vehicle, and the power state of the vehicle, and in the step of calculating the timing of setting changes, for each system that provides different services, including the system to be changed, the timing at which setting changes can be made is calculated, and the timing of setting changes is calculated based on each of the calculated timings.

[0038] This method allows for the calculation of appropriate timing for configuration changes using calculation information obtained from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the possibility that such configuration changes will affect communication in the in-vehicle network by considering high-priority communications and communication load. Consequently, stable communication can be achieved in the in-vehicle network in a configuration where configuration changes are possible.

[0039] (5) A device setting method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a device setting method for an Ethernet switch mounted in a vehicle and equipped with a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, comprising the steps of: acquiring or generating calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes in the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmitting it to another device that calculates the timing of setting changes; and receiving a setting change request based on the timing of setting changes from the other device and performing a setting change on the relay unit in accordance with the received setting change request, wherein the calculation information includes at least one of the topology of the in-vehicle network, the service of the system to which the electronic device belongs, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle.

[0040] This method allows for the calculation of appropriate timing for configuration changes using calculation information obtained from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of such changes affecting communication within the network by considering high-priority communications and communication load. Furthermore, it enables the determination of more appropriate configuration changes and timing for relay processing, which has a significant impact on communication within the in-vehicle network, thereby achieving smoother communication before and after configuration changes. Consequently, stable communication can be achieved within the in-vehicle network in configurations where configuration changes are possible.

[0041] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

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

[0043] Furthermore, the in-vehicle communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration comprising one in-vehicle control device 101, but may also be configured to comprise two or more in-vehicle control devices 101. Also, the in-vehicle communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration comprising two relay devices 151, but may also be configured to comprise one or three or more relay devices 151. Additionally, the in-vehicle communication system 301 is not limited to a configuration comprising six electronic devices 202, but may also be configured to comprise five or fewer, or seven or more, electronic devices 202.

[0044] The in-vehicle control unit 101 is connected to relay devices 151A and 151B via two cables 2, respectively. Relay device 151A is connected to three electronic devices 202 via three cables 2, respectively. Relay device 151B is connected to three electronic devices 202 via three cables 2, respectively. Cables 2 are, for example, Ethernet® cables. Relay device 151 is, for example, an Ethernet switch. The in-vehicle control unit 101, relay device 151, electronic devices 202, and cables 2 constitute an in-vehicle network.

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

[0046] Specifically, the electronic device 202 is, for example, a driver assistance device that gives instructions to various devices in an Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS). Furthermore, the electronic device 202 may be, for example, an electric power steering (EPS), brake control device, accelerator control device, or steering control device, or a sensor that provides measurement information to the driver assistance device.

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

[0048] Furthermore, the electronic equipment 202 is not limited to equipment that constitutes ADAS and IVI systems, but may also be equipment for other purposes.

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

[0050] The relay device 151 performs relay processing of information between multiple electronic devices 202 in the in-vehicle network. More specifically, the relay device 151 receives Ethernet frames containing various information from the electronic devices 202 and transmits the received Ethernet frames directly or via other devices to the destination electronic device 202.

[0051] Furthermore, the relay device 151 performs relay processing of information between the electronic device 202 and the in-vehicle control device 101. More specifically, the relay device 151 receives Ethernet frames containing various information from the electronic device 202 and transmits the received Ethernet frames to the in-vehicle control device 101. The relay device 151 also receives Ethernet frames containing various information from the in-vehicle control device 101 and transmits the received Ethernet frames directly or via another device to the destination electronic device 202.

[0052] The in-vehicle control unit 101 performs configuration changes to the in-vehicle network. More specifically, the in-vehicle control unit 101 generates configuration information to change the settings of the relay processing by the relay device 151, for example, in response to software updates of electronic devices 202 using OTA (Over The Air) and the addition of new electronic devices 202 to the in-vehicle network, and sends an Ethernet frame containing the generated configuration information to the destination relay device 151. The relay device 151 obtains the configuration information from the received Ethernet frame and changes its own relay processing settings based on the obtained configuration information.

[0053] Furthermore, the in-vehicle control device 101 may be configured such that, for example, a plurality of electronic devices 202 (not shown) are directly connected to it, and it performs relay processing of information between each electronic device 202, similar to the relay device 151. In this case, the in-vehicle control device 101 generates setting information to change the settings of its own relay processing, and changes the settings of its own relay processing based on the generated setting information.

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

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

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

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

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

[0059] The relay unit 22 performs relay processing of information between multiple electronic devices 202 in the in-vehicle network. Specifically, the relay unit 22 receives Ethernet frames transmitted from the electronic devices 202 via the communication port 21 and performs relay processing on the received Ethernet frames. For example, the relay unit 22 can function as an L2 switch and perform relay processing on Ethernet frames transmitted between electronic devices 202 connected to its own relay device 151. Alternatively, the relay unit 22 can function as an L3 switch and perform relay processing on Ethernet frames transmitted between electronic devices 202 connected to different relay devices 151.

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

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

[0062] The relay unit 22 obtains calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 or generates it itself, and transmits it to other devices that calculate the timing of setting changes.

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

[0064] As an example, the calculation information may include the topology of the in-vehicle network. As another example, the calculation information may include the services of the system to which the electronic device 202 belongs. As yet another example, the calculation information may include the driving status of vehicle 1. As yet another example, the calculation information may include the power status of vehicle 1. Furthermore, the calculation information may include any or all of these pieces of information.

[0065] Specifically, for example, the calculation information provided by the electronic device 202 includes the driving status of the vehicle 1, such as when it is stopped and when it is in motion; the power status of the vehicle 1, such as the ignition power supply and accessory power supply; information on the services provided by the electronic device 202; and the system to which the electronic device 202 belongs.

[0066] Furthermore, the calculation information provided by the relay device 151 includes, for example, the bandwidth margin of each communication port. This allows for a more appropriate determination of communication traffic in the in-vehicle network using information about the communication path of the relay device 151, where communication congestion is likely to occur.

[0067] As a method for transmitting calculation information, for example, the calculation information is stored in the option area of ​​the message in the Service Discovery (SD) of SOME / IP (Scalable service-Oriented Middleware over IP). For example, the information in the message can be used to determine the system to which the sending device or equipment belongs.

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

[0069] The calculation information may be stored in a dedicated frame, for example, and transmitted to the in-vehicle control device 101.

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

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

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

[0073] The relay unit 12 acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of changes to the vehicle network settings from the electronic devices 202 and relay device 151 in the vehicle network.

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

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

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

[0077] The calculation unit 13 calculates the details of the setting changes and the timing of the setting changes for the relay device 151, etc., based on at least the calculation information.

[0078] For example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the configuration changes for the relay device 151, etc., based on the various information collected, specifically topology information and service information.

[0079] More specifically, the calculation unit 13 calculates setting changes based on the collected information, which will result in changes to at least one of the settings for relay processing by the relay device 151 and the settings for relay processing by its own on-board control device 101. Examples of setting changes include filtering in relay processing and the priority of various frames in QoS (Quality of Service) control. Furthermore, the setting changes, including whether or not a setting change is made, are determined for each communication port in the relay device 151 and the on-board control device 101.

[0080] The calculation unit 13 may also be configured to calculate the settings changes of electronic devices or devices other than those provided by the source of the collected information.

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

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

[0083] As another example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the timing of a setting change based on a timing that does not affect the functions or services of systems other than the system whose settings are being changed in the in-vehicle network. For example, the calculation unit 13 calculates the timing of a setting change based on a timing that does not affect the functions and services related to the driving of vehicle 1.

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

[0085] The calculation unit 13 may be configured to calculate the setting change timing comprehensively based on any combination of several or all of the above timings.

[0086] Figure 4 shows an example of a condition table in an in-vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 4, the storage unit 15 in the in-vehicle control device 101 stores a condition table that indicates the conditions under which setting changes are permitted for each system to which the electronic device 202 belongs. In this example of a condition table, setting changes for the electronic device 202 are permitted when both the conditions regarding the vehicle's behavior, i.e., state, and the bandwidth margin conditions are met.

[0087] More specifically, in ADAS, services such as autonomous driving are activated when the ignition power is on. Therefore, the ADAS electronic equipment 202 has the following conditions regarding the vehicle's behavior, i.e., state: when only the accessory power is on, setting changes are permitted without any restrictions on the behavior of vehicle 1; when the ignition power is on, setting changes are permitted only when vehicle 1 is stationary.

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

[0089] On the other hand, in the IVI system, the service operates when the accessory power or ignition power is on. Therefore, the IVI system's electronic equipment 202 is permitted to change settings when the IVI system service is stopped, without any restrictions on the driving of vehicle 1, as a condition for the vehicle's behavior or state, when the accessory power or ignition power is on.

[0090] Furthermore, as a condition for bandwidth margin, setting changes are permitted if a bandwidth margin of Ybps or more is secured between the in-vehicle control unit 101 and the relay device 151. For example, by setting X to a value greater than Y, the possibility of ADAS being affected by, for example, a change in the in-vehicle network settings can be reduced compared to an IVI system.

[0091] For example, if the communication path settings for IVI-type electronic equipment 202 are changed, the settings for relay processing and other aspects of the IVI system will be affected, while it is necessary to determine the timing of the setting change so as not to impact ADAS-type services that are not affected.

[0092] Specifically, as described above, setting changes to the ADAS system are prohibited while vehicle 1 is in motion. When the ignition power is on and vehicle 1 is stopped, and a bandwidth of Xbps or more is secured between the on-board control device 101 and the relay device 151, the calculation unit 13 determines the timing for setting changes, and the on-board network settings are changed.

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

[0094] Furthermore, for example, the calculation unit 13 determines the system configuration shown in Figure 1 based on the topology information used for calculation. The calculation unit 13 also calculates the target for setting changes and the content of the setting changes, taking into account the determined system configuration. For example, the calculation unit 13 refers to the condition table and determines, based on the difference in current bandwidth margins, that relay device 151A can be changed but relay device 151B cannot. It then determines that relay device 151A is the target for setting changes and calculates the content of the setting changes and the timing of the setting changes for relay device 151A.

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

[0096] The control unit 14 modifies, for example, the settings for relay processing by the relay device 151 and the settings for relay processing by its own on-board control device 101 as a change to the settings of the in-vehicle network.

[0097] More specifically, the control unit 14 performs a setting change request process to execute a setting change in accordance with the above setting change content at the setting change timing notified by the calculation unit 13.

[0098] For example, the control unit 14 performs processing as part of the setting change request processing to ensure that the setting change is reflected in the relay device 151 at the timing of the setting change.

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

[0100] [Operation Flow] Each device in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure includes a computer with memory, and the arithmetic processing unit such as the CPU in the computer reads and executes a program from the memory that includes some or all of the steps in the following sequence. The programs for each of these devices can be installed externally. The programs for each of these devices are distributed either stored on a recording medium or via a communication line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0108] Next, the in-vehicle control device 101 transmits a setting change request indicating the calculated setting change details and timing information indicating the calculated setting change timing to the relay device 151. The in-vehicle control device 101 may also be configured to include the setting change timing in the setting change request (step S5).

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

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

[0111] As described above, by configuring the system to acquire calculation information periodically or irregularly, it is possible to, for example, understand changes in the required bandwidth due to software updates to electronic devices 202, etc., via OTA, and calculate a more appropriate timing for setting changes.

[0112] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to each electronic device 202 and relay device 151 autonomously transmitting calculation information to the in-vehicle control device 101. The in-vehicle control device 101 may also request calculation information from each electronic device 202 and relay device 151 and acquire the calculation information transmitted as a response to the request.

[0113] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change request process.

[0114] The calculation unit 13 calculates the timing at which configuration changes can be made for each system that provides different services, including the system whose settings are to be changed, and calculates the timing for changing settings based on each of the calculated timings.

[0115] More specifically, the calculation unit 13 calculates the timing of the configuration change by comprehensively determining the timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, the timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected, and the timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 14 transmits a setting change request, including the timing of the setting change, to an electronic device in the in-vehicle network, such as a relay device 151, as part of the setting change request processing.

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

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

[0119] Next, the in-vehicle control device 101 calculates candidate system-specific setting change timings, such as periods that satisfy the conditions shown in the condition table, based on the latest calculation information and condition tables (step S24).

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

[0121] Next, if there is a timing that results from the AND operation, that is, if there is a timing that does not affect each system (YES in step S26), the in-vehicle control device 101 performs a setting change request process that sends a setting change request and timing information to the relay device 151, and changes the settings of its own relay processing (step S27).

[0122] On the other hand, if the AND operation results in no timing that does not affect any of the systems (NO in step S26) and the vehicle control device 101 has not timed out (NO in step S28), it continues to collect new information (step S21).

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

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

[0125] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation procedure when a relay device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change.

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

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

[0128] Then, when the timing for generating calculation information arrives (YES in step S41), the relay device 151 generates the calculation information and transmits it to the on-board control device 101 (step S42).

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

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

[0131] Figure 8 shows another example of a sequence of configuration change processing in an in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 shows the case where two electronic devices 202 are connected to one relay device 151.

[0132] Referring to Figure 8, the operation of steps S11 to S14 is the same as the operation of steps S1 to S4 shown in Figure 5.

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

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

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

[0136] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation procedure when an in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a setting change request process.

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

[0138] Next, the in-vehicle control device 101 waits for the arrival of a setting change timing if there is a timing that results from the AND operation, that is, if there is a timing that does not affect each system (YES in step S36), and when the setting change timing arrives (YES in step S37), it performs setting change request processing to send a setting change request to the relay device 151 and to change the settings of its own relay processing (step S38).

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

[0140] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation procedure when a relay device according to the embodiment of this disclosure makes a setting change.

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

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

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

[0144] In the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the calculation unit 13 in the in-vehicle control device 101 is configured to calculate the timing at which settings can be changed for each system that provides different services. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. The calculation unit 13 may be configured to calculate the timing for setting changes that satisfies the permission conditions for only one system, for example, a system other than the one whose settings are to be changed. Furthermore, the in-vehicle communication system 301 may be configured to provide only one type of system.

[0145] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the calculation unit 13 in the in-vehicle control device 101 is configured to calculate the content and timing of setting changes for the relay device 151 or the in-vehicle control device 101, but it is not limited to this. The calculation unit 13 may, for example, be configured to calculate the content and timing of setting changes for the electronic device 202. Also, the in-vehicle communication system 301 may be configured without a relay device 151.

[0146] Furthermore, while the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiments of this disclosure is configured such that topology information, service information, and calculation information are dynamically, i.e., periodically or irregularly, provided to the in-vehicle control device 101, it is not limited to this configuration. Some or all of the topology information, service information, and calculation information may be provided statically, for example, by being pre-registered in the in-vehicle control device 101 when the vehicle 1 is shipped.

[0147] By the way, when dynamically changing the settings of an in-vehicle network, depending on the vehicle's environment, such changes may affect communication within the in-vehicle network.

[0148] Specifically, attention is being paid to software updates using OTA (Over The Air) and dynamic network configuration changes resulting from the addition of new electronic devices to the in-vehicle network.

[0149] When performing dynamic network configuration changes, it may be necessary to temporarily interrupt communication depending on the environment. For example, if the systems to which the multiple electronic devices 202 directly connected to the relay device 151 belong are different, depending on the timing of the configuration change, communication interruptions may occur in systems that are not subject to the configuration change.

[0150] A system that simply has a function to dynamically change network settings cannot properly determine whether or not to change the network settings when, for example, high-priority communications are taking place or the communication load is high, such as during autonomous driving.

[0151] Furthermore, if the system configuration changes due to software updates using OTA (Over The Air) or the addition of new electronic devices to the in-vehicle network, the system may not be able to determine how much bandwidth is required for the network configuration changes.

[0152] In contrast, in the in-vehicle control device according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the relay unit 12 acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from the electronic equipment 202 in the in-vehicle network. The calculation unit 13 calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the relay unit 12. The control unit 14 performs a setting change request process so that the setting change of the in-vehicle network is executed at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit 13.

[0153] Furthermore, in the device setting method according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the in-vehicle control device 101 first acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from the electronic equipment 202 in the in-vehicle network. Next, it calculates the setting change timing based on the acquired calculation information. Next, it performs a setting change request process so that the setting change of the in-vehicle network is executed at the calculated setting change timing.

[0154] This configuration allows for the calculation of appropriate timing for setting changes using calculation information obtained from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the possibility that such setting changes will affect communication in the in-vehicle network by considering high-priority communications and communication load. Consequently, stable communication can be achieved in the in-vehicle network in a configuration where the settings of the in-vehicle network can be changed.

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

[0156] Furthermore, in the device setting method according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the relay device 151 first acquires or generates calculation information used to calculate the setting change timing of the in-vehicle network from the electronic device 202 and transmits it to another device that calculates the setting change timing. Next, it receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device and performs a setting change in the relay unit 22 according to the received setting change request.

[0157] This configuration allows for the calculation of appropriate timing for configuration changes using calculation information obtained from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network. Therefore, when dynamically changing the settings of the in-vehicle network, it is possible to reduce the possibility of such changes affecting communication within the network by considering high-priority communications and communication load. Furthermore, it enables the determination of more appropriate configuration changes and timing for relay processing, which has a significant impact on communication within the in-vehicle network, thereby achieving smoother communication before and after configuration changes. Consequently, stable communication can be achieved within the in-vehicle network in configurations where configuration changes are possible.

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

[0159] The above description includes the following features. [Note 1] An in-vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, An acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from electronic devices in the in-vehicle network, A calculation unit calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired by the acquisition unit, The system comprises a control unit that performs processing to execute the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit, The calculation unit calculates the setting change content and the timing of the setting change based at least on the calculation information, The control unit performs processing to execute the setting change according to the setting change content at the setting change timing. The calculation unit calculates the timing for changing the settings by comprehensively determining the timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, the timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected, and the timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network. The control unit, as the process, transmits a setting change request including the setting change timing to an electronic device in the in-vehicle network, or transmits a setting change request that does not include the setting change timing to an electronic device in the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing, in an in-vehicle control device.

[0160] [Note 2] An Ethernet switch installed in a vehicle, It includes a relay unit that relays information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, The relay unit acquires or generates calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from the electronic device, and transmits it to another device that calculates the timing of setting changes. The system includes a setting unit that receives a setting change request based on the setting change timing from the other device and performs a setting change on the relay unit in accordance with the received setting change request. The setting unit is an Ethernet switch that detects the arrival of the setting change timing included in the setting change request and performs the setting change, or performs the setting change in response to receiving the setting change request which does not include the setting change timing.

[0161] [Note 3] An in-vehicle communication system installed in a vehicle, An Ethernet switch that relays information between electronic devices in an in-vehicle network, Equipped with an in-vehicle control device, The Ethernet switch receives or generates calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from the electronic device and transmits it to the in-vehicle control device. The in-vehicle control device is an in-vehicle communication system that receives the calculation information and transmits a setting change request based on the setting change timing to the Ethernet switch. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0162] 1 vehicle 2 Cables 11 Communication Ports 12 Relay section 13 Calculation Section 14 Control Unit 15 Storage section 21 Communication Ports 22 Relay section 24 Processing Unit 25 Memory section 51 Power supply section 101 On-board control device 151, 151A, 151B Relay device 202 Electronic equipment 301 In-vehicle communication system

Claims

1. An in-vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, In the in-vehicle network of the aforementioned vehicle, there is a plurality of electronic devices belonging to different systems, and a relay device to which the plurality of electronic devices are connected, the relay device relays information transmitted and received between the electronic devices. An acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from each of the aforementioned electronic devices, The acquisition unit calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired from each of the electronic devices, The system comprises a control unit that performs processing to execute the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit, The calculation unit calculates the timing for changing the settings by comprehensively determining the timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, the timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected, and the timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least one of the following: the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic equipment belongs, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle. The calculation unit calculates the timing at which settings can be changed for each system that provides different services, including the system whose settings are to be changed, and calculates the setting change timing based on the calculated timings, in an in-vehicle control device.

2. The in-vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit determines the system to be modified using condition information indicating the conditions under which the modification of the settings is permitted for each system to which the electronic device belongs.

3. An in-vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, In the in-vehicle network of the aforementioned vehicle, there is a plurality of electronic devices belonging to different systems, and a relay device to which the plurality of electronic devices are connected, the relay device relays information transmitted and received between the electronic devices. An acquisition unit that acquires calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from each of the aforementioned electronic devices, The acquisition unit calculates the setting change timing based on the calculation information acquired from each of the electronic devices, The system comprises a control unit that performs processing to execute the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the setting change timing calculated by the calculation unit, The calculation unit calculates the setting change timing based on at least one of the following: a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped; a timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected; and a timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least one of the following: the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic equipment belongs, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle. The calculation unit calculates the timing at which configuration changes can be made for each system that provides different services, including the system whose settings are to be changed, and calculates the timing for changing the settings based on the calculated timings. The calculation information includes at least the topology of the in-vehicle network, An in-vehicle control device that, when the calculation unit determines, based on the topology, that only multiple electronic devices belonging to the same system are connected to the relay device, and that the same system is the system to be modified, calculates the configuration change timing based on a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be modified can be stopped, without basing it on a timing that does not affect the functions or services of systems other than the system to be modified.

4. A method for setting equipment in an in-vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, In the in-vehicle network of the aforementioned vehicle, there is a plurality of electronic devices belonging to different systems, and a relay device to which the plurality of electronic devices are connected, the relay device relays information transmitted and received between the electronic devices. The aforementioned device setting method is: A step of obtaining calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from each of the aforementioned electronic devices, A step of calculating the setting change timing based on the calculation information obtained from each of the aforementioned electronic devices, The steps include: performing a process to execute the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing; In the step of calculating the setting change timing, the setting change timing is calculated by comprehensively determining the timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped, the timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network will not be affected, and the timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least one of the following: the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic equipment belongs, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle. A device configuration method in which, in the step of calculating the timing of setting changes, the timing at which setting changes can be made is calculated for each system that provides different services, including the system whose settings are to be changed, and the timing of setting changes is calculated based on each of the calculated timings.

5. A method for setting equipment in an in-vehicle control device installed in a vehicle, In the in-vehicle network of the aforementioned vehicle, there is a plurality of electronic devices belonging to different systems, and a relay device to which the plurality of electronic devices are connected, the relay device relays information transmitted and received between the electronic devices. The aforementioned device setting method is: A step of obtaining calculation information used to calculate the timing of setting changes for the in-vehicle network from each of the aforementioned electronic devices, A step of calculating the setting change timing based on the calculation information obtained from each of the aforementioned electronic devices, The steps include: performing a process to execute the setting change of the in-vehicle network at the calculated setting change timing; In the step of calculating the setting change timing, the setting change timing is calculated based on at least one of the following: a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network can be stopped; a timing at which the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed in the in-vehicle network are not affected; and a timing at which there is a bandwidth margin of a predetermined value or more in the in-vehicle network. The calculation information includes at least one of the following: the topology of the in-vehicle network, the services of the system to which the electronic equipment belongs, the driving status of the vehicle, and the power status of the vehicle. In the step of calculating the setting change timing, the timing at which setting changes can be made is calculated for each system that provides different services, including the system whose settings are to be changed, and the setting change timing is calculated based on each of the calculated timings. The calculation information includes at least the topology of the in-vehicle network, In the step of calculating the setting change timing, if it is determined, based on the topology, that only multiple electronic devices belonging to the same system are connected to the relay device, and that same system is the system to be changed, the setting change timing is calculated based on a timing at which the functions or services of the system to be changed can be stopped, rather than based on a timing that does not affect the functions or services of systems other than the system to be changed, in a device setting method.

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