Control device, control program, and control method

Abstract

To provide a management device that allows a new selection for a method of booting a target device when an in-vehicle network system is modified.SOLUTION: A management device is configured, when an in-vehicle network system is modified, to obtain information related to a target device that is active when a predetermined function is executed, out of a plurality of devices connected to the modified in-vehicle network (Step S101). The management device selects, based on the information, a method to boot the target device, from among a first boot method and a second boot method (Step S103--Step S106). The management device causes the target device to be booted through power control in the first boot method. The management device causes the target device to be booted through communication in the second boot method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 a power control system. This power control system includes a management device and a target device activated by the management device. The management device activates the target device through power control.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an in-vehicle network system. In this in-vehicle network system, the management device activates the target device by requesting activation using communication.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Consider using these two activation methods appropriately. Here, when changes are made to the in-vehicle network system, such as adding a target device, the same activation method as before the change is not necessarily suitable for the in-vehicle network system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 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 an in-vehicle network system. The management device acquires information when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system. The information is about a target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the change was made. Based on the information, the management device selects a method for starting the target device from a first starting method and a second starting method. In the first starting method, the management device starts the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device. On the other hand, in the second starting method, the management device starts the target device by requesting it to start up using communication from the management device. The management device starts the target device according to the selected starting method. The management device acquires data as information on the number of target devices that were activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification was made. When selecting the startup method for the target devices, the management device selects the first startup method if the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and selects the second startup method if the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number.

[0007] The control program for solving the above problem is a control program for an in-vehicle network system equipped with a management device. The control program causes the management device to acquire information when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system. The information is about a target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the change was made. The control program then causes the management device to select a method for starting the target device from a first starting method and a second starting method based on the information. In the first starting method, the management device starts the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device. On the other hand, in the second starting method, the management device starts the target device by requesting it to start up using communication from the management device. The control program causes the management device to start the target device using the selected starting method. The control program causes the management device to acquire data as information, specifically the number of target devices among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification has been made that have been activated in connection with the execution of the predetermined function. The control program causes the management device to select the activation method for the target device, by selecting the first activation method if the number of target devices activated in connection with the execution of the predetermined function is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and by selecting the second activation method if the number of target devices activated in connection with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number.

[0008] A control method for solving the above problems is a control method for controlling an in-vehicle network system equipped with a management device. The control method includes a step in which the management device acquires information when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system. The information is a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the change has been made. device This information pertains to a target device that was activated when a predetermined function was performed in the in-vehicle network system. The control method includes the step of the management device selecting a method for starting the target device from a first starting method and a second starting method based on the information. In the first starting method, the management device starts the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device. On the other hand, in the second starting method, the management device starts the target device by requesting it to start up using communication from the management device. The control method includes the step of the management device starting the target device using the selected starting method. The management device acquires data as information, specifically the number of target devices among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification has been made that have been activated in connection with the execution of the predetermined function. When the management device selects the activation method for the target device, it selects the first activation method if the number of target devices activated in connection with the execution of the predetermined function is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, and selects the second activation method if the number of target devices activated in connection with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system, the startup method of the target device can be re-selected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [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 flowchart showing the processing flow related to the learning process performed by the management device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the startup of the target device, as performed by the management device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a table showing information about target devices that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of their functions, acquired by the management device through the learning process. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a table showing the startup method of the target device for each bus type network selected by the management device through learning processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the mode of the learning process executed by the management device in the first case. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the mode in which the management device that has completed the learning process starts the target device in the first case. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle network system including the management device of the first modification example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the learning process executed by the management device of the second modification example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the learning process executed by the management device of the third modification example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the learning process executed by the management device of the fourth modification example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the process flow for selecting the process for starting the target device executed by the management device of the fifth modification example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the learning process executed by the management device of the sixth modification example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process flow related to the startup method determination process executed by the management device of the sixth modification example.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the management device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. <Configuration of In-vehicle Network System 100> As shown in FIG. 1, the in-vehicle network system 100 is composed of a plurality of electronic control units. In FIG. 1, each electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) is shown as a rectangle. The plurality of electronic control units are communicably connected to each other by a first communication line 41, a second communication line 42, and a third communication line 43. Thus, the plurality of electronic control units constitute an in-vehicle network. Each electronic control unit is supplied with power from a power source. There are an operating state in which the electronic control unit can execute processing and a standby state in which the operation is stopped to reduce power consumption.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, one of the electronic control units constituting the in-vehicle network is the management device 10. The management device 10 is communicably connected to other electronic control units constituting the in-vehicle network by the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43. Specifically, the management device 10 is directly connected to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 by the first communication line 41. The management device 10 is also directly connected to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 by the second communication line 42. Further, the management device 10 is directly connected to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 by the third communication line 43.

[0013] As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, the management device 10 is also connected to other electronic control units constituting the in-vehicle network by a first power control line 51, a second power control line 52, and a third power control line 53. Specifically, the management device 10 is directly connected to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 by the first power control line 51. The management device 10 is also directly connected to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 by the second power control line 52. Further, the management device 10 is directly connected to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 by the third power control line 53.

[0014] Thus, the management device 10 is connected to the first ECU 21, second ECU 22, third ECU 23, fourth ECU 24, and fifth ECU 25 through the first communication line 41 and the first power control line 51. As shown in Figure 1, the first communication line 41, the first power control line 51, the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 constitute the first bus-type network 61.

[0015] Furthermore, the management device 10 is connected to the 6th ECU 26, 7th ECU 27, 8th ECU 28, and 9th ECU 29 via the second communication line 42 and the second power control line 52. As shown in Figure 1, the second communication line 42, the second power control line 52, the 6th ECU 26, the 7th ECU 27, the 8th ECU 28, and the 9th ECU 29 constitute the second bus-type network 62.

[0016] The management device 10 is connected to the 10th ECU 30, 11th ECU 31, 12th ECU 32, and 13th ECU 33 via the third communication line 43 and the third power control line 53. As shown in Figure 1, the third communication line 43, the third power control line 53, the 10th ECU 30, the 11th ECU 31, the 12th ECU 32, and the 13th ECU 33 constitute the third bus network 63.

[0017] Thus, the in-vehicle network system 100 is composed of a first bus network 61, a second bus network 62, and a third bus network 63, all connected to the management device 10. The number of bus networks to which the management device 10 is connected is not limited to three. In other words, the management device 10 may be connected to any number of bus networks. Furthermore, the connection configuration of each electronic control unit, i.e., the topology of the in-vehicle network, is not limited to the same topology as in this embodiment.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the management device 10 comprises a processing unit 11 and a storage device 12. The storage device 12 stores a program. The program stored in the storage device 12 includes a control program that controls the startup of multiple electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100. The processing unit 11 executes the program stored in the storage device 12 to perform various processes. The processing unit 11 includes a processor.

[0019] The management device 10 transmits a signal to other electronic control devices on the in-vehicle network to request them to start up, thereby activating those other electronic control devices. Hereinafter, the electronic control devices that the management device 10 activates according to a predetermined function performed in the in-vehicle network system 100 will be referred to as target devices. The management device 10 selects and activates multiple target devices necessary to realize a function from among the multiple electronic control devices connected to it in the in-vehicle network system 100. By activating the target devices, the management device 10 transitions the target devices from a standby state to an operational state. The multiple target devices activated by the management device 10 communicate with each other to realize a predetermined function. The combination of target devices differs depending on the function to be realized.

[0020] In the in-vehicle network system 100, the first ECU 21 to the thirteenth ECU 33 can be the target devices. The management device 10 selects and activates the target device from among these devices according to the function to be implemented at any given time.

[0021] The control device 10 receives a signal requesting activation from another device. For example, the control device 10 receives a signal requesting activation from another electronic control device connected via the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, or the third communication line 43.

[0022] In this way, when the management device 10 receives a signal from another device requesting activation, it designates the device corresponding to the function to be implemented as the target device. The management device 10 then selects the activation method for the target device from the first activation method and the second activation method. At this time, the management device 10 selects the activation method for the target device for each bus network. In other words, the management device 10 activates target devices connected to the same bus network using the same activation method. For example, if the target devices corresponding to the functions to be implemented are the first ECU21, the second ECU22, and the sixth ECU26, the first ECU21 and the second ECU22, which are connected to the same bus network, will be activated using the same activation method. The sixth ECU26, which is connected to a different bus network than the first ECU21 and the second ECU22, may be activated using a different activation method.

[0023] The management device 10 has information about which device is the target device for each function, and which bus network the target device is connected to. However, the management device 10 does not have information about which bus network each of multiple target devices is connected to.

[0024] In this way, the management device 10 selects a startup method for each bus network for each function to be performed. At this time, if a bus network to which a target device is not connected for a particular function is not connected, the management device 10 will not start the connected electronic control unit when implementing that function.

[0025] When the target devices are started using the first starting method, the management device 10 starts multiple target devices by power control. Specifically, the management device 10 sends a signal to multiple target devices requesting them to start up via the power control line. Target devices that receive a signal requesting them to start up via the power control line from the management device 10 respond to the signal by receiving power from the power supply and starting up. At this time, when the management device 10 sends a signal requesting them to start up via the power control line, all electronic control devices that receive the signal requesting them to start up start up. In other words, all electronic control devices that are directly connected to the management device 10 via the power control line, including electronic control devices that are not target devices, start up. Therefore, when the management device 10 sends a signal requesting them to start up via the first power control line 51, the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 start up. When the management device 10 transmits a signal requesting activation through the second power control line 52, the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 are activated. When the management device 10 transmits a signal requesting activation through the third power control line 53, the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33 are activated. In this way, in the first activation method, the management device 10 controls whether or not to supply power to the target device by transmitting a signal requesting activation through the power control line.

[0026] Thus, when the management device 10 starts the target device using the first starting method, it also starts other electronic control devices connected to the power control line used to start the target device. Therefore, the first starting method consumes extra power because it starts electronic control devices that are not the target device.

[0027] When starting the target device using the second startup method, the management device 10 sends a message via the communication line containing a signal requesting startup and identification information of the target device to which the signal is intended. The management device 10 sends the message via the first communication line 41 to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25. The management device 10 sends the message via the second communication line 42 to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29. The management device 10 sends the message via the third communication line 43 to the tenth ECU 30, the eleventh ECU 31, the twelfth ECU 32, and the thirteenth ECU 33.

[0028] An electronic control unit that receives a message from the management device 10 checks the destination information contained in the received message. If the electronic control unit that receives the message determines that the message is addressed to it, that is, if it determines that it is the target device, it activates according to the received signal. On the other hand, if the electronic control unit that receives the message determines that the message is not addressed to it, it ignores the received signal. In this way, the management device 10 activates only the target device among multiple electronic control units by sending a message through the communication line.

[0029] Thus, the second starting method prevents the activation of an electronic control unit that is not the target device. However, in the second starting method, the process of determining whether the signal requesting activation from the electronic control unit is addressed to itself is required, which increases the time it takes to activate the target device compared to the first starting method.

[0030] Thus, the management device 10 starts the target device via the power control line when using the first starting method, and via the communication line when using the second starting method. Multiple target devices activated by the management device 10 using the first or second activation method communicate with each other and each performs processing to realize a predetermined function. While realizing the predetermined function, the target device realizing that function periodically sends a signal to the management device 10 requesting it to continue operating. While the management device 10 receives a signal from a target device requesting it to continue operating, it sends a message via the communication line to the target device realizing that function, including a signal requesting it to start up.

[0031] The target device, activated by the management device 10, continues to operate for a certain period of time each time it receives a message addressed to it, including a signal requesting it to start up, via the communication line to which it is connected. If the target device does not receive a message addressed to it, including a signal requesting it to start up, from the management device 10 via the communication line to which it is connected, it stops operating and enters a standby state.

[0032] In this way, the management device 10 starts up the target device by using a first startup method and a second startup method for each bus-type network, depending on the function to be implemented, thereby achieving both reduced power consumption and rapid startup. However, if a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100 equipped with such a management device 10, using the same startup method as before the change may not be able to achieve both reduced power consumption and rapid startup.

[0033] Changes that can be made to the in-vehicle network system 100 include increasing or decreasing the number of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100. For example, if an electronic control unit connected to a bus-type network is added, the power consumed to start the target device connected to that bus-type network using the first startup method will increase by the amount of the added electronic control unit.

[0034] One possible change to the in-vehicle network system 100 is a software update in a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network system 100. For example, if the vehicle's software is updated and the target device to be activated for a certain function is changed, or if the number of target devices to be activated changes, the power consumption when the target device is activated using the first activation method for that function will change.

[0035] One possible change to the in-vehicle network system 100 is the rearrangement of the devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100. For example, if the positions of the first ECU 21 and the sixth ECU 26 are swapped, the number of devices to be activated in the first bus-type network 61 will decrease for functions that use the first ECU 21 but not the sixth ECU 26. On the other hand, the number of devices to be activated in the second bus-type network 62 will increase.

[0036] Even if the in-vehicle network system 100 is modified in this way, the management device 10 uses different startup methods for the target device in accordance with the modified in-vehicle network system 100, so as to achieve both a reduction in power consumption and a rapid startup.

[0037] <Flow of the learning process executed by the processing unit 11> Figure 2 shows the flow of the learning process performed by the processing unit 11. This series of processes is performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 performing the processing according to the control program stored in the storage device 12.

[0038] The learning process is a process in which the management device 10 learns how to start the target device in the modified in-vehicle network system 100 by acquiring information about the modified in-vehicle network system 100 and then re-selecting the startup method for the target device. The information about the modified in-vehicle network system 100 refers, in more detail, to information about the target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed, among the multiple devices connected to the modified in-vehicle network system 100. The management device 10 then acquires data on the number of target devices that were operational in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function from among such information.

[0039] Through this learning process, the management device 10 can adapt to the modified in-vehicle network system 100. Since the management device 10 selects a startup method for each bus network, the learning process is also executed for each bus network. The management device 10 does not perform the learning process for bus networks to which the target device is not connected.

[0040] Figure 3 shows the processing flow related to the startup of the target device, which is performed by the processing unit 11. The series of processes in Figure 3 are executed when the management device 10 receives a startup request signal from another device. The learning process shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the process in step S15 of Figure 3. Therefore, the series of processes shown in Figure 2 are executed when the management device 10 starts the target device after receiving a startup request signal from another device.

[0041] First, the learning process flow will be explained with reference to Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, once this series of processes begins, in step S100, the processing unit 11 starts the target device in the bus-type network using the second startup method. In other words, when the processing unit 11 starts the target device in response to a signal from the management device 10 requesting startup, it starts the target device using the second startup method, regardless of the startup method used in the bus-type network in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the change.

[0042] In the next step, S101, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate. While performing a predetermined function, the target devices periodically send signals to the management device 10 requesting to continue operating. In other words, target devices that send signals requesting to continue operating are target devices that continued to operate in order to perform a predetermined function. The management device 10 can determine the number of target devices that continued to operate by counting the signals requesting to continue operating.

[0043] The table shown in Figure 4 shows the data recorded by the processing unit 11 through the process in step S101, indicating the number of target devices that continued to operate. As mentioned earlier, the series of processes shown in Figure 2 are executed for each bus network. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the management device 10 records the number of target devices that continued to operate in each bus network for each function. In Figure 4, multiple different functions are shown numbered as "E1", "E2", "E3", and so on.

[0044] As mentioned earlier, the management device 10 has information on which bus network the target device to be started is connected to, but it does not have information on which bus network each individual target device is connected to. However, by performing this process, the management device 10 can obtain data on how many target devices are connected to each bus network.

[0045] In this way, the management device 10 acquires information about the target devices that were in operation when the predetermined function described above was executed, specifically information about the target devices that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of the function. The management device 10 then acquires data on the number of target devices that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function, specifically data on the number of target devices that were in operation in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function.

[0046] In the next step, S102, the processing unit 11 determines whether it has recorded the number of target devices that continued to operate a certain number of times. In other words, in step S102, the processing unit 11 determines whether it has executed the process in step S101 a certain number of times by executing the series of processes shown in Figure 2 multiple times. Note that this certain number may be multiple or it may be just one time.

[0047] If the processing unit 11 determines that it has not recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S102: NO), it terminates this series of processes. If the processing unit 11 determines that it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S102: YES), it proceeds to the next step S103.

[0048] In the next step, S103, the processing unit 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. As shown in Figure 4, the default number may be set to a different value for each bus network, even if the function being executed is the same. Furthermore, the default number may be set to a different value depending on the function being executed, even within the same bus network.

[0049] The processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate a certain number of times, thereby accumulating data on the number of target devices that continued to operate for a certain period of time. When comparing with a predetermined number in the process of step S103, the processing unit 11 uses the average value of the data for that certain period of time. The value that the processing unit 11 compares with the predetermined number in the process of step S103 may be the median, mode, or sum of the data for that certain period of time.

[0050] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S103: YES), it proceeds to the next step S104. In step S104, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network for which the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number will be started using the first startup method. That is, the processing unit 11 selects the first startup method from the first startup method and the second startup method as the startup method.

[0051] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is less than the predetermined number (step S103: NO), it proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network, for which the number of target devices that have continued to operate is less than the predetermined number, will be started using the second startup method. In other words, the processing unit 11 selects the second startup method from the first startup method and the second startup method.

[0052] The table shown in Figure 5 shows the startup methods stored in the storage device 12 by the processing unit 11 during steps S104 and S105. The processing unit 11 selects a startup method for each bus-type network in each function performed by the management device 10. Then, as shown in Figure 5, the processing unit 11 learns the startup method for the target device in the in-vehicle network system 100 by storing the startup method for each bus-type network in the storage device 12.

[0053] After performing the processing in step S104 or step S105, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S106. In step S106, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the learning process is complete. Specifically, it switches the flag in the management device 10 from a state where the learning process is incomplete to a state where the learning process is complete. After performing the processing in step S106, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0054] <Processing flow related to the startup of the target device executed by the processing unit 11> Figure 3 shows the processing flow related to the startup of the target device, as described above, by the processing unit 11. This series of processes is performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in accordance with the control program stored in the storage device 12. This series of processes is performed when the management device 10 receives a signal from another device requesting startup. Therefore, the processing unit 11 performs this series of processes for each function that the management device 10 performs.

[0055] When this series of processes begins, in step S10, the processing unit 11 determines whether any changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100. If changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100, it will affect the execution of functions by the management device 10, so updates to programs stored in the storage device 12 will be performed. The processing unit 11 makes the determination in step S10 based on whether there were any such signs indicating that changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0056] If the processing unit 11 determines that a change has been made to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S10: YES), it proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the processing unit 11 resets the learning completion flag. In step S106 in Figure 2, the processing unit 11 switches the flag to the state where the learning process is complete. In step S12, the processing unit 11 resets this flag to the state where the learning process is not yet complete. This flag reset is performed for each function. After resetting the learning completion flag, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S15.

[0057] If the processing unit 11 determines that no changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S10: NO), it proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not the learning process is complete. The processing unit 11 determines whether or not the learning process is complete based on whether or not a flag indicates that the learning process is complete.

[0058] If the processing unit 11 determines that learning is not complete (step S11: NO), it proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the processing unit 11 executes the learning process shown in Figure 2, as described above. After executing the learning process in step S15, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0059] If the processing unit 11 determines that learning is complete (step S11: YES), it proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the processing unit 11 executes a startup method determination process. The startup method determination process is a process that determines the startup method for each bus-type network based on the results learned in steps S104 and S105 of Figure 2, as shown in Figure 5.

[0060] In the next step, S14, the processing unit 11 starts the target device using the startup method determined in step S13. Having started the target device, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0061] <Operation of this embodiment> Figures 6 and 7 show an example of the scene in which the management device 10 starts up the target device. Below, the manner in which the management device 10 starts up the target device will be explained, using a specific example of the first case as an example of the scene in which the management device 10 starts up the target device.

[0062] Figures 6 and 7 show how the management device 10 starts up the target device in the first example. The first example is a scenario in which, after the 5th ECU 25 and 9th ECU 29 are added to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 receives a signal from another device requesting to start up and executes one of its functions, "E1". The "E1" function is implemented by the 1st ECU 21, 3rd ECU 23, 4th ECU 24, 5th ECU 25, 7th ECU 27, and 8th ECU 28.

[0063] Figure 6 shows the manner in which the learning process is executed in the first example. In the first example, the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 first determines that there has been a change in the in-vehicle network system 100 in step S10 of Figure 3 (step S10: YES).

[0064] Subsequently, the processing unit 11 resets the learning completion flag in step S12 (step S12), and then executes the learning process shown in Figure 2 for each of the bus-type networks to which the target device is connected (step S15).

[0065] In this case, the processing unit 11 performs a learning process on the first bus-type network 61. The processing unit 11 performs the process in step S100 of Figure 2, thereby starting up the target device in the first bus-type network 61 using the second startup method. The processing unit 11 sends a message addressed to the target device in the first bus-type network 61 via the first communication line 41. As a result, as shown by the arrows in Figure 6, the processing unit 11 starts up the first ECU 21, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 via the first communication line 41.

[0066] Next, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate by performing the process in step S101 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, in the first bus-type network 61, the number of target devices that continued to operate when the "E1" function was executed is four: the first ECU 21, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25. The third column of the table in Figure 4 reflects the information on the number of target devices that continued to operate, which was acquired through the learning process.

[0067] Next, the processing unit 11 performs the process in step S102 in Figure 2 to determine whether the recording in step S101 has been performed a certain number of times. If the processing unit 11 has recorded a certain number of times, it proceeds to the next step S103.

[0068] In step S103, the processing unit 11 compares the number of target devices that continued to operate in the first bus-type network 61 with a predetermined number. Then, depending on the magnitude of the number compared to the predetermined number, the processing proceeds to step S104 or step S105.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the number of target devices that continued to operate in the first bus network 61 is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. Therefore, in step S104, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that it has started the target devices in the first bus network 61 using the first startup method, as shown in Figure 5. Once learning is complete in this way, in step S106, the processing unit 11 switches the learning completion flag corresponding to the "E1" function for the first bus network 61 to the state that the learning process is complete.

[0070] The processing unit 11 performs the same processing for the second bus-type network 62. The processing unit 11 performs the process in step S100 of Figure 2, thereby starting up the target device in the second bus-type network 62 using the second startup method. The processing unit 11 sends a message addressed to the target device in the second bus-type network 62 via the second communication line 42. As a result, as shown by the arrows in Figure 6, the processing unit 11 starts up the 7th ECU 27 and the 8th ECU 28 via the second communication line 42.

[0071] Next, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate by performing the process in step S101 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 6, in the second bus-type network 62, the number of target devices that continued to operate when E1 was executed was 2, namely the 7th ECU 27 and the 8th ECU 28.

[0072] The processing unit 11 performs the same processing in steps S102 and S103 as the first bus network 61. As shown in Figure 4, the number of target devices that continued to operate in the second bus network 62 is less than the predetermined number. Therefore, in step S105, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the target devices in the second bus network 62 have been started using the second startup method, as shown in Figure 5. Once learning is complete in this way, in step S106, the processing unit 11 switches the learning completion flag corresponding to the "E1" function for the second bus network 62 to a state where the learning process is complete.

[0073] In the third bus-type network 63, there are no target devices that need to be activated when executing the "E1" function, so no learning process is performed. Thus, the processing unit 11, which has performed a learning process on the bus network to which the target device that needs to be started in order to execute the "E1" function is connected, terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 3.

[0074] Figure 7 shows the case where, after the learning process is complete, the management device 10 receives a signal from another device requesting activation and executes the function "E1". If the processing unit 11 executes the "E1" function again after the learning process is complete (step S11: YES), it executes the process shown in step S13 of Figure 3. In the startup method determination process of step S13, the processing unit 11 determines the startup method for each bus-type network for the target device based on the results of the learning process.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the processing unit 11 decides to start up the target device connected to the first bus-type network 61 using the first startup method. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the processing unit 11 decides to start up the target device connected to the second bus-type network 62 using the second startup method.

[0076] Subsequently, in step S14, the processing unit 11 starts up the target devices for each bus network using the startup method determined in step S13. Specifically, the processing unit 11 starts up the target devices connected to the first bus network 61 using the first startup method. As shown by the arrows in Figure 7, the processing unit 11 starts up all electronic control devices in the first bus network 61 using the first startup method via the first power control line 51. The processing unit 11 also starts up the target devices connected to the second bus network 62 using the second startup method. The processing unit 11 sends a message to the target devices in the second bus network 62 via the second communication line 42. As a result, as shown by the arrows in Figure 7, the processing unit 11 starts up only the target devices using the second startup method via the second communication line 42.

[0077] In this way, when there is a change in the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 acquires information about the target devices that were activated when the function was executed in the modified in-vehicle network system 100. That is, the management device 10 acquires information about the target devices that need to be started in order to realize a predetermined function. Then, the management device 10 starts the target devices using the startup method selected based on the acquired information.

[0078] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The management device 10 starts the target device using a startup method selected based on the information acquired through the learning process. Therefore, the management device 10 can re-select the startup method for the target device when changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0079] (2) The management device 10 learns the startup method for the target device by selecting a startup method for the target device based on the acquired information and then storing the selected startup method. The management device 10 then starts the target device using the learned startup method. The management device 10 stores the startup method it selected. Subsequently, the management device 10 starts the target device based on the stored startup method. As a result, the management device 10 can smoothly determine the startup method for the target device without having to select the startup method for the target device each time it performs a function.

[0080] (3) After a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 acquires information by starting the target device using the second starting method. When the management device 10 starts the target device using the second starting method, it can start the target device with lower power consumption than when the first starting method is used. The management device 10 starts the target device using the second starting method in order to acquire information about the target device that was operated when a predetermined function was executed. As a result, the management device 10 can acquire the information while starting the target device with reduced power consumption.

[0081] (4) The management device 10 acquires data as information on the number of target devices that were operated in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined function among the multiple devices in the in-vehicle network system 100 after the changes were made.

[0082] The first startup method allows the target device to start up quickly, but it also consumes more power during startup. On the other hand, the second startup method reduces the power consumption of the target device compared to the first startup method, but it takes longer to start up. When a large number of target devices are activated in conjunction with the execution of predetermined functions provided by the vehicle, the difference in power consumption between the first and second startup methods becomes smaller. The management device 10 selects the startup method for the target device based on the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of predetermined functions provided by the vehicle. This allows the management device 10 to select the startup method based on information that correlates with the power consumption that can be reduced by selecting the second startup method.

[0083] (5) When the management device 10 selects a method for starting up the target devices, it selects the first starting method if the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined function is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The management device 10 also selects the second starting method if the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined function is less than a predetermined number. The fewer the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined function, the more power consumption can be reduced by selecting the second starting method. On the other hand, if the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined function is large, the reduction in power consumption cannot be expected to be significant, and the startup time will be longer. The management device 10 selects a method for starting up the target devices by comparing the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of a predetermined function provided by the vehicle with the predetermined number. As a result, even if changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can select a starting method that balances reduced power consumption with quick startup.

[0084] (6) The in-vehicle network system 100 is composed of multiple bus-type networks connected to the management device 10. Each bus-type network is provided with a power control line for starting using the first startup method. The management device 10 acquires information for each bus-type network and selects a startup method for each bus-type network.

[0085] When a vehicle needs to activate many target devices to perform a certain function, the difference in power consumption between the first and second activation methods is small. Therefore, considering the in-vehicle network system 100 as a whole, the first activation method is optimal for activating the target devices.

[0086] However, within the in-vehicle network system 100, there may be bus-type networks that do not have target devices corresponding to the function in question. Furthermore, within the in-vehicle network system 100, there may be bus-side networks where only a small number of the connected electronic control devices are the target devices. For target devices connected to such bus-type networks, it is desirable to start them using the second startup method. Thus, a startup method that is optimal for the in-vehicle network system 100 as a whole may not be optimal when considered on a bus-type network basis.

[0087] The management device 10 selects the startup method for each bus-type network in the in-vehicle network system 100. This allows the management device 10 to achieve a power control device startup that more precisely balances reduced power consumption with rapid startup.

[0088] (7) Changes made to the in-vehicle network system 100 include increases or decreases in the number of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100. This allows the management device 10 to select a method for starting up the target device in response to changes in the number of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0089] (8) The changes made to the in-vehicle network system 100 are software updates in vehicles equipped with the in-vehicle network system 100. This allows the management device 10 to select a startup method for the target device in response to changes when the software in a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network system 100 is updated.

[0090] (9) The changes made to the in-vehicle network system 100 are rearrangements of the arrangement of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100. This allows the management device 10 to select a startup method for the target device in response to the changes when the arrangement of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100 is rearranged.

[0091] (10) The control program is a control program for an in-vehicle network system 100 equipped with a management device 10. The control program causes the management device 10 to acquire information when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100. The information is about the target device that was operated when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system 100, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100 after the change was made. The control program causes the management device 10 to select a method for starting the target device according to its function based on the information, from a first starting method and a second starting method. In the first starting method, the management device 10 starts the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device. In the second starting method, the management device 10 starts the target device by requesting it to start using communication. The control program causes the management device 10 to start the target device using the selected starting method.

[0092] When a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the control program causes the management device 10 to acquire information about the target devices that were activated when a predetermined function was executed in the modified in-vehicle network system 100. In other words, the control program causes the management device 10 to acquire information about the target devices that need to be started in order to realize the predetermined function. The control program then starts the target devices based on the information acquired by the management device 10. This allows the control program to re-select the method of starting the target devices when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0093] (11) The control method is a control method for an in-vehicle network system 100 equipped with a management device 10. The control method includes a step (step S101) in which the management device 10 acquires information when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100. The information acquired by the management device 10 is information about target devices that were operated when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system 100, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system 100 after the change was made. The control method includes a step (steps S103 to S106) in which the management device 10 selects a method for starting the target device according to its function from a first starting method and a second starting method based on the information. In the first starting method, the management device 10 starts the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device. In the second starting method, the management device 10 starts the target device by requesting it to start up using communication from the management device 10. The control method includes a step (step S14) in which the management device 10 starts the target device according to the selected starting method.

[0094] The control method, when there is a change in the in-vehicle network system 100, acquires information on the target devices that were activated when a predetermined function was executed in the modified in-vehicle network system 100. In other words, the control method acquires information on the target devices that need to be started in order to realize the predetermined function. Then, the control method starts the target devices in the management device 10 based on the acquired information. This allows the control method to re-select the method for starting the target devices when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0095] <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.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 obtains information about the target device that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of the function by starting the target device at the time when the function is actually executed. On the other hand, the management device 10 may obtain this information at a time other than when the function is actually executed.

[0097] For example, when the management device 10 starts up the target device using the second startup method, it sends a message accompanied by a signal indicating that the message is being sent for learning purposes. The target device that was the recipient of the message then recognizes that the message is being sent at a time different from when it actually performs its function, and sends a signal indicating that it has responded to the message without starting up. The target device that was the recipient of the message is the device that continues to operate in order to perform the function when it actually performs the function. Therefore, by receiving the signal indicating that it has responded to the message, the management device 10 can obtain information about the target device that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of the function.

[0098] There are two possible scenarios in which changes may be made to the in-vehicle network system 100. The first is when changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100 after the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network system 100 has been sold. The second is when changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100 during the design or development phase of the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0099] In the second scenario, in addition to the pattern in which changes are actually made to the in-vehicle network system 100, changes may also be made in the simulation environment. This pattern involves adjusting the settings of each vehicle's equipment in a simulation environment that virtually reproduces the state in which changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100. By connecting the management device 10 to the simulation model that reproduces the in-vehicle network system 100 and executing the learning process, it is possible to obtain information about the target equipment that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of its functions.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 activates multiple target devices to realize the function. The number of target devices required to realize the function does not have to be multiple. The management device 10 may activate only one target device.

[0101] For example, if a target device can perform a predetermined function on its own, the management device 10 may activate only one target device. Also, for example, if different management devices 10 are activated depending on the target device, the management device 10 may activate only one target device.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the multiple electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100 are connected to each other in a communicative manner by a first communication line 41, a second communication line 42, and a third communication line 43. Alternatively, the electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100 may be connected to each other in a communicative manner via wireless communication. In this case, the management device 10 activates the target device wirelessly in the second activation method without using the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100 are powered by a power source. All electronic control units in the in-vehicle network system 100 may be powered by a single power source, or multiple power sources may each power a different electronic control unit.

[0104] In the above embodiment, when the second startup method is used, the management device 10 transmits a message containing a signal requesting startup and identification information of the target device to which the signal is intended. When the management device 10 starts up a target device using the second startup method, it is not always necessary to include the identification information of the target device to which the signal is intended in the message. For example, when the management device 10 starts up a target device using the second startup method, it transmits a signal requesting startup to all electronic control devices via the first communication line 41, the second communication line 42, and the third communication line 43. At this time, the management device 10 transmits a message containing the signal requesting startup and, at the same time, the identification information of an electronic control device that is not the intended recipient of the signal.

[0105] All electronic control units that receive a message verify the identification information contained in the message. Each electronic control unit ignores the message if the identification information matches its own. Conversely, each electronic control unit receives the message and activates if the identification information does not match its own.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 acquires data on the number of target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of the function during the process of step S101 in Figure 2, as information about the target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of the function. The information about target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of the function acquired by the management device 10 is not limited to this data. For example, the management device 10 may acquire data on the IDs of the target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of the function, as information about the target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of the function.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the power control lines and communication lines constituting the bus network are connected to all electronic control devices connected to the bus network. In other words, the power control lines and communication lines constituting the same bus network are connected to the same combination of electronic control devices. On the other hand, even if the power control lines and communication lines constituting the same bus network are connected to the same combination of electronic control devices, the combination of electronic control devices connected to them may differ. For example, with respect to electronic control devices connected to a bus network, the communication lines may be connected to all electronic control devices, but the power control lines may be connected to only some of the electronic control devices.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 acquires information about target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of a function for each bus network. The management device 10 also selects a startup method for each target device for each bus network. On the other hand, the management device 10 does not have to acquire such information or select a startup method for each bus network. For example, the management device 10 may acquire information and select a startup method for all electronic control devices connected to the management device 10 at once. In this case, the management device 10 may, for example, acquire data on the number of target devices that continued to operate in accordance with the execution of a function among all electronic control devices connected to the management device 10, and select a startup method based on that data.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the in-vehicle network system 100 is configured by connecting multiple bus-type networks, each having one communication line and one power control line, to the management device 10. The configuration of the in-vehicle network system 100 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the in-vehicle network system 100 may consist of one power control line connected to the management device 10 and multiple communication lines. Alternatively, for example, the in-vehicle network system 100 may consist of one communication line connected to the management device 10 and multiple power control lines. Thus, as long as the in-vehicle network system 100 has both power control lines and communication lines, the number of each is not limited.

[0110] In the above embodiment, when the management device 10 starts the target device using the first starting method, it transmits a signal requesting startup via the power control line. On the other hand, the management device 10 may also start the target device using the first starting method, which controls the supply of power from the power source via the power control line itself.

[0111] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle network system 100 equipped with the management device 10 of the first modification example. In the first modification example, the in-vehicle network system 100 includes a first relay 71, a second relay 72, and a third relay 73.

[0112] The first relay 71 is connected to the first power control line 51. The first relay 71 controls whether or not to supply power to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25. When the first relay 71 is closed, power is supplied to the first ECU 21, the second ECU 22, the third ECU 23, the fourth ECU 24, and the fifth ECU 25 through the first power control line 51.

[0113] The second relay 72 is connected to the second power control line 52. The second relay 72 controls whether or not to supply power to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29. When the second relay 72 is closed, power is supplied to the sixth ECU 26, the seventh ECU 27, the eighth ECU 28, and the ninth ECU 29 through the second power control line 52.

[0114] The third relay 73 is connected to the third power control line 53. The third relay 73 controls whether or not to supply power to the 10th ECU 30, the 11th ECU 31, the 12th ECU 32, and the 13th ECU 33. When the third relay 73 is closed, power is supplied to the 10th ECU 30, the 11th ECU 31, the 12th ECU 32, and the 13th ECU 33 through the third power control line 53.

[0115] In the first modified example, the management device 10 controls the supply of power to the target device via the power control line by operating the first relay 71, the second relay 72, and the third relay 73 in the first startup method.

[0116] In this first modified example, the management device 10 activates the electronic control unit connected to the first power control line 51 by closing the first relay 71. In this first modified example, the management device 10 activates the electronic control unit connected to the second power control line 52 by closing the second relay 72. In this first modified example, the management device 10 activates the electronic control unit connected to the third power control line 53 by closing the third relay 73. Thus, even when the management device 10 adopts a configuration that controls the supply of power from the power source via the power control line itself, the first activation method can be realized in the same way as in the above embodiment.

[0117] However, if the relay is in the open state, power is not supplied to the electronic control unit, and therefore, startup using the second startup method cannot be performed. For this reason, the first startup method, which involves controlling the relay, is executed during the learning process in which the target device is started using the first startup method, as shown in the second modification example described later. In addition, the first startup method, which involves controlling the relay, can be executed as a first startup method for a bus-side network where it is known that startup using the second startup method will not be performed for any function.

[0118] When the relay is open, no power is supplied to the electronic control unit, and therefore no power is consumed. For this reason, by adopting a configuration that combines the first starting method, which involves controlling the relay, standby power consumption can be reduced.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the processing unit 11 starts up the target device using the second startup method in step S100 of the learning process in Figure 2 in order to acquire information about the target device that has continued to operate in accordance with the execution of its function. On the other hand, the processing unit 11 may also start up the target device using the first startup method in the learning process.

[0120] Figure 9 shows the processing performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in the second modification example during the learning process. The processing unit 11 executes the sequence of processing shown in Figure 9 instead of the sequence of processing shown in Figure 2.

[0121] In step S110, the processing unit 11 starts the target device in the bus-type network using the first startup method. In other words, when the processing unit 11 starts the target device in response to a signal from the management device 10 requesting startup, it starts the target device using the first startup method, regardless of the startup method used in the bus-type network in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the change.

[0122] In step S111, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate. This process is the same as the process in step S101 in Figure 2. In step S112, the processing unit 11 determines whether it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times. This process is the same as the process in step S102 in Figure 2.

[0123] If the processing unit 11 determines that it has not recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S112: NO), it terminates this series of processes. If the processing unit 11 determines that it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S112: YES), it proceeds to the next step S113. In the next step S113, the processing unit 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. This process is the same as the process in step S103 in Figure 2.

[0124] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S113: YES), it proceeds to the next step S114. In step S114, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network for which the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number has been started using the first startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S104 in Figure 2.

[0125] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is less than the predetermined number (step S113: NO), it proceeds to step S115. In step S115, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network with fewer than the predetermined number of target devices that have continued to operate has been started using the second startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S105 in Figure 2.

[0126] After performing the processing in step S114 or step S115, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the learning process is complete. This process is the same as the processing in step S106 in Figure 2. After performing the processing in step S116, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0127] The management device 10 acquires information by starting the target device using the first startup method after a change has been made to the in-vehicle network system 100. When the management device 10 starts the target device using the first startup method, it can start the target device faster than when the second startup method is used. The management device 10 starts the target device using the first startup method in order to acquire information about the target device that is operating when a predetermined function is executed. As a result, the management device 10 can quickly start the target device and acquire the information while simultaneously realizing the function.

[0128] In the above embodiment, in step S100 of the learning process in Figure 2, the processing unit 11 starts up the target device using the second startup method in order to acquire information about the target device that has continued to operate in accordance with the execution of its function. On the other hand, the processing unit 11 may also start up the target device in the learning process using the startup method that was used before the changes were made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0129] Figure 10 shows the processing that the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in the third modification example performs during the learning process. The processing unit 11 performs the sequence of processing shown in Figure 10 instead of the sequence of processing shown in Figure 2.

[0130] In step S120, the processing unit 11 determines whether the first startup method was used in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the modification was made. As will be described later, in the processing unit 11 of the third modified example, similar to the embodiment described above, the processing unit 11 selects a startup method for each bus-type network in the learning process and stores it in the storage device 12. Therefore, the processing unit 11 can determine which startup method was used in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the modification.

[0131] In step S120, if it is determined that the first startup method was used in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the modification was made (step S120: YES), the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S121. In step S121, the processing unit 11 starts the target device in the bus network using the first startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S110 in Figure 9.

[0132] In step S120, if it is determined that the first startup method was not used in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the modification was made (step S120: NO), the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S122. In step S122, the processing unit 11 starts the target device in the bus-type network using the second startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S100 in Figure 2.

[0133] In step S123, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate. This process is the same as the process in step S101 in Figure 2. In step S124, the processing unit 11 determines whether it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times. This process is the same as the process in step S102 in Figure 2.

[0134] If the processing unit 11 determines that it has not recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S124: NO), it terminates this series of processes. If the processing unit 11 determines that it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S124: YES), it proceeds to the next step S125. In the next step S125, the processing unit 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. This process is the same as the process in step S103 in Figure 2.

[0135] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S125: YES), it proceeds to the next step S126. In the process of step S126, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network for which the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number has been started using the first startup method. This process is the same as the process of step S104 in Figure 2.

[0136] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is less than the predetermined number (step S125: NO), it proceeds to step S127. In step S127, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network with fewer than the predetermined number of target devices that have continued to operate has been started using the second startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S105 in Figure 2.

[0137] After performing the process in step S126 or step S127, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S128. In step S128, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the learning process is complete. This process is the same as the process in step S106 in Figure 2. After performing the process in step S128, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0138] The management device 10 acquires information by starting the target device using the startup method that was used before the changes were made to the in-vehicle network system 100, after the changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0139] Before any changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 selects a startup method that balances reduced power consumption with rapid startup. When changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the optimal startup method that balances reduced power consumption with rapid startup is likely to be the same as the startup method selected by the management device 10 before the changes were made. For example, if the changes made to the in-vehicle network system 100 are minor and do not affect power consumption or startup time, there is no need to change the startup method even if the in-vehicle network system 100 is changed. In order to acquire information about the target device that was operated when a predetermined function is executed, the management device 10 starts the target device using the startup method that was used before the changes were made to the in-vehicle network system 100. This allows the management device 10 to acquire information while using a startup method that is highly likely to balance reduced power consumption with rapid startup.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 performs the learning process shown in Figure 2 for all bus-type networks to which the target device in the function being executed is connected. Alternatively, the management device 10 may perform the learning process only for the bus-type networks to which the target device in the function being executed is connected that have been affected by changes made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0141] Figure 11 shows the processing performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in the fourth modification example during the learning process. The processing unit 11 executes the sequence of processing shown in Figure 11 instead of the sequence of processing shown in Figure 2. In the above embodiment, the management device 10 has information on which target devices need to be activated in order to perform a function, and information on which bus network the target devices to be activated are connected to. In the fourth modification example, the management device 10 acquires information indicating the content of the change when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100. This makes it possible to understand the bus network that has been affected by the change made to the in-vehicle network system 100, in addition to the information mentioned above.

[0142] In step S130, the processing unit 11 determines whether the bus-type network performing the learning process is affected by the changes made to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0143] In step S130, if it is determined that the bus network performing the learning process is affected by the change (step S130: YES), the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S131. In step S131, the processing unit 11 starts the target device in the bus network using the second startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S100 in Figure 2.

[0144] In step S132, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate. This process is the same as the process in step S101 in Figure 2. In step S133, the processing unit 11 determines whether it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times. This process is the same as the process in step S102 in Figure 2.

[0145] If the processing unit 11 determines that it has not recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S133: NO), it terminates this series of processes. If the processing unit 11 determines that it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S133: YES), it proceeds to the next step S134. In the next step S134, the processing unit 11 determines whether the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. This process is the same as the process in step S103 in Figure 2.

[0146] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S134: YES), it proceeds to the next step S135. In step S135, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network for which the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number has been started using the first startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S104 in Figure 2.

[0147] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is less than the predetermined number (step S134: NO), it proceeds to step S136. In step S136, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the bus-type network with fewer than the predetermined number of target devices that have continued to operate has been started using the second startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S105 in Figure 2.

[0148] After performing the process in step S135 or step S136, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S137. In step S137, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the learning process is complete. This process is the same as the process in step S106 in Figure 2. After performing the process in step S137, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0149] In step S130, if the processing unit 11 determines that the bus network on which the learning process is being performed is not affected by the change (step S130: NO), the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the learning process is complete. This process is the same as the process in step S106 in Figure 2. After executing the process in step S138, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes. In this way, the processing unit 11 can terminate the learning process without having to learn the startup method again for the bus network that is not affected by the change.

[0150] The management device 10 identifies the bus network affected when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100. The management device 10 is configured to acquire information about each bus network and decide whether or not to re-select the startup method. The management device 10 re-selects the startup method only for the bus network affected by the change among the devices to be started.

[0151] When the management device 10 acquires information about target devices that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of a function, it needs to try starting up the target devices required for the execution of the function again using a startup method that may not be optimal for both reducing power consumption and enabling quick startup. Therefore, it is desirable that the management device 10 acquires this information again as infrequently as possible. In the management device 10 described above, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, it is configured to decide whether or not to acquire information again for each bus-type network and re-select the startup method. The management device 10 does not acquire information again for bus-type networks in the in-vehicle network system 100 that are not affected by the change. As a result, when there is a change to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 can reduce the number of times it needs to acquire information again about target devices that were operating when a predetermined function was executed.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 performs a learning process for all functions to be executed when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100. On the other hand, the management device 10 does not need to perform a learning process for every function to be executed. For example, the management device 10 may acquire information about the target device that continued to operate in conjunction with the execution of each function to be executed and decide whether to re-select the startup method.

[0153] Figure 12 shows the processing flow related to the startup of the target device, which is performed by the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in the fifth modification example. The processing unit 11 performs the series of processing steps shown in Figure 12 instead of the series of processing steps shown in Figure 3.

[0154] In step S20, the processing unit 11 determines whether any changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100. This process is the same as the process in step S10 in Figure 3.

[0155] If the processing unit 11 determines that a change has been made to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S20: YES), it proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the processing unit 11 determines whether the function to be executed has been affected by the change to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0156] The processing unit 11 determines that a function to be executed has been affected by a change if it needs to activate an electronic control unit connected to a bus-type network affected by a change to the in-vehicle network system 100. At this time, the management device 10 needs to be able to identify the bus-type network affected by the change made to the in-vehicle network system 100, similar to the fourth change example.

[0157] The processing unit 11 may determine that a function to be executed has been affected by a change in the in-vehicle network system 100 if the function to be executed requires the use of a target device affected by the change in the in-vehicle network system 100. For example, when an electronic control unit is added to the in-vehicle network system 100, the processing unit 11 refers to information on whether or not the function to be executed needs to be activated using the electronic control unit as a target device. The processing unit 11 then determines that the function has been affected by the change if it determines that it needs to be activated using the electronic control unit as a target device. Also, for example, when an electronic control unit on the in-vehicle network system 100 is removed, the processing unit 11 determines that the function has been affected by the change if the electronic control unit was one of the target devices that was operating to realize the function.

[0158] If the processing unit 11 determines that no changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S20: NO), it proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the processing unit 11 determines whether or not learning has been completed. This process is the same as the process in step S11 in Figure 3.

[0159] If the processing unit 11 determines that the function to be executed is not affected by the changes to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S22: NO), it proceeds to step S24.

[0160] Furthermore, if the processing unit 11 determines that learning is complete in step S21 (step S21: YES), it proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the processing unit 11 executes a startup method determination process. This process is the same as the process in step S13 in Figure 3.

[0161] In the next step, S25, the processing unit 11 starts the target device using the startup method determined in step S24. This process is the same as the process in step S14 in Figure 3. Having started the target device, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0162] On the other hand, if the processing unit 11 determines that the function to be executed has been affected by the change to the in-vehicle network system 100 (step S22: YES), it proceeds to step S23. In step S23, if a process that was stored as having completed learning in the in-vehicle network system 100 before the change was executed, the processing unit 11 resets such a flag to a state where learning is not yet complete. This process is the same as the process in step S12 in Figure 3. After executing the process in step S23, the processing unit 11 proceeds to step S26.

[0163] Furthermore, if the processing unit 11 determines in step S21 that learning is not complete (step S21: NO), it proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the processing unit 11 executes the learning process. This process is the same as the process in step S15 in Figure 3. After completing the learning process, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0164] The management device 10 is configured such that, when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, it acquires information about each function to be executed and decides whether or not to re-select the startup method for that function.

[0165] The management device 10 described above is configured such that when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, it decides whether or not to re-acquire information about each function to be executed and re-select the startup method. This reduces the number of times the management device 10 has to re-acquire information about the target devices that were operated when a predetermined function was executed when there is a change to the in-vehicle network system 100.

[0166] The in-vehicle network system 100 is composed of multiple bus-type networks connected to the management device 10. The in-vehicle network system 100 also has a power control line for starting each bus-type network using the first startup method. When a change is made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 identifies the bus-type networks affected by the change. The management device 10 then re-selects the startup method for functions that use the target devices connected to the affected bus-type networks. The management device 10 does not re-acquire information for functions in the in-vehicle network system 100 that do not use the bus-type networks connected to the affected devices. This reduces the number of times the management device 10 needs to re-acquire information.

[0167] When the aforementioned changes are made to the in-vehicle network system 100, the management device 10 identifies the affected devices. The management device 10 then re-selects the startup method for functions that use the affected devices. The management device 10 does not acquire information again for functions in the in-vehicle network system 100 that do not require the activation of the affected devices. This reduces the number of times the management device 10 needs to acquire information again.

[0168] • In the aforementioned modification example, it was shown that the management device 10 can also be applied to vehicles in the design and development stages. In this scenario, the vehicle developer may decide for each function whether the management device 10 acquires information about the target device that has continued to operate in accordance with the execution of its function and re-selects the startup method.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the management device 10 learns the startup method for the target device by storing the startup method selected for each bus network during the learning process. Then, in the startup method determination process of step S13 in Figure 3, the management device 10 reads the learned results from the storage device 12 to determine the startup method for each bus network. Alternatively, the management device 10 may not select a startup method for each bus network during the learning process, and the processing device 11 may select a startup method for each bus network each time during the startup method determination process.

[0170] Figure 13 shows the processing that the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in the sixth modification example executes during the learning process. The processing unit 11 executes the sequence of processing shown in Figure 13 instead of the sequence of processing shown in Figure 2.

[0171] In step S140, the processing unit 11 starts the target device in the bus network using the second startup method. This process is the same as the process in step S100 in Figure 2.

[0172] In step S141, the processing unit 11 records the number of target devices that continued to operate. This process is the same as the process in step S101 in Figure 2. In step S142, the processing unit 11 determines whether it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times. This process is the same as the process in step S102 in Figure 2.

[0173] If the processing unit 11 determines that it has not recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S142: NO), it terminates this series of processes. If the processing unit 11 determines that it has recorded the number of target devices that have continued to operate a certain number of times (step S142: YES), it proceeds to the next step S143. In step S143, the processing unit 11 stores in the storage device 12 that the learning process is complete. This process is the same as the process in step S106 in Figure 2. After executing the process in step S143, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0174] Figure 14 shows the processing that the processing unit 11 of the management device 10 in the sixth modification example executes for each bus-type network in the startup method determination process. The processing unit 11 executes the process shown in Figure 14 in the process executed in step S13 of Figure 3.

[0175] In step S200, the processing unit 11 determines whether the number of target devices that continued to operate in the learning process described with reference to Figure 13 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (step S200: YES), it proceeds to step S201. In step S201, the processing unit 11 decides to start up the target devices connected to the bus network using the first startup method. After completing step S201, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0176] If the processing unit 11 determines that the number of target devices that have continued to operate is less than a predetermined number (step S200: NO), it proceeds to step S202. In step S202, the processing unit 11 decides to start the target devices connected to the bus network using the second startup method. After completing step S202, the processing unit 11 terminates this series of processes.

[0177] Even when the startup method is selected each time during the startup method determination process, the management device 10 can still select a startup method based on the information acquired through the learning process and start the target device using the selected startup method.

[0178] <Note> The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. [Note 1] A management device for an in-vehicle network system, wherein when a change is made to the in-vehicle network system, the management device acquires information about a target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the change, and based on the information, selects a method for starting the target device from a first starting method that starts the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device, and a second starting method that starts the target device by requesting the target device to start up using communication from the management device, and starts the target device using the selected starting method.

[0179] [Note 2] The management device described in [Note 2], which, after selecting the startup method for the target device based on the acquired information, learns the startup method for the target device by storing the selected startup method, and starts the target device using the learned startup method.

[0180] [Note 3] A management device according to [Note 1] or [Note 2] that acquires the information by starting the target device using the first startup method after the above-mentioned changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system.

[0181] [Note 4] The management device described in [Note 1] or [Note 2] that acquires the information by starting the target device using the second startup method after the above-mentioned changes have been made to the in-vehicle network system.

[0182] [Note 5] A management device according to [Note 1] or [Note 2] that acquires the information after the above-mentioned change has been made to the in-vehicle network system, by starting the target device using the startup method that was used before the above-mentioned change was made to the in-vehicle network system.

[0183] [Note 6] A management device according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 5] that acquires data on the number of target devices among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification has been made that were operated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function.

[0184] [Note 7] The management device described in [Note 6], which, when selecting the startup method for the target device, selects the first startup method if the number of target devices that have started up in accordance with the execution of the predetermined function is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, and selects the second startup method if the number of target devices that have started up in accordance with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number.

[0185] [Note 8] The in-vehicle network system is composed of a plurality of bus-type networks connected to the management device, each of the bus-type networks is provided with a power control line for starting using the first starting method, and the management device acquires the information for each of the bus-type networks and selects the starting method for each of the bus-type networks, as described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 7].

[0186] [Note 9] The management device described in [Note 8] is configured such that when the above-mentioned change is made to the in-vehicle network system, it identifies the bus-type network affected by the change, and for each bus-type network, it decides whether or not to acquire the above-mentioned information in that bus-type network and re-select the startup method, and only for the bus-type network affected by the change among the target devices to be started, it re-selects the startup method.

[0187] [Note 10] A management device according to any one of [Note 1] to [Note 9], configured such that when the above-mentioned changes are made to the in-vehicle network system, it is determined whether or not to acquire the above-mentioned information for each function to be executed and to re-select the startup method for that function.

[0188] [Note 11] The in-vehicle network system is composed of a plurality of bus-type networks connected to the management device, each of the bus-type networks is provided with a power control line for starting using the first starting method, and the management device described in [Note 10] identifies the bus-type networks affected by the change when the change is made to the in-vehicle network system and re-selects the starting method when a function using the target device connected to the bus-type network affected by the change is executed.

[0189] [Note 12] The management device described in [Note 10] that, when the above-mentioned change is made to the in-vehicle network system, identifies the target device affected by the change and re-selects the startup method when a function using the target device affected by the change is executed.

[0190] [Note 13] The change made to the in-vehicle network system is an increase or decrease in the number of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system, as described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 12].

[0191] [Note 14] The change made to the in-vehicle network system is a software update in a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network system, as described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 12].

[0192] [Note 15] The change made to the in-vehicle network system is a rearrangement of the arrangement of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system, as described in any one of [Note 1] to [Note 12]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 10…Management device 11… Processing Unit 12...Storage device 21…1st ECU 22...2nd ECU 23…3rd ECU 24…4th ECU 25…5th ECU 26…6th ECU 27…7th ECU 28...8th ECU 29…9th ECU 30…10th ECU 31…11th ECU 32…12th ECU 33…13th ECU 41...First communication line 42...Second communication line 43...Third communication line 51...First power control line 52...Second power control line 53...Third power control line 61…First bus-type network 62…Second bus-type network 63…Third bus-type network 71…1st Relay 72…2nd Relay 73…3rd Relay 100…In-vehicle network systems

Claims

1. A management device for an in-vehicle network system, When the in-vehicle network system is modified, Of the multiple devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the aforementioned modifications have been made, information is obtained about the target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system. Based on the above information, the method for starting the target device is as follows: A first startup method for starting the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device, A second startup method for starting the target device by requesting startup from the management device via communication, Select from, The target device is started using the selected startup method. As the aforementioned information, data is obtained on the number of target devices among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification has been made that were operated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function. When selecting the startup method for the target device, If the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the first startup method is selected. If the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number, the second startup method is selected. Management device.

2. After selecting the startup method for the target device based on the acquired information, the startup method for the target device is learned by storing the selected startup method. The target device is started using the learned startup method. The control device according to claim 1.

3. After the above-mentioned modification is made to the in-vehicle network system, the information is acquired by activating the target device using the first activation method. The control device according to claim 1.

4. After the above-mentioned modification is made to the in-vehicle network system, the information is acquired by activating the target device using the second activation method. The control device according to claim 1.

5. After the above-mentioned modification is made to the in-vehicle network system, the information is acquired by starting the target device using the startup method that was used before the above-mentioned modification was made to the in-vehicle network system. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned in-vehicle network system is It is composed of multiple bus-type networks connected to the aforementioned management device. Each of the aforementioned bus-type networks is provided with a power control line for starting it up using the first startup method. The information is acquired for each of the aforementioned bus-type networks, Select the startup method for each of the aforementioned bus-type networks. The control device according to claim 1.

7. When the above-mentioned changes are made to the in-vehicle network system, Identify the bus network affected by the change, For each bus-type network, it is configured to determine whether or not to acquire the information in that bus-type network and re-select the startup method. Of the target devices to be started, the startup method will be re-selected only for the bus-type network affected by the change. The control device according to claim 6.

8. When the above-mentioned changes are made to the in-vehicle network system, For each function to be executed, it is configured to determine whether or not to retrieve the aforementioned information for that function and re-select the startup method. The control device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned in-vehicle network system is It is composed of multiple bus-type networks connected to the aforementioned management device. Each of the aforementioned bus-type networks is provided with a power control line for starting it up using the first startup method. When the above-mentioned changes are made to the in-vehicle network system, Identify the bus network affected by the change, Re-select the startup method when a function is executed that uses the target device connected to the bus-type network affected by the said change. The control device according to claim 8.

10. When the above-mentioned changes are made to the in-vehicle network system, Identify the aforementioned devices affected by the change, Re-selecting the startup method when a function using the affected device is executed. The control device according to claim 8.

11. The modification made to the in-vehicle network system is the addition or subtraction of the devices connected to the in-vehicle network system. The control device according to claim 1.

12. The modification to be made to the in-vehicle network system is a software update in a vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle network system. The control device according to claim 1.

13. The modification made to the in-vehicle network system is a rearrangement of the arrangement of the devices connected to the in-vehicle network system. The control device according to claim 1.

14. This is a control program for an in-vehicle network system equipped with a management device. When the in-vehicle network system is modified, To obtain information about the target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system, among the multiple devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the aforementioned modifications were made. Based on the above information, the method for starting the target device is as follows: A first startup method for starting the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device, A second startup method for starting the target device by requesting startup from the management device via communication, To choose from, The target device is started using the selected startup method, The management device is instructed to execute the above, As the aforementioned information, data is obtained on the number of target devices among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification has been made that were operated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function. When selecting the startup method for the target device, If the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function exceeds a predetermined number, the first startup method is selected. If the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number, the second startup method is selected. Control program.

15. This is a control method for controlling an in-vehicle network system equipped with a management device. When the in-vehicle network system is modified, The management device acquires information about the target device that was operational when a predetermined function was executed in the in-vehicle network system, among a plurality of devices connected to the in-vehicle network system after the modification was made. The management device, based on the information, determines the method for starting the target device. A first startup method for starting the target device by power control that controls whether or not to supply power to the target device, A second startup method for starting the target device by requesting startup from the management device via communication, The steps to select from, The management device includes the step of starting the target device according to the selected startup method, The aforementioned control device As the aforementioned information, data is obtained on the number of target devices among the plurality of devices in the in-vehicle network system after the modification has been made that were operated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function. When selecting the startup method for the target device, If the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the first startup method is selected. If the number of target devices activated in conjunction with the execution of the predetermined function is less than the predetermined number, the second startup method is selected. Control method.

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