On-vehicle relay device, setting change method, and setting change program

Abstract

This on-vehicle relay device comprises: a network processing unit that performs processing in an on-vehicle network; a storage unit that stores setting information indicating the setting content of the processing performed by the network processing unit; an update unit that performs updating processing for updating the setting information in the storage unit; and a reflection unit that reflects the setting content indicated by the setting information in the processing performed by the network processing unit. The storage unit includes a first storage area for storing the setting information and a second storage area for storing predetermined information. The update unit can update the setting information without changing the predetermined information in the second storage area.

Description

Vehicle-mounted relay device, setting change method, and setting change program

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-196348, filed on November 20, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Patent Document 1 (WO 2020 / 054396) discloses the following vehicular relay device. That is, the vehicular relay device is a vehicular relay device equipped with a communication device as a node and a plurality of communication ports (3, 31 to 36) for performing communication in accordance with the Ethernet standard, and includes a relay processing unit (5) configured such that a connection authorization node, which is a node connectable to each of the communication ports, is set in advance and communication with an unregistered node, which is a node not registered as the connection authorization node, a release device port (4) which is a port for wired connection of a predetermined release device, and a release device authentication unit (F1) which communicates with a connected device, which is a device connected to the release device port, and authenticates that the connected device is the release device. The method includes a target port acquisition unit (S34) that acquires, from the connected device as the releaser, the number of the target port, which is the communication port to which an unregistered node as a new node is connected; a connection condition relaxation unit (S35) that changes the operation settings of the relay processing unit so that communication is also performed with the unregistered node via the target port, on the condition that the releaser authentication unit has determined that the releaser is connected to the releaser port; and a node addition processing unit (S39) that acquires information about the new node by communicating with the new node via the target port and registers the new node as the connection-allowed node of the target port.

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 054396

[0004] The vehicle-mounted relay device of the present disclosure comprises a network processing unit that performs processing in an vehicle network, a memory unit that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing performed by the network processing unit, an update unit that performs an update process that updates the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit, wherein the memory unit includes a first memory area that stores the setting information and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, and the update unit is capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle relay device equipped with such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the in-vehicle relay device, or as a system that includes the in-vehicle relay device.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay setting table generated by a management device in the in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay setting table generated by a management device in the in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay setting table generated by an update unit in the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relay setting table generated by an update unit in the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a relay device according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence for changing network processing settings in the in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence for setting network processing after startup in the relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence for requesting and responding to setting information in the in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] In recent years, with the spread of car sharing and the demand for improved processing power of in-vehicle devices, there is a demand for customizing in-vehicle networks by adding applications to the in-vehicle network. There is also a demand for technology to change the settings of in-vehicle relay devices in response to changes in the in-vehicle network configuration.

[0008] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] There is a need for a technology that goes beyond the technology described in Patent Document 1 and that can reduce the time required to change the settings of processing in an in-vehicle network.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle relay device, a setting change method, and a setting change program that can shorten the time required to change the settings of processing in an in-vehicle network.

[0010] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the time required to change the settings of processing in an in-vehicle network.

[0011] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. (1) An in-vehicle relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a network processing unit that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, a memory unit that stores setting information indicating setting contents of the processing performed by the network processing unit, an update unit that performs an update process to update the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit, wherein the memory unit includes a first memory area that stores the setting information and a second memory area that stores predetermined information different from the first memory area, and the update unit is capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second memory area.

[0012] With this configuration, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network changes, the setting information in the first storage area can be updated without changing the programs stored in the second storage area, for example, so that the change of the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be completed in a shorter time than in a configuration in which the in-vehicle relay device is reprogrammed, thereby reducing the time required to change the setting of the processing in the in-vehicle network.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, the storage unit may store the setting information in two formats: a first data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the function of the network processing unit, and a second data management format that is independent of the hardware and software.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to selectively use the setting information for the more suitable data management format depending on the application from the setting information for the two data management formats.

[0015] (3) In (2) above, the update unit may acquire the change instruction including the setting information in the second data management format indicating the setting content after the change, and in the update process, the update unit may store the setting information included in the change instruction in the memory unit, and convert the setting information included in the change instruction into the first data management format and store it in the memory unit.

[0016] This configuration makes it possible to store configuration information in a data management format that is common to the device that sent the change instruction, and to store configuration information that is highly compatible with the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit.

[0017] (4) In (2) or (3) above, the vehicle relay device may further include a response unit that receives a request regarding the setting content and responds to the request based on the setting information in the second data management format in the memory unit.

[0018] With this configuration, for example, a request from a device outside the vehicle-mounted relay device can be responded to promptly based on setting information of a data management format common to the device.

[0019] (5) In any of (2) to (4) above, the reflection unit may reflect the setting contents of the setting information in the first data management format in the memory unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit when the vehicle-mounted relay device is started.

[0020] With this configuration, after the vehicle-mounted relay device is started, processing performed by the network processing unit can be started more quickly using configuration information in a data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit.

[0021] (6) In any of (2) to (5) above, the vehicle relay device may include a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) that receives the change instruction and a relay IC having a relay function, the update unit may be included in the communication IC, the reflection unit may be included in the relay IC, and the setting information of the first data management format specific to hardware that realizes the function of the network processing unit may be stored in an internal memory of the relay IC.

[0022] With this configuration, the reflection unit included in the relay IC can reflect the setting contents indicated by the setting information stored in the relay IC's built-in memory in the relay function of the relay IC, which is realized, for example, by hardware, so that the setting contents indicated by the setting information can be reflected through simple processing without any communication between the communication IC and the relay IC.

[0023] (7) In any of (2) to (5) above, the vehicle relay device may include a communication IC that receives the change instruction and a relay IC having a relay function, the update unit may be included in the communication IC, the reflection unit may be included in the communication IC, and the setting information of the first data management format specific to software that realizes the function of the network processing unit may be stored in the built-in memory of the communication IC.

[0024] With this configuration, the reflection unit included in the communication IC can reflect the setting contents indicated by the setting information stored in the communication IC's built-in memory in the communication IC's functions realized by software, for example, so that the setting contents indicated by the setting information can be reflected through simple processing without any communication between the communication IC and the relay IC.

[0025] (8) In any of (2) to (5) above, the vehicle relay device may include a communication IC that receives the change instruction, a relay IC having a relay function, and a memory IC, and at least a portion of the setting information may be stored in the memory IC.

[0026] With this configuration, the size of the built-in memory of the relay IC and communication IC can be designed to be smaller than in a configuration in which setting information is stored in the built-in memory of the relay IC or communication IC, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vehicle-mounted relay device.

[0027] (9) A setting change method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a setting change method in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, wherein the in-vehicle relay device has a memory unit including a first memory area that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, and the setting change method includes a step of performing an update process that updates the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents, and a step of reflecting the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, and in the step of performing the update process, the setting information is updated based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

[0028] With this method, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network changes, the setting information in the first storage area can be updated without changing the programs stored in the second storage area, for example, so that the change of the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be completed in a shorter time than the method of reprogramming the in-vehicle relay device, thereby shortening the time required to change the setting of the processing in the in-vehicle network.

[0029] (10) A setting change program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a setting change program used in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle relay device having a memory unit including a first memory area that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, and the program causes a computer to function as an update unit that performs an update process to update the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents, and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, and the update unit is capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

[0030] With this configuration, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network changes, the setting information in the first storage area can be updated without changing the programs stored in the second storage area, for example, so that the change of the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network can be completed in a shorter time than in a configuration in which the in-vehicle relay device is reprogrammed, thereby reducing the time required to change the setting of the processing in the in-vehicle network.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0032] [Configuration and Basic Operation] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the in-vehicle network management system 301 includes a relay device 101, a plurality of in-vehicle ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 111, and a management device 151. The in-vehicle network management system 301 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The relay device 101 is an example of an in-vehicle relay device. The relay device 101, the in-vehicle ECUs 111, and the management device 151 configure an in-vehicle network 201.

[0033] The relay device 101 includes a plurality of communication ports PA. The communication ports PA are terminals to which an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 2 can be connected.

[0034] The in-vehicle ECU 111 and the management device 151 are each connected to a communication port PA in the relay device 101 via an Ethernet cable 2 .

[0035] The in-vehicle ECU 111 is, for example, a TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), an automatic driving ECU, an engine ECU, a sensor, a navigation device, a human-machine interface, a camera, etc. Each in-vehicle ECU 111 is equipped with an application that is software.

[0036] The relay device 101 is, for example, a gateway device. The relay device 101 performs processing in the in-vehicle network 201. Hereinafter, the processing in the in-vehicle network 201 performed by the relay device 101 is also referred to as "network processing." For example, as the network processing, the relay device 101 performs relay processing of relaying messages exchanged between in-vehicle ECUs 111 in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard. Furthermore, for example, as the network processing, the relay device 101 further performs diagnostic processing, sleep processing, and wake-up processing in addition to relay processing. Details of the network processing will be described later.

[0037] The management device 151 is, for example, a Software Defined Networking (SDN) controller. The management device 151 detects changes in the in-vehicle network 201, such as when an in-vehicle ECU 111 is added to or removed from the in-vehicle network 201 or when an application is added to or removed from the in-vehicle ECU 111. When the management device 151 detects a change in the in-vehicle network 201, the management device 151 performs processing to change the settings of the network processing performed by the relay device 101. More specifically, the management device 151 generates setting information Cf indicating the settings of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 after the change, and transmits a change instruction including the generated setting information Cf to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2.

[0038] When the relay device 101 receives a change instruction from the management device 151, the relay device 101 changes the settings of the network processing in accordance with the received change instruction.

[0039] Note that the in-vehicle network 201 is not limited to a configuration in which messages are relayed in accordance with the Ethernet communication standard, and may be a configuration in which messages are relayed in accordance with a communication standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark), FlexRay (registered trademark), MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) (registered trademark), and LIN (Local Interconnect Network).

[0040] (Relay Device) FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the relay device 101 includes a setting unit 10, a network processing unit 20, and a storage unit 30. The setting unit 10 includes a response unit 11, an update unit 12, and a reflection unit 13. The network processing unit 20 includes a relay unit 21, a diagnosis unit 22, and an ECU management unit 23. The storage unit 30 includes storage areas 31 and 32. The storage area 31 is an example of a first storage area. The storage area 32 is an example of a second storage area. The setting unit 10 and the network processing unit 20 are partly or entirely realized by a processing circuit including one or more processors, for example. The storage unit 30 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory included in the processing circuit.

[0041] The network processing unit 20 performs network processing, which is processing in the in-vehicle network 201. More specifically, a relay unit 21 in the network processing unit 20 performs layer 2 level relay processing, which receives a message from the in-vehicle ECU 111 via a communication port PA and transmits it to the destination in-vehicle ECU 111 via the corresponding communication port PA. A diagnosis unit 22 in the network processing unit 20 performs diagnostic processing to check whether or not the in-vehicle ECU 111 is malfunctioning by communicating with the in-vehicle ECU 111 via the communication port PA. An ECU management unit 23 in the network processing unit 20 performs sleep processing to stop the in-vehicle ECU 111 and wake-up processing to start the in-vehicle ECU 111 by communicating with the in-vehicle ECU 111 via the communication port PA. The relay processing, diagnostic processing, sleep processing, and wake-up processing are examples of network processing.

[0042] The storage unit 30 stores setting information Cf that indicates the setting contents of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. More specifically, a storage area 31 in the storage unit 30 is a storage area that stores the setting information Cf. A storage area 32 in the storage unit 30 is a storage area that stores predetermined information PI, such as a program. The storage areas 31 and 32 are different storage areas that are sectioned in the storage unit 30. For example, the storage area 31 is a storage area dedicated to storing the setting information Cf. Furthermore, for example, the storage area 32 is a storage area dedicated to storing a program that does not include, as information PI, information indicating the setting contents of the network processing.

[0043] The setting information Cf includes relay setting tables Ta and Tb that indicate the setting contents related to relay processing, a diagnostic setting table Tc that indicates the setting contents related to diagnostic processing, a stop setting table Td that indicates the setting contents related to sleep processing, and an activation setting table Te that indicates the setting contents related to wake-up processing.

[0044] For example, the relay setting table Ta indicates the correspondence between setting items related to relay processing and setting contents. Furthermore, for example, the relay setting table Tb indicates the correspondence between the communication port PA and the on-board ECU 111 connected to the communication port PA. Furthermore, for example, the diagnosis setting table Tc indicates the correspondence between the on-board ECU 111 that is the target of the diagnostic processing and the port number of the communication port PA to which the on-board ECU 111 is connected. Furthermore, for example, the stop setting table Td indicates the correspondence between the sleep condition, the on-board ECU 111 that is the target of the sleep processing under the sleep condition, and the port number of the communication port PA to which the on-board ECU 111 is connected. Furthermore, for example, the activation setting table Te indicates the correspondence between the wake-up condition, the on-board ECU 111 that is the target of the wake-up processing under the wake-up condition, and the port number of the communication port PA to which the on-board ECU 111 is connected.

[0045] For example, the storage unit 30 stores the setting information Cf in two formats, data management formats Fm1 and Fm2. The data management format Fm1 is an example of a first data management format. The data management format Fm2 is an example of a second data management format. More specifically, the storage area 31 in the storage unit 30 stores setting information Cf1, which is the setting information Cf of the data management format Fm1, and setting information Cf2, which is the setting information Cf of the data management format Fm2.

[0046] The setting information Cf1 includes relay setting tables Ta1, Tb1 which are relay setting tables Ta, Tb of the data management format Fm1, diagnostic setting table Tc1 which is the diagnostic setting table Tc of the data management format Fm1, stop setting table Td1 which is the stop setting table Td of the data management format Fm1, and startup setting table Te1 which is the startup setting table Te of the data management format Fm1.

[0047] The setting information Cf2 includes relay setting tables Ta2, Tb2 which are relay setting tables Ta, Tb of the data management format Fm2, diagnostic setting table Tc2 which is the diagnostic setting table Tc of the data management format Fm2, stop setting table Td2 which is the stop setting table Td of the data management format Fm2, and startup setting table Te2 which is the startup setting table Te of the data management format Fm2.

[0048] Here, the data management format Fm1 is a data management format specific to the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. Furthermore, the data management format Fm2 is a data management format that is independent of the hardware and software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. More specifically, the data management format Fm1 is a data management format specific to the hardware, operating system, firmware, or application software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. Furthermore, the data management format Fm2 is a data management format that is independent of the hardware, operating system, firmware, and application software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit 20. For example, the data management format Fm2 is a common data management format such as YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) and MIB (Management Information Base). The data management format Fm2 may be a data management format that conforms to a standardized specification, or may be a data management format that conforms to common specifications established by an automobile manufacturer for its own products.

[0049] The reflecting unit 13 in the setting unit 10 reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 in the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. For example, when the relay device 101 is started up, the reflecting unit 13 reflects the setting contents of the setting information Cf1 of the data management format Fm1 in the storage unit 30 in the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. More specifically, when the relay device 101 is started up, the reflecting unit 13 acquires the setting information Cf1 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 and outputs a setting instruction including the acquired setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20.

[0050] Each unit in the network processing unit 20 receives a setting instruction from the reflecting unit 13 and starts network processing, including relay processing, in accordance with the setting information Cf1 included in the received setting instruction. Furthermore, each unit in the network processing unit 20 outputs a completion response to the reflecting unit 13 after starting network processing in accordance with the setting information Cf1.

[0051] The responding unit 11 in the setting unit 10 receives a management information request, which is a request regarding the setting contents of network processing performed by the network processing unit 20, and responds to the management information request based on the setting information Cf2 in the data management format Fm2 in the storage unit 30. More specifically, when the responding unit 11 receives a management information request from the management device 151 via the communication port PA, it acquires the setting information Cf2 from the memory area 31 of the storage unit 30. Then, as a response to the management information request, the responding unit 11 transmits a management information response including part or all of the acquired setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA. Note that the responding unit 11 may also transmit a management information response to the management device 151 that further includes a communication log in the data management format Fm2.

[0052] The update unit 12 in the setting unit 10 performs an update process to update the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 based on a change instruction to change the setting contents of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. The update unit 12 can update the setting information Cf based on the change instruction without changing the information PI stored in the storage area 32 of the storage unit 30. More specifically, when the update unit 12 receives a change instruction including setting information Cf indicating the changed setting contents from the management device 151 via the communication port PA, the update unit 12 acquires the setting information Cf from the received change instruction. The update unit 12 updates the setting information Cf in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the setting information Cf acquired from the change instruction without changing the information PI of programs and the like stored in the storage area 32 of the storage unit 30.

[0053] 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating an example of a relay setting table generated by a management device in an in-vehicle network management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, when the management device 151 detects a change in the in-vehicle network 201, the management device 151 generates setting information Cf2 indicating the settings of network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 after the change.

[0054] More specifically, the management device 151 generates a relay setting table Ta2 in a data management format Fm2 that indicates the correspondence between setting items related to relay processing and the setting contents. As an example, the management device 151 generates a relay setting table Ta2 that indicates that MAC address learning is not performed in the relay processing.

[0055] In addition, the management device 151 generates a relay setting table Tb2 in a data management format Fm2 that indicates the correspondence between the port number of the communication port PA in the relay device 101 and the MAC address of the in-vehicle ECU 111 connected to the communication port PA.

[0056] The management device 151 generates setting information Cf2 including the relay setting tables Ta2 and Tb2, and transmits a change instruction including the generated setting information Cf2 to the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2.

[0057] The update unit 12 receives a change instruction including the setting information Cf2 from the management device 151 via the communication port PA. In the update process, the update unit 12 stores the setting information Cf2 included in the received change instruction in the storage unit 30. More specifically, the update unit 12 updates the setting information Cf2 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the setting information Cf2 acquired from the change instruction.

[0058] Furthermore, the update unit 12 converts the setting information Cf2 included in the received change instruction into the data management format Fm1 and stores it in the storage unit 30.

[0059] 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating an example of a relay setting table generated by an update unit in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, "h" indicates that the eight digits before the "h" are expressed in hexadecimal, and "b" indicates that the eight digits before the "b" are expressed in binary.

[0060] 5, the update unit 12 converts the relay setting table Ta2 included in the setting information Cf2 into the relay setting table Ta1 in the data management format Fm1. In the relay setting table Ta1, the least significant bit of the setting value corresponding to the address "10000000h" is "0", which indicates that the MAC address is not learned in the relay process.

[0061] 6, the update unit 12 converts the relay setting table Tb2 included in the setting information Cf2 into the relay setting table Tb1 in the data management format Fm1. In the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "10000004h" indicates "00-00-5E-00," which are the upper four bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "zero" in the relay setting table Tb2. Also, in the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "10000008h" indicates "53-00," which are the lower two bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "zero" in the relay setting table Tb2, and "00-00," which are the upper two bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "1" in the relay setting table Tb2.

[0062] Furthermore, in the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "1000000Ah" indicates "5E-00-53-01," which are the lower 4 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "1" in the relay setting table Tb2. Furthermore, in the relay setting table Tb1, the setting value corresponding to the address "10000010h" indicates "00-00-5E-00," which are the upper 4 bytes of the MAC address corresponding to the port number "2" in the relay setting table Tb2.

[0063] The update unit 12 updates the setting information Cf1 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to setting information Cf1 including the converted relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1. The update unit 12 also outputs the setting information Cf1 to the reflection unit 13.

[0064] When the reflecting unit 13 receives the setting information Cf1 from the updating unit 12, the reflecting unit 13 outputs a setting instruction including the received setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20.

[0065] Each unit in the network processing unit 20 receives a setting instruction from the reflection unit 13 and changes the setting contents of the network processing, including the relay processing, in accordance with the setting information Cf1 included in the received setting instruction. Furthermore, each unit in the network processing unit 20 outputs a completion response to the reflection unit 13 after changing the setting contents of the network processing.

[0066] (Hardware Configuration of Relay Device) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the relay device 101 includes a processor 50 and a switch IC 60. The processor 50 receives a change instruction from the management device 151. The switch IC 60 has a relay function. The processor 50 is an example of a communication IC. The switch IC is an example of a relay IC. The above-described data management format Fm1 is a data management format specific to the software in the processor 50 and the switch IC.

[0067] The response unit 11, the update unit 12, the reflection unit 13A which is the reflection unit 13, the diagnosis unit 22, and the ECU management unit 23 are included in the processor 50. For example, software in the processor 50 realizes the functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23 among the functions of the network processing unit 20.

[0068] The reflection unit 13B, which is the reflection unit 13, and the relay unit 21 are included in the switch IC 60. For example, the switch IC 60 realizes the function of the relay unit 21 among the functions of the network processing unit 20.

[0069] Setting information Cf1 in a data management format Fm1 specific to the switch IC 60 that realizes the function of the relay unit 21 is stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60. More specifically, relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 of the setting information Cf1 are stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60.

[0070] Setting information Cf1 in a data management format Fm1 specific to software that realizes the functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23 is stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50. More specifically, of the setting information Cf1, the diagnosis setting table Tc, the stop setting table Td, and the start setting table Te are stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50. In addition, setting information Cf2 is stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50.

[0071] The update unit 12 receives a change instruction from the management device 151 via the communication port PA, and updates the setting information Cf2 in the internal memory 51 of the processor 50 to the setting information Cf2 included in the received change instruction.

[0072] The update unit 12 also converts the setting information Cf2 into setting information Cf1 in the data management format Fm1. The update unit 12 updates the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60 to the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 included in the converted setting information Cf1. The update unit 12 also updates the diagnostic setting table Tc1, stop setting table Td1, and startup setting table Te1 in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50 to the diagnostic setting table Tc1, stop setting table Td1, and startup setting table Te1 included in the converted setting information Cf1.

[0073] The reflecting unit 13A reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information Cf1 in the built-in memory 51 in the network processing performed by the diagnosing unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23. More specifically, when the relay device 101 is started, the reflecting unit 13A obtains the setting information Cf1 including the diagnosis setting table Tc1, the stop setting table Td1, and the start setting table Te1 from the built-in memory 51, and outputs a setting instruction including the obtained tables to the diagnosing unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23.

[0074] The reflection unit 13B reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information Cf1 in the built-in memory 61 in the network processing performed by the relay unit 21. More specifically, when the relay device 101 is started up, the reflection unit 13B acquires the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 from the built-in memory 61, and outputs a setting instruction including the acquired relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 to the relay unit 21.

[0075] 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a relay device according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, relay device 101A further includes a memory IC 70 in addition to relay device 101. Setting information Cf1 and Cf2 are stored in memory IC 70. Note that a portion of setting information Cf1 and Cf2 may be stored in built-in memory 51 or built-in memory 61.

[0076] [Operation Flow] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of changing the settings of network processing in the in-vehicle network management system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 9, first, when the management device 151 detects a change in the in-vehicle network 201, the management device 151 generates setting information Cf2 indicating the setting contents of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 after the change (step S11).

[0078] Next, the management device 151 transmits a change instruction including the generated setting information Cf2 to the setting unit 10 in the relay device 101 via the Ethernet cable 2 (step S12).

[0079] Next, the setting unit 10 converts the setting information Cf2 included in the change instruction received from the management device 151 into setting information Cf1 in the data management format Fm1 (step S13).

[0080] Next, the setting unit 10 outputs a setting instruction including the converted setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20 (step S14).

[0081] Next, the network processing unit 20 changes the settings of the network processing in accordance with the setting information Cf1 included in the setting instruction received from the setting unit 10 (step S15).

[0082] Next, the network processing unit 20 outputs a completion response to the setting unit 10 (step S16).

[0083] Next, the setting unit 10 stores the setting information Cf1 and Cf2 in the storage unit 30. More specifically, the setting unit 10 updates the setting information Cf2 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the setting information Cf2 included in the change instruction received from the management device 151. The setting unit 10 also updates the setting information Cf1 in the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 to the converted setting information Cf1 (step S17).

[0084] The order of steps S14, S15, S16, and S17 is not limited to the above, and may be reversed. Furthermore, the in-vehicle network management system 301 does not necessarily have to perform the processes of steps S14, S15, and S16.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of setting network processing after startup in a relay device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] 10, first, when the relay device 101 is started up, the setting unit 10 acquires the setting information Cf1 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 (step S21).

[0087] Next, the setting unit 10 outputs a setting instruction including the acquired setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20 (step S22).

[0088] Next, the network processing unit 20 starts network processing in accordance with the setting information Cf1 included in the setting instruction received from the setting unit 10 (step S23).

[0089] Next, the network processing unit 20 outputs a completion response to the setting unit 10 (step S24).

[0090] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of a request and a response for setting information in the in-vehicle network management system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] 11, first, management device 151 transmits a management information request to setting unit 10 in relay device 101 via Ethernet cable 2 (step S31).

[0092] Next, the setting unit 10 receives a management information request from the management device 151 and acquires the setting information Cf2 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 (step S32).

[0093] Next, the setting unit 10 transmits a management information response including the acquired setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA (step S33).

[0094] In the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage unit 30 is configured to store the setting information Cf1 for the data management format Fm1 and the setting information Cf2 for the data management format Fm2, but this is not limiting. The storage unit 30 may be configured not to store either the setting information Cf1 or Cf2.

[0095] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the update unit 12 is configured to store the setting information Cf2 included in the change instruction received from the management device 151 in the storage unit 30, convert the setting information Cf2 to the setting information Cf1, and store the setting information Cf1 in the storage unit 30. However, this is not limiting. The update unit 12 may be configured to store the setting information Cf2 in the storage unit 30, but not to convert the setting information Cf2 to the setting information Cf1 or to store the setting information Cf1. The update unit 12 may be configured to convert the setting information Cf2 to the setting information Cf1 and store the setting information Cf1 in the storage unit 30, but not to store the setting information Cf2.

[0096] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the responding unit 11 is configured to acquire the setting information Cf2 from the memory area 31 of the memory unit 30 and transmit a management information response including the setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA, but this is not limited to this. The responding unit 11 may also be configured to transmit a management information response including the setting information Cf1 instead of the setting information Cf2 to the management device 151 via the communication port PA.

[0097] Furthermore, although the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as including the response unit 11, this is not limitative. The relay device 101 may not include the response unit 11.

[0098] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the relay device 101 is started, the reflecting unit 13 is configured to acquire the setting information Cf1 from the storage area 31 of the storage unit 30 and output a setting instruction including the acquired setting information Cf1 to the network processing unit 20, but this is not limited to this. The reflecting unit 13 may also be configured to output a setting instruction including the setting information Cf2 to the network processing unit 20 instead of the setting information Cf1.

[0099] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the software in the processor 50 is configured to realize the functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23, but this is not limited to this. The functions of the diagnosis unit 22 and the ECU management unit 23 may be realized by hardware instead of or in addition to software.

[0100] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch IC 60 is configured to realize the function of the relay unit 21, but this is not limited to this. The function of the relay unit 21 may be realized by the processor 50 or software instead of or in addition to the switch IC 60.

[0101] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reflection unit 13A is included in the processor 50, and the reflection unit 13B is included in the switch IC 60. However, this is not limiting. The reflection unit 13A may be included in the switch IC 60. The reflection unit 13B may be included in the processor 50.

[0102] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the update unit 12 is configured to be included in the processor 50, but this is not limitative. The update unit 12 may be configured to be included in the switch IC 60.

[0103] Furthermore, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 are configured to be stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60, but this is not limiting. The relay setting tables Ta1 and Tb1 may also be configured to be stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50.

[0104] In addition, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the diagnostic setting table Tc, the stop setting table Td, and the activation setting table Te are configured to be stored in the built-in memory 51 of the processor 50, but this is not limiting. The diagnostic setting table Tc, the stop setting table Td, and the activation setting table Te may be configured to be stored in the built-in memory 61 of the switch IC 60.

[0105] Meanwhile, a technique capable of shortening the time required to change the settings of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 is desired.

[0106] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when updating software of the in-vehicle device, the in-vehicle device is reprogrammed. However, when reprogramming the relay device 101 to change the settings of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20, for example, it takes a long time to change the settings of the network processing.

[0107] In contrast, in the relay device 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network processing unit 20 performs network processing in the in-vehicle network 201. The storage unit 30 stores setting information Cf indicating the setting contents of the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. The update unit 12 performs an update process to update the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 based on a change instruction to change the setting contents. The reflection unit 13 reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information Cf in the storage unit 30 in the network processing performed by the network processing unit 20. The storage unit 30 includes a storage area 31 that stores the setting information Cf and a storage area 32 that stores predetermined information PI different from the storage area 31. The update unit 12 can update the setting information Cf based on the change instruction without changing the information PI in the storage area 32.

[0108] With this configuration, when the configuration of the in-vehicle network 201 changes, the setting information Cf in the storage area 31 can be updated without changing the programs stored in the storage area 32, for example, and therefore the change of the setting contents of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 can be completed in a shorter time than in a configuration that involves reprogramming the relay device 101. Therefore, the time required to change the setting of the network processing in the in-vehicle network 201 can be shortened.

[0109] The above-described embodiments should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0110] Each process (each function) in the above-described embodiments is realized by a processing circuit (circuitry) including one or more processors. The processing circuit may be configured as an integrated circuit or the like that combines one or more memories, various analog circuits, and various digital 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 processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the processes according to the program read from the one or more memories, or may execute each of the processes according to a logic circuit designed in advance to execute each of the processes. The processor may be any of various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Note that the physically separated processors may cooperate with each other to execute the processes. For example, the processors installed in the physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet to execute the processes. The program may be installed into the memory from an external server device or the like via the network, or may be distributed in a state stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a semiconductor memory, and then installed into the memory from the recording medium.

[0111] The above description includes the following features: [Supplementary Note 1] An in-vehicle relay device comprising: a network processing unit that performs processing in an in-vehicle network; a memory unit that stores setting information indicating setting contents of the processing performed by the network processing unit; an update unit that performs an update process to update the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents; and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit, wherein the memory unit includes a first memory area that stores the setting information and a second memory area that stores predetermined information different from the first memory area, the update unit is capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the predetermined information in the second memory area, the second memory area stores a program, and the update unit updates the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the program stored in the second memory area.

[0112] [Supplementary Note 2] An in-vehicle relay device comprising: a processing circuit; and a memory unit that stores setting information indicating setting contents for processing in the in-vehicle network, wherein the processing circuit performs processing in the in-vehicle network, and performs an update process that updates the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents, and reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, wherein the memory unit includes a first memory area that stores the setting information and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, and wherein the processing circuit is capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

[0113] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle 2 Ethernet cable 10 Setting unit 11 Response unit 12 Update unit 13, 13A, 13B Reflection unit 20 Network processing unit 21 Relay unit 22 Diagnosis unit 23 ECU management unit 30 Storage unit 31, 32 Storage area 50 Processor 51 Built-in memory 60 Switch IC 61 Built-in memory 70 Memory IC 101 Relay device 111 In-vehicle ECU 151 Management device 201 In-vehicle network 301 In-vehicle network management system PA Communication port Ta1, Ta2, Tb1, Tb2 Relay setting table

Claims

1. An in-vehicle relay device comprising: a network processing unit that performs processing in an in-vehicle network; a memory unit that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing performed by the network processing unit; an update unit that performs an update process to update the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents; and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit, wherein the memory unit includes a first memory area that stores the setting information and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, and the update unit is capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

2. The vehicle-mounted relay device of claim 1, wherein the memory unit stores the configuration information in two formats: a first data management format that is specific to the hardware or software that realizes the functions of the network processing unit, and a second data management format that is independent of the hardware and software.

3. The vehicle-mounted relay device described in claim 2, wherein the update unit obtains the change instruction including the setting information in the second data management format indicating the setting content after the change, and during the update process, the update unit stores the setting information included in the change instruction in the memory unit, and converts the setting information included in the change instruction to the first data management format and stores it in the memory unit.

4. The vehicle-mounted relay device of claim 2 or claim 3 further comprises a response unit that receives a request regarding the setting contents and responds to the request based on the setting information in the second data management format in the memory unit.

5. A vehicle-mounted relay device as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the reflection unit reflects the setting contents of the setting information in the first data management format in the memory unit in the processing performed by the network processing unit upon startup of the vehicle-mounted relay device.

6. The vehicle-mounted relay device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising a communication IC that receives the change instruction and a relay IC having a relay function, the update unit being included in the communication IC, the reflection unit being included in the relay IC, and the setting information of the first data management format specific to hardware that realizes the function of the network processing unit being stored in the built-in memory of the relay IC.

7. The vehicle-mounted relay device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising a communication IC that receives the change instruction and a relay IC having a relay function, the update unit being included in the communication IC, the reflection unit being included in the communication IC, and the setting information of the first data management format specific to software that realizes the function of the network processing unit being stored in the built-in memory of the communication IC.

8. The vehicle-mounted relay device described in any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising a communication IC for receiving the change instruction, a relay IC having a relay function, and a memory IC, and at least a portion of the setting information is stored in the memory IC.

9. A setting change method in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle relay device having a memory unit including a first memory area that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network, and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, the setting change method including the steps of: performing an update process to update the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents; and reflecting the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, wherein in the step of performing the update process, the setting information is updated based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

10. A setting change program used in an in-vehicle relay device that performs processing in an in-vehicle network, the in-vehicle relay device having a memory unit including a first memory area that stores setting information indicating the setting contents of the processing in the in-vehicle network and a second memory area that stores specified information different from the first memory area, the setting change program causing a computer to function as: an update unit that performs an update process to update the setting information in the memory unit based on a change instruction to change the setting contents; and a reflection unit that reflects the setting contents indicated by the setting information in the memory unit in the processing in the in-vehicle network, the update unit being capable of updating the setting information based on the change instruction without changing the specified information in the second memory area.

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