Vehicle control device

Abstract

Basic network configuration information includes: a plurality of communication parameters for communication in a basic mode indicating a mode in which a plurality of pieces of hardware required for driving a vehicle operate in a network; and configuration values of the respective communication parameters. Additional network configuration information includes a communication parameter of a piece of hardware to be added in the network and a configuration value thereof. Basic network configuration change information includes: a communication parameter of at least one piece of basic network configuration information that is changed according to a communication requirement of the piece of hardware added in the network; and the change range of the communication parameter. A mode switching unit 101 creates a network configuration request from the basic network configuration information and the additional network configuration information (S303). When the network does not satisfy the network configuration request (S307: No), a request adjustment unit 104 adjusts the network configuration request from the basic network configuration information and the basic network configuration change information (S309).

Description

Vehicle control device

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device.

[0002] Patent Document 1 ([Abstract]) states, "In a network system, a packet processing method includes obtaining a packet by an ingress node, and obtaining characteristic information of an application program corresponding to the packet. The characteristic information of the application program includes at least one of identification information of the application program and network performance requirement information, and the identification information is used to identify the application program. The method further includes, by the ingress node, determining a route between the ingress node and the egress node based on the characteristic information of the application program and a mapping relationship between the characteristic information of the application program and the route between the ingress node and the egress node, and forwarding the packet through the route."

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-75157

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is not easy to redesign the network. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle control device that makes it possible to easily redesign the network.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the vehicle control device of the present invention comprises a storage device that stores basic network setting information including multiple communication parameters in a basic mode of communication indicating a mode in which multiple hardware required for driving a vehicle operates within a network and setting values ​​for each of the communication parameters; additional network setting information including communication parameters and setting values ​​for hardware to be added to the network; and basic network setting change information including at least one communication parameter of the basic network setting information that is changed in accordance with the communication requirements of the hardware to be added to the network and a change range for the communication parameter; a mode switching unit that creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information; and a request adjustment unit that adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information if the network does not satisfy the network setting request.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily redesign a network. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

[0007] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU) as a vehicle control device of a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of the SoC (ECU); FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram of a table of basic network setting information constituting a database; FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of a table of additional network setting information constituting a database; FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of a table of basic network setting change information constituting a database; FIG. 6 is a flowchart of processing executed by a CPU core of the SoC (ECU) of the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart of branching processing of a mode switching unit; FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a mode setting signal corresponding to basic network setting information is input; FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a mode setting signal corresponding to additional network setting information is input; FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU) as a vehicle control device of a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of the SoC (ECU) of the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a flowchart of processing executed by a CPU core of the SoC (ECU) of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flowchart of processing executed by a CPU core of an SoC (ECU) according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU) as a vehicle control device according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 12 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of an SoC (ECU) according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 13 is a flowchart of processing executed by a CPU core of an SoC (ECU) according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of mode switching; FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a theft mode; FIG. 16 is a diagram of communication in a basic mode; FIG. 17 is a diagram of communication in a theft mode (extended mode); FIG. 18 is a diagram of communication in a basic mode; FIG. 19 is a diagram of communication in an extended mode.

[0008] The configurations and operations of vehicle control devices according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0009] (Mode) In the embodiment described below, as shown in Figure 15, by switching the vehicle mode between basic mode and extended mode, necessary functions are added depending on the situation, improving the overall value of the vehicle. Basic mode is the default mode of the vehicle, in which basic functions that provide the minimum functionality required for the vehicle to operate are activated. The basic functions are, for example, functions related to the control of the steering wheel, brakes, accelerator, etc., and in the case of autonomous driving, include autonomous driving functions.

[0010] The extended mode is a mode that provides extended functions that indicate functions added to the basic functions. In the extended mode, the basic functions and extended functions are activated. You can switch to different extended modes depending on your needs. The mode is not determined at the time of shipment, and can be added and improved in the future. The network does not need to be perfectly designed in advance, but can be designed each time a new extended mode is added.

[0011] (Extended Mode) Extended modes include, for example, theft mode, surveillance mode, and valet mode. Theft mode is designed to identify the culprit if the car is stolen and driven by someone. Cameras and microphones inside and outside the car record and record high-resolution video 24 hours a day. This data is sent to and stored in the cloud. Car owners can always check the video and audio being recorded live in the car. To ensure the above functions operate normally, functions such as entertainment (music, video, etc.) and ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) are set to low priority.

[0012] Surveillance mode monitors the surroundings while the vehicle is parked. The cameras and microphones inside and outside the vehicle record video and audio if they detect any incidents that could damage the vehicle or compromise safety. For example, if a break-in or vandalism is detected, the cameras and microphones record video and audio in high resolution and store the data locally and in the cloud. Meanwhile, during surveillance, the cameras and microphones record video and audio at the appropriate resolution, while minimizing power consumption.

[0013] Valet Mode turns off security features such as alarms. When Valet Mode is activated, unnecessary ADAS and entertainment features are disabled. Cameras and microphones inside and outside the vehicle record and record audio at appropriate resolutions, and the data is stored locally and in the cloud.

[0014] (Theft Mode) Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the use of theft mode, which is an example of the extended mode. If a suspicious person is detected, or if the car owner remotely sets the car as stolen, the car switches from basic mode to theft mode. In theft mode, the settings of the cabin camera and cabin microphone are switched from "normal settings" to "special settings" to enable identification of the culprit.

[0015] 17A shows communication in basic mode, and FIG. 17B shows communication in theft mode (extended mode). In theft mode, the amount of communication between the cabin camera and the cabin microphone increases compared to basic mode.

[0016] (Issues) Figure 18A shows basic mode communication, and Figure 18B shows extended mode communication. In extended mode communication, the network must maintain some basic mode functionality while adding various extended function communications so that different extended function communications can be performed in different extended modes (Figure 18B). Certain extended modes may have greater communication requirements than other extended modes, and the network must be able to accommodate this. Software-defined network (SDN) technology is used to dynamically configure and adjust the in-vehicle network, enabling the vehicle's mode switching function.

[0017] (First Embodiment) <Configuration of SoC> Fig. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) as a vehicle control device of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the SoC (ECU) includes a CPU core as a processor, a MEM (memory such as RAM) as a storage device, and an Eth (Ethernet port) as a communication device. The SoC (ECU) is connected to other SoCs (ECUs) via the Eth (Ethernet port). A database that stores network setting information, a mode switching unit, an application unit, a network performance determination unit, and a request adjustment unit reside in the MEM (memory such as RAM) and communicate with each other as necessary.

[0018] Note that part of the configuration of the vehicle control device (SoC) may be implemented on a server (cloud). The CPU core executes programs to function as a mode switching unit, application unit, network performance determination unit, request adjustment unit, etc.

[0019] <Logical Configuration> FIG. 2 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of an SoC (ECU). The database 100 includes one piece of basic network setting information, one or more pieces of additional network setting information, and one or more pieces of basic network setting change information. The mode switching unit 101 is connected to the database 100. The application unit 102 is connected to the mode switching unit 101. The network performance determination unit 103 is connected to the application unit 102 and the request adjustment unit 104. The request adjustment unit 104 includes a path reconstruction processing unit, a bandwidth reduction processing unit, and a bandwidth swap unit for each network cycle. The request adjustment unit 104 is connected to the mode switching unit 101 and the database 100.

[0020] <Data Structure> FIGS. 3A to 3C are data structure diagrams of tables (files) that make up the database 100. FIG.

[0021] The table shown in Fig. 3A stores basic network setting information, which is information for the basic mode. The basic network setting information is network settings for required applications, such as data (data name), direction (upstream or downstream), source, destination, route (route type), size (data size), Min bandwidth (minimum bandwidth), Max delay (maximum delay), PCP (Priority Code Point), etc. Direct modification of the table shown in Fig. 3A is prohibited.

[0022] The table shown in Figure 3B stores additional network setting information for the extended mode. The additional network setting information is the network requirements of a new application to be added, and has the same fields as the table in Figure 3A. Different extended modes have different additional network setting information.

[0023] 3C stores basic network setting change information, which is information for the extended mode. The basic network setting change information indicates the data to be changed and the range of change in the basic network setting information, such as the data (name of the data), changeable parameters (fields to be changed), and the range of change (range of adjustment of field values).

[0024] In the example of Figure 3C, in the record in the table in Figure 3A where the field name is "Entertainment," the field value of "Min Bandwidth" is reduced by a maximum of 20M, and the field value of "Max Delay" is increased by a maximum of 100 (us). As a result, in the above record, the field value of "Min Bandwidth" is adjusted to a value in the range of 20M to 40M (Bps), and the field value of "Max Delay" is adjusted to a value in the range of 200 to 300 (us: microseconds).

[0025] When enhanced mode communication requires network margin, the table in Figure 3C can provide a policy for adjusting the basic mode network. Different enhanced modes have different basic network configuration change information.

[0026] <Function> When the mode switching unit 101 shown in Figure 2 is started for the first time (for example, when the vehicle's power switch is turned on), it always receives a mode setting signal called basic mode from a higher-level ECU or the like, and reads basic network setting information as a request. The application unit 102 receives the request from the mode switching unit 101, converts the request into a configuration file, and applies it to the network. The network performance determination unit 103 receives the request and a performance determination start signal from the application unit 102, and determines whether the network is operating as requested. However, basic mode is designed to always operate without adjustment, so no adjustment is required.

[0027] The request adjustment unit 104 reads the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information of the extended mode to be applied, and adjusts the basic network setting information based on this basic network setting change information. The request adjustment unit 104 sequentially performs adjustment method (i) of route reconfiguration, adjustment method (ii) of bandwidth reduction, and adjustment method (iii) of bandwidth swapping for each network cycle.

[0028] After each adjustment method is performed, the request adjustment unit 104 transmits the adjusted basic network setting information to the mode switching unit 101. Furthermore, each adjustment method is not performed all at once, but rather little by little. For example, the request adjustment unit 104 does not reduce the bandwidth to the maximum from the beginning, but reduces it by half of the possible range the first time.

[0029] This cycle is repeated until the network operates as requested. As the basic network configuration information is adjusted with each cycle, the network request made by the mode switching unit 101 also changes.

[0030] <Processing Flow> Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the processing executed by the CPU core of the SoC (ECU) according to embodiment 1. The following describes the case where the mode setting signal is in the extended mode.

[0031] The mode switching unit 101 receives a mode setting signal for a specific extended mode (S301). The mode switching unit 101 reads the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information corresponding to the signal (S302). The mode switching unit 101 creates a network setting request by combining the basic network setting information (or the adjusted basic network setting information) and the additional network setting information, and sends this to the application unit 102 (S303). The application unit 102 receives the network setting request, converts it into a configuration file, and applies it to the switch (S304). The application unit 102 sends the network setting request and a network performance determination start signal to the network performance determination unit 103 (S305). The network performance determination unit 103 verifies the network performance while referring to the network setting request (S306), and if the performance is not satisfied (S307: No), sends the result to the request adjustment unit 104 (S308). The request adjustment unit 104 reads the basic network setting information and basic network setting change information, performs path reconfiguration, bandwidth reduction, and bandwidth swapping in order to satisfy the performance as requested for the network setting, and outputs an adjusted network setting request (adjusted basic network setting information) (S309). The process returns to S303 and is repeated until the network operates as requested.

[0032] 5A is a flowchart showing branching processing of mode switching unit 101. Mode switching unit 101 receives a mode setting signal (S501). If the mode setting signal corresponds to basic network setting information (basic mode) (S502: Yes), mode switching unit 101 acquires basic network setting information from database 100 (S503). If the mode setting signal corresponds to additional network setting information (extended mode) (S502: No), mode switching unit 101 acquires basic network setting information and additional network setting information from database 100. Mode switching unit 101 outputs a network setting request based on the acquired network setting information.

[0033] (Main Configuration) The main configuration of the first embodiment is described as follows.

[0034] The mode switching unit 101 shown in Figure 2 outputs a network setting request based on mode setting information (mode setting signal), basic network setting information, additional network setting information, and an adjusted network setting request. The application unit 102 applies the network setting request to the network. The network performance determination unit 103 determines whether the network satisfies the performance requirements of the network setting request. If the network does not satisfy the performance requirements of the network setting request, the request adjustment unit 104 adjusts the network setting request based on the basic network setting information and basic network setting change information and outputs an adjusted network setting request.

[0035] Mode setting information is information that indicates which combination of hardware and software within the network is operating. Basic network setting information is the communication parameters and setting values ​​for each communication. Additional network setting information is the communication parameters and setting values ​​for communication that change depending on the combination of the operating states of multiple software (applications) specified in the mode setting information. Basic network setting change information is the communications for which the basic network setting information can be changed and the range in which the parameters can be changed.

[0036] By using basic network setting information, additional network setting information, and basic network setting change information, a network can be created modularly, eliminating the need to redesign the network from scratch.

[0037] Also, for example, in theft mode, if changes are made to four of the 15 applications (cameras and microphones inside and outside the cabin), there is no need to redesign them from scratch as with the conventional method, so the reduction in labor hours is approximately (15-4) / 15x100=73.33%.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5B, when the input single mode setting information (mode setting signal) corresponds to the basic network setting information, mode switching unit 101 outputs a network setting request from the basic network setting information. As shown in Fig. 5C, when the input single mode setting information corresponds to the additional network setting information, mode switching unit 101 outputs a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information.

[0039] The basic network setting information defines default settings that are always applied to the in-vehicle network, and the additional network setting information defines settings that are applied on top of the default settings, so additional functions can be easily introduced. By distinguishing between the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information, additional functions can be easily created using the additional network setting information.

[0040] The main feature of the first embodiment can also be expressed as follows.

[0041] The storage device (MEM, FIG. 1) stores basic network setting information (FIG. 3A), additional network setting information (FIG. 3B), and basic network setting change information (FIG. 3C). The basic network setting information includes multiple communication parameters in a basic mode of communication that indicates a mode in which multiple pieces of hardware necessary for driving a vehicle operate within the network, and setting values ​​for each communication parameter. The additional network setting information includes communication parameters and setting values ​​for hardware to be added to the network. The basic network setting change information includes at least one communication parameter of the basic network setting information that is changed in accordance with the communication requirements of the hardware to be added to the network, and a change range for the communication parameter.

[0042] The mode switching unit 101 creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information (S303, FIG. 4). If the network does not satisfy the network setting request (S307: No), the request adjustment unit 104 adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information (S309).

[0043] This makes it easy to redesign the network.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 5B, when mode switching unit 101 receives a signal (mode setting signal) corresponding to basic network setting information, it creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information. As shown in Fig. 5C, when mode switching unit 101 receives a signal (mode setting signal) corresponding to additional network setting information, it creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and additional network setting information.

[0045] This allows the network setting request to be created easily. The correspondence between the signal and the basic network setting information or the additional network setting information is stored in, for example, a storage device.

[0046] The signal (mode setting signal) includes operational information indicating which combination of hardware and software in the network is operating. The additional network setting information includes communication parameters and their setting values ​​that are changed in response to the operational information.

[0047] As a result, the operation information is reflected in the communication parameters and their setting values ​​included in the additional network setting information.

[0048] (Second Embodiment) <Configuration of SoC> Fig. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU) as a vehicle control device of a second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the SoC (ECU) includes a mode integration unit in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (Fig. 1). The SoC (ECU) is connected to other SoCs (ECUs) via an Eth (Ethernet port). The database, the mode switching unit, the mode integration unit, the application unit, the network performance determination unit, and the request adjustment unit reside in a MEM (memory such as RAM) and communicate with each other as necessary.

[0049] 7 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of an SoC (ECU) according to the second embodiment. The mode integration unit 105 is connected to the database 100, the mode switching unit 101, and the request adjustment unit 104. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0050] <Processing Flow> Figure 8 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU core of the SoC (ECU) of the second embodiment. The mode integration unit 105 reads a plurality of mode setting signals (S801). The mode integration unit 105 reads and integrates a plurality of pieces of additional network setting information corresponding to the mode setting signals, and also reads and integrates basic network setting change information corresponding to the mode setting signals (S802). The mode integration unit 105 transmits the integrated additional network setting information to the mode switching unit 101, and transmits the integrated basic network setting change information to the request adjustment unit 104 (S803). The processing after S803 (S303 to S309) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0051] (Main Configuration) The main configuration of the second embodiment is described as follows.

[0052] 7 integrates multiple pieces of additional network setting information corresponding to each value of multiple input mode setting signals (respective mode setting signals) and outputs integrated additional network setting information, and integrates multiple pieces of basic network setting change information corresponding to each value of multiple input mode setting signals and outputs integrated basic network setting change information. Mode switching unit 101 outputs a network setting request based on the basic network setting information, integrated additional network setting information, and an adjusted network setting request. If the network does not satisfy the performance specified by the network setting request, request adjustment unit 104 adjusts the network setting request based on the basic network setting information and integrated basic network setting change information and outputs an adjusted network setting request.

[0053] The mode integration unit 105 merges multiple pieces of additional network setting information into one setting and provides it to the mode switching unit 101. Also, to adjust the network requirements, the mode integration unit 105 merges multiple pieces of basic network setting change information corresponding to the mode setting signal into one change setting and provides it to the requirement adjustment unit 104. It is possible to provide the user with additional functions based on multiple pieces of compatible additional network setting information.

[0054] The main feature of the second embodiment can also be expressed as follows.

[0055] There are multiple pairs of additional network setting information and basic network setting change information.

[0056] The vehicle control device (SoC, FIG. 6) includes a mode integration unit 105 (FIG. 7) that, when receiving multiple signals (mode setting signals) corresponding to additional network setting information, integrates the additional network setting information corresponding to each of the received signals and integrates basic network setting change information that forms a pair with the additional network setting information corresponding to each of the received signals (S802, FIG. 8).

[0057] The mode switching unit 101 (FIG. 7) creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information integrated by the mode integration unit 105. If the network does not satisfy the network setting request, the request adjustment unit 104 (FIG. 7) adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information integrated by the mode integration unit 105.

[0058] This reduces the processing load on the mode switching unit 101 and the request adjustment unit 104.

[0059] (Third Embodiment) <Configuration of SoC> Fig. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU) as a vehicle control device of the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the SoC (ECU) includes a mode arbitration unit in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (Fig. 1). The SoC (ECU) is connected to other SoCs (ECUs) via Eth (Ethernet port). The database, mode switching unit, mode arbitration unit, application unit, network performance determination unit, and request adjustment unit reside in MEM (memory such as RAM) and communicate with each other as necessary.

[0060] 10 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of an SoC (ECU) according to the third embodiment. A mode arbitration unit 106 is connected to a database 100 and a mode switching unit 101. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0061] <Processing Flow> Figure 11 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU core of the SoC (ECU) of the third embodiment. The mode arbitration unit 106 reads multiple mode setting signals (S1101). The mode arbitration unit 106 sequentially reads multiple pieces of additional network setting information corresponding to the mode setting signals and selects the one with priority (the one with the higher PCP in Figure 3B) (S1102). The mode arbitration unit 106 transmits the selected additional network setting information to the mode switching unit 101, and transmits information on the selected mode to the database 100 so that the request adjustment unit 104 can read the correct basic network setting change information corresponding to the mode setting signal (S1103). The processing after S1103 (S303 to S309) is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0062] (Main Configuration) The main configuration of the third embodiment is described as follows.

[0063] The mode arbitration unit 106 shown in Figure 10 selects, according to priority, multiple pieces of additional network setting information corresponding to each value of the multiple input mode setting signals and outputs preferred network setting information, and selects, according to the priority, multiple pieces of basic network setting change information corresponding to each value of the multiple input mode setting signals and outputs preferred basic network setting change information. The mode switching unit 101 outputs a network setting request based on the basic network setting information, preferred additional network setting information, and the adjusted network setting request. If the network does not satisfy the performance specified by the network setting request, the request adjustment unit 104 adjusts the network setting request based on the basic network setting information and preferred basic network setting change information and outputs an adjusted network setting request.

[0064] The mode arbitration unit 106 selects a prioritized piece of additional network setting information from the plurality of pieces of additional network setting information and provides it to the mode switching unit 101. Furthermore, during network request adjustment, the mode switching unit 101 notifies the database 100 of the selected additional network setting information so that the corresponding basic network setting change information is correctly provided to the request adjustment unit 104. Even if the system receives a plurality of incompatible mode setting signals, the mode arbitration unit 106 can select a prioritized piece of additional network setting information, thereby ensuring normal system operation.

[0065] The main feature of the third embodiment can also be expressed as follows.

[0066] There are multiple pairs of additional network setting information and basic network setting change information.

[0067] Additional network configuration information includes priority (PCP, FIG. 3B).

[0068] The vehicle control device (SoC, FIG. 9) includes a mode arbitration unit 106 (FIG. 10) that, when receiving multiple signals corresponding to additional network setting information, selects additional network setting information corresponding to each of the received signals based on priority and selects basic network setting change information that forms a pair with the selected additional network setting information. Note that the selection based on priority may, for example, select the additional network setting information with the highest priority, or may select one with a priority higher than a threshold.

[0069] The mode switching unit 101 (FIG. 10) creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information selected by the mode arbitration unit 106. If the network does not satisfy the network setting request, the request adjustment unit 104 (FIG. 10) adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information selected by the mode arbitration unit 106.

[0070] As a result, the priority included in the additional network setting information is reflected in the network setting request.

[0071] (Fourth Embodiment) <Configuration of SoC> Fig. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram of an SoC (ECU) as a vehicle control device of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12, the SoC (ECU) includes a mode management unit in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment (Fig. 1), the mode integration unit of the second embodiment (Fig. 6), and the mode arbitration unit of the third embodiment (Fig. 9). The SoC (ECU) is connected to other SoCs (ECUs) via an Eth (Ethernet port). The database, the mode switching unit, the mode arbitration unit, the application unit, the network performance determination unit, the request adjustment unit, the mode integration unit, and the mode management unit reside in a MEM (memory such as RAM) and communicate with each other as necessary.

[0072] 13 is a logical configuration diagram (data flow diagram) of the SoC (ECU) of the fourth embodiment. The mode management unit 107 is connected to the database 100, the mode integration unit 105, the mode arbitration unit 106, and the mode switching unit 101. The mode integration unit 105 and the mode arbitration unit 106 are connected to the mode switching unit 101. The other configurations are the same as those of the second and third embodiments.

[0073] <Processing Flow> Fig. 14 is a flowchart of processing executed by the CPU core of the SoC (ECU) of the fourth embodiment. The mode management unit 107 reads a mode setting signal (S1401) and determines whether the signal is a multiple signal or a single signal (S1402). If the signal is a multiple signal (S1402: Yes), the mode management unit 107 transmits the signals to the integration unit or arbitration unit based on a predetermined rule (S1403). If the signal is a single signal (S1402: No), the mode management unit 107 transmits the signal directly to the mode switching unit 101.

[0074] (Main Configuration) The main configuration of the fourth embodiment is described as follows.

[0075] When the input mode setting signal is a plurality of signals, the mode management unit 107 shown in FIG. 13 transmits those signals to the mode integration unit 105 or the mode arbitration unit 106 based on predetermined rules, and when the input mode setting signal is a single signal, it transmits that signal directly to the mode switching unit 101.

[0076] The mode management unit 107 determines whether to integrate or arbitrate multiple mode setting signals based on predefined rules, and sends the signal to the corresponding unit (mode integration unit 105 or mode arbitration unit 106). If there is a single mode setting signal, the mode management unit 107 sends the signal directly to the mode switching unit 101. When the system receives multiple mode setting signals, it can integrate or arbitrate the modes, enabling smooth mode switching.

[0077] The main feature of the fourth embodiment can also be expressed as follows.

[0078] The vehicle control device (SoC, FIG. 12) includes a mode management unit that, when receiving multiple signals corresponding to the additional network setting information, transmits the received signals to a mode integration unit or a mode arbitration unit based on a predetermined rule, and, when receiving only one signal corresponding to the additional network setting information, transmits the received signal to the mode switching unit.

[0079] This reduces the processing load on the mode switching unit 101. Note that the predetermined rule may determine the destination based on whether the number of received signals is greater than a threshold, or may determine the destination based on whether the additional network setting information includes a signal with a priority higher than a threshold.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with other configurations.

[0081] The above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be implemented in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The above-described configurations, functions, etc. may also be implemented in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as the programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in a memory, a storage device such as a hard disk or solid-state drive (SSD), or a storage medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD.

[0082] The embodiment of the present invention may be in the following form.

[0083] (1) A vehicle control device comprising: a mode switching unit that outputs a network setting request based on mode setting information, basic network setting information, additional network setting information, and an adjusted network setting request; an application unit that applies the network setting request to a network; a network performance determination unit that determines whether the network meets the performance according to the network setting request; and a request adjustment unit that, if the network does not meet the performance according to the network setting request, adjusts the network setting request based on the basic network setting information and basic network setting change information and outputs the adjusted network setting request, wherein the mode setting information is information indicating which combination of hardware and software in the network is operating; the basic network setting information is communication parameters and setting values ​​for each communication; the additional network setting information is communication parameters and setting values ​​for communication that are changed according to a combination of the operating states of multiple applications specified in the mode setting information; and the basic network setting change information is communication that can be changed in the basic network setting information and the range in which the parameters can be changed.

[0084] (2) The vehicle control device described in (1) is characterized in that the mode switching unit outputs a network setting request from basic network setting information when the input single mode setting information corresponds to basic network setting information, and outputs a network setting request from basic network setting information and additional network setting information when the input single mode setting information corresponds to additional network setting information.

[0085] (3) A vehicle control device as described in (1), characterized in that it comprises a mode integration unit that integrates multiple pieces of additional network setting information corresponding to each value of multiple input mode setting signals and outputs integrated additional network setting information, and that integrates multiple pieces of basic network setting change information corresponding to each value of multiple input mode setting signals and outputs integrated basic network setting change information, wherein the mode switching unit outputs a network setting request from the basic network setting information, the integrated additional network setting information, and the adjusted network setting request, and when the network does not meet the performance as specified in the network setting request, the adjustment unit adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the integrated basic network setting change information and outputs the adjusted network setting request.

[0086] (4) A vehicle control device as described in (1), characterized in that it comprises a mode arbitration unit that selects, according to priority, a plurality of additional network setting information corresponding to each value of a plurality of input mode setting signals and outputs preferred network setting information, and selects, according to the priority, a plurality of basic network setting change information corresponding to each value of a plurality of input mode setting signals and outputs preferred basic network setting change information, wherein the mode switching unit outputs a network setting request from the basic network setting information, the preferred additional network setting information, and the adjusted network setting request, and wherein, if the network does not satisfy the performance as requested by the network setting request, the adjustment unit adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the preferred basic network setting change information and outputs the adjusted network setting request.

[0087] (5) A vehicle control device according to (3) or (4), characterized by a mode management unit that, if the input mode setting signal is a plurality of signals, sends those signals to a mode integration unit or a mode arbitration unit based on predetermined rules, and, if the input mode setting signal is a single signal, sends that signal directly to a mode switching unit.

[0088] According to (1)-(5), by using different network files and limiting the redesigned parts by mode, redesign can be performed in a short time.

[0089] 100...database 101...mode switching unit 102...application unit 103...network performance determination unit 104...request adjustment unit 105...mode integration unit 106...mode arbitration unit 107...mode management unit

Claims

1. A vehicle control device comprising: a storage device that stores basic network setting information including multiple communication parameters in a basic mode of communication, which indicates a mode in which multiple hardware required for driving a vehicle operates within a network, and setting values ​​for each of the communication parameters; additional network setting information including communication parameters and setting values ​​for hardware to be added to the network; and basic network setting change information including at least one communication parameter of the basic network setting information that is changed in accordance with communication requirements of the hardware to be added to the network, and a change range for the communication parameter; a mode switching unit that creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information; and a request adjustment unit that adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information if the network does not satisfy the network setting request.

2. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, wherein the mode switching unit, when receiving a signal corresponding to the basic network setting information, creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information, and when receiving a signal corresponding to the additional network setting information, creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information.

3. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of pairs of the additional network setting information and the basic network setting change information, and the vehicle control device comprises a mode integration unit that, when receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to the additional network setting information, integrates the additional network setting information corresponding to each of the received signals and integrates the basic network setting change information that forms a pair with the additional network setting information corresponding to each of the received signals, the mode switching unit creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information integrated by the mode integration unit, and the request adjustment unit adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information integrated by the mode integration unit if the network does not satisfy the network setting request.

4. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of pairs of the additional network setting information and the basic network setting change information, the additional network setting information including a priority, the vehicle control device comprising: a mode arbitration unit that, when receiving a plurality of signals corresponding to the additional network setting information, selects the additional network setting information corresponding to each of the received signals based on the priority and selects the basic network setting change information that forms a pair with the selected additional network setting information, the mode switching unit creates a network setting request from the basic network setting information and the additional network setting information selected by the mode arbitration unit, and the request adjustment unit adjusts the network setting request from the basic network setting information and the basic network setting change information selected by the mode arbitration unit when the network does not satisfy the network setting request.

5. A vehicle control device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the vehicle control device comprises a mode management unit that, when multiple signals corresponding to the additional network setting information are received, sends the received signals to a mode integration unit or a mode arbitration unit based on a predetermined rule, and, when only one signal corresponding to the additional network setting information is received, sends the received signal to the mode switching unit.

6. A vehicle control device according to claim 2, wherein the signal includes operation information indicating which combination of hardware and software in the network is operating, and the additional network setting information includes communication parameters and their setting values ​​that are changed in accordance with the operation information.

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