In-vehicle system, relay device, and central relay device

Abstract

This in-vehicle system includes a first relay device, a second relay device, a third relay device, and a central relay device. When a first activation signal is received, the first relay device executes first activation processing for activating the first relay device, and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device requesting activation of the central relay device. When the second activation signal is received, the central relay device executes second activation processing for activating the central relay device. The first relay device, after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, notifies the central relay device of an activation cause of the first relay device. The central relay device identifies a device that needs to be activated among the second relay device and the third relay device, on the basis of the activation cause notified from the first relay device.

Description

In-vehicle system, relay device, and central relay device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-171813 filed on October 3, 2023, and incorporates by reference the entire contents of that application.

[0002] A vehicle is equipped with a variety of on-board devices, such as control system ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that control the engine, transmission, etc., body system ECUs that control headlights, power windows, etc., and information system ECUs for navigation devices, multimedia devices, etc. Each on-board device is connected to an on-board network and can communicate with each other.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control system that implements a smart entry function. In the vehicle control system, in an early activation mode, when a touch sensor detects a touch on the vehicle door handle, the entry ECU receives identification information from a portable device such as a FOB outside the vehicle and transmits a first activation request to the central ECU. The entry ECU performs a first authentication process before transmitting the first activation request in normal mode, and after transmitting the first activation request in early activation mode. Upon receiving the first activation request, the central ECU performs the activation process and transitions from a sleep state to a normal operation state. After completing the activation process, the central ECU transmits a second activation request to the door control ECU. After transmitting the second activation request, the central ECU performs gateway processing based on the result of the first authentication process. Upon receiving the second activation request, the door control ECU performs the activation process and transitions from a sleep state to a normal operation state. In the normal operation state, the door control ECU performs the door unlock process based on the result of the first authentication process transferred from the central ECU. In the vehicle control system disclosed in Patent Document 1, such an early start mode improves the responsiveness from the instruction to unlock the vehicle doors to the completion of unlocking.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-118509

[0005] An in-vehicle system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device that relay communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and a central relay device that relays communication between the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device, wherein the first relay device, when receiving a first activation signal from the device connected to the first relay device, requesting activation of the first relay device, executes a first activation process for activating the first relay device and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device, requesting activation of the central relay device, and the central relay device, when receiving the second activation signal, and a second start-up process for starting up a central relay device, and the first relay device, after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device, executes a start-up cause identification process for identifying a start-up cause of the first relay device, and when the start-up cause is identified, notifies the central relay device of the start-up cause, and the central relay device identifies one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started up based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and when the start-up of the second relay device is necessary but the start-up of the third relay device is not necessary, transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device requesting the start-up of the second relay device.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a central relay device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connection between the central relay device and relay devices according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the central relay device and relay devices according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the startup order of the central relay device and relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the startup timing of the central relay device and relay devices in a conventional in-vehicle system. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the startup sequence of the relay device according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the startup sequence of the central relay device according to the embodiment. FIG. 10A is a timing chart showing an example of the startup timing of the central relay device and relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to the embodiment. FIG. 10B is a timing chart showing an example of the startup timing of the central relay device and relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the connection between the central relay device and relay devices according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of the startup timing of the central relay device and relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to the modified example.

[0007] In order to provide a certain service (function) to a user, it is sufficient to start the in-vehicle device used to provide the service, and it is sometimes not necessary to start other in-vehicle devices. However, the vehicle control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot distinguish between in-vehicle devices that need to be started and in-vehicle devices that do not need to be started depending on the situation.

[0008] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to distinguish between in-vehicle devices that need to be started and in-vehicle devices that do not need to be started, and start up the in-vehicle devices that need to be started.

[0009] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) An in-vehicle system according to this embodiment includes a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay that relay communications between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and a central relay that relays communications between the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay. When the first relay receives a first activation signal from the device connected to the first relay, the first relay executes a first activation process to activate the first relay, and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay that requests activation of the central relay. When the central relay receives the second activation signal, the central relay a second activation process for activating a relay device, wherein the first relay device, after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, executes an activation cause identification process for identifying a cause for activating the first relay device, and when the activation cause is identified, notifies the central relay device of the activation cause, and the central relay device identifies one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be activated based on the activation cause notified from the first relay device, and when the second relay device needs to be activated but the third relay device does not need to be activated, transmits a third activation signal to the second relay device requesting activation of the second relay device. This makes it possible to distinguish between the second relay device that needs to be activated and the third relay device that does not need to be activated, and activate the second relay device that needs to be activated.

[0011] (2) In the above (1), the central relay device may include a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, and the second startup process may be a process that starts the first processing circuit but does not start the second processing. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption of the central relay device in the second startup process.

[0012] (3) In the above (1), the central relay device may include a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, and the second startup process may be a process of starting up each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit. This allows the central relay device after startup to execute functions of each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit.

[0013] (4) In the above (2) or (3), the first processing circuit may perform a boot target identification process to identify one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started up based on the start-up cause. This allows the boot target identification process to be performed by the first processing circuit started up by the second start-up process.

[0014] (5) In any one of (2) to (4) above, a first startup time required for the first processing circuit to start up may be shorter than a second startup time required for the second processing circuit to start up, thereby enabling the function executed by the first processing circuit to be executed earlier.

[0015] (6) In any one of (2) to (5) above, the power consumption of the first processing circuit may be lower than the power consumption of the second processing circuit, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire central relay device when the first processing circuit is activated but the second processing circuit is not activated.

[0016] (7) In the above (3), the first processing circuit may be connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the second relay device by a second communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the third relay device by a third communication line, the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line may each branch, and each of the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line may have a branch connected to the second processing circuit. This allows the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit to each receive a second activation signal from the first relay device and activate the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit, respectively.

[0017] (8) In any one of (2) to (6) above, the first processing circuit may be connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the second relay device by a second communication line, the first processing circuit may be connected to the third relay device by a third communication line, and the second processing circuit may be connected to the first processing circuit by a fourth communication line. This allows the first processing circuit to receive a second activation signal from the first relay device and activate the first processing circuit.

[0018] (9) In any one of (2) to (8) above, the first processing circuit may execute a function used for operation of each of the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device, thereby allowing the first processing circuit to operate a relay device that needs to be started.

[0019] (10) A relay device according to this embodiment relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and includes: a receiver that receives a first activation signal from the device requesting activation of the relay device; a startup unit that executes a startup process to start the relay device when the receiver receives the first activation signal; a transmitter that transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device requesting activation of a central relay device that relays communication between a plurality of relay devices; an identification unit that executes a startup cause identification process to identify a startup cause of the relay device after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device; and a notification unit that notifies the central relay device of the startup cause when the startup cause is identified by the startup cause identification process. This allows the central relay device to be started up quickly.

[0020] (11) A central relay according to this embodiment is connected to a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay, and includes: a wake-up signal receiver that receives a second wake-up signal from the first relay that has been woken up by a first wake-up signal, the second wake-up signal requesting the central relay to be woken up; a wake-up unit that performs a wake-up process to wake up the central relay when the wake-up signal receiver receives the second wake-up signal; a notification receiver that receives a notification of a wake-up cause of the first relay from the first relay after starting the wake-up process; a specifying unit that performs a wake-up target specifying process to specify which of the second relay and the third relay needs to be woken up based on the wake-up cause notified from the first relay; and a transmitter that transmits a third wake-up signal to the second relay, the third wake-up signal requesting the second relay to be woken up, when the result of the wake-up target specifying process indicates that the second relay needs to be woken up but the third relay does not need to be woken up. This allows the central relay to distinguish between a second relay that needs to be woken up and a third relay that does not need to be woken up, and to start the second relay that needs to be woken up.

[0021] The present disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle system having the above-described characteristic configuration, a relay device included in the in-vehicle system, and a central relay device included in the in-vehicle system, but also as a relay method including characteristic steps executed in the in-vehicle system, as a program for causing the relay device to execute characteristic processing, as a program for causing the central relay device to execute characteristic processing, as a semiconductor integrated circuit in which part or all of the relay device is implemented, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit in which part or all of the central relay device is implemented.

[0022] <Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0023] 1. In-Vehicle System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment.

[0024] The in-vehicle system 10 is mounted on a vehicle and includes a central relay device 100 and relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4.

[0025] The central relay device 100 relays communications among the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The central relay device 100 includes four communication ports, and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are connected to the four communication ports. That is, the relay device 200_1 is connected to the communication port 150_1 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_1, the relay device 200_2 is connected to the communication port 150_2 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_2, the relay device 200_3 is connected to the communication port 150_3 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_3, and the relay device 200_4 is connected to the communication port 150_4 of the central relay device 100 via a communication line 400_4.

[0026] The in-vehicle system 10 according to this embodiment is configured with an in-vehicle network for a specific communication protocol. The communication protocol may be, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN), a CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate), or Ethernet ("Ethernet" is a registered trademark). The central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are, for example, a gateway ECU that relays CAN frames, an Ethernet switch that relays Ethernet frames, or the like.

[0027] Each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 is connected to one or more devices. In the example of FIG. 1 , the relay device 200_1 is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 301_1, a sensor 302_1, and an actuator 303_1. The relay device 200_2 is connected to an ECU 301_2, a sensor 302_2, and an actuator 303_2. The relay device 200_3 is connected to an ECU 301_3, a sensor 302_3, and an actuator 303_3. The relay device 200_4 is connected to an ECU 301_4, a sensor 302_4, and an actuator 303_4.

[0028] In the following description, relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 are also collectively referred to as "relay devices 200." ECUs 301_1, 301_2, 301_3, and 301_4 are also collectively referred to as "ECUs 301." Sensors 302_1, 302_2, 302_3, and 302_4 are also collectively referred to as "sensors 302." Actuators 303_1, 303_2, 303_3, and 303_4 are also collectively referred to as "actuators 303."

[0029] The relay device 200 relays communications between a plurality of ECUs 301, a plurality of sensors 302, and a plurality of actuators 303. The relay device 200 may further have a function for controlling each part of the vehicle. For example, the relay device 200_1 has a function for controlling a door lock. For example, the relay device 200_2 has a function for controlling a side marker. For example, the relay device 200_3 has a function for controlling an engine. For example, the relay device 200_4 has a function for controlling a transmission. In this way, each of the relay devices 200 functions as an ECU.

[0030] The central relay device 100 may also have a function for controlling each part of the vehicle. For example, the central relay device 100 has an automatic driving function.

[0031] The central relay device 100 and the relay device 200 may have the functions of a plurality of ECUs. For example, the central relay device 100 may have an automatic driving function and a collision avoidance support function.

[0032] For example, the ECU 301_1 is an ECU for entry authentication. When a portable device (key fob) enters a radio wave reception range around the vehicle, the ECU 301_1 wirelessly communicates with the portable device and receives an authentication code from the portable device. The ECU 301_1 performs electronic authentication by verifying the authentication code. For example, the sensor 302_1 is a touch sensor provided on a door handle. When the sensor 302_1 detects that a user (driver) has touched the door handle, the sensor 302_1 outputs a detection signal. For example, the actuator 303_1 is a motor that drives a door lock. For example, when the authentication by the ECU 201_1 is successful and the sensor 302_1 detects a touch on the door handle, the relay device 200_1 controls the actuator 303_1 to unlock the door.

[0033] For example, the actuator 303_2 is a light emitting diode (LED) for a side marker. For example, the sensor 302_2 is a position sensor for a turn signal lever mounted on a vehicle. For example, when the sensor 302_2 detects an operation of the turn signal lever, the relay device 200_2 controls the actuator 303_2 to blink the LED for the side marker.

[0034] For example, the sensor 302_3 is an engine speed sensor, and the sensor 302_4 is a gear position sensor. For example, the relay device 200_3 controls the engine using the detected value of the engine speed output from the sensor 302_3. For example, the relay device 200_4 controls the transmission using the detected value of the gear position output from the sensor 302_4. For example, the relay device 200_3 relays the detected value of the engine speed output from the sensor 302_3 to the central relay device 100. The relay device 200_4 relays the detected value of the gear position output from the sensor 302_4 to the central relay device 100. The central relay device 100 executes the automatic driving process using the received detected values ​​of the engine speed and gear position.

[0035] The central relay device 100 and each relay device 200 have a low-power sleep function. That is, each of the central relay device 100 and each relay device 200 transitions between a sleep state (hereinafter also referred to as a "stopped state") in which all functions except for a part of the function (the function of receiving a wake-up signal) are stopped, and an operating state (hereinafter also referred to as an "activated state") in which the device is operating. Specifically, each of the central relay device 100 and each relay device 200 wakes up (activates) by receiving a wake-up signal in the stopped state, and transitions from the stopped state to the activated state.

[0036] 2. Hardware Configuration of the Central Relay Device Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the central relay device according to this embodiment. The central relay device 100 includes a first processing circuit 110 and a second processing circuit 120.

[0037] The first processing circuit 110 is, for example, a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit, a specific example of which is a microcontroller, and includes a processor 111, a non-volatile memory 112, a volatile memory 113, a peripheral circuit 114, and an interface (I / F) 115.

[0038] The volatile memory 113 is a semiconductor memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The non-volatile memory 112 is a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0039] The processor 111 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 111 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 111 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 111 is configured to be able to execute computer programs. However, the processor 111 may include, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) in part, or may include a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) in part.

[0040] The non-volatile memory 112 stores a first control program 130, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the first control program 130. The first control program 130 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM. The processor 111 realizes some of the functions of the central relay device 100 by using the first control program 130.

[0041] The peripheral circuit 114 is a circuit for enabling the first processing circuit 110 to realize various functions. For example, the peripheral circuit 114 includes circuits such as a general-purpose input / output port (GPIO), an analog / digital converter, a timer, and a serial communication circuit. The serial communication circuit complies with standards such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), and SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).

[0042] The interface 115 includes an input / output interface and a communication interface. Specifically, the interface 115 of the first processing circuit 110 includes at least four communication interfaces. Each communication interface includes a communication port. That is, the interface 115 includes four communication ports 150_1, 150_2, 150_3, and 150_4 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0043] The second processing circuit 120 is, for example, a one-chip semiconductor integrated circuit, a specific example of which is a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). The second processing circuit 120 includes a processor 121, a non-volatile memory 122, a volatile memory 123, a peripheral circuit 124, and an interface 125. The basic configurations of the processor 121, the non-volatile memory 122, the volatile memory 123, the peripheral circuit 124, and the interface 125 are similar to the basic configurations of the processor 111, the non-volatile memory 112, the volatile memory 113, the peripheral circuit 114, and the interface 115, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0044] The non-volatile memory 122 stores a second control program 140, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the second control program 140. The second control program 140 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM. The processor 121 uses the second control program 140 to realize functions of the central relay device 100 other than the functions provided by the first control program 130.

[0045] The interface 125 includes, for example, at least four communication interfaces. Each communication interface includes a communication port. In this embodiment, no communication lines are connected to the communication ports of the interface 125.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the first processing circuit 110 is a microcontroller, and the second processing circuit 120 is an SoC. The second processing circuit 120 has a larger circuit scale than the first processing circuit 110 and can execute more complex processes. For example, the first processing circuit 110 operates on a real-time operating system (OS), and the second processing circuit 120 operates on a high-performance general-purpose OS (e.g., Linux (registered trademark)).

[0047] For example, the startup time (first startup time) required for the first processing circuit 110 to start up is shorter than the startup time (second startup time) required for the second processing circuit 120 to start up. The first processing circuit 110 can execute real-time processing (processing with time constraints). However, the first processing circuit 110 is limited in the functions it can execute. In contrast, the second processing circuit 120 is equipped with a high-performance OS and can execute processing for a variety of purposes. However, real-time responsiveness is not guaranteed for the second processing circuit 120.

[0048] For example, the power consumption of the first processing circuit 110 is lower than the power consumption of the second processing circuit 120. Therefore, when only the function of the first processing circuit 110 is required, the power consumption of the entire central relay device 100 can be reduced by activating the first processing circuit 110 and halting the second processing circuit 120.

[0049] The first processing circuit 110 executes a first function used in the operation of each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. That is, the first function is a function that forms the basis of the operation of each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The second processing circuit 120 executes a second function that is not used in the operation of each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4. The first control program 130 provides the first function. The second control program 140 provides the second function. The first function is, for example, a function for relaying communications using the above-mentioned communication protocol, a function for power management of the entire in-vehicle system 10, a function for accepting operations from a user, etc. The second function is, for example, an autonomous driving function, a collision avoidance assistance function, etc.

[0050] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a relay device according to this embodiment. The relay device 200 includes, for example, a processor 201, a non-volatile memory 202, a volatile memory 203, a peripheral circuit 204, and an interface 205. The basic configurations of the processor 201, the non-volatile memory 202, the volatile memory 203, the peripheral circuit 204, and the interface 205 are similar to the basic configurations of the processor 111, the non-volatile memory 112, the volatile memory 113, the peripheral circuit 114, and the interface 115, respectively, and therefore will not be described again.

[0051] The non-volatile memory 202 stores a control program 210, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the control program 210. The control program 210 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM. The processor 201 realizes the functions of the relay device 200 by using the control program 210.

[0052] The control program 210 may provide, for example, a relay function for communication using the above-mentioned communication protocol. The control program 210 may also provide functions as an ECU, such as a door lock control function, a side marker control function, an engine control function, or a transmission control function.

[0053] The interface 205 includes, for example, at least four communication interfaces. Each communication interface includes a communication port. In this embodiment, the interface 205 includes a communication port connected to the central relay device 100, a communication port connected to the ECU 301, a communication port connected to the sensor 302, and a communication port connected to the actuator 303.

[0054] 4. Connection between the central relay device and the relay devices] Hereinafter, a connection between the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a connection between the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 in this embodiment.

[0055] In this embodiment, the relay device 200_1 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 (the interface 115 thereof) via a communication line 400_1. The relay device 200_2 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 400_2. The relay device 200_3 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 400_3. The relay device 200_4 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 400_4.

[0056] The first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 are connected by a communication line 410. More specifically, the interface 115 of the first processing circuit 110 and the interface 125 of the second processing circuit 120 are connected by the communication line 410 (see FIG. 2).

[0057] In this embodiment, each of the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 is not directly connected to the second processing circuit 120. Therefore, a signal or frame transmitted from the relay device 200 to the communication line 400 is received by the first processing circuit 110, but is not received by the second processing circuit 120.

[0058] 5. Functions of the Central Relay Device and Relay Devices FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the central relay device and relay devices according to this embodiment.

[0059] The central relay device 100 has the functions of a wake-up signal receiving unit 131, a starting unit 132, a notification receiving unit 133, a specifying unit 134, and a transmitting unit 135. The relay device 200 has the functions of a receiving unit 211, a starting unit 212, a transmitting unit 213, a specifying unit 214, and a notifying unit 215.

[0060] The wake-up signal receiving unit 131 and the starting unit 132 are provided by the interface 115 or the operating system of the first processing circuit 110. The notification receiving unit 133, the identifying unit 134, and the transmitting unit 135 are provided by the processor 111 executing the first control program 130. The receiving unit 211 and the starting unit 212 are provided by the interface 205 or the operating system of the relay device 200. The transmitting unit 213, the identifying unit 214, and the notifying unit 215 are provided by the processor 201 executing the control program 210.

[0061] The receiver 211 receives a wake-up signal (first wake-up signal) from a peripheral device connected to the relay device 200. The peripheral device is an example of a "device," which is an ECU 301, a sensor 302, and an actuator 303 connected to the relay device 200. The first wake-up signal is a signal requesting the activation of the relay device 200. For example, in the case of CAN or CAN FD, the wake-up signal is a dominant signal, and in the case of Ethernet, the wake-up signal is a magic packet.

[0062] When the receiver 211 receives the first activation signal, the activation unit 212 executes an activation process for activating the relay device 200 .

[0063] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the activation order of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the ECU 301_1, which is a peripheral device of the relay device 200_1, transmits a first activation signal. The relay device 200_1 receives the first activation signal and activates itself.

[0064] 5 , when the relay device 200 is started up, that is, when the start-up process is completed, the transmitter 213 transmits a start-up signal (second start-up signal) to the central relay device 100. The second start-up signal is a signal requesting the start-up of the central relay device 100.

[0065] The activation signal receiving unit 131 receives the second activation signal. When the activation signal receiving unit 131 receives the second activation signal, the activation unit 132 executes activation processing for activating the central relay device 100.

[0066] 6, the activated relay device 200_1 transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device 100. The central relay device 100 receives the second activation signal and activates itself.

[0067] 5 , after the transmitter 213 transmits the second activation signal to the central relay 100, the identifier 214 executes an activation factor identification process to identify the activation factor of the relay 200. For example, if the ECU 301_1 successfully collates the authentication code of the key fob, the relay 200_1 having the door lock control function receives a first activation signal from the ECU 301_1 and activates itself. In this example, the activation factor of the relay 200_1 is the reception of the first activation signal from the ECU 301_1, and the identifier identifies the activation factor by determining the source of the first activation signal.

[0068] For example, the activation factor identification process may identify the relay device 200 that needs to be activated. In the above example, when the door is unlocked, the side markers flash a predetermined number of times to notify the driver that the door has been unlocked. Therefore, it is necessary to activate the relay device 200_2 having the side marker control function in preparation for unlocking the door. In the activation factor identification process, the identification unit 214 can identify the relay device 200_2 as the device to be activated.

[0069] When the start-up cause is identified by the start-up cause identification process, the notification unit 215 notifies the central relay device 100 of the identified start-up cause.

[0070] Before the start-up cause identification process is started, the second start-up signal is transmitted to the central relay device 100. Therefore, when the start-up cause is identified, the central relay device 100 (the first processing circuit 110 thereof) has completed startup or will soon complete startup. Therefore, the start-up cause can be notified to the central relay device 100 soon after it is identified.

[0071] The notification receiving unit 133 of the central relay device 100 receives a notification of the cause of starting the relay device 200 from the relay device 200 after the starting unit 132 starts the start-up process.

[0072] The identification unit 134 executes a start target identification process based on the start cause notified from the relay device 200. The start target identification process is a process for identifying the relay device 200 that needs to be started. In the example described above, the start cause is that the sender of the first start signal is ECU 301_1. In this case, in the start cause identification process, the identification unit 214 can identify the relay device 200_2 as the target to be started because the sender of the first start signal is ECU 301_1.

[0073] For example, a correspondence table showing the correspondence between the sender of the first activation signal, which is the activation factor, and the relay device 200 to be activated is stored in the non-volatile memory 112, and the identification unit 134 may identify the activation target by comparing the notified activation factor with the activation factor in the correspondence table.

[0074] The transmitter 135 transmits a wake-up signal (third wake-up signal) to the relay device 200 to be activated that has been identified by the activation target identification process. Referring to FIG. 6 , in the above example, if the result of the activation target identification process indicates that activation of relay device 200_2 (second in-vehicle device) is necessary but activation of relay devices 200_3 and 200_4 (third in-vehicle devices) is not necessary, the transmitter 135 transmits the third wake-up signal to relay device 200_2 but does not transmit the third wake-up signal to relay devices 200_3 and 200_4. As a result, relay device 200_2 is activated, and relay devices 200_3 and 200_4 remain in a stopped state.

[0075] 6. Operation of the In-Vehicle System The operation of the in-vehicle system 10 will be described below using the example of FIG.

[0076] FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of the activation timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in a conventional in-vehicle system.

[0077] The central relay 100 and all relays 200 of the in-vehicle system 10 are in a stopped state. When the key fob enters the vehicle's radio wave reception range in this state, the ECU 301_1 receives the authentication code transmitted from the key fob. If the ECU 301_1 successfully collates the authentication code of the received key fob, it transmits a first activation signal to the relay 200_1 (time t0).

[0078] At time t0 when the relay device 200_1 receives the first activation signal, the relay device 200_1 starts activation processing (first activation processing).

[0079] At time t1, the first startup process ends, and the relay device 200_1 starts the startup cause identification process.

[0080] At time t2, the trigger factor identifying process ends. At this time t2, the relay device 200_1 transmits a trigger signal (second trigger signal) and the identified trigger factor to the central relay device 100.

[0081] At time t2 when the central relay device 100 receives the second activation signal, the central relay device 100 starts activation processing (second activation processing). When the second activation processing is completed, the central relay device 100 executes activation target specification processing.

[0082] At time t3, the activation target specifying process ends and the relay device 200_2 is specified as the activation target. At this time t3, the central relay device 100 transmits a activation signal (third activation signal) and a activation cause to the relay device 200_2 that is the activation target.

[0083] At time t3, the relay device 200_2 receives the third wake-up signal and the wake-up trigger and executes a wake-up process. After the wake-up process is completed, the relay device 200_2 executes a wake-up target identification process. For example, the notified wake-up trigger may be used in the wake-up target identification process. If the relay device 200_2 is not a target for activation in the wake-up target identification process, the relay device 200_2 transitions from the activated state to the stopped state.

[0084] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a start-up sequence of the relay device according to the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 8 shows the start-up sequence of the relay device 200 (relay device 200_1 in the example of FIG. 6) that starts up first.

[0085] The relay device 200 receives a first wake-up signal from a peripheral device (step S101). When the relay device 200 detects the reception of the first wake-up signal, the processor 201 executes a wake-up process (step S102).

[0086] When the startup process is completed, the processor 201 transmits a second startup signal to the central relay device 100 (step S103).

[0087] After transmitting the second activation signal, the processor 201 executes the activation cause identification process (step S104). The processor 201 notifies (transmits) the identified activation cause to the central relay device 100 (step S105). This completes the activation sequence of the relay device 200.

[0088] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a startup sequence of the central relay device according to this embodiment.

[0089] The central relay device 100 receives a second activation signal from the relay device 200 that has been activated earlier (step S201). When the central relay device 100 detects the reception of the second activation signal, the processor 111 of the first processing circuit 110 executes activation processing (step S202).

[0090] The processor 111 receives the start cause transmitted from the relay device 200 (step S203). The processor 111 executes a start target specifying process based on the notified start cause (step S204).

[0091] When the processor 111 identifies the target to be started, it transmits the third start-up signal and the start-up cause to the target relay device 200 (step S205). With this, the start-up sequence of the central relay device 100 is completed.

[0092] 10A and 10B are timing charts showing an example of the startup timing of the central relay device and the relay device in the in-vehicle system according to this embodiment. Fig. 10A shows the transition over time of the state of the central relay device 100 as a whole, and Fig. 10B shows the transition over time of the state of each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120.

[0093] Similar to the example of FIG. 7, at time t0, ECU 301_1 transmits a first activation signal to relay device 200_1.

[0094] At time t0, the relay device 200_1 receives the first activation signal and starts the activation process (first activation process).

[0095] When the first activation process ends at time t1, the relay device 200_1 transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device 100.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 10A, at time t1, the central repeater 100 receives the second activation signal, and starts the activation process (second activation process).

[0097] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, at time t1, the first processing circuit 110 receives the second startup signal and starts the second startup process.

[0098] After transmitting the second wake-up signal, the relay device 200_1 starts the wake-up cause identifying process.

[0099] The activation factor identification process ends at time t2. The relay device 200_1 notifies the central relay device 100 (first processing circuit 110) of the identified activation factor. When the second activation process ends, the central relay device 100 (first processing circuit 110) executes the activation target identification process based on the notified activation factor. Note that in this example, the timing at which the relay device 200_1 ends the activation factor identification process and the timing at which the central relay device 100 ends the second activation process are the same, but the two timings may be different.

[0100] The boot target identification process ends at time t31. This time t31 is earlier than time t3 at which the boot target identification process ends in the example of FIG. 7 by (t2-t1) (i.e., the time for the boot cause identification process by the relay device 200_1).

[0101] At time t31, the central relay device 100 transmits a start signal (third start signal) and a start cause to the start target.

[0102] Assume that the second processing circuit 120 and the relay device 200_2 are identified as the activation targets. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B , the first processing circuit 110 transmits a third activation signal and an activation cause to the second processing circuit 120 and the relay device 200_2, respectively. This activates the second processing circuit 120 and the relay device 200_2.

[0103] 7. Modifications FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modification of the connection configuration between the central relay device 100 and the relay devices 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, and 200_4 in the embodiment.

[0104] In this modification, the relay device 200_1 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 (the interface 115 thereof) via a communication line 401_1. The relay device 200_2 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 401_2. The relay device 200_3 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 401_3. The relay device 200_4 is connected to the first processing circuit 110 via a communication line 401_4.

[0105] The first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 are connected by a communication line 410 .

[0106] In this modification, each of the communication lines 401_1, 401_2, 401_3, and 401_4 branches off midway. A branch line 402_1 extends from midway of the communication line 401_1, and the branch line 402_1 is connected to (the interface 125 of) the second processing circuit 120. A branch line 402_2 extends from midway of the communication line 401_2, and the branch line 402_2 is connected to the second processing circuit 120. A branch line 402_3 extends from midway of the communication line 401_3, and the branch line 402_3 is connected to the second processing circuit 120. A branch line 402_4 extends from midway of the communication line 401_4, and the branch line 402_4 is connected to the second processing circuit 120.

[0107] FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an example of the activation timing of the central relay device and the relay devices in the in-vehicle system according to this modification.

[0108] At time t0, the ECU 301_1 transmits a first activation signal to the relay device 200_1.

[0109] At time t0, the relay device 200_1 receives the first activation signal and starts the activation process (first activation process).

[0110] When the first activation process ends at time t1, the relay device 200_1 transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device 100.

[0111] In this modification, at time t1, the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 each receive a second startup signal. Upon receiving the second startup signal, the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 each start a startup process.

[0112] After transmitting the wake-up signal, the relay device 200_1 starts the wake-up cause identifying process.

[0113] The start-up cause identification process ends at time t2. The relay device 200_1 notifies the central relay device 100 of the identified start-up cause.

[0114] In this modification, the connection configuration described above allows the activation cause transmitted from the relay device 200_1 to be received by each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120. Each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 executes activation target identification processing based on the notified activation cause.

[0115] At time t31, the activation target identification process of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 ends. Note that, for simplicity of explanation, the activation target identification process of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 ends at the same timing, but this is not limited to this. The activation target identification process of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 may end at different timings.

[0116] At time t31, the central relay device 100 transmits a start signal (third start signal) and a start cause to the relay device 200_2 (and the second processing circuit 120) that is the start target.

[0117] [8. Other Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, the relay device 200_1 that is started first identifies the activation cause, and the central relay device 100 identifies the activation target based on the activation cause notified from the relay device 200_1. However, this is not limiting. For example, the relay device 200_1 may identify the activation target from the activation cause and notify the central relay device 100 of the activation target. In this case, the activation target identification process in the central relay device 100 (and the relay device 200_2 that is started thereafter) may be omitted.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the first processing circuit 110 is configured by a microcontroller and the second processing circuit 120 is configured by an SoC, but this is not limiting. Each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 may be configured by a microcontroller, or each of the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120 may be configured by an SoC.

[0119] Although the central repeater 100 is configured by the first processing circuit 110 and the second processing circuit 120, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the central repeater 100 may be configured by the first processing circuit 110 only.

[0120] [9. Supplementary Notes] [Supplementary Note 1] A control program used by a relay device that relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, the control program causing a computer to execute the following steps: when the relay device receives a first activation signal from the device requesting activation of the relay device and executes activation processing to activate the relay device, transmitting to the central relay a second activation signal requesting activation of a central relay device that relays communication between a plurality of relay devices; after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, executing activation factor identification processing to identify a activation factor of the relay device; and when the activation factor is identified by the activation factor identification processing, notifying the central relay device of the activation factor.

[0121] [Supplementary Note 2] A control program used by a central relay connected to a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay, causing a computer to execute the following steps: when the central relay receives a second startup signal from the first relay that has been started by a first startup signal, requesting startup of the central relay, and executes startup processing to start the central relay; after starting the startup processing, receiving a notification of a startup cause of the first relay from the first relay; executing a startup target identification process to identify which of the second relay and the third relay needs to be started, based on the startup cause notified from the first relay; and when the result of the startup target identification process indicates that startup of the second relay is necessary but startup of the third relay is not necessary, transmitting a third startup signal to the second relay, requesting startup of the second relay.

[0122] [Supplementary Note 3] A relay method by a relay device that relays communication between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, the relay method including the steps of: when the relay device receives a first activation signal from the device requesting activation of the relay device and executes activation processing to activate the relay device, transmitting a second activation signal to the central relay device that requests activation of a central relay device that relays communication between a plurality of relay devices; after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, executing activation factor identification processing to identify a activation factor of the relay device; and when the activation factor is identified by the activation factor identification processing, notifying the central relay device of the activation factor.

[0123] [Supplementary Note 4] A relay method by a central relay device connected to a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device, comprising: when the central relay device receives a second startup signal from the first relay device that has been started by a first startup signal, requesting startup of the central relay device, and executes startup processing to start up the central relay device, receiving a notification of a startup cause of the first relay device from the first relay device after starting the startup processing; executing a startup target identification process to identify one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started up, based on the startup cause notified from the first relay device; and when the result of the startup target identification process indicates that startup of the second relay device is necessary but startup of the third relay device is not necessary, transmitting a third startup signal to the second relay device to request startup of the second relay device.

[0124] [Supplementary Note 5] A relay method for an in-vehicle system including a first relay, a second relay, and a third relay that relay communications between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, and a central relay that relays communications between the first relay, the second relay, and the third relay, comprising the steps of: when the first relay receives a first activation signal requesting activation of the first relay from the device connected to the first relay, executing a first activation process for activating the first relay, and transmitting a second activation signal requesting activation of the central relay to the central relay; when the central relay receives the second activation signal, executing a second activation process for activating the central relay; and, after the first relay transmits the second activation signal to the central relay, executing an activation cause identification process for identifying an activation cause of the first relay, and, when the activation cause is identified, notifying the central relay of the activation cause. the central relay device identifying one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started up based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and if the second relay device needs to be started up but the third relay device does not, transmitting a third start-up signal to the second relay device requesting start-up of the second relay device.

[0125] [10. Supplementary Note] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above-described embodiments, and includes meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0126] 10 In-vehicle system 100 Central relay device 110 First processing circuit 111 Processor 112 Non-volatile memory 113 Volatile memory 114 Peripheral circuit 115 Interface (I / F) 120 Second processing circuit 121 Processor 122 Non-volatile memory 123 Volatile memory 124 Peripheral circuit 125 Interface (I / F) 130 First control program 131 Start signal receiving unit 132 Start unit 133 Notification receiving unit 134 Identification unit 135 Transmission unit 140 Second control program 150_1, 150_2, 150_3, 150_4 Communication port 200, 200_1, 200_2, 200_3, 200_4 Relay device 201 Processor 202 Non-volatile memory 203 Volatile memory 204 Peripheral circuit 205 Interface 210 Control program 211 Receiving unit 212 Starting unit 213 Transmitting unit 214 Identifying unit 215 Notifying unit 301, 301_1, 301_2, 301_3, 301_4 ECU 302, 302_1, 302_2, 302_3, 302_4 Sensor 303, 303_1, 303_2, 303_3, 303_4 Actuator 400, 400_1, 400_2, 400_3, 400_4 Communication line 401_1, 401_2, 401_3, 401_4 Communication line 402_1, 402_2, 402_3, 402_4 Branch line 410 Communication line

Claims

1. A vehicle-mounted network system comprising: a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device that relay communications between devices connected to an in-vehicle network; and a central relay device that relays communications between the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device; when the first relay device receives a first activation signal from the device connected to the first relay device, requesting activation of the first relay device, the first relay device executes a first activation process for activating the first relay device, and transmits a second activation signal to the central relay device, requesting activation of the central relay device; when the central relay device receives the second activation signal, the central relay device executes a second activation process for activating the central relay device; after transmitting the second activation signal to the central relay device, the first relay device executes an activation cause identification process for identifying an activation cause of the first relay device, and when the activation cause is identified, notifies the central relay device of the activation cause; the central relay device identifies one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device, and when the second relay device needs to be started but the third relay device does not need to be started, transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device requesting start-up of the second relay device.

2. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the central relay device includes a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, and the second startup process is a process that starts up the first processing circuit but does not start up the second process.

3. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the central relay device includes a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit, and the second startup process is a process for starting up each of the first processing circuit and the second processing circuit.

4. The in-vehicle system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first processing circuit executes a startup target identification process to identify one of the second relay device and the third relay device that needs to be started based on the startup cause.

5. The in-vehicle system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a first start-up time required for the first processing circuit to start up is shorter than a second start-up time required for the second processing circuit to start up.

6. The in-vehicle system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the power consumption of the first processing circuit is lower than the power consumption of the second processing circuit.

7. The in-vehicle system of claim 3, wherein the first processing circuit is connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit is connected to the second relay device by a second communication line, the first processing circuit is connected to the third relay device by a third communication line, the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line each branch, and each branch of the first communication line, the second communication line, and the third communication line is connected to the second processing circuit.

8. An in-vehicle system as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first processing circuit is connected to the first relay device by a first communication line, the first processing circuit is connected to the second relay device by a second communication line, the first processing circuit is connected to the third relay device by a third communication line, and the second processing circuit is connected to the first processing circuit by a fourth communication line.

9. The in-vehicle system according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first processing circuit executes functions used in the operation of each of the first relay device, the second relay device, and the third relay device.

10. A relay device that relays communications between devices connected to an in-vehicle network, comprising: a receiving unit that receives a first start-up signal from the device requesting start-up of the relay device; a starting unit that executes a start-up process to start up the relay device when the receiving unit receives the first start-up signal; a transmitting unit that transmits a second start-up signal to the central relay device requesting start-up of a central relay device that relays communications between a plurality of relay devices; an identifying unit that executes a start-up cause identification process to identify a start-up cause of the relay device after transmitting the second start-up signal to the central relay device; and a notifying unit that notifies the central relay device of the start-up cause when the start-up cause is identified by the start-up cause identification process.

11. A central relay device connected to a first relay device, a second relay device, and a third relay device, comprising: a start-up signal receiving unit that receives a second start-up signal requesting start-up of the central relay device from the first relay device started by a first start-up signal; a start-up unit that executes a start-up process to start up the central relay device when the start-up signal receiving unit receives the second start-up signal; a notification receiving unit that receives a notification of a start-up cause of the first relay device from the first relay device after starting the start-up process; a specification unit that executes a start-up target specification process that specifies which of the second relay device and the third relay device needs to be started based on the start-up cause notified from the first relay device; and a transmission unit that transmits a third start-up signal to the second relay device requesting start-up of the second relay device when the result of the start-up target specification process indicates that start-up of the second relay device is necessary but not that of the third relay device.

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