In-vehicle device, startup control method, and startup control program

Abstract

To surely start an on-vehicle apparatus in an on-vehicle network having a new configuration.SOLUTION: An on-vehicle device is used in an on-vehicle network including a plurality of on-vehicle apparatuses. The on-vehicle device includes: a selection section which selects a power feeding object apparatus to be the on-vehicle apparatus to be fed with power from the plurality of on-vehicle apparatuses; an acquisition section which acquires start method information indicating a start method of each of the on-vehicle apparatuses; and a control section which performs start processing to start the power feeding object apparatus selected by the selection section on the basis of the start method information acquired by the acquisition section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle device, a startup control method, and a startup control program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, a technique for controlling each in-vehicle device according to the state of a vehicle on which the in-vehicle network is mounted has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-192108) discloses the following technique. That is, an in-vehicle communication system includes a plurality of communication buses arranged in a vehicle, a plurality of communication devices respectively connected to any one of the plurality of communication buses and transmitting and receiving an information group in which one or more pieces of information are grouped together, and a plurality of communication units respectively connected to the plurality of communication buses. The plurality of communication units transmit and receive the information group and relay information between different communication buses. In the in-vehicle communication system, the in-vehicle communication system further includes one or more power control devices that communicate with the relay device and respectively perform power control of one or more in-vehicle devices based on information transmitted from the relay device. The relay device includes storage means for storing, in a rewritable manner, a power state table indicating the power state that one or more in-vehicle devices should have under each of a plurality of predetermined vehicle situations for the vehicle; extraction means for extracting, from each of the received one or more information groups, information required for power control of the one or more in-vehicle devices; identification means for identifying a vehicle situation based on the information extracted by the extraction means; determination means for determining the power state that the one or more in-vehicle devices should have based on the vehicle situation identified by the identification means and the power state table stored by the storage means; means for creating an information group including control information for instructing the power state determined by the determination means; and means for transmitting the information group created by the means to the power control device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] In recent years, the types of services performed on in-vehicle networks have tended to increase. This increase in service types may necessitate the addition of in-vehicle devices such as ECUs (Electronic Control Units) or changes to the connections of these devices within the in-vehicle network. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can reliably start up in-vehicle devices even when the configuration of the in-vehicle network is changed.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a relay device, a startup control method, and a startup control program that can reliably start up in-vehicle equipment in a new configuration of in-vehicle network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The in-vehicle device of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, and comprises: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device which is an in-vehicle device to be powered from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices; an acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the in-vehicle devices; and a control unit that performs startup processing to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle device equipped with such characteristic processing units, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the in-vehicle device, or as a system including the in-vehicle device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, in-vehicle devices can be reliably started up in a new configuration of the in-vehicle network. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a new network in an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows another example of the configuration of a novel network in an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a device selection table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a startup table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an updated equipment selection table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of an updated startup table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a relay table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a power supply priority table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart that defines the operation procedure when the relay device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a startup process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and explained. (1) An in-vehicle device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, comprising: a selection unit that selects a power supply target device which is an in-vehicle device to be powered from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices; an acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the in-vehicle devices; and a control unit that performs startup processing to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0011] In this configuration, by selecting a power supply target device from among multiple in-vehicle devices and starting it using startup method information, the power supply target device can be started according to the startup method indicated by the startup method information, even if the configuration of the in-vehicle network is changed. Therefore, in-vehicle devices can be reliably started in the newly configured in-vehicle network.

[0012] For example, in a newly configured in-vehicle network, when starting up a selected powered device, it is possible to acquire new startup method information corresponding to that in-vehicle network and specify the startup method for the powered device. This allows for updating the startup method information and adapting to changes in the in-vehicle network configuration.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, the acquisition unit may further acquire characteristic information indicating the operating characteristics of each of the in-vehicle devices, and the control unit may perform the startup process based on the startup method information and characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0014] With this configuration, when starting up a powered device, it is possible to start the powered device in an appropriate manner, taking into account the operating characteristics of the powered device.

[0015] (3) In the above (2), the characteristic information may indicate the current consumption of each in-vehicle device as the operation characteristic. The selection unit may select a plurality of the power supply target devices from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices. The control unit may select, as the non-power supply device, which is the power supply target device that does not receive power supply, from among the plurality of power supply target devices based on the current consumption of each of the power supply target devices indicated by the characteristic information. The control unit may start the specific device, which is the power supply target device other than the selected non-power supply device among the plurality of power supply target devices, according to the start method of the specific device indicated by the start method information.

[0016] With such a configuration, it is possible to select a device that should not be supplied with power according to the power consumption of each power supply target device.

[0017] (4) In the above (3), in the vehicle on which the in-vehicle network is mounted, a plurality of switching units may be provided to switch whether to supply power to the corresponding one or more in-vehicle devices. The in-vehicle device may further include a calculation unit that calculates the total value of the current consumption of the one or more in-vehicle devices connected to each switching unit for each switching unit. The plurality of power supply target devices may be connected to any one of the plurality of switching units. The control unit may select the non-power supply device from among the plurality of power supply target devices connected to the switching unit that satisfies the predetermined condition of the total value.

[0018] In this way, when the total value of the current consumption of the plurality of power supply target devices connected to the switching unit satisfies the predetermined condition, by the configuration of selecting a device that does not receive power supply from among the plurality of power supply target devices, the current flowing through the switching unit can be reduced, so that the occurrence of a failure of the switching unit can be suppressed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in changing the configuration of the in-vehicle network can be improved.

[0019] (5) In (4) above, the acquisition unit may further acquire allowable current information indicating the allowable current of each of the switching units, and the control unit may set the predetermined conditions based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0020] With this configuration, for example, it is possible to select which devices will not receive power to prevent the total current consumption of multiple powered devices connected to the switching unit from exceeding the allowable current of the switching unit, thereby suppressing the occurrence of failures in the switching unit. Furthermore, conditions for deciding whether or not to select devices not to receive power can be easily set using the allowable current information.

[0021] (6) In any of (2) to (5) above, the in-vehicle device may further include a communication unit for communicating with each of the in-vehicle devices, the characteristic information may indicate the startup time until each of the in-vehicle devices becomes able to communicate as an operating characteristic, and the control unit may, after power supply to the powered device selected by the selection unit is started, have the communication unit wait to communicate with the powered device until the startup time of the powered device indicated by the characteristic information has elapsed, and after the startup time has elapsed, have the communication unit start communicating with the powered device.

[0022] This configuration allows communication with the powered device to be established at the exact moment the device is reliably powered up, thus enabling a more stable start to communication with the powered device.

[0023] (7) In any of (1) to (6) above, the startup method information may further indicate the location of each in-vehicle device in the in-vehicle network.

[0024] This configuration allows for the identification of the location of the powered device to be started within the vehicle network, and enables more reliable startup of the powered device in an appropriate manner.

[0025] (8) An embodiment of the present disclosure is an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, comprising the steps of: selecting a power supply target device from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices which is an in-vehicle device to be powered; acquiring a power supply method information indicating a power supply method for each of the in-vehicle devices; and performing a power supply process to power up the selected power supply target device based on the acquired power supply method information.

[0026] In this configuration, by selecting a power supply target device from among multiple in-vehicle devices and starting it using startup method information, the power supply target device can be started according to the startup method indicated by the startup method information, even if the configuration of the in-vehicle network is changed. Therefore, in-vehicle devices can be reliably started in the newly configured in-vehicle network.

[0027] For example, in a newly configured in-vehicle network, when starting up a selected powered device, it is possible to acquire new startup method information corresponding to that in-vehicle network and specify the startup method for the powered device. This allows for updating the startup method information and adapting to changes in the in-vehicle network configuration.

[0028] (9) The startup control program according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a startup control program used in an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, and is a program that causes a computer to function as a selection unit that selects a power supply target device which is an in-vehicle device to be powered from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices, an acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the in-vehicle devices, and a control unit that performs startup processing to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0029] In this configuration, by selecting a power supply target device from among multiple in-vehicle devices and starting it using startup method information, the power supply target device can be started according to the startup method indicated by the startup method information, even if the configuration of the in-vehicle network is changed. Therefore, in-vehicle devices can be reliably started in the newly configured in-vehicle network.

[0030] For example, in a newly configured in-vehicle network, when starting up a selected powered device, it is possible to acquire new startup method information corresponding to that in-vehicle network and specify the startup method for the powered device. This allows for updating the startup method information and adapting to changes in the in-vehicle network configuration.

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0032] [In-vehicle systems] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1, the in-vehicle system 301 comprises a relay device 101, a plurality of in-vehicle devices 201, a power supply unit 51, a plurality of power relays 61, and a plurality of control relays 71. The in-vehicle system 301 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The relay device 101 is an example of an in-vehicle device. The power relays 61 are an example of a switching unit.

[0033] In-vehicle equipment 201 includes, for example, an autonomous driving ECU, an engine ECU, a body control ECU, a TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), sensors, a navigation system, a human-machine interface, and a camera.

[0034] The relay device 101 and the multiple in-vehicle devices 201 constitute an in-vehicle network 401. The multiple in-vehicle devices 201 are connected to the relay device 101, for example, via a CAN bus 2 conforming to the CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark) standard, or via an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 3.

[0035] In-vehicle device 201A, which is in-vehicle device 201, is connected to relay device 101 via CAN bus 2A, which is CAN bus 2. In-vehicle device 201B, which is in-vehicle device 201, is connected to relay device 101 via CAN bus 2B, which is CAN bus 2.

[0036] Furthermore, the in-vehicle devices 201C and 201D, which are the in-vehicle devices 201, are connected to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 3.

[0037] Hereinafter, the in-vehicle equipment 201 connected to the relay device 101 via CAN bus 2 will also be referred to as "CAN equipment." Furthermore, the in-vehicle equipment 201 connected to the relay device 101 via Ethernet cable 3 will also be referred to as "Ethernet equipment." Additionally, CAN bus 2A will be referred to as "CAN1," and CAN bus 2B will be referred to as "CAN2."

[0038] The CAN device transitions from wake-up mode to sleep mode and from sleep mode back to wake-up mode. In wake-up mode, the CAN device communicates with other devices in the in-vehicle system 301, and in sleep mode, it stops communicating with other devices in the in-vehicle system 301. Here, sleep mode is a mode in which power consumption is lower than in wake-up mode due to the shutdown of some functions of the CAN device, the shutdown of power supply to the CAN device, or a reduction in the clock frequency of the CAN device.

[0039] Hereinafter, the in-vehicle equipment 201 newly added to the in-vehicle network 401 will also be referred to as "new equipment," and the in-vehicle equipment 201 included in the in-vehicle network 401 before the addition of the new equipment will also be referred to as "existing equipment." Furthermore, the in-vehicle network 401 including the new equipment, and the in-vehicle network 401 with the connection destination of the existing equipment changed, will also be referred to as the "new network."

[0040] The relay device 101 is used in an in-vehicle network 401 that includes multiple in-vehicle devices 201. The relay device 101 operates using power supplied, for example, from the ignition power supply of the vehicle 1. The relay device 101 performs relay processing to relay frames between the multiple in-vehicle devices 201 connected to it.

[0041] The relay device 101 and each in-vehicle device 201 generate a frame containing various information described later and transmit it to other in-vehicle devices 201 or the relay device 101.

[0042] The in-vehicle device 201 transmits vehicle information related to vehicle 1 to other in-vehicle devices 201 or relay device 101. The vehicle information transmitted from each in-vehicle device 201 via the CAN bus 2 is stored in a CAN frame that has a CAN-ID (Identifier) ​​indicating the type of data, etc.

[0043] Each in-vehicle device 201 in the in-vehicle system 301 communicates with each other to provide various services on the in-vehicle network 401.

[0044] For example, suppose a service to control the timing of headlight activation is performed in the in-vehicle network 401. In this case, a sensor, which is an in-vehicle device 201, transmits sensor information regarding the driving state of vehicle 1 or the surrounding conditions to another in-vehicle device 201, the body control ECU, via the relay device 101. The body control ECU uses the sensor information received from the sensor to control the timing of headlight activation of vehicle 1.

[0045] The power supply unit 51 supplies power to the vehicle 1. The power supply unit 51 includes, for example, an ignition power supply, an accessory power supply, and a battery.

[0046] The power supply unit 51 is connected to the relay device 101 via the power line 4. The power supply unit 51 supplies power to the relay device 101 via the power line 4.

[0047] The power supply unit 51 is connected to each in-vehicle device 201 via the power lines 5. The power supply unit 51 supplies power to each in-vehicle device 201 via the power lines 5.

[0048] The battery in the power supply unit 51 is connected to each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2A, for example, via power line 5A, which is power line 5. Each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2A operates using power supplied by the battery.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery in the power supply unit 51 is connected to each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2B, for example, via power line 5B, which is power line 5. Each in-vehicle device 201 connected to the CAN bus 2B operates using power supplied by the battery.

[0050] The accessory power supply in the power supply unit 51 is connected to the in-vehicle device 201C via, for example, power line 5C, which is power line 5. The ignition power supply in the power supply unit 51 is connected to the in-vehicle device 201D via, for example, power line 5D, which is power line 5.

[0051] The power relay 61 switches whether or not to supply power to the corresponding one or more in-vehicle devices 201 in the vehicle 1 on which the in-vehicle network 401 is installed.

[0052] In Figure 1, power relay 61A, which is power relay 61, is a relay for the accessory power supply. Specifically, power relay 61A is installed on power line 5C that connects the in-vehicle device 201C to the accessory power supply. The state of power relay 61A is ON when the accessory power supply of vehicle 1 transitions from the OFF state to the ON state. In this case, the in-vehicle device 201C operates using the power supplied by the accessory power supply.

[0053] Power relay 61B, which is power relay 61, is a relay for the ignition power supply. Specifically, power relay 61B is installed on the power line 5D that connects the in-vehicle equipment 201D and the ignition power supply. The state of power relay 61B is ON when the ignition power supply of vehicle 1 transitions from the OFF state to the ON state. In this case, the in-vehicle equipment 201D operates using the power supplied by the ignition power supply.

[0054] The control relay 71 switches between an on state and an off state according to the control of the control unit 24 in the relay device 101, which will be described later. The in-vehicle system 301 includes, for example, control relays 71A, 71B, and 71C, which are control relays 71.

[0055] The control relay 71A is connected between the in-vehicle equipment 201C and the power relay 61A. The state of the control relay 71A is, for example, the off state when the accessory power supply of vehicle 1 transitions from the off state to the on state.

[0056] Control relay 71B is connected between the in-vehicle equipment 201D and power relay 61B. The in-vehicle equipment 201 is not connected to control relay 71C. The state of control relays 71B and 71C is, for example, the off state when the ignition power supply of vehicle 1 transitions from the off state to the on state.

[0057] Furthermore, the in-vehicle system 301 is not limited to a configuration with two CAN buses 2, but may also have one or three or more CAN buses 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the configuration in which the multiple in-vehicle devices 201 are connected to the relay device 101 is not limited to a configuration in which they are connected to the relay device 101 via a CAN bus 2 and an Ethernet cable 3. For example, they may be connected to the relay device 101 via a bus that conforms to communication standards such as CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oritend System Transport) (registered trademark), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0059] [Relay device] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2, the relay device 101 comprises a plurality of communication ports 11, a switch unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a storage unit 14. The processing unit 13 includes a service detection unit 21, a selection unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a control unit 24, and a calculation unit 25. One or both of the switch unit 12 and the processing unit 13 are implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including, for example, one or more processors. The storage unit 14 is, for example, a non-volatile memory included in the processing circuit. The switch unit 12 is an example of a communication unit.

[0060] Communication port 11 is a terminal to which an Ethernet cable 3 can be connected. Each communication port 11 is connected to a corresponding in-vehicle device 201 via an Ethernet cable 3.

[0061] More specifically, the relay device 101 includes, for example, communication ports 11A, 11B, and 11C, which constitute communication port 11. In-vehicle equipment 201C is connected to communication port 11A via Ethernet cable 3, and in-vehicle equipment 201D is connected to communication port 11B via Ethernet cable 3.

[0062] (Switch section) The switch unit 12 includes, for example, several terminals (not shown) connected to multiple communication ports 11, each of which is assigned a unique port number.

[0063] Here, the port numbers of the terminals connected to communication ports 11A, 11B, and 11C are #1, #2, and #3, respectively.

[0064] The switch unit 12 communicates with each in-vehicle device 201. More specifically, the switch unit 12 relays frames transmitted and received between the in-vehicle devices 201.

[0065] The switch unit 12 is capable of relay processing that involves conversion of communication protocols. Specifically, when the switch unit 12 receives a frame from a CAN device in accordance with the CAN communication standard, it changes the format of the received frame to a format that conforms to the Ethernet communication standard, and then transmits the formatted frame to an Ethernet device in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard.

[0066] Furthermore, when the switch unit 12 receives a frame from an Ethernet device in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard, it changes the format of the received frame to a format that conforms to the CAN communication standard, and transmits the formatted frame to a CAN device in accordance with the CAN communication standard.

[0067] Furthermore, the switch unit 12 is capable of relay processing without conversion of the communication protocol. Specifically, when the switch unit 12 receives a frame from an Ethernet device in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard, it transmits the received frame to another Ethernet device in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard.

[0068] When the switch unit 12 receives a frame from a CAN device in accordance with the CAN communication standard, it transmits the received frame to another CAN device in accordance with the CAN communication standard.

[0069] (Control Unit) The control unit 24 controls the transition of CAN devices to wake-up mode. More specifically, for example, if a CAN device operating in sleep mode is the CAN device to be woken up, the control unit 24 creates a CAN frame containing the CAN-ID and a wake-up request. The control unit 24 then transmits the created CAN frame to multiple CAN devices connected to the CAN bus 2 via the switch unit 12 and the CAN bus 2.

[0070] When a CAN device receives a wake-up request from the relay device 101, it transitions to wake-up mode.

[0071] More specifically, when each CAN device receives a CAN frame from the relay device 101, it checks whether the CAN frame contains its own CAN-ID. As mentioned above, when a CAN device is in sleep mode, it can receive CAN frames while suspending some of its functions.

[0072] A CAN device operating in sleep mode discards CAN frames that do not contain its own CAN-ID. On the other hand, if a CAN device operating in sleep mode receives a CAN frame that contains its own CAN-ID, it activates a power supply IC (Integrated Circuitry) (not shown) located in the CAN device and transitions to wake-up mode. As a result, the CAN device uses the output voltage of the power supply IC to communicate with other devices in the in-vehicle system 301. In this case, the method of activating the CAN device is "communication".

[0073] The control unit 24 performs operational control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the Ethernet device from the off state to the on state. As a result, the Ethernet device receives power from the power supply unit 51 and starts operating. In other words, the relay device 101 starts up the Ethernet device by performing control to switch the control relay 71 connected to the Ethernet device from the off state to the on state. In this case, the method of starting up the Ethernet device is "relay". Note that the relay device 101 may also start up the in-vehicle equipment 201 by other starting methods other than "communication" and "relay".

[0074] [Description of the task] In the in-vehicle network 401, additional in-vehicle devices 201 may be added to provide services tailored to user needs.

[0075] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a new network in an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 in which an in-vehicle device 201E has been newly added to the in-vehicle network 401 shown in Figure 1. In other words, the in-vehicle device 201E is an example of a new device.

[0076] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the in-vehicle device 201E is connected, for example, to the communication port 11C of the relay device 101 via an Ethernet cable 3.

[0077] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 201E is connected to the power relay 61B via the control relay 71C. In other words, the method for starting the in-vehicle device 201E is "relay". Thus, even when a new in-vehicle device 201E is added to the in-vehicle network 401, it is desirable to ensure that the in-vehicle device 201E is reliably started up according to its connection destination.

[0078] Furthermore, in the in-vehicle network 401, the connection destination of existing equipment may be changed in order to provide services that meet user needs.

[0079] Figure 4 shows another example of a new network configuration in an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 to which the connection destination of the in-vehicle device 201B has been changed.

[0080] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the in-vehicle device 201B is connected, for example, to the communication port 11C of the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 3. In other words, in the new network shown in Figure 4, the connection destination of the in-vehicle device 201B has been changed from CAN bus 2B to the Ethernet cable 3. Note that the connection destination of the in-vehicle device 201B may also be changed from CAN bus 2B to CAN bus 2A. In addition, the connection destination of the in-vehicle device 201, which is connected to the communication port 11 of the relay device 101, may also be changed to another communication port 11.

[0081] Furthermore, the in-vehicle device 201B is connected to the power relay 61B via the control relay 71C. In other words, in the new network shown in Figure 4, the method for starting the in-vehicle device 201B has been changed from "communication" to "relay" due to the change in the destination to which the in-vehicle device 201B is connected.

[0082] Thus, it is desirable that the in-vehicle device 201 be reliably started up even if the connection destination of the in-vehicle device 201 is changed in the in-vehicle network 401, or if the startup method of the in-vehicle device 201 is changed.

[0083] Furthermore, each power relay 61 has a set allowable current. In the new network shown in Figure 4, the number of in-vehicle devices 201 connected to power relay 61B has increased because in-vehicle device 201B is connected to the same power relay 61B. In this case, the current flowing through power relay 61B is greater than the current flowing through power relay 61B shown in Figure 1, and may exceed the allowable current of power relay 61B. Therefore, when the starting method of in-vehicle device 201 is changed from "communication" to "relay," it is necessary to prevent the current flowing through power relay 61 from exceeding the allowable current.

[0084] Furthermore, when the startup method for the in-vehicle device 201 is "communication," the startup time until the in-vehicle device 201 becomes capable of communication is the startup time of the power supply IC provided in the in-vehicle device 201. This startup time is, for example, several tens of milliseconds.

[0085] On the other hand, when the method of starting the in-vehicle device 201 is a "relay," the startup time until the in-vehicle device 201 becomes able to communicate is the sum of the time required for the control relay 71 to transition from the off state to the on state and the time from when power is supplied from the power supply unit 51 until the in-vehicle device 201 starts up. This startup time is, for example, several hundred milliseconds.

[0086] Thus, when the startup method of the in-vehicle device 201 is changed from "communication" to "relay," the time it takes for the in-vehicle device 201 to become able to communicate increases. Therefore, if the relay device 101 attempts to start communication with the in-vehicle device 201 while the in-vehicle device 201 is not started, the communication may fail.

[0087] In contrast, the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure solves these problems through the following configuration and operation.

[0088] [Configuration of the relay device] (Service detection unit) Referring again to Figure 2, the service detection unit 21 in the relay device 101 detects the type of service to be performed in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0089] More specifically, for example, the storage unit 14 stores service information (not shown) that indicates the service start conditions and service end conditions for each service.

[0090] When the service detection unit 21 determines that the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies predetermined start conditions, it refers to the service information in the storage unit 14 and detects the service corresponding to those start conditions as a type of service to be executed on the in-vehicle network 401 (hereinafter also referred to as "executed service").

[0091] Specifically, the service detection unit 21 detects the on and off states of the accessory power supply by periodically monitoring the output voltage of the accessory power supply of the power supply unit 51. The service detection unit 21 determines that the accessory power supply is on if the measured voltage value is above a predetermined threshold, and determines that the accessory power supply is off if the measured voltage value is below the threshold. When the service detection unit 21 determines that the accessory power supply is on, it detects a service using the in-vehicle equipment 201 connected to the power relay 61A as an active service.

[0092] Furthermore, the service detection unit 21 detects the on and off states of the ignition power supply of the power supply unit 51 by, for example, periodically monitoring the output voltage of the ignition power supply. The service detection unit 21 determines that the ignition power supply is on if the measured voltage value is above a predetermined threshold, and determines that the ignition power supply is off if the measured voltage value is below the threshold. When the service detection unit 21 determines that the ignition power supply is on, it detects a service using the in-vehicle equipment 201 connected to the power relay 61B as an active service.

[0093] The service detection unit 21 outputs detection information indicating the detection result to the selection unit 22. The service detection unit 21 may also receive type information indicating the type of service desired by the user from a navigation device (not shown) or the like, installed in the vehicle 1, via the switch unit 12. In this case, the service detection unit 21 outputs the received type information as detection information to the selection unit 22.

[0094] (Selection section) When the selection unit 22 receives detection information from the service detection unit 21, it performs a selection process to select an in-vehicle device 201 from among a plurality of in-vehicle devices 201 to perform the type of service indicated by the detection information.

[0095] More specifically, the selection unit 22 selects an in-vehicle device 201 from among multiple in-vehicle devices 201 to be powered (hereinafter also referred to as the "powered device"). Alternatively, the selection unit 22 selects an in-vehicle device 201 from among multiple in-vehicle devices 201 to be disconnected from power (hereinafter also referred to as the "disconnected device").

[0096] Figure 5 shows an example of a device selection table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the storage unit 14 stores an equipment selection table Tb1 that indicates which equipment is to be powered or which is to be shut off for each service. The equipment selection table Tb1 is registered in the storage unit 14 by the manufacturer of vehicle 1 when vehicle 1 is shipped.

[0098] In the equipment selection table Tb1, the equipment to be powered during the execution of services A and B is in-vehicle equipment 201B, in-vehicle equipment 201C, and in-vehicle equipment 201D. The equipment to be shut off during the execution of service C is in-vehicle equipment 201A. The equipment to be shut off during the execution of service D is in-vehicle equipment 201B. The equipment to be shut off during the execution of service E is in-vehicle equipment 201C.

[0099] When the selection unit 22 receives detection information from the service detection unit 21, it reads the device selection table Tb1 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the device selection table Tb1, the selection unit 22 selects the power supply target device or the power cut-off target device corresponding to the service corresponding to the type indicated by the detection information. The selection unit 22 outputs the selection result to the acquisition unit 23.

[0100] The device selection table Tb1 further shows the priority of in-vehicle device 201 for each service. In the device selection table Tb1, when service A is running, in-vehicle device 201B has a low priority, and in-vehicle devices 201C and 201D have a high priority. When service B is running, in-vehicle devices 201B, 201C, and 201D have a high priority. When service C is running, in-vehicle device 201A has a high priority. When service D is running, in-vehicle device 201B has a high priority. When service E is running, in-vehicle device 201C has a high priority.

[0101] In the equipment selection table Tb1, the in-vehicle equipment 201B is a device to be powered when service A is being executed, and a device to be shut off when service D is being executed. For example, if the type of service indicated by the detection information received from the service detection unit 21 is service A and service D, the selection unit 22 refers to the equipment selection table Tb1 to confirm the priority of the in-vehicle equipment 201B when service A is being executed and the priority of the in-vehicle equipment 201B when service D is being executed. The selection unit 22 then determines that the priority of the in-vehicle equipment 201B is low when service A is being executed and high when service D is being executed, and therefore selects the in-vehicle equipment 201B as the device to be shut off.

[0102] Furthermore, if the in-vehicle device 201 is, for example, a high-priority power supply target device when one service is being performed, and a high-priority shut-off target device when another service is being performed, then the in-vehicle device 201 is selected as a shut-off target device.

[0103] For example, in the equipment selection table Tb1, the in-vehicle equipment 201B has a high priority when both service B and service D are executed. If the type of service indicated by the detection information received from the service detection unit 21 is service B or service D, the selection unit 22 selects the in-vehicle equipment 201B as the equipment to be shut off rather than the equipment to be supplied with power.

[0104] (Acquisition Department) The acquisition unit 23 acquires startup method information indicating the startup method of each in-vehicle device 201 and the location of each in-vehicle device 201 in the in-vehicle network 401 (hereinafter also referred to as the "connection location").

[0105] More specifically, the storage unit 14 stores a startup table Tb2 which contains startup method information. The startup table Tb2 is registered in the storage unit 14 by the manufacturer of vehicle 1 when vehicle 1 is shipped.

[0106] When the acquisition unit 23 receives the selection result indicating the power supply target device from the selection unit 22, it reads the startup table Tb2 from the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the startup table Tb2, the acquisition unit 23 identifies the startup method and connection location of the power supply target device.

[0107] Figure 6 shows an example of a startup table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6, in the startup table Tb2, the startup method for in-vehicle equipment 201A and in-vehicle equipment 201B is "communication". The startup method for in-vehicle equipment 201C and in-vehicle equipment 201D is "relay".

[0109] The startup table Tb2 indicates the connection location as the CAN bus 2 to which the in-vehicle device 201 is connected, and the port number of the communication port 11 to which the in-vehicle device 201 is connected.

[0110] In the startup table Tb2, the CAN bus 2 to which in-vehicle device 201A is connected is "CAN1". The CAN bus 2 to which in-vehicle device 201B is connected is "CAN2". The port number of the communication port 11 to which in-vehicle device 201C is connected is "#1". The port number of the communication port 11 to which in-vehicle device 201D is connected is "#2".

[0111] The startup table Tb2 further shows the CAN-ID of the CAN frame transmitted from the in-vehicle device 201 whose startup method is "communication". In the startup table Tb2, the CAN-ID of the CAN frame transmitted from in-vehicle device 201A is "100", and the CAN-ID of the CAN frame transmitted from in-vehicle device 201B is "200".

[0112] For example, the acquisition unit 23 further acquires characteristic information indicating the operating characteristics of each in-vehicle device 201. More specifically, the acquisition unit 23 further includes characteristic information in the startup table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14.

[0113] Here, the characteristic information included in the startup table Tb2 represents the operating characteristics, specifically the current consumption of each in-vehicle device 201 and the startup time until each in-vehicle device 201 becomes capable of communication.

[0114] In the startup table Tb2, the current consumption of in-vehicle device 201A is "3A", and the startup time until in-vehicle device 201A becomes able to communicate is "10ms". The current consumption of in-vehicle device 201B is "5A", and the startup time until in-vehicle device 201B becomes able to communicate is "30ms". The current consumption of in-vehicle device 201C is "2A", and the startup time until in-vehicle device 201C becomes able to communicate is "300ms". The current consumption of in-vehicle device 201D is "2A", and the startup time until in-vehicle device 201D becomes able to communicate is "200ms".

[0115] When the acquisition unit 23 receives the selection result indicating the power supply target device from the selection unit 22, it reads the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the startup table Tb2, the acquisition unit 23 identifies the operating characteristics of the power supply target device indicated by the selection result received from the selection unit 22, specifically the power consumption and startup time of the power supply target device.

[0116] If the identified starting method is "relay," the acquisition unit 23 outputs control information to the control unit 24 indicating the starting method, the identified connection location, the current consumption, and the starting time.

[0117] Furthermore, if the identified startup method is "communication," the acquisition unit 23 outputs control information to the control unit 24 indicating the startup method, the identified connection location, the CAN-ID, the current consumption, and the startup time.

[0118] If the selection result received from the selection unit 22 indicates multiple power supply target devices, the acquisition unit 23 outputs control information for each power supply target device to the control unit 24. In other words, if multiple power supply target devices are selected by the selection unit 22, the acquisition unit 23 outputs multiple control information to the control unit 24. For example, the acquisition unit 23 outputs multiple control information to the control unit 24 indicating that the activation method is "relay," or multiple control information indicating that the activation method is "communication." Alternatively, the acquisition unit 23 may output to the control unit 24, for example, one or more control information indicating that the activation method is "relay," and one or more control information indicating that the activation method is "communication."

[0119] (Updating the device selection table and startup table) The equipment selection table Tb1 and the startup table Tb2 are, for example, updatable. More specifically, for example, if the configuration of the in-vehicle network 401 changes after the vehicle 1 is shipped, the dealer updates the equipment selection table Tb1 and the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14. Specifically, for example, if new equipment is added to the in-vehicle network 401, if the connection destination of existing equipment is changed, or if the startup method of existing equipment is changed, the dealer updates the equipment selection table Tb1 and the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14.

[0120] Figure 7 shows an example of an updated device selection table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows an example of a device selection table Tb1 when an in-vehicle device 201E is added to the in-vehicle network 401.

[0121] Referring to Figure 7, in the updated equipment selection table Tb1, in-vehicle equipment 201E is registered as a device to be powered during the execution of service A. Furthermore, it is registered that in-vehicle equipment 201E has a high priority during the execution of service A.

[0122] Figure 8 shows an example of an updated startup table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows an example of a startup table Tb2 when an in-vehicle device 201E is added to the in-vehicle network 401.

[0123] Referring to Figure 8, the updated startup table Tb2 registers that the port number of communication port 11 to which the in-vehicle device 201E is connected is "#3". It also registers that the current consumption of the in-vehicle device 201E is "2A", and the startup time until the in-vehicle device 201C becomes ready for communication is "300ms".

[0124] (Startup process) The control unit 24 performs a startup process to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit 22, based on the startup method information and characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit 23.

[0125] More specifically, when the control unit 24 receives control information from the acquisition unit 23, it starts the powered device based on the startup method indicated by the control information.

[0126] Specifically, if the control unit 24 receives control information from the acquisition unit 23 indicating that the activation method is "relay" and the connection location indicated by the control information is a port number, it identifies the power supply target device connected to the communication port 11 of that port number. The control unit 24 then controls the control relay 71 connected to the identified power supply target device to switch it from the off state to the on state. As a result, the power supply target device receives power from the power supply unit 51 and starts up.

[0127] Furthermore, if the control unit 24 receives control information from the acquisition unit 23 and the activation method is "communication," and the connection location indicated by the control information is CAN bus 2, the control unit 24 creates a CAN frame that includes the CAN-ID indicated by the control information and a wake-up request. The control unit 24 then transmits the created CAN frame to multiple CAN devices connected to CAN bus 2 via the switch unit 12 and CAN bus 2.

[0128] When one of several CAN devices receives a CAN frame containing its own CAN-ID, the CAN device transitions to wake-up mode in accordance with the wake-up request contained in that CAN frame.

[0129] (Standby control) For example, after power supply to the powered device selected by the selection unit 22 is started, the control unit 24 has the switch unit 12 wait to communicate with the powered device until the startup time of the powered device indicated by the characteristic information has elapsed, and then has the switch unit 12 start communicating with the powered device after the startup time has elapsed.

[0130] More specifically, if the activation method indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 is "relay", the control unit 24 outputs a standby notification to the switch unit 12 requesting that communication with the powered device be on standby, and indicating the port number of the communication port 11 to which the powered device is connected. Specifically, the control unit 24 switches the control relay 71 connected to the powered device from the off state to the on state, and then outputs the standby notification to the switch unit 12.

[0131] When the switch unit 12 receives a standby notification from the control unit 24, it waits for communication with the powered device connected to the communication port 11 of the port number indicated in the standby notification. Specifically, for example, the switch unit 12 waits to transmit a frame for controlling the powered device.

[0132] Furthermore, when the control unit 24 confirms that the startup time indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 has elapsed since the control relay 71 connected to the powered device was switched from the off state to the on state, it outputs a permission notification to the switch unit 12 indicating permission to communicate with the powered device and the port number of the communication port 11 to which the powered device is connected.

[0133] When the switch unit 12 receives a permission notification from the control unit 24, it starts communication with the power supply target device connected to the communication port 11 of the port number indicated in the permission notification.

[0134] (Selection of devices to be powered but not to be powered) For example, if the multiple power supply target devices selected by the selection unit 22 are connected to one of the multiple power supply relays 61, the control unit 24 selects a power supply target device that will not be powered (hereinafter also referred to as "non-powered device") from among the multiple power supply target devices based on the current consumption of each power supply target device indicated by the characteristic information contained in the startup table Tb2.

[0135] More specifically, when the control unit 24 receives multiple pieces of control information from the acquisition unit 23 indicating that the starting method is "relay," it outputs the starting method, connection location, and current consumption of the powered device indicated by each piece of control information to the calculation unit 25.

[0136] When the calculation unit 25 receives the startup method, connection location, and current consumption of the powered equipment indicated by each control information from the control unit 24, it calculates the total current consumption of one or more in-vehicle equipment 201 connected to each power relay 61.

[0137] More specifically, the memory unit 14 stores a relay table Tb3 that shows the correspondence between the port numbers of the communication port 11 and the power relay 61.

[0138] Figure 9 shows an example of a relay table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to Figure 9, in relay table Tb3, the power relay 61 corresponding to port number "#1" is power relay 61A. The power relay 61 corresponding to port numbers "#2" and "#3" is power relay 61B. The "allowable current" shown in Figure 9 will be explained later.

[0140] Referring to Figures 2 and 9, the calculation unit 25 receives the startup method, connection location, and current consumption of the powered device indicated by each control information from the control unit 24, and reads the relay table Tb3 in the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the relay table Tb3, the calculation unit 25 identifies the power relay 61 corresponding to the connection location, i.e., the port number.

[0141] The calculation unit 25 then uses the current consumption indicated by each control information received from the control unit 24 to calculate the total current consumption of one or more power-supplied devices connected to the identified power relay 61. The calculation unit 25 then notifies the control unit 24 of the calculation result.

[0142] The control unit 24 selects non-powered devices from among a group of power supply target devices (hereinafter also referred to as the "connected device group") connected to a power relay 61 whose total current consumption value, as calculated by the calculation result received from the calculation unit 25, satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0143] More specifically, the acquisition unit 23 acquires allowable current information indicating the allowable current of each power relay 61.

[0144] Specifically, the relay table Tb3 stored in the memory unit 14 further shows the correspondence between the power relay 61 and the allowable current.

[0145] In relay table Tb3, the allowable current for power relay 61A for accessory power is "C1", and the allowable current for power relay 61B for ignition power is "C2".

[0146] If the acquisition unit 23 determines that the activation method identified using the activation table Tb2 is "relay" and the identified connection location is a port number, it reads the relay table Tb3 from the storage unit 14. Then, by referring to the relay table Tb3, the acquisition unit 23 identifies the allowable current of the power relay 61 corresponding to the port number and outputs relay information indicating the identified allowable current and the port number to the control unit 24.

[0147] For example, the control unit 24 sets predetermined conditions for selecting non-powered equipment based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit 23.

[0148] Specifically, when the control unit 24 receives relay information from the acquisition unit 23, it refers to the relay table Tb3 in the storage unit 14 to identify the power relay 61 corresponding to the port number indicated by the relay information. The control unit 24 then sets a predetermined condition that the total current consumption of the multiple in-vehicle devices 201 connected to the identified power relay 61 is equal to or greater than the allowable current indicated by the relay information.

[0149] Then, if the total value of the current consumption shown in the calculation results received from the calculation unit 25 is equal to or greater than the allowable current, the control unit 24 selects a non-powered device by referring to the power supply priority table Tb4 in the storage unit 14. The control unit 24 may also set a predetermined condition that the total value of the current consumption shown in the calculation results received from the calculation unit 25 is equal to or greater than the allowable current minus a predetermined margin.

[0150] Figure 10 shows an example of a power supply priority table stored by a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] Referring to Figure 10, the power supply priority table Tb4 shows the priority of each in-vehicle device 201. In the power supply priority table Tb4, in-vehicle devices 201A, 201C, and 201D have high priority, while in-vehicle devices 201B and 201E have low priority.

[0152] For example, in the new network shown in Figure 3, if the total current consumption of the in-vehicle equipment 201D and in-vehicle equipment 201E connected to the power relay 61B is greater than or equal to the allowable current, the control unit 24 refers to the power supply priority table Tb4 and selects the lower-priority in-vehicle equipment 201E as a non-powered device.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, in the new network shown in Figure 4, if the total current consumption of the in-vehicle equipment 201D and in-vehicle equipment 201B connected to the power relay 61B is greater than or equal to the allowable current, the control unit 24 refers to the power supply priority table Tb4 and selects the in-vehicle equipment 201B, which has a lower priority, as a non-powered device.

[0154] The control unit 24 then starts up the powered devices other than the selected non-powered devices (hereinafter also referred to as "specified devices") from among the multiple powered devices that make up the connected device group, according to the startup method for the specified devices indicated in the startup table Tb2.

[0155] In the new network shown in Figure 3, the control unit 24, for example, if it selects the in-vehicle device 201E as a non-powered device, determines that the in-vehicle device 201D is a specific device. The control unit 24 then starts up the in-vehicle device 201D according to the startup method for the in-vehicle device 201D indicated in the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14. Specifically, the control unit 24 controls the switch of the control relay 71B connected to the in-vehicle device 201D from the off state to the on state. As a result, the in-vehicle device 201D receives power from the power supply unit 51 and starts operating.

[0156] In the new network shown in Figure 4, if the control unit 24 selects, for example, in-vehicle equipment 201B as a non-powered device, it determines that in-vehicle equipment 201D is a specific device, similar to the new network shown in Figure 3.

[0157] On the other hand, if the total value of the current consumption calculated by the calculation unit 25 is less than the allowable current, the control unit 24 does not select any non-powered devices. In this case, the control unit 24 controls the multiple control relays 71 connected to each of the multiple powered devices selected by the selection unit 22 to switch from the off state to the on state.

[0158] (Service termination) When the service detection unit 21 determines that the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies predetermined termination conditions, it refers to the service information in the storage unit 14 and outputs a termination notification to the control unit 24 indicating that the service corresponding to the termination conditions should be terminated.

[0159] When the control unit 24 receives a termination notification from the service detection unit 21, it performs stop control to stop the operation of the in-vehicle equipment 201 corresponding to the service indicated by the termination notification.

[0160] For example, as a stop control, the control unit 24 sends a sleep request to the CAN device via the switch unit 12 and the CAN bus 2 to transition the operating mode of the CAN device corresponding to the service indicated by the termination notification from wake-up mode to sleep mode.

[0161] Specifically, the control unit 24 transmits a CAN frame containing the CAN-ID indicated by the control information received from the acquisition unit 23 and a sleep request to multiple CAN devices connected to the CAN bus 2 indicated by the control information.

[0162] Among multiple CAN devices, a CAN device that receives a CAN frame containing its own CAN-ID will transition to sleep mode in accordance with the sleep request contained in that CAN frame. As a result, that CAN device will stop communicating with other devices in the in-vehicle system 301.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 24 performs a stop control by switching the control relay 71 connected to the Ethernet device corresponding to the service indicated by the termination notification from the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the Ethernet device stops operating because the power supply from the power supply unit 51 is cut off.

[0164] [Operation Flow] Figure 11 is a flowchart that defines the operation procedure when the relay device according to the embodiment of this disclosure performs a startup process.

[0165] Referring to Figure 11, first, the relay device 101 starts up when power is supplied from the power supply unit 51 (step S101).

[0166] Next, if the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies the service initiation conditions (YES in step S102), the relay device 101 detects the type of service to be performed in the in-vehicle network 401 (step S103).

[0167] Next, the relay device 101 selects a power supply target device from among the multiple in-vehicle devices 201. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 selects a power supply target device corresponding to the detected service type by referring to the device selection table Tb1 in the storage unit 14. Here, the relay device 101 selects multiple power supply target devices (step S104).

[0168] Next, the relay device 101 identifies the startup method and operating characteristics of each powered device. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 identifies the startup method and operating characteristics of each powered device by referring to the startup table Tb2 in the storage unit 14 (step S105).

[0169] Next, if the specified starting method is "relay" (YES in step S106), the relay device 101 calculates the total current consumption of one or more powered devices connected to each power relay 61. Here, the relay device 101 calculates the total current consumption of the connected devices, which are a group of powered devices connected to power relay 61B from among the selected multiple powered devices (step S107).

[0170] Next, if the calculated total value of current consumption is equal to or greater than the allowable current (YES in step S108), the relay device 101 checks the priority of each powered device in the connected device group by referring to the power supply priority table Tb4 in the storage unit 14 (step S109).

[0171] Next, if the relay device 101 finds that the connected devices include a device with a low priority that needs to be powered (YES in step S110), it selects that device as a non-powered device (step S111).

[0172] Next, the relay device 101 calculates the total current consumption of the powered devices other than the non-powered devices in the connected device group (step S107). If the calculated total current consumption is equal to or greater than the allowable current (YES in step S108), it reconfirms the priority of each powered device connected to the power relay 61B (step S109).

[0173] Next, if the relay device 101 finds that there are further power supply target devices with lower priority among the multiple power supply target devices (YES in step S110), it newly selects those power supply target devices as non-power supply devices (step S111).

[0174] On the other hand, if the total value of the calculated current consumption is less than the allowable current (NO in step S108), the relay device 101 starts up the powered devices other than the selected non-powered devices among the multiple powered devices. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 controls the control relay 71 connected to the powered devices other than the selected non-powered devices to switch from the off state to the on state (step S112).

[0175] Furthermore, if the startup method of the specified power-supplied device is not "relay," that is, if the startup method is "communication" (NO in step S106), the relay device 101 starts up multiple power-supplied devices. For example, as described above, the relay device 101 sends a CAN frame containing a wake-up request to the power-supplied device (step S112).

[0176] Next, the relay device 101 waits for communication with the device to be powered. For example, as described above, after power supply to the device to be powered is started, the relay device 101 waits for communication with the device to be powered until the startup time of the device indicated in the startup table Tb2 has elapsed (step S113).

[0177] Next, the relay device 101 starts communication with the power supply target device after the startup time of the power supply target device has elapsed (step S114).

[0178] Next, if the state of the power supply unit 51 satisfies the termination conditions for a currently running service (YES in step S115), the relay device 101 stops the operation of the power supply target equipment corresponding to that service (step S116). Then, the relay device 101 waits for the state of the power supply unit 51 to satisfy the start conditions for another service (NO in step S102).

[0179] On the other hand, if the relay device 101 does not contain any low-priority power supply target devices among the connected devices (NO in step S110), it terminates the process.

[0180] In the in-vehicle system 301 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the relay device 101 is configured to include a service detection unit 21, a selection unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a control unit 24, and a calculation unit 25, but this is not the only configuration. For example, other in-vehicle devices besides the relay device 101 may include a service detection unit 21, a selection unit 22, an acquisition unit 23, a control unit 24, and a calculation unit 25, and perform the processing described above.

[0181] Furthermore, while the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure has a configuration in which the startup table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 includes startup method information and characteristic information, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the storage unit 14 may be configured to store a table containing startup method information and a table containing characteristic information separately, instead of the startup table Tb2.

[0182] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the characteristic information included in the startup table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to show the operating characteristics of each in-vehicle device 201, namely the current consumption of each in-vehicle device 201 and the startup time until each in-vehicle device 201 becomes able to communicate. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the characteristic information may be configured to show operating characteristics other than the current consumption of each in-vehicle device 201 and the startup time of each in-vehicle device 201.

[0183] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the startup table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to include characteristic information, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the startup table Tb2 may be configured not to include characteristic information. In this case, the control unit 24 in the relay device 101 performs the startup process without using characteristic information.

[0184] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 24 is configured to set predetermined conditions for selecting non-powered equipment based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit 23, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the control unit 24 may be configured to acquire predetermined conditions that have been pre-registered in the storage unit 14.

[0185] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the startup method information included in the startup table Tb2 stored in the storage unit 14 is configured to indicate the startup method of each in-vehicle device 201 and the location of each in-vehicle device 201 in the in-vehicle network 401, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the startup method information may be configured not to indicate the location of each in-vehicle device 201 in the in-vehicle network 401.

[0186] The embodiments described above should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

[0187] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The processing circuit may consist of one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, and other integrated circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or they may execute each of the above processes according to logic circuits that have been pre-designed to execute each of the above processes. The processors may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the physically separated multiple processors may cooperate with each other to execute each of the above processes. For example, the processors installed in each of several physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet to perform the above processes. The program may be installed in the memory via the network from an external server device, or it may be distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), and semiconductor memory, and then installed in the memory from the recording medium.

[0188] The above description includes the following features. [Note 1] An in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network that includes multiple in-vehicle devices, Equipped with a processing circuit, The aforementioned processing circuit is From among the aforementioned multiple in-vehicle devices, select the device to be powered, which is the in-vehicle device to be powered. Startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices is obtained, An in-vehicle device that performs a startup process to start the selected power supply target device based on the acquired startup method information.

[0189] [Note 2] Multiple in-vehicle devices, The vehicle includes an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network that includes the aforementioned plurality of in-vehicle devices, The aforementioned in-vehicle device is A selection unit that selects a power supply target device from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices which is the in-vehicle device to be powered, An acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices, An in-vehicle system including a control unit that performs a startup process to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0190] 1 vehicle 2,2A,2B CAN bus 3 Ethernet cable 4,5,5A,5B,5C,5D power wire 11, 11A, 11B, 11C communication ports 12 Switch section 13 Processing Unit 14 Storage section 21 Service detection unit 22 Selection Section 23 Control Unit 25 Calculation Section 51 Power supply section 61, 61A, 61B Power Relays 71, 71A, 71B, 71C control relays 101 Relay device 201,201A,201B,201C,201D,201E Vehicle equipment 301 In-vehicle systems 401 In-vehicle network

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network that includes multiple in-vehicle devices, A selection unit that selects a power supply target device from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices which is the in-vehicle device to be powered, An acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices, The system comprises a control unit that performs a startup process to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit, The acquisition unit further acquires characteristic information indicating the operating characteristics of each of the in-vehicle devices, The control unit performs the startup process based on the startup method information and characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit. The characteristic information, as the operating characteristics, indicates the current consumption of each in-vehicle device. The selection unit selects a plurality of power supply target devices from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices, The control unit selects a non-powered device from among the plurality of powered devices based on the current consumption of each powered device indicated by the characteristic information, and The control unit starts up a specific device, which is a power-supplied device other than the selected non-power-supplied device, from among the plurality of power-supplied devices, according to the startup method of the specific device indicated in the startup method information. In a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned in-vehicle network, a plurality of switching units are provided to switch whether or not to supply power to one or more corresponding in-vehicle devices. The aforementioned in-vehicle device further includes, Each of the switching units is provided with a calculation unit that calculates the total current consumption of the one or more in-vehicle devices connected to the switching unit. The multiple devices to be powered are connected to one of the multiple switching units, The control unit is an in-vehicle device that selects the non-powered device from among the plurality of powered devices connected to the switching unit whose total value satisfies predetermined conditions.

2. The acquisition unit further acquires allowable current information indicating the allowable current of each of the switching units, The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the predetermined conditions based on the allowable current information acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. The aforementioned in-vehicle device further includes, It includes a communication unit that communicates with each of the aforementioned in-vehicle devices, The aforementioned characteristic information indicates the startup time until each of the in-vehicle devices becomes capable of communication, as an operating characteristic. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, after power supply to the powered device selected by the selection unit is started, causes the communication unit to wait for communication with the powered device until the startup time of the powered device indicated by the characteristic information has elapsed, and after the startup time has elapsed, causes the communication unit to start communication with the powered device.

4. The in-vehicle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the activation method information further indicates the location of each in-vehicle device in the in-vehicle network.

5. A startup control method for an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including multiple in-vehicle devices, The steps include selecting a power supply target device from among the multiple in-vehicle devices, which is the in-vehicle device to be powered, The steps include obtaining startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices, The steps include: performing a startup process to start the selected power supply target device based on the startup method information obtained; In the step of acquiring the startup method information, characteristic information indicating the operating characteristics of each in-vehicle device is further acquired. In the step of performing the startup process, the startup process is performed based on the acquired startup method information and characteristic information. The characteristic information, as the operating characteristics, indicates the current consumption of each in-vehicle device. In the step of selecting the devices to be powered, a plurality of the devices to be powered are selected from the plurality of in-vehicle devices. The startup control method further includes the step of selecting a non-powered device from among the plurality of powered devices, which is a powered device that will not be powered, based on the current consumption of each powered device indicated by the characteristic information. In the step of performing the startup process, a specific device that is a powered device other than the selected non-powered device among the plurality of powered devices is started according to the startup method of the specific device indicated in the startup method information. In a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned in-vehicle network, a plurality of switching units are provided to switch whether or not to supply power to one or more corresponding in-vehicle devices. The startup control method further includes the step of calculating the total current consumption of the one or more in-vehicle devices connected to the switching unit for each switching unit. The multiple devices to be powered are connected to one of the multiple switching units, A startup control method comprising the step of selecting the non-powered device, in which the non-powered device is selected from among the multiple powered devices connected to the switching unit whose total value satisfies predetermined conditions.

6. A startup control program used in an in-vehicle device used in an in-vehicle network including multiple in-vehicle devices, Computers, A selection unit that selects a power supply target device from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices which is the in-vehicle device to be powered, An acquisition unit that acquires startup method information indicating the startup method for each of the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices, A control unit performs a startup process to start the power supply target device selected by the selection unit, based on the startup method information acquired by the acquisition unit. It is a program designed to function as such. The acquisition unit further acquires characteristic information indicating the operating characteristics of each of the in-vehicle devices, The control unit performs the startup process based on the startup method information and characteristic information acquired by the acquisition unit. The characteristic information, as the operating characteristics, indicates the current consumption of each in-vehicle device. The selection unit selects a plurality of power supply target devices from among the plurality of in-vehicle devices, The control unit selects a non-powered device from among the plurality of powered devices based on the current consumption of each powered device indicated by the characteristic information, and The control unit starts up a specific device, which is a power-supplied device other than the selected non-power-supplied device, from among the plurality of power-supplied devices, according to the startup method of the specific device indicated in the startup method information. In a vehicle equipped with the aforementioned in-vehicle network, a plurality of switching units are provided to switch whether or not to supply power to one or more corresponding in-vehicle devices. The aforementioned startup control program, and furthermore, the computer, This is a program to cause each of the switching units to function as a calculation unit that calculates the total current consumption of the one or more in-vehicle devices connected to the switching unit. The multiple devices to be powered are connected to one of the multiple switching units, The control unit is a startup control program that selects the non-powered device from among the multiple powered devices connected to the switching unit whose total value satisfies predetermined conditions.

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