On-vehicle device, on-vehicle system, control method, and computer program

Abstract

This on-vehicle device comprises: a switch device that performs relay processing of communication between a plurality of processing devices; and a control device that is capable of controlling the switch device. The switch device can execute a control mode in which the relay processing is performed on the basis of control of the control device and an independent mode in which the relay processing is autonomously performed. The control device has a processing unit that executes selection processing for selecting, according to a state of a vehicle, a mode to be executed by the switch device from among the control mode and the independent mode, and processing for transitioning the control device to a pause state when selecting the independent mode in the selection processing.

Description

In-vehicle device, in-vehicle system, control method, and computer program

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-098678, filed June 19, 2024, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of that application.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to an in-vehicle network including a plurality of in-vehicle devices, a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that control the plurality of in-vehicle devices, and a relay device that relays communication between the plurality of ECUs.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-72568

[0004] An embodiment of an in-vehicle device includes a switch device that relays communications between a plurality of processing devices, and a control device that can control the switch device. The switch device is capable of executing a control mode in which the relaying process is performed under control of the control device, and an independent mode in which the relaying process is performed autonomously. The control device has a processing unit that executes a selection process to select a mode to be executed by the switch device from the control mode or the independent mode in accordance with the state of the vehicle, and a process to transition the control device to a sleep state if the selection process selects the independent mode.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a 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 configuration of an in-vehicle device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a startup mode setting process performed by a switch device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a setting process performed by a control device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a normal mode execution process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a first low power consumption mode execution process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a second low power consumption mode execution process. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an external storage unit included in an in-vehicle device according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a portion of a flowchart of a second low power consumption mode execution process according to another embodiment.

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] In recent years, the electrification of vehicles has progressed, and there is a demand for power saving throughout the vehicle. In-vehicle networks are no exception, and power saving operation is also required.

[0007] [Effects of the Present Disclosure] According to the present disclosure, power-saving operation is possible.

[0008] First, the contents of the embodiment will be listed and explained.

[0009] (1) An embodiment of an in-vehicle device includes a switch device that performs relay processing of communications between multiple processing devices and a control device capable of controlling the switch device. The switch device is capable of executing a control mode in which the relay processing is performed under control of the control device, and an independent mode in which the relay processing is performed autonomously. The control device has a processing unit that performs a selection process to select a mode to be performed by the switch device from the control mode and the independent mode depending on the state of the vehicle, and a process to transition the control device to a sleep state if the selection process selects the independent mode. According to the above configuration, since the switch device operating in the independent mode autonomously performs relay processing, the function of the control device can be stopped during that time, and the control device can be transitioned to a sleep state. As a result, the power required for operation of the control device is reduced, enabling power-saving operation.

[0010] (2) In the above-described (1) on-board device, if the on-board device further includes an external storage unit that stores one or more pieces of setting information related to the relay processing, the switch device may include a switch processing unit that, in the independent mode, acquires the one or more pieces of setting information from the external storage unit, and a switch unit that performs the relay processing based on the one or more pieces of setting information acquired by the switch processing unit. In this case, the switch device can execute the independent mode using the one or more pieces of setting information stored in the external storage unit. Therefore, the independent mode can be executed without acquiring setting information from a control device or the like.

[0011] (3) In the in-vehicle device of (2) above, when the processing unit further executes a process of selecting one piece of setting information from the plurality of pieces of setting information based on the state of the vehicle, the setting information acquired by the switch processing unit may be the setting information selected by the processing unit. In this case, the switch device can obtain appropriate setting information from the plurality of pieces of setting information. Furthermore, even if the switch device cannot acquire the state of the vehicle, the switch device can provide the switch unit with setting information corresponding to the state of the vehicle.

[0012] (4) In the in-vehicle device of (1), when the control device further includes a storage unit that stores first setting information related to the relay processing, the switch device may include a switch unit that performs relay processing based on the first setting information provided by the control device in the independent mode. In this case, the switch device can execute the independent mode using the first setting information provided by the control device. Therefore, the independent mode can be executed without obtaining setting information from any device other than the control device.

[0013] (5) In the in-vehicle device of (4), the in-vehicle device further includes an external storage unit that stores second setting information related to the relay processing, the switch unit is configured to perform the relay processing based on the first setting information or the second setting information, the switch device further includes a switch processing unit that acquires the second setting information from the external storage unit and provides it to the switch unit, and the independent mode includes a first mode in which the relay processing is performed based on the first setting information provided by the control device and a second mode in which the relay processing is performed based on the second setting information provided by the switch processing unit, the selection process may further include a process of selecting, when the independent mode is selected, a mode to be executed by the switch device from the first mode or the second mode in accordance with a state of the vehicle. In this case, when the independent mode is selected, the processing unit can further select an appropriate mode from the first mode or the second mode.

[0014] (6) In the in-vehicle device of (5) above, the processing unit may further execute a process of deactivating the switch processing unit when the first mode is selected in the selection process, and a process of activating the switch processing unit when the second mode is selected in the selection process. In this case, by deactivating the switch processing unit in the first mode, operation with even lower power consumption is possible. Furthermore, by activating the switch processing unit in the second mode, additional processing may be performed by the switch processing unit.

[0015] (7) In the in-vehicle device of (5) or (6), the switch processing unit may be configured to further perform at least one of a process of monitoring traffic in the relay process and a process of detecting an error frame from among frames relayed in the relay process in the second mode. In this case, the switch processing unit can be made to perform the additional process while performing the relay process with low power consumption.

[0016] (8) Another embodiment is an in-vehicle system including a plurality of processing devices mounted on a vehicle and the in-vehicle device of (1) above that relays communications between the plurality of processing devices.

[0017] (9) Another embodiment is a method for controlling an in-vehicle device including a switch device that relays communications between a plurality of processing devices and a control device that can control the switch device, the method including selecting, in accordance with a state of the vehicle, a mode to be executed by the switch device from a control mode in which the relay processing is performed based on control by the control device and an independent mode in which the switch device autonomously performs the relay processing.

[0018] (10) An embodiment from another perspective is a computer program for causing a computer to execute control of an in-vehicle device including a switch device that relays communications between a plurality of processing devices and a control device that can control the switch device, the computer program causing the computer to execute a step of selecting, in accordance with a state of the vehicle, a mode to be executed by the switch device from a control mode in which the relay processing is performed based on control by the control device and an independent mode in which the switch device autonomously performs the relay processing.

[0019] [Details of the embodiment] Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner. [Overall configuration of the in-vehicle system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an in-vehicle system according to an embodiment. The in-vehicle system 1 is a system mounted on a vehicle V such as an automobile. The in-vehicle system 1 includes an in-vehicle device 10 and a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) 40.

[0020] The ECU 40 is a processing device mounted on each part of the vehicle V. The multiple ECUs 40 may be, for example, devices (operation system ECUs) that control each part of the vehicle V (e.g., braking system, doors, battery, air conditioner, etc.). The multiple ECUs 40 may also be devices (cognition system ECUs) that monitor the state of each part of the vehicle V using on-board sensors. The multiple ECUs 40 may each have different functions or the same functions.

[0021] The in-vehicle device 10 is a relay device that relays frames transmitted and received between the multiple ECUs 40. For example, the in-vehicle device 10 is an integrated ECU (also referred to as a central ECU) that manages the multiple ECUs 40. In this case, the in-vehicle device 10 may distribute update data provided from outside the vehicle V to the multiple ECUs 40.

[0022] Of the multiple ECUs 40, ECU 40a has a function of outputting information on the state of vehicle V. If the operation modes of vehicle V include a driving mode and a stop mode, the state of vehicle V includes these operation modes. The driving mode is a mode that is executed when vehicle V is driving on a road. The stop mode is a mode that is executed when vehicle V is stopped for an extended period of time.

[0023] The state of the vehicle V may also include a power supply state based on the position of the main switch of the vehicle V. The power supply states of the vehicle V include a switch-off state, an accessory-on state, an ignition-on state, etc. The switch-off state is a state in which the main switch is off but power is supplied to the minimum necessary devices (+B state). The ignition-on state is a state in which power is supplied to all devices of the vehicle V, including the power system. The accessory-on state is a state in which power is not supplied to the power system but power is supplied to most devices. The ignition-on state also includes a state in which the power is activated and a state in which the power is stopped. In the following description, a state in which the ignition is on and the power is stopped will be referred to as the ignition-on state, and a state in which the ignition is on and the power is activated will be referred to as the power-activated state.

[0024] In this embodiment, the state of the vehicle V includes a power supply state. As described above, the power supply state includes three states: an accessory on state, an ignition on state, and a power-activated state. The ECU 40a detects the state of the vehicle V and outputs a power supply state indicating either the accessory on state, the ignition on state, or the power-activated state, which is included in the state of the vehicle V. Note that the state of the vehicle V may include an operating mode in addition to the power supply state, or may include other information indicating the state of the vehicle V.

[0025] The in-vehicle device 10 is connected to a plurality of ECUs 40 via a transmission line L1. The in-vehicle device 10 and the plurality of ECUs 40 connected to each other via the transmission line L1 constitute an in-vehicle network. The transmission line L1 is a communication line conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) communication protocol. Note that the transmission line L1 may be a communication line conforming to another communication protocol, such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or FlexRay (registered trademark).

[0026] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 10. The in-vehicle device 10 includes a switch device 20, a control device 30, and an external storage unit 50.

[0027] The switch device 20 has a function of performing relay processing. The relay processing is a process of relaying frames between multiple ECUs 40 that make up the in-vehicle network. The switch device 20 transfers data (packets) transmitted from one of the multiple ECUs 40 to another ECU 40 that is the destination, based on a destination address included in the data. The control device 30 has a function of controlling the switch device 20. The switch device 20 and the control device 30 are connected to each other via transmission paths L2 and L3.

[0028] 2, the control device 30 includes a processing unit 31, a first storage unit 32, an input / output interface 34, an input / output interface 35, and a bus B2. The bus B2 connects the various units to one another.

[0029] The processing unit 31 includes a circuit configuration such as a processor. The processor included in the processing unit 31 may be a GPU. In this case, the processing unit 31 can read out programs stored in the first storage unit 32 and perform various calculations and controls described below. The processing unit 31 may also be a processor that includes programs pre-programmed therein. For example, the processing unit 31 may be an integrated circuit such as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In this case, the processing unit 31 executes various processes based on pre-programmed programs.

[0030] The processing unit 31 has a function of executing a process to transition the operating state of the control device 30. The operating states of the control device 30 include a wake-up state and a sleep state. The wake-up state is a state in which almost all of the functions of the control device 30 can be executed. The sleep state is a state in which some of the functions of the control device 30 are stopped. Therefore, the power consumption of the control device 30 in the sleep state is less than the power consumption of the control device 30 in the wake-up state. The sleep state is one aspect of the hibernation state, which is an operating state of the control device 30.

[0031] The first storage unit 32 is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), or the like. The first storage unit 32 stores computer programs to be executed by the processing unit 31 and necessary information. The processing unit 31 realizes various processing functions possessed by the processing unit 31 by executing computer programs stored in a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium such as the first storage unit 32. The first storage unit 32 also stores first setting information 32a. The first setting information 32a is information used by the switch device 20. The first setting information 32a is information related to relay processing. The first setting information 32a includes, for example, a MAC address for each communication port of the switch device 20.

[0032] The input / output interface 34 is connected to the switch device 20 via the transmission path L2. The input / output interface 34 is, for example, an MII (Media Independent Interface). The processing unit 31 can provide a reset signal via the transmission path L2. The reset signal includes information indicating either a reset start or a reset release. When the switch device 20 receives a reset signal indicating a reset start, the switch device 20 resets itself and maintains the reset state. When the switch device 20 receives a reset signal indicating a reset release, the switch device 20 releases the reset.

[0033] The input / output interface 35 is connected to the switch device 20 via a transmission path L3. The input / output interface 35 is an interface for providing a setting signal to the switch device 20. The input / output interface 35 is, for example, a general-purpose I / O (GPIO: General-purpose input / output). The setting signal is a signal for setting the startup mode of the switch device 20. The setting signal is a two-level signal, High or Low. The setting signal is provided from the control device 30 to the switch device 20. The processing unit 31 of the control device 30 can set the startup mode of the switch device 20 by providing the setting signal to the switch device 20.

[0034] The input / output interface 35 is also connected to the ECU 40a via a transmission line L4. The control device 30 can acquire the state of the vehicle V output by the ECU 40a via the transmission line L4. The control device 30 of this embodiment acquires the state of the vehicle V from the general-purpose I / O.

[0035] The processing unit 31 provides necessary information to the switch device 20 via the transmission paths L2 and L3 to control the switch device 20. The switch device 20 can operate in a normal mode and a low power consumption mode. The processing unit 31 has a function of selecting the mode to be operated by the switch device 20 from the normal mode and the low power consumption mode in accordance with the state of the vehicle V.

[0036] The normal mode is a mode (control mode) in which relay processing is performed under the control of the control device 30. The low power consumption mode is a mode (independent mode) in which relay processing is performed autonomously by the switch device 20. When the switch device 20 executes the low power consumption mode, the processing unit 31 transitions the control device 30 to a sleep state. As a result, power consumption in the low power consumption mode is lower than in the normal mode.

[0037] The low power consumption modes include a first low power consumption mode (first mode) and a second low power consumption mode (second mode). The first low power consumption mode is a mode in which relay processing is performed based on first setting information 32a provided by the processing unit 31 of the control device 30. The second low power consumption mode is a mode in which relay processing is performed based on second setting information 50a (described later) stored in the external storage unit 50. Control of the switch device 20 by the processing unit 31 will be described in detail later.

[0038] 2, the switch device 20 includes a switch processing unit 21, a second storage unit 22, an input / output interface 23, an input / output interface 24, a switch unit 25, an input / output interface 26, and a bus B1. The bus B1 connects the various units to one another.

[0039] The switch processing unit 21 includes, for example, a circuit configuration such as a processor. The processor included in the switch processing unit 21 may be a GPU. In this case, the switch processing unit 21 can read out a program stored in the second storage unit 22 and execute various calculations and controls described below.

[0040] The second storage unit 22 is a temporary storage device including a register and the like. The second storage unit 22 stores programs related to the operation of the switch device 20 and setting information required for the operation of the switch device 20. The information stored in the second storage unit 22 is provided from the control device 30 or the switch processing unit 21. When the power supply to the switch device 20 is stopped or the switch processing unit 21 is reset, the second storage unit 22 returns to its initial state (default). Therefore, when the power supply to the switch device 20 is started and the reset is released, the control device 30 or the switch processing unit 21 provides information to the second storage unit 22. The switch device 20 operates based on the provided information.

[0041] The input / output interface 23 is connected to the control device 30 via a transmission line L2. The input / output interface 23 is, for example, an MII. A reset signal from the control device 30 is provided to the switch device 20 via the transmission line L2. The input / output interface 24 is connected to the control device 30 via a transmission line L3. The input / output interface 24 is a setting pin for setting the startup mode of the switch device 20.

[0042] As described above, the transmission path L3 is a signal line that transmits a setting signal. The two levels included in the setting signal correspond to the startup modes of the switch device 20. The startup modes include an active mode and an inactive mode. The active mode is a mode in which the switch processing unit 21 is in an active state when the switch device 20 is started up and operating. The inactive mode is a mode in which the switch processing unit 21 is in an inactive state when the switch device 20 is started up and operating. The active state is a state in which the switch processing unit 21 is in an active state and can execute various processes. The inactive state is a state in which the switch processing unit 21 is in a stopped state and cannot execute various processes. Therefore, the power consumption of the switch device 20 when the switch processing unit 21 is in an inactive state is smaller than the power consumption of the switch device 20 when the switch processing unit 21 is in an active state.

[0043] Furthermore, the switch processing unit 21 has lower processing capability than the processing unit 31, and the amount of power consumed by the switch processing unit 21 is also relatively smaller than that of the processing unit 31. Therefore, the amount of power consumed by the switch device 20 when the switch processing unit 21 is in an active state is less than the amount of power consumed by the control device 30 when the processing unit 31 is in a wake-up state. Therefore, the amount of power consumed by the in-vehicle device 10 when the switch device 20 is in an active mode and the control device 30 is in a sleep state is less than the amount of power consumed by the in-vehicle device 10 when the switch device 20 is in an inactive mode and the control device 30 is in a wake-up state.

[0044] The switch device 20 receives a setting signal from the control device 30 via the transmission path L3. If the setting signal indicates the active mode, the switch device 20 starts up in the active mode. If the setting signal indicates the inactive mode, the switch device 20 starts up in the inactive mode. In this way, the switch device 20 is configured so that the startup mode can be externally controlled by the setting signal. Also, as described above, the switch device 20 is configured so that resetting of the switch device 20 can be externally controlled by the reset signal. The switch device 20 executes the startup mode setting process described below based on the reset signal and the setting signal.

[0045] The switch unit 25 is connected to the plurality of ECUs 40 via the transmission path L1. The switch unit 25 includes components necessary for performing relay processing, such as communication ports to which the plurality of ECUs 40 are connected. The switch unit 25 has a function of performing relay processing based on the setting information stored in the second storage unit 22.

[0046] The input / output interface 26 is, for example, a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The input / output interface 26 is connected to the external storage unit 50 via a transmission path L5. The switch processing unit 21 of the switch device 20 can acquire information stored in the external storage unit 50 via the transmission path L5.

[0047] 2, the external storage unit 50 is connected to the input / output interface 23 of the switch device 20 via a transmission path L5. The external storage unit 50 is a flash memory such as an SPI flash. The external storage unit 50 stores second setting information 50a and a monitoring program 50b.

[0048] The second setting information 50a, like the first setting information 32a, is information related to relay processing and includes the MAC address of each communication port of the switch device 20 (switch unit 25), etc. The monitoring program 50b is a program to be executed by the switch processing unit 21. When the switch device 20 is started up in active mode, the second setting information 50a and the monitoring program 50b are stored in the second storage unit 22 by the switch processing unit 21. In this case, the switch processing unit 21 executes the monitoring program 50b stored in the second storage unit 22 and performs the monitoring processing described below. Furthermore, the switch unit 25 performs relay processing based on the second setting information stored in the second storage unit 22.

[0049] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the startup mode setting process performed by the switch device 20. The startup mode setting process is a process performed by the switch device 20 when power supply to the switch device 20 is started or when the switch device 20 is reset. The startup mode setting process sets the startup mode of the switch device 20 and causes the switch device 20 to start processing according to the mode.

[0050] In FIG. 3, when the power supply to the in-vehicle device 10 is turned on and the power supply to the switch device 20 is started to start operation, the switch device 20 first repeatedly determines whether or not it has received a reset signal indicating the start of resetting (step S1).

[0051] Upon receiving the reset signal indicating the start of resetting, the switch device 20 resets itself and maintains that state (step S2). Thereafter, as will be described later, the control device 30 provides the switch device 20 with a reset signal indicating reset release (step S3). Between steps S2 and S3, the control device 30 begins providing a setting signal to the switch device 20.

[0052] When the reset signal indicating reset release is given, the switch device 20 determines whether the setting signal given from the control device 30 indicates the active mode (step S4). If the setting signal does not indicate the active mode (indicates the inactive mode), the switch device 20 proceeds to step S5 and starts up in the inactive mode (step S5). That is, the switch device 20 starts up with the switch processing unit 21 in the inactive state.

[0053] Thereafter, as will be described later, the first setting information 32a or other setting information is provided to the switch device 20 from the control device 30. The switch device 20 stores the provided setting information in the second storage unit 22. The switch device 20 (the switch unit 25 thereof) performs relay processing using the setting information in the second storage unit 22 (step S6), and returns to step S1. The switch device 20 continues the relay processing of step S6 until it is reset again.

[0054] If the setting signal indicates the active mode in step S4, the switch device 20 proceeds to step S7 and starts up in the active mode (step S7). That is, the switch device 20 starts up with the switch processing unit 21 in an active state.

[0055] Thereafter, the switch processing unit 21 of the switch device 20 acquires the second setting information 50a and the monitoring program 50b from the external storage unit 50, and stores them in the second storage unit 22. The switch device 20 (the switch unit 25 thereof) performs relay processing using the second setting information in the second storage unit 22 (step S8).

[0056] Furthermore, the switch processing unit 21 of the switch device 20 executes the monitoring program 50b in the second storage unit 22 to perform monitoring processing (step S9). The monitoring processing includes monitoring traffic in the relay processing and detecting error frames from among the frames relayed in the relay processing. The switch processing unit 21 also stores result information indicating the monitoring results and detection results in the second storage unit 22.

[0057] After step S9, the switch device 20 returns to step S1. The switch device 20 continues the relay process of step S8 and the monitoring process of step S9 until it is reset again. In this way, the startup mode of the switch device 20 is set by the startup mode setting process, and the switch device 20 executes processing according to the mode.

[0058] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the setting process performed by the control device 30. The setting process includes a process for selecting a mode to be executed by the switch device 20, as well as a process for causing the switch device 20 to execute each mode. In the setting process, the mode to be executed by the switch device 20 is selected from the normal mode and the low power consumption mode according to the state of the vehicle V.

[0059] First, when the main switch of the vehicle V is turned on and power supply to the control device 30 (on-board device 10) begins (step S21), the control device 30 starts up and enters a wake-up state (step S22). At this time, the switch device 20 also starts up and waits for a reset signal (step S1 in FIG. 3). Next, the processing unit 31 of the control device 30 sends a reset signal to the switch device 20 indicating the start of resetting, causing the switch device 20 to enter a reset state (step S23).

[0060] After step S23, the processing unit 31 refers to information indicating the state of the vehicle V provided from the ECU 40a (step S24) and selects a mode according to the state of the vehicle V (step S25). The processing unit 31 selects a mode to be executed by the switch device 20 from the three modes described above. In this embodiment, when the power supply state included in the state of the vehicle V is a power-activated state, the processing unit 31 selects the normal mode. When the power supply state is an ignition-on state, the processing unit 31 selects the first low-power consumption mode. When the power supply state is an accessory-on state, the processing unit 31 selects the second low-power consumption mode. In other words, step S25 is a selection process that selects a mode to be executed by the switch device 20 from the normal mode (control mode) and the low-power consumption mode (independent mode) according to the state of the vehicle V.

[0061] When a mode is selected in step S25, the processing unit 31 determines whether the selected mode is the low power consumption mode (step S26). That is, the processing unit 31 determines whether the selected mode is not the normal mode. If the processing unit 31 determines that the selected mode is not the low power consumption mode (the selected mode is the normal mode), the processing unit 31 proceeds to a normal mode execution process (step S27). The normal mode execution process is a process for causing the switch device 20 to execute the normal mode.

[0062] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal mode execution process. In the normal mode execution process, the processing unit 31 first provides a setting signal indicating the inactive mode to the switch device 20 (step S42). The processing unit 31 then provides a voltage level corresponding to the inactive mode as the setting signal to the input / output interface 24 (setting pin) of the switch device 20.

[0063] Next, the processing unit 31 sends a reset signal indicating reset release to the switch device 20, which is in the reset state, to release the reset of the switch device 20 (step S43). At this time, since the setting signal indicating the inactive mode has been sent to the switch device 20, the switch device 20 starts up in the inactive mode (step S5 in FIG. 3). As a result, when the switch device 20 starts up and operates, the switch processing unit 21 is in the inactive state. After releasing the reset in step S43, the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S44 and starts controlling the switch device 20 (step S44). The switch device 20 starts relay processing based on the control of the processing unit 31 (step S6 in FIG. 3). As a result, the switch device 20 starts relay processing in the normal mode.

[0064] In step S44, the processing unit 31 provides the setting information to the second storage unit 22 of the switch device 20. The processing unit 31 updates the setting information according to the network status and sequentially controls the switch device 20. The processing unit 31 can also perform monitoring processing. As described above, the monitoring processing includes monitoring traffic in the relay processing and detecting error frames from among frames relayed in the relay processing. The processing unit 31 also performs processing to store result information indicating the monitoring results and detection results in the first storage unit 32. The result information is output to an external device as a log of the monitoring processing.

[0065] After causing the switching device 20 to start the normal mode, the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S28 in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, after causing the switching device 20 to start the normal mode, the processing unit 31 waits for a predetermined time (step S28) and then again refers to the state of the vehicle V from the ECU 40a (step S29).

[0066] After referring to the state of the vehicle V, the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S30, where, similar to step S25, it selects the mode to be executed by the switch device 20 in accordance with the state of the vehicle V (step S30). In other words, step S30 is also a selection process. The processing unit 31 proceeds to step S31, where it determines whether the selected mode is the low power consumption mode (step S31). If it determines that the selected mode is not the low power consumption mode (the selected mode is the normal mode), the processing unit 31 returns to step S28 and executes steps S28, S29, and S30 again. Therefore, in this case, the processing unit 31 causes the switch device 20 to maintain execution of the normal mode.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the selected mode is the low power consumption mode (the selected mode is not the normal mode), the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S32, where it provides a reset signal indicating the start of resetting to the switch device 20, thereby resetting the switch device 20 (step S32). Next, the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S33, where it determines whether the selected mode is the first low power consumption mode (step S33). Also, if it is determined in step S26 that the selected mode is the low power consumption mode (the selected mode is not the normal mode), the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S33.

[0068] If it is determined in step S33 that the selected mode is the first low power consumption mode, the processing unit 31 proceeds to a first low power consumption mode execution process (step S34). The first low power consumption mode execution process is a process for causing the switch device 20 to execute the first low power consumption mode.

[0069] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the first power saving mode execution process. In the first power saving mode execution process, the processing unit 31 first provides a setting signal indicating the inactive mode to the switch device 20 (step S52). The processing unit 31 then provides a voltage level corresponding to the inactive mode as the setting signal to the input / output interface 24 (setting pin) of the switch device 20.

[0070] Next, the processing unit 31 sends a reset signal indicating reset release to the switch device 20, which is in the reset state, thereby releasing the reset of the switch device 20 (step S53). At this time, since the setting signal indicating the inactive mode has been sent to the switch device 20, the switch device 20 starts up in the inactive mode (step S5 in FIG. 3). As a result, when the switch device 20 starts up and operates, the switch processing unit 21 is in the inactive state. After releasing the reset in step S53, the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S54 and sends the first setting information 32a to the switch device 20 (step S54). The first setting information 32a sent from the processing unit 31 is stored in the second storage unit 22 of the switch device 20. The switch device 20 starts relay processing based on the first setting information 32a (step S6 in FIG. 3). As a result, the switch device 20 starts relay processing in the first low power consumption mode.

[0071] After providing the first setting information 32a to the switch device 20, the processing unit 31 transitions the control device 30 from the wake-up state to the sleep state (step S55), and ends the process. The switch device 20 can autonomously execute the relay process using the first setting information 32a provided by the control device 30. Therefore, even if the control device 30 transitions to the sleep state, the in-vehicle device 10 can execute the relay process.

[0072] 4, if it is determined that the mode selected in step S33 is the second low power consumption mode, the processing unit 31 proceeds to a second low power consumption mode execution process (step S35). The second low power consumption mode execution process is a process for causing the switch device 20 to execute the second low power consumption mode.

[0073] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the second power saving mode execution process. In the second power saving mode execution process, the processing unit 31 first provides a setting signal indicating the active mode to the switch device 20 (step S62). The processing unit 31 then provides a voltage level corresponding to the active mode as the setting signal to the input / output interface 24 (setting pin) of the switch device 20.

[0074] Next, the processing unit 31 sends a reset signal indicating reset release to the switch device 20, which is in the reset state, to release the reset of the switch device 20 (step S63). At this time, since the setting signal indicating the active mode has been sent to the switch device 20, the switch device 20 starts up in the active mode (step S7 in FIG. 3). As a result, when the switch device 20 starts up and operates, the switch processing unit 21 is in the active state. After releasing the reset in step S63, the processing unit 31 proceeds to step S64, where it transitions the control device 30 from the wakeup state to the sleep state (step S64), and ends the process.

[0075] When the reset of the switch device 20 is released, the switch processing unit 21 of the switch device 20 is in an active state. Therefore, the switch processing unit 21 acquires the second setting information 50a and the monitoring program 50b from the external storage unit 50 and stores them in the second storage unit 22. When the second setting information 50a is provided, the switch unit 25 of the switch device 20 starts relay processing based on the second setting information 50a (step S8 in FIG. 3). As a result, the switch device 20 starts relay processing in the second low power consumption mode. Furthermore, the switch processing unit 21 executes the monitoring program and performs monitoring processing (step S9 in FIG. 3).

[0076] The switch unit 25 of the switch device 20 can autonomously perform relay processing using the second setting information 50a in the second storage unit 22. Therefore, even if the control device 30 transitions to a sleep state, the in-vehicle device 10 can perform relay processing.

[0077] According to the above configuration, the switch device 20 operating in the low power consumption mode (independent mode) autonomously performs relay processing, and the functions of the control device 30 can be stopped during this time. Therefore, when the low power consumption mode is selected as the mode of the switch device 20, stopping the functions of the control device 30 reduces the power required for the operation of the control device 30 during this time, enabling power-saving operation. That is, in this embodiment, when the processing unit 31 of the control device 30 selects the low power consumption mode in the selection process (steps S28 and S30), it executes a process of transitioning the control device 30 to a sleep state (steps S55 and S64). As a result, if the low power consumption mode is selected in the selection process, power-saving operation is possible.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the low power consumption modes include a first low power consumption mode in which relay processing is performed based on the first setting information 32a and a second low power consumption mode in which relay processing is performed based on the second setting information 50a, and in the selection process, when selecting a low power consumption mode, the mode to be executed by the switch device 20 is selected from the first low power consumption mode and the second low power consumption mode according to the state of the vehicle V. As a result, when selecting a low power consumption mode, the processing unit 31 can select an appropriate mode from the first low power consumption mode and the second low power consumption mode.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing unit 31 executes a process of deactivating the switch processing unit 21 (step S52) when the first low power consumption mode is selected, and executes a process of activating the switch processing unit 21 (step S62) when the second low power consumption mode is selected. As a result, in the first low power consumption mode, the switch processing unit 21 is deactivated, thereby enabling operation with even lower power consumption. In the second low power consumption mode, the switch processing unit 21 is activated, allowing the switch processing unit 21 to execute additional processing.

[0080] That is, in the second low power consumption mode, the switch processing unit 21 of the present embodiment executes a process of monitoring traffic in the relay process and a process of monitoring error frames in the relay process (step S9). This allows the in-vehicle device 10 to cause the switch processing unit 21 to execute additional processes while performing the relay process with low power consumption.

[0081]

[0046] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the external storage unit 50 of the in-vehicle device 10 according to another embodiment. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that the external storage unit 50 stores a plurality of pieces of setting information. As shown in Fig. 8, the external storage unit 50 according to this embodiment stores, in addition to the second setting information 50a, third setting information 50c and fourth setting information 50d.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a portion of a flowchart of a second low power consumption mode execution process according to another embodiment. In FIG. 9, steps S63 and S64 are similar to those in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, after the switch device 20 is released from reset in step S63, the processing unit 31 of the control device 30 selects setting information and outputs the selection result (step S70). The processing unit 31 selects the setting information to be used by the switch device 20 from the second setting information 50a, the third setting information 50c, and the fourth setting information 50d. The processing unit 31 selects the setting information to be used by the switch device 20 according to the state of the vehicle V. The state of the vehicle V used by the processing unit 31 to select the setting information is provided by the ECU 40a. The state of the vehicle V may be a power state, an operating mode, or information indicating another state of the vehicle V.

[0083] When the setting information to be used by the switch device 20 is selected, the processing unit 31 provides the selection result to the switch processing unit 21 of the switch device 20. At this time, the active switch processing unit 21 acquires the setting information corresponding to the selection result provided by the processing unit 31 from the external storage unit 50. The switch processing unit 21 also acquires the monitoring program 50b along with the setting information. The switch processing unit 21 stores the acquired setting information and monitoring program 50b in the second storage unit 22 and causes the switch unit 25 to execute relay processing (step S8 in FIG. 3 ).

[0084] After outputting the selection result, the processing unit 31 causes the control device 30 to transition to a sleep state (step S64). The switching device 20 autonomously performs relay processing using the setting information corresponding to the selection result.

[0085] In this way, the processing unit 31 of this embodiment executes a process of selecting one piece of setting information from a plurality of pieces of setting information based on the state of the vehicle V. Furthermore, the setting information acquired by the switch processing unit 21 is the setting information selected by the processing unit 31. This allows the switch device 20 to obtain appropriate setting information from the plurality of pieces of setting information. Furthermore, even if the switch device 20 cannot acquire the state of the vehicle V, the switch device 20 can provide the switch unit 25 with setting information corresponding to the state of the vehicle V.

[0086] [Others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, in the above embodiments, the low power consumption mode includes the first low power consumption mode and the second low power consumption mode. However, the low power consumption mode may include either the first low power consumption mode or the second low power consumption mode.

[0087] When the low power consumption mode includes only the first low power consumption mode, the switch device 20 can execute the first low power consumption mode using the first setting information 32a provided by the control device 30. Therefore, the switch device 20 can execute the independent mode without obtaining setting information from any device other than the control device 30. Therefore, the in-vehicle device 10 does not need to have an external storage unit 50. This allows for a reduction in the cost of the in-vehicle device 10.

[0088] Furthermore, when the low power consumption mode includes only the second low power consumption mode, the switch device 20 can execute the second low power consumption mode using the setting information stored in the external storage unit 50. Therefore, the second low power consumption mode can be executed without obtaining setting information from the control device 30. In this case, the switch processing unit 21 is in an active state in the second low power consumption mode, and therefore, as described above, the switch processing unit 21 can be made to execute additional processing such as monitoring processing while performing relay processing with low power consumption.

[0089] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the control device 30g has been described as acquiring the state of the vehicle V from the transmission path L5, which is a general-purpose I / O. However, the control device 30 may acquire the state of the vehicle V from the ECU 40a through the transmission path L5, which is an Ethernet cable. In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the state of the vehicle V used in the selection process is the power supply state, but the operation mode of the vehicle V may be used instead of the power supply state. Furthermore, both the power supply state and the operation mode of the vehicle V may be used.

[0090] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the inactive state of the control device 30 is a sleep state has been exemplified. However, the inactive state of the control device 30 may also be a state in which the power of the control device 30 is turned off, or a state in which the operating clock is set to a lower operating clock than during normal operation. The amount of power consumed in these states is also smaller than the amount of power consumed in the wake-up state, enabling power-saving operation.

[0091] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims.

[0092] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 In-vehicle system 10 In-vehicle device 20 Switch device 21 Switch processing unit 22 Second memory unit 23 Input / output interface 24 Input / output interface 25 Switch unit 26 Input / output interface 30 Control device 30g Control device 31 Processing unit 32 First memory unit 32a First setting information 34 Input / output interface 35 Input / output interface 40 ECU 40a ECU 43 Step 50 External memory unit 50a Second setting information 50b Monitoring program 50c Third setting information 50d Fourth setting information B1 Bus B2 Bus L1 Transmission path L2 Transmission path L3 Transmission path L4 Transmission path L5 Transmission path V Vehicle

Claims

1. An in-vehicle device comprising: a switch device that relays communications between a plurality of processing devices; and a control device that can control the switch device, wherein the switch device is capable of executing a control mode in which the relaying process is performed based on the control of the control device, and an independent mode in which the relaying process is performed autonomously, and the control device has a processing unit that executes a selection process that selects the mode to be executed by the switch device from the control mode and the independent mode according to the state of the vehicle, and a process that transitions the control device to a sleep state when the independent mode is selected in the selection process.

2. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, further comprising an external memory unit that stores one or more pieces of setting information related to the relay processing, wherein the switch device has: a switch processing unit that, in the independent mode, acquires the one or more pieces of setting information from the external memory unit; and a switch unit that performs the relay processing based on the one or more pieces of setting information acquired by the switch processing unit.

3. The in-vehicle device according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit further executes a process of selecting one piece of setting information from the plurality of pieces of setting information based on the state of the vehicle, and the setting information acquired by the switch processing unit is the setting information selected by the processing unit.

4. The in-vehicle device according to claim 1, wherein the control device further has a memory unit that stores first setting information related to the relay processing, and the switch device has a switch unit that, in the independent mode, performs the relay processing based on the first setting information provided by the control device.

5. An in-vehicle device according to claim 4, further comprising an external memory unit that stores second setting information related to the relay processing, wherein the switch unit is configured to perform the relay processing based on the first setting information or the second setting information, wherein the switch device further has a switch processing unit that performs processing to obtain the second setting information from the external memory unit and provide it to the switch unit, wherein the independent modes include a first mode in which the relay processing is performed based on the first setting information provided by the control device, and a second mode in which the relay processing is performed based on the second setting information provided by the switch processing unit, and wherein the selection processing further includes processing to select the mode to be executed by the switch device from the first mode or the second mode depending on the state of the vehicle when the independent mode is selected.

6. The in-vehicle device according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit further executes a process of deactivating the switch processing unit when the first mode is selected in the selection process, and a process of activating the switch processing unit when the second mode is selected in the selection process.

7. The in-vehicle device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the switch processing unit further performs at least one of the following processes in the second mode: monitoring traffic in the relay processing; and detecting error frames from among frames relayed in the relay processing.

8. An in-vehicle system comprising: a plurality of processing devices mounted on a vehicle; and the in-vehicle device according to claim 1, which relays communications between the plurality of processing devices.

9. A control method for an in-vehicle device having a switch device that relays communications between a plurality of processing devices and a control device that can control the switch device, the control method including a step of selecting a mode to be executed by the switch device according to the state of the vehicle from a control mode in which the relay processing is performed based on the control of the control device, and an independent mode in which the relay processing is performed autonomously by the switch device.

10. A computer program for causing a computer to control an in-vehicle device that includes a switch device that relays communications between multiple processing devices and a control device that can control the switch device, the computer program causing a computer to select a mode to be executed by the switch device from among a control mode in which the relay processing is performed based on the control of the control device, and an independent mode in which the switch device performs the relay processing autonomously, depending on the state of the vehicle.

Images