Data transmission device, data transmission system, and data transmission method

Abstract

A data transmission device (5) transmits data to a cloud server (7) using a vehicle communication apparatus (13). The data transmission device (5) comprises a storage processing unit, a transmission monitoring unit, and a transmission processing unit. The storage processing unit is configured so as to store, in a communication storage (33), data transmitted from a transmission ECU (11) to the vehicle communication apparatus (13). The transmission monitoring unit is configured so as to monitor whether data can be transmitted to the cloud server (7) by the vehicle communication apparatus (13). The transmission processing unit is configured such that, if it has been determined, on the basis of a monitoring result, that the data can be transmitted to the cloud server (7), the data stored in the communication storage (33) is transmitted to the cloud server (7) by the vehicle communication apparatus (13).

Description

Data transmission device, data transmission system and data transmission method CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This international application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-105407, filed with the Japan Patent Office on June 28, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a technique for transmitting data to an external device.

[0003] Conventionally, when transmitting data wirelessly from a transmitting device (e.g., an in-vehicle device) to a cloud server, the data is transmitted from an electronic control unit (i.e., a source ECU) mounted on the transmitting device to the server via a communication device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-9610

[0005] As a result of detailed investigation by the inventors, the following problems were found in the conventional techniques.

[0006] In the past, if the destination device (e.g., the destination base station) was outside of its communication range, the sending ECU had to store the data until it was within the communication range, which required the sending ECU to have a large-capacity memory device (i.e., storage).

[0007] Furthermore, when the destination device comes within the communication range, the source ECU must perform the transmission process again via the communication device, which creates the problem of complicated processing on the source ECU side and a heavy processing burden.

[0008] Furthermore, when transmitting a large amount of data to a destination, if the transmission process is terminated due to a loss of communication range during transmission, the data that was transmitted up to that point becomes useless, and the data must be transmitted again from the beginning, which increases the load on the communication bus between the transmitting ECU and the communication device.

[0009] In other words, conventionally, there have been problems such as problems with the configuration of the device at the source (for example, the increasing capacity of storage devices) and the heavy processing load during communication.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can simplify the configuration of a device at the source of data transmission and reduce the burden on communication.

[0011] a) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a data transmission device that transmits data to a destination device using a communication device, the data transmission device including a storage processing unit, a transmission monitoring unit, and a transmission processing unit.

[0012] The storage processing unit is configured to store data transmitted from the source electronic control unit to the communication device in a storage unit of the communication device.

[0013] The transmission monitoring unit is configured to monitor whether or not the data can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0014] The transmission processing unit is configured to transmit the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device to the destination device by the communication device when it is determined based on the monitoring results that data can be transmitted to the destination device.

[0015] With this configuration, in the present disclosure, when transmitting data, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the device at the transmission source and reduce the burden on communication.

[0016] In other words, in the present disclosure, data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication device is stored in the memory unit of the communication device, and when the data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device (for example, when it changes from a state where it cannot be transmitted to a state where it can be transmitted), the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0017] Therefore, the present disclosure has an advantage that, for example, when a destination device is out of communication range, the source electronic control device does not need to store data until the destination device is within communication range. In other words, since the source electronic control device does not need to have a large-capacity storage device, the device configuration of the source electronic control device can be simplified.

[0018] In addition, in the present disclosure, for example, when a destination device moves from outside the communication range to within the communication range, the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device can be transmitted, eliminating the need for the source electronic control device to transmit the data again via the communication device, which has the effect of reducing the processing load on the source electronic control device.

[0019] Furthermore, in the past, for example, if the transmission process was terminated due to a loss of communication range during transmission, the data that had been transmitted up to that point would be wasted, and it would be necessary to transmit the data again from the beginning. However, in the present disclosure, even when transmitting data again, it is sufficient to transmit the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device, which has the effect of reducing the load on the communication bus between the electronic control device that is the sender and the communication device.

[0020] b) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a data transmission system for transmitting data to a destination device via a communication device. The data transmission system includes a plurality of intermediate electronic control devices connected via a communication line, each of which is connected to one or more source electronic control devices, and the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices include a communication electronic control device communicably connected to the communication device and other intermediate electronic control devices other than the communication electronic control device. Furthermore, the data transmission device includes a memory processing unit, a transmission monitoring unit, and a transmission processing unit.

[0021] The storage processing unit is configured to store data transmitted from the source electronic control unit to the communicating electronic control unit directly or via another intermediate electronic control unit in a predetermined storage unit.

[0022] The transmission monitoring unit is configured to monitor whether or not the data can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0023] The transmission processing unit is configured to transmit the data stored in the specified memory unit to the destination device via a communication device when it is determined based on the monitoring results that data can be transmitted to the destination device.

[0024] With this configuration, in the present disclosure, when transmitting data, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the device at the transmission source and reduce the burden on communication.

[0025] In other words, in the present disclosure, data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication electronic control device directly or via another intermediate electronic control device is stored in a specified memory unit, and when the data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device (for example, when it changes from a state where it cannot be transmitted to a state where it can be transmitted), the data stored in the specified memory unit is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0026] Therefore, as described above, the present disclosure has the advantage of simplifying the configuration of the source electronic control device because the source electronic control device does not need to have a large-capacity storage device. Furthermore, the present disclosure has the advantage of reducing the processing load on the source electronic control device because, for example, when the destination device is within communication range, it only needs to transmit data stored in a specified storage unit. Furthermore, the present disclosure has the advantage of reducing the load on the communication bus within the data transmission device because, even when data is transmitted again, it only needs to transmit data stored in a specified storage unit.

[0027] c) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a data transmission method for transmitting data to a destination device using a communication device, in which data transmitted from a source electronic control device to the communication device is stored in a storage unit of the communication device, and when the data is ready to be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, the data stored in the storage unit of the communication device is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0028] With this configuration, as described above, in the present disclosure, when transmitting data, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the device at the transmission source and reduce the burden on communication.

[0029] d) Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a data transmission method for transmitting data to a destination device via a communication device, the data transmission method including a plurality of intermediate electronic control devices connected via a communication line, each of which is connected to one or more source electronic control devices, and the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices including a communication electronic control device communicably connected to the communication device and another intermediate electronic control device other than the communication electronic control device.

[0030] Then, data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication electronic control device directly or via another intermediate electronic control device is stored in a specified memory unit, and when the data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, the data stored in the specified memory unit is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0031] With this configuration, as described above, in the present disclosure, when transmitting data, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the device at the transmission source and reduce the burden on communication.

[0032] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data transmission system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a transmission packet used in the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing functionally the configuration of a control unit of a communication device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the contents of a communication sequence according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data transmission system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the contents of a communication sequence according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] 1. First Embodiment In the first embodiment, a technique for transmitting data from an in-vehicle device to a cloud server using a wireless communication device will be described.

[0035] [1-1. Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the data transmission system 1 of the first embodiment includes a data transmission device 5, which is an on-board device mounted on a vehicle (e.g., an automobile) 3, and a well-known cloud server 7 capable of wirelessly communicating with the data transmission device 5.

[0036] [1-2. Configuration of Each Unit] Each unit of the data transmission system 1 will now be described.

[0037] [1-2-1. Vehicle-side configuration] As shown in FIG. 1 , the data transmission device 5 includes a plurality of electronic control units (i.e., ECUs) 11, a communication device (i.e., vehicle communication device) 13, and a communication bus 15 connecting the plurality of electronic control units 11 and the vehicle communication device 13.

[0038] The multiple ECUs 11 include a first source ECU 21, a second source ECU 23, and a third source ECU 25 that transmit data (i.e., transmission data). Note that, hereinafter, the first to third source ECUs 21 to 25 may be collectively referred to as source ECUs 11.

[0039] The first to third source ECUs 21 to 25 each include an in-vehicle communication processing unit 21a, 23a, 25a that handles communication within the vehicle, storage 21b, 23b, 25b that is a memory unit that stores transmission data, etc., and a control unit 21c, 23c, 25c that controls the operation of each source ECU 21 to 25.

[0040] Each of the in-vehicle communication processing units 21a to 25a is a device capable of transmitting and receiving various types of data to and from the vehicle communication device 13 via the communication bus 15. For example, as will be described later, each of the in-vehicle communication processing units 21a to 25a can transmit a transmission packet including transmission data and the like to the vehicle communication device 13.

[0041] Each of the storages 21b to 25b may be a known nonvolatile memory, such as a flash memory or an EEPROM that is capable of rewriting various types of data.

[0042] Each control unit 21c to 25c is a device that performs various calculations related to the operation of each source ECU 21 to 25, and is mainly composed of, for example, a well-known microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.

[0043] The various functions of each of the control units 21c to 25c are realized by each CPU executing a program stored in a non-transitory recording medium. In this example, for example, each ROM corresponds to a non-transitory recording medium storing a program. Furthermore, by executing this program, a method corresponding to the program is performed.

[0044] Each of the control units 21c to 25c may include one or more microcomputers. Furthermore, the method of implementing the various functions of each of the control units 21c to 25c is not limited to software; some or all of the functions may be implemented using one or more pieces of hardware. For example, if the functions are implemented using hardware electronic circuits, the electronic circuits may be implemented using digital circuits including multiple logic circuits, analog circuits, or a combination of these.

[0045] <Vehicle Communication Device> The vehicle communication device 13 includes an in-vehicle communication processing unit 31 that performs communication within the vehicle, a communication storage 33 that is a memory unit that stores transmission data and the like, an out-vehicle communication processing unit 35 that performs communication with the cloud server 7, and a communication control unit 37 that controls the operation of the vehicle communication device 13. An antenna 39 is connected to the out-vehicle communication processing unit 35.

[0046] The in-vehicle communication processing unit 31 is a device capable of transmitting and receiving various data to and from each of the in-vehicle communication processing units 21a to 25a via the communication bus 15. For example, as will be described later, the in-vehicle communication processing unit 31 can receive transmission packets including transmission data and the like transmitted from each of the in-vehicle communication processing units 21a to 25a to the vehicle communication device 13.

[0047] The communication storage 33 may be a known non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory or an EEPROM that can rewrite various data. As will be described later, the communication storage 33 stores transmission data and the like transmitted from each of the source ECUs 21 to 25.

[0048] The exterior-of-vehicle communication processing unit 35 is a device that transmits transmission data and the like stored in the communication storage 33 to the cloud server 7 via an antenna 39. The exterior-of-vehicle communication processing unit 35 is capable of, for example, performing V2N communication (i.e., V2N communication) between the vehicle 3 and a network. V2N is an abbreviation for Vehicle to Cellular Network.

[0049] The communication control unit 37 is a device that performs various calculation processes related to the operation of the vehicle communication device 13, and is mainly composed of a well-known microcomputer having a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.

[0050] The various functions of the communication control unit 37 are realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. Note that the communication control unit 37 is basically the same as each of the control units 321c to 325c, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] Here, the transmission data will be briefly explained.

[0052] As is well known, data transmitted over the communication bus 15 is structured in units of transmission packages, as shown in Fig. 2. Data transmitted in a transmission package includes transmission data, which is the original data to be transmitted, and additional information added to the transmission data. The additional information includes information such as the destination, timeout period, and whether or not retransmission is required.

[0053] [1-2-2. Configuration of the Cloud Server] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cloud server 7 includes a server communication unit 41 that communicates with the vehicle communication device 13, a server storage 43 that stores various data, and a server control unit 45 that controls the operation of the cloud server 7, as is well known.

[0054] The server control unit 45 is a device that performs various calculation processes related to the operation of the cloud server 7, and is mainly composed of, for example, a well-known microcomputer having a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like.

[0055] The various functions of the server control unit 45 are realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a non-transient physical recording medium. Note that the server control unit 45 is basically the same as the control units 21c to 25c, etc., and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] [1-3. Functional Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the communication control unit 37 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] The communication control unit 37 functionally comprises a storage processing unit 51 , a transmission monitoring unit 53 , and a transmission processing unit 55 .

[0058] The storage processing unit 51 is configured to store, in the communication storage 33 , transmission packets (i.e., transmission data, etc.) transmitted from each source ECU 11 to the vehicle communication device 13 .

[0059] The transmission monitoring unit 53 is configured to monitor whether or not a transmission packet can be transmitted to the cloud server 7 by the vehicle communication device 13 .

[0060] When the transmission monitoring unit 53 determines that a transmission packet can be sent to the cloud server 7, the transmission processing unit 55 is configured to retrieve the transmission packet stored in the communication storage 33 and send it to the cloud server 7 via the vehicle communication device 13 (i.e., the external vehicle communication processing unit 35).

[0061] [1-4. Control Processing] Next, the control processing executed on the vehicle 3 side in the first embodiment will be described based on a communication sequence.

[0062] As shown in the communication sequence of FIG. 4, in step (hereinafter, S) 100, each source ECU 11 creates transmission data.

[0063] In the next step S110, additional information to be added to the transmission data is created.

[0064] In the next step S120, a transmission packet is created, which is a transmission unit including the transmission data and additional information.

[0065] In the next step S130 , the transmission packets are transmitted from each source ECU 11 to the vehicle communication device 13 .

[0066] On the other hand, the vehicle communication device 13 constantly monitors whether or not it is in a state where it can transmit a transmission packet to the cloud server 7, as shown in S140.

[0067] Whether or not a transmission packet can be sent from the vehicle communication device 13 to the cloud server 7 can be determined by a known method. For example, when specific information (i.e., information used when establishing communication) is sent and received between the vehicle communication device 13 and the cloud server 7 and the sending and receiving of the specific information becomes possible, it can be determined that communication between the vehicle communication device 13 and the cloud server 7 is possible. For example, when a known connection (i.e., communication is established), it can be determined that communication between the vehicle communication device 13 and the cloud server 7 is possible.

[0068] In addition, in step S150, the vehicle communication device 13 receives the transmission packets transmitted from each source ECU 11, and extracts the transmission data and additional information from the transmission packets.

[0069] In the next step S160, the transmission data and additional information extracted from the transmission packet are stored (i.e., stored) in the communication storage 33.

[0070] In the next step S170, it is determined whether transmission of transmission data etc. to the cloud server 7 is possible based on the monitoring result of step S140, and if transmission is possible, the processing from step S180 onwards is carried out.

[0071] For example, if the state where transmission of transmission data, etc. is not possible changes to a state where transmission is possible, the process from S180 onwards is immediately carried out. Alternatively, if transmission is possible at the time when the process of S160 is completed, the process from S180 onwards is immediately carried out. Note that if the state where transmission of transmission data, etc. is not possible is one in which the process waits and does not proceed to the process from S180 onwards.

[0072] In S180 , since the vehicle communication device 13 is in a state where it is possible to transmit transmission data and the like to the cloud server 7 , the transmission data and additional information are retrieved from the communication storage 33 .

[0073] In the next step S190, a transmission packet including the transmission data and additional information is transmitted to the cloud server 7. Then, information on the result of the transmission, for example, information indicating that the transmission has been completed successfully (i.e., information indicating that the transmission has been completed), is transmitted to each transmission source ECU 11. Furthermore, if the transmission is not possible, for example, if the transmission is not possible within a predetermined time or if there is no response from the cloud server 7 indicating that the reception has been completed, information indicating that the transmission has not been completed is transmitted to each transmission source ECU 11.

[0074] [1-5. Effects] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0075] (1a) In this first embodiment, the transmission data transmitted from the source ECU 11 to the vehicle communication device 13 is stored in a communication storage 33 provided in the vehicle communication device 13, and when the transmission data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the cloud server 7 by the vehicle communication device 13 (for example, when it changes from a state where it cannot be transmitted to a state where it can be transmitted), the transmission data stored in the communication storage 33 is transmitted to the cloud server 7 by the vehicle communication device 13.

[0076] Therefore, in the first embodiment, for example, when the cloud server 7 (e.g., its base station) is out of communication range, the source ECU 11 does not need to store the transmitted data until it enters the communication range. In other words, since the source ECU 11 does not need to have a large-capacity storage device, the device configuration of the source ECU 11 can be simplified.

[0077] In the first embodiment, for example, when the cloud server 7 moves from outside the communication range to within the communication range, it is sufficient to transmit the transmission data stored in the communication storage 33 of the vehicle communication device 13. Therefore, the source ECU 11 does not need to transmit the transmission data again via the vehicle communication device 13, which has the effect of reducing the processing load on the source ECU 11 side.

[0078] Furthermore, in the past, for example, if the transmission process was terminated due to a loss of communication range during transmission, the transmission data that had been transmitted partway became useless, and therefore the transmission data had to be transmitted again from the beginning. However, in the present disclosure, even when transmitting transmission data again, it is sufficient to transmit the transmission data stored in the communication storage 33 of the vehicle communication device 13, which has the effect of reducing the load on the communication bus 15 between the source ECU 11 and the vehicle communication device 13.

[0079] (1b) In the first embodiment, when it is determined based on the monitoring results that it is possible to transmit transmission data to the cloud server 7, the transmission data stored in the communication storage 33 can be immediately transmitted to the cloud server 7 by the vehicle communication device 13. This has the advantage of allowing the transmission data to be transmitted to the cloud server 7 quickly.

[0080] The immediate timing may be immediately after it is determined that it is possible to transmit the transmission data to the cloud server 7 .

[0081] [1-6. Correspondence] Next, the relationship between the present disclosure and the first embodiment will be described.

[0082] The data transmission system corresponds to data transmission system 1, the vehicle corresponds to vehicle 3, the data transmission device corresponds to data transmission device 5, the destination device corresponds to cloud server 7, the source electronic control device corresponds to source ECU 11, the communication device corresponds to vehicle communication device 13, the memory unit of the communication device corresponds to communication storage 33, the memory processing unit corresponds to memory processing unit 51, S160, the transmission monitoring unit corresponds to transmission monitoring unit 53, S140, and the transmission processing unit corresponds to transmission processing unit 55, S190.

[0083] [1-7. Modifications] <Modification 1> In Modification 1, the vehicle communication device 13 may periodically notify the source ECU 11 of the status of transmission (for example, whether or not the transmission has been completed) until the transmission of the transmission data stored in the communication storage 33 is completed.

[0084] With this configuration, the source ECU 11 can always grasp the status of transmission, and can appropriately carry out subsequent processing. For example, if transmission cannot be completed due to a timeout or the like, and there is little need to repeat the same transmission operation any further (for example, when the latest data is required in real time, such as speed data), the transmission operation can be stopped. Furthermore, when transmission is completed, transmission of other transmission data can be carried out.

[0085] <Modification 2> In Modification 2, for example, the source ECU 11 may be able to select whether or not to store the transmission data in the communication storage 33 depending on the type of the transmission data.

[0086] For example, in the case of transmission data whose values ​​fluctuate in a short period of time, the necessity of storing the transmission data may decrease while the transmission data is being stored. In other words, it may be important to obtain the latest transmission data in real time. In such cases, the transmission data may be transmitted only when it can be transmitted immediately, and the transmission data may not be stored in the communication storage 33.

[0087] It is possible to set in advance which transmission data is to be stored in the communication storage 33. It may also be set for each application that uses the transmission data.

[0088] <Modification 3> In Modification 3, for example, the source ECU 11 may assign a transmission priority to the transmission data. In this case, the vehicle communication device 13 can control the order in which the transmission data is sent according to the transmission priority. For example, when two pieces of transmission data are stored in the communication storage 33, the transmission data with the higher priority can be sent before the transmission data with the lower priority.

[0089] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and therefore the following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0090] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which transmission data is stored in a domain controller for communication, and the transmission data is transmitted to a cloud server via a vehicle communication device.

[0091] 2-1. Configuration As shown in FIG. 5, a data transmission system 61 according to the second embodiment includes a data transmission device 63 mounted on a vehicle 3 and a cloud server 7 similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0092] The data transmission device 5 includes a plurality of ECUs (i.e., source ECUs) 11 similar to those in the first embodiment, a plurality of domain controllers (i.e., DCs) 71, 73, 75, and 77, and a vehicle communication device 13.

[0093] The multiple domain controllers 71 to 77 are connected to each other so as to be able to send and receive data via an inter-domain communication bus (i.e., BUS) 81. Furthermore, each of the domain controllers 71 to 77 is connected to each of the multiple source ECUs 11 via a local bus (i.e., Local BUS) 83 so as to be able to send and receive data.

[0094] The domain controllers 71 to 77 are electronic control devices that can control the operation of each of the source ECUs 11 connected to the domain controllers 71 to 77. Therefore, like each of the source ECUs 11, each of the domain controllers 71 to 77 has a configuration including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a storage that can store transmission data and the like.

[0095] The configuration of the domain controllers 71 to 77 can be expressed functionally as APP, API, and OS, where APP stands for Application Software, API stands for Application Programming Interface, and OS stands for Operating System.

[0096] Furthermore, among the domain controllers 71 to 77, the domain controller 77 connected to the vehicle communication device 13 is referred to as the communication DC 77, and this communication DC 77 is equipped with a communication storage 79 that stores transmission data, etc. transmitted from each source ECU 11 via other domain controllers 71, 73, 75 or directly.

[0097] The vehicle communication device 13 is connected to the communication DC 77 via, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), and is configured to be able to wirelessly transmit transmission data and the like sent from the communication DC 77 to the cloud server 7, similar to the first embodiment. Note that the vehicle communication device 13 is basically capable of communication similar to that in the first embodiment, but does not necessarily need to be provided with the communication storage 33 as in the first embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the cloud server 7 includes a server communication unit 41, a server storage 43, and a server control unit 45, similar to the first embodiment.

[0099] [2-2. Control Processing] Next, the control processing in the second embodiment will be described, but the same content as in the first embodiment will be briefly described.

[0100] As shown in the communication sequence of FIG. 6, in step S200, each source ECU 11 creates transmission data.

[0101] In the next step S210, additional information to be added to the transmission data is created.

[0102] In the next step S220, a transmission packet is created, which is a transmission unit including the transmission data and additional information.

[0103] In the next step S230, the transmission packets are transmitted from each source ECU 11 to each domain controller 71 to 77.

[0104] On the other hand, as shown in S240, the vehicle communication device 13 constantly monitors whether or not it is possible to transmit a transmission packet to the cloud server 7. Then, the vehicle communication device 13 periodically transmits a transmission availability notification to the communication DC 77, indicating whether or not it is possible to transmit a transmission packet.

[0105] In S250, the communication DC 77 receives a transmission packet directly transmitted from the source ECU 11 connected to the communication DC 77. The communication DC 77 also receives transmission packets transmitted from the source ECUs 11 connected to the other domain controllers 71 to 75 to the other domain controllers 71 to 75 via the inter-domain communication bus 81. The communication DC 77 then extracts transmission data and additional information from the received transmission packets.

[0106] In the next step S260, the transmission data and additional information extracted from the transmission packet are stored in the communication storage 79 of the communication DC 77.

[0107] In the next step S270, it is determined whether or not transmission of transmission data etc. to the cloud server 7 is possible based on the notification of whether or not transmission is possible, which is the monitoring result of step S240. If transmission is possible, the processing from step S280 onwards is performed, for example, immediately.

[0108] In S280 , since the vehicle communication device 13 is in a state where it is possible to transmit transmission data and the like to the cloud server 7 , the transmission data and additional information are retrieved from the communication storage 79 .

[0109] In the next step S290, a transmission packet including the transmission data and additional information is created, and the transmission packet is transmitted from the communication DC 77 to the vehicle communication unit 13.

[0110] That is, a transmission packet is sent from the communication DC 77 to the vehicle communication device 13 , and the transmission packet is sent from the vehicle communication device 13 to the cloud server 7 .

[0111] The vehicle communication device 13 notifies the communication DC 77 of a transmission result (for example, information indicating that transmission has been completed or information indicating that transmission has failed). The transmission result is then transmitted from the communication DC 77 directly to each source ECU 11 connected to the communication DC 77, or transmitted to each source ECU 11 via the other domain controllers 71 to 75.

[0112] The second embodiment has the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0113] [2-3. Modifications] <Modification 4> In Modification 4, the vehicle communication device 13 may periodically notify the communication DC 77 of the transmission status (e.g., whether transmission is complete or not) until transmission of the transmission data is completed. The transmission status can be notified to the source ECU 11 via the communication DC 77 or the like. Furthermore, if transmission is not completed due to a timeout or the like, the transmission operation can be stopped.

[0114] <Modification 5> In Modification 5, for example, the communication DC 77 may be configured to select whether or not to store transmission data in the communication storage 79 depending on the type of transmission data.

[0115] In Modification 6, for example, transmission priority may be assigned to transmission data by the communication DC 77. In this case, the communication DC 77 can control the order in which transmission data is sent from the vehicle communication device 13 according to the priority.

[0116] <Variation 7> In this variation 7, a common storage 91 (see, for example, FIG. 5) that is a common (i.e., shared) storage for the first to third DCs 71 to 75 and the communication DC 77 may be used as a storage for storing transmission data, etc. When this common storage 91 is used, the communication storage 79 can be omitted.

[0117] 3. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0118] (3a) In the present disclosure, the number of source ECUs or domain controllers may be one or more.

[0119] (3b) When data transmission is possible (for example, when data transmission becomes possible), it is desirable to transmit the data as early as possible under the circumstances where transmission is possible.

[0120] (3c) In the above embodiment, a cloud server was used as an example of a transmission destination, but other servers may be used as long as data can be transmitted.

[0121] (3d) The operation of the data transmission device and data transmission system described in this disclosure may be realized by a special purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program.

[0122] Alternatively, the operations of the data transmission device and data transmission system described in this disclosure may be implemented by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.

[0123] Alternatively, the operations of the data transmission device and data transmission system described in this disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits.

[0124] The computer program may also be stored as instructions to be executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The means for realizing the functions of the data transmission device and data transmission system do not necessarily have to include software, and all of the functions may be realized using one or more pieces of hardware.

[0125] (3e) In addition to the data transmission device and data transmission system described above, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a configuration having the data transmission device and data transmission system as components, a program for causing the computer of the data transmission device and data transmission system to function, a non-transient tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which this program is recorded, and a data transmission method.

[0126] (3f) Multiple functions of one component in each of the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another embodiment. [Technical Ideas Disclosed in the Present Specification] [Item 1] A data transmission device (5) that transmits data to a destination device (7) using a communication device (13), comprising: a storage processing unit (51, S160) configured to store data transmitted from a source electronic control device (11) to the communication device in a storage unit (33) of the communication device; a transmission monitoring unit (53, S140) configured to monitor whether the data can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device; and a transmission processing unit (55, S190) configured to transmit the data stored in the storage unit of the communication device to the destination device by the communication device when it is determined that the data can be transmitted to the destination device based on the monitoring result.

[0127] [Item 2] The data transmission device according to Item 1, wherein, when it is determined based on the monitoring result that it is possible to transmit the data to the destination device, the data stored in the storage unit of the communication device is immediately transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0128] [Item 3] The data transmission device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the communication device is configured to periodically notify the source electronic control device of a status of the transmission until the transmission of the data is completed.

[0129] [Item 4] The data transmission device according to any one of items 1 to 3, configured to enable selection of whether or not to store the data in a storage unit of the communication device depending on the type of the data.

[0130] [Item 5] The data transmission device according to any one of items 1 to 4, configured to be able to abort the transmission if the transmission is not completed based on a transmission status of the data transmitted from the communication device.

[0131] [Item 6] The data transmission device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein a transmission priority is assigned to the data, and the data transmission order from the communication device can be controlled according to the priority.

[0132] [Item 7] A data transmission system (61) that transmits data to a destination device (7) via a communication device (13), comprising a plurality of intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75, 77) connected via a communication line (81), each of which is connected to one or more source electronic control devices (11), and the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices include a communication electronic control device (77) communicably connected to the communication device and other intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75) other than the communication electronic control device; a storage processing unit (S260) configured to store data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication electronic control device directly or via the other intermediate electronic control device in a predetermined storage unit (79); and a transmission monitoring unit (S240) configured to monitor whether the data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device. a transmission processing unit (S290) configured to transmit the data stored in the specified storage unit to the destination device by the communication device when it is determined based on the monitoring result that the data can be transmitted to the destination device.

[0133] [Item 8] The data transmission system according to Item 7, wherein, when it is determined based on the monitoring result that it is possible to transmit the data to the destination device, the data stored in the predetermined storage unit is immediately transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

[0134] [Item 9] The data transmission system according to item 7 or 8, wherein the communication device is configured to periodically notify the communication electronic control device of the status of the transmission until the transmission of the data is completed.

[0135] [Item 10] The data transmission system according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the data transmission system is configured to allow selection of whether or not to store the data in the predetermined storage unit depending on the type of the data.

[0136] [Item 11] The data transmission system according to any one of items 7 to 10, wherein the predetermined storage unit is a storage device configured to allow the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices to share and store the data.

[0137] [Item 12] The data transmission system according to any one of items 7 to 11, configured to be able to abort the transmission if the transmission is not completed based on the status of the transmission of the data transmitted from the communication device.

[0138] [Item 13] The data transmission system according to any one of items 7 to 12, wherein a transmission priority is assigned to the data, and the data transmission order from the communication device can be controlled according to the priority.

[0139] [Item 14] A data transmission method for transmitting data to a destination device (7) using a communication device (13), comprising: storing data transmitted from a source electronic control device (11) to the communication device in a memory unit (33) of the communication device; and, when the data is in a state in which it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, transmitting the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device to the destination device by the communication device.

[0140] [Item 15] A data transmission method for transmitting data to a destination device (7) via a communication device (13), comprising: a plurality of intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75, 77) connected via a communication line (81); one or more source electronic control devices (11) are connected to each of the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices; and the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices include a communication electronic control device (77) communicably connected to the communication device and other intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75) other than the communication electronic control device; data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication electronic control device directly or via the other intermediate electronic control device is stored in a predetermined storage unit (79); and when the data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, the data stored in the predetermined storage unit is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

Claims

1. A data transmission device (5) that transmits data to a destination device (7) using a communication device (13), comprising: a storage processing unit (51, S160) configured to store data transmitted from a source electronic control device (11) to the communication device in a storage unit (33) of the communication device; a transmission monitoring unit (53, S140) configured to monitor whether the data can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device; and a transmission processing unit (55, S190) configured to transmit the data stored in the storage unit of the communication device to the destination device by the communication device when it is determined based on the monitoring result that the data can be transmitted to the destination device.

2. A data transmission device as claimed in claim 1, configured to, when it is determined based on the monitoring results that it is possible to transmit the data to the destination device, immediately transmit the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device to the destination device via the communication device.

3. A data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is configured to periodically notify the source electronic control device of the status of the transmission until the transmission of the data is completed.

4. A data transmission device according to claim 1, configured to enable selection of whether or not to store the data in the memory unit of the communication device depending on the type of the data.

5. A data transmission device according to claim 1, configured to be able to abort the transmission if the transmission is not completed based on the status of the transmission of the data sent from the communication device.

6. A data transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the data is assigned a transmission priority, and the data transmission order from the communication device can be controlled in accordance with the priority.

7. A data transmission system (61) for transmitting data to a destination device (7) via a communication device (13), comprising a plurality of intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75, 77) connected via a communication line (81), each of which is connected to one or more source electronic control devices (11), and comprising a communication electronic control device (77) communicably connected to the communication device and other intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75) other than the communication electronic control device, a storage processing unit (S260) configured to store data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication electronic control device directly or via the other intermediate electronic control device in a predetermined storage unit (79), and a transmission monitoring unit (S240) configured to monitor whether the data can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, a transmission processing unit (S290) configured to transmit the data stored in the specified storage unit to the destination device by the communication device when it is determined based on the monitoring result that the data can be transmitted to the destination device.

8. A data transmission system as claimed in claim 7, configured to immediately transmit the data stored in the specified storage unit to the destination device by the communication device when it is determined based on the monitoring results that it is possible to transmit the data to the destination device.

9. A data transmission system according to claim 7, wherein said communication device is configured to periodically notify said electronic control device for communication of the status of said transmission until said data transmission is completed.

10. A data transmission system according to claim 7, configured to enable selection of whether or not to store the data in the predetermined storage unit depending on the type of the data.

11. A data transmission system according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined storage unit is a storage device configured to allow the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices to share and store the data.

12. A data transmission system according to claim 7, configured to be able to abort the transmission if the transmission is not completed based on the status of the transmission of the data sent from the communication device.

13. A data transmission system according to claim 7, wherein the data is assigned a transmission priority, and the order in which the data is sent from the communication device can be controlled in accordance with the priority.

14. A data transmission method for transmitting data to a destination device (7) using a communication device (13), wherein data transmitted from a source electronic control device (11) to the communication device is stored in a memory unit (33) of the communication device, and when the data is in a state where it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, the data stored in the memory unit of the communication device is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

15. A data transmission method for transmitting data to a destination device (7) via a communication device (13), comprising a plurality of intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75, 77) connected via a communication line (81), each of which is connected to one or more source electronic control devices (11), and using a configuration in which the plurality of intermediate electronic control devices include a communication electronic control device (77) communicably connected to the communication device and other intermediate electronic control devices (71, 73, 75) other than the communication electronic control device, wherein data transmitted from the source electronic control device to the communication electronic control device directly or via the other intermediate electronic control device is stored in a specified memory unit (79), and when the data is in a state in which it can be transmitted to the destination device by the communication device, the data stored in the specified memory unit is transmitted to the destination device by the communication device.

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