In-vehicle network central control device and in-vehicle network operation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for ensuring a data transmission bandwidth and a data transfer time (low-latency) while reducing the number of physical communication lines of an in-vehicle network by applying a network slicing technology in a software defined vehicle (SDV)-based in-vehicle network.

Description

Vehicle internal network central control unit, and vehicle internal network operation method

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for applying network slicing technology in the implementation of an in-vehicle network (IVN).

[0002] The present application claims priority to Korean application No. 10-2024-0158113 filed on November 8, 2024, and the entire contents of such application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0003] As vehicles become more sophisticated, the importance of foundational technology is growing, along with enhanced road safety, the provision of driver assistance features, and improved efficiency.

[0004] In particular, as demands for improved vehicle performance and driver convenience and safety gradually increase, the internal structure of vehicles is shifting toward Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs), leading to the evolution of in-vehicle electronic control units (Electronics Control Units) and a rapid increase in their number.

[0005] These changes in the internal structure of the vehicle into SDVs have generated various forms of data within the vehicle and increased the complexity of the internal network to the level of existing internet communication networks.

[0006] However, just like general computing systems, for a system to operate smoothly and safely in a vehicle, technology is required that can lighten the vehicle while dynamically changing and implementing internal networking to maintain data transmission capabilities.

[0007] The present invention was created in consideration of the above circumstances, and the objective of the present invention is to reduce the number of physical communication lines in an in-vehicle network based on SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) by applying network slicing technology, while ensuring data transmission bandwidth and data transmission time (Low-Latency).

[0008] A central control device for a vehicle internal network that controls a vehicle internal network according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective is characterized by including a control function unit that sets a data transmission path of a vehicle internal component registered in the vehicle internal network on the data plane of the vehicle internal network in the control plane of the vehicle internal network, and virtualizes the data transmission path to generate a dedicated network slicing path separated into the vehicle internal components to transmit data of the vehicle internal components.

[0009] Specifically, the control function unit can register the vehicle internal component to the vehicle internal network by obtaining attribute information about the vehicle internal component when the authentication of the vehicle internal component is completed in accordance with a registration request from the vehicle internal component.

[0010] Specifically, the vehicle internal network includes a vehicle internal network device for transmitting data of the vehicle internal component at the Data Link Layer, and the control function unit can generate a dedicated network slicing path that reflects attribute information of the vehicle internal component in response to a network slicing request from the vehicle internal network device and the vehicle internal component.

[0011] Specifically, the vehicle internal network device may include a control plane communication channel for linkage with the vehicle internal network central control unit in the control plane of the vehicle internal network, and a data flow table for data transmission of the vehicle internal component in the data plane of the vehicle internal network.

[0012] Specifically, the control function unit can determine a group of vehicle internal components with common attributes based on attribute information of the vehicle internal components and generate a dedicated network slicing path for each vehicle internal component group.

[0013] A method for operating an in-vehicle network performed by a central control unit of an in-vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective is characterized by comprising: a session setting step of setting a data transmission path of an in-vehicle component registered in the in-vehicle network on the data plane of the in-vehicle network in the control plane of the in-vehicle network; and a slice setting step of creating a dedicated network slicing path separated into the in-vehicle components by virtualizing the data transmission path to transmit data of the in-vehicle components.

[0014] Specifically, the above method may further include a component registration step of registering the vehicle internal component to the vehicle internal network by obtaining attribute information for the vehicle internal component when the authentication of the vehicle internal component is completed in accordance with a registration request from the vehicle internal component.

[0015] Specifically, the vehicle internal network includes a vehicle internal network device for transmitting data of the vehicle internal component at the Data Link Layer, and the slice setting step can generate a dedicated network slicing path that reflects attribute information of the vehicle internal component in accordance with a network slicing request of the vehicle internal network device and the vehicle internal component.

[0016] Specifically, the slice setting step can determine a group of vehicle internal components with common attributes based on the attribute information of the vehicle internal components, and generate a dedicated network slicing path for each vehicle internal component group.

[0017] Accordingly, according to the vehicle internal network central control device and vehicle internal network operation method of the present invention, by applying network slicing technology in a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)-based vehicle internal network, the number of physical Ethernet communication cables can be reduced and data transmission bandwidth and data transmission time (Low-Latency) can be guaranteed.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram for explaining a vehicle internal network according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle internal network central control unit and a vehicle internal network unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a vehicle internal network central control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a vehicle internal network design method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIGS. 5 to 9 are flowcharts for explaining a method for operating an in-vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, a technique for dynamically controlling an in-vehicle network (IVN) is described.

[0025] Electronic devices have been used in vehicles for decades and have provided enhanced safety and entertainment.

[0026] Many of these functions were designed as independent units that did not rely on data from other systems within the vehicle, but as technology advanced and the benefits of system integration were recognized, automotive-specific networking technologies emerged.

[0027] Common network communication protocols used in vehicles include LIN (Local Interconnect Network), CAN / CAN-FD (Controller Area Network), and FlexRay.

[0028] Each solution has unique attributes and design considerations, and above all, there are limitations in meeting the requirements of vehicles evolving into SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles).

[0029] Looking further into these limitations, LIN is a cost-effective technology suitable for service devices using low data transfer speeds (<20kbps) and is simple to implement, but it is limited in its application to modern vehicles due to bandwidth constraints and the limitation of connections to 12 nodes.

[0030] CAN (and later versions such as CAN-FD) is widely used in automobiles and other safety-critical systems because it is very robust and relatively less affected by electrical interference and noise, but its limited bandwidth (typically about 2 Mbps) makes it difficult to use in certain data-intensive applications such as infotainment and cameras, and the number of nodes is limited.

[0031] The new CAN-XL standard is a technology under development to handle higher speeds, but switching directly to Ethernet is recognized as a more suitable solution.

[0032] FlexRay provides precise timing and synchronization, making it suitable for time-critical applications such as drive-by-wire, but its use is limited due to its complexity compared to other automotive networks.

[0033] In recent years, as functions such as image sensors, LiDAR modules, and control electronics are distributed across various areas of a vehicle, precise timing alignment and latency compensation are crucial for the proper operation of time-sensitive features like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

[0034] Therefore, regarding this, the existing Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet protocol is being considered for automotive applications, but since the TSN standard has not yet been integrated, compatibility issues between specific equipment may arise.

[0035] And although TSN is designed to ensure real-time communication, delays may occur when network traffic increases, and above all, since TSN must manage various traffic classes and priorities, it may be difficult for network administrators to manage it effectively.

[0036] As such, high-bandwidth and low-latency communication utilizing Ethernet technology was considered an alternative to the traditional in-vehicle network communication mentioned above; however, the CSMA / CD (carrier sense multiple access with collision detection) method of standard Ethernet, an existing Ethernet protocol, is not suitable for applications requiring sensitive time control, such as drive-by-wire.

[0037] In addition, TSN technology, which replaces it as Ethernet technology, has the problem of increased costs due to increased compatibility and complexity.

[0038] However, as vehicles evolve around the SDV market, manufacturers are trending toward switching in-vehicle networks to Ethernet-based systems due to advantages such as broadband transmission and compatibility.

[0039] Therefore, to apply Ethernet technology to in-vehicle networks, Ethernet-based in-vehicle network implementation technology is required that enables high bandwidth and low-latency communication, allows for the rapid dynamic modification and configuration of the network environment, and can reduce the number of physical communication lines.

[0040] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, as the complexity of the in-vehicle network in an SDV vehicle increases, a new method is proposed to apply network slicing technology to reduce the number of physical communication lines of the in-vehicle network while guaranteeing data transmission bandwidth and data transmission time (Low-Latency).

[0041] In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle internal network according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an in-vehicle network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration may include an in-vehicle network central controller (100; IVN-CC, In-Vehicle Network Central Controller), an in-vehicle network device (200; IVND, In-Vehicle Network Device), an in-vehicle component (300; IVC, In-Vehicle Component), and an in-vehicle service application server (400; IVSA, In-Vehicle Service Application).

[0043] In this vehicle internal network, communication between components is separated into a control plane path and a data plane path to perform its functions.

[0044] Here, the data plane of the vehicle's internal network performs the role of moving data along the physical path of the internal network or, if necessary, a virtual dedicated path.

[0045] In other words, the data plane performs the role of transmitting actual traffic in the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300), and includes the function of receiving and transmitting packets, and also transmitting them.

[0046] In addition, the control plane of the in-vehicle network performs the role of managing and controlling session and network traffic flow, and includes functions to determine the in-vehicle network topology, set routes, and apply policies.

[0047] This control plane is executed in the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) and performs the role of controlling the data plane to operate correctly by issuing commands to the vehicle internal network device (200), vehicle internal component (300), and vehicle internal service application server (400).

[0048] Thus, in a vehicle internal network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention, by separating the control plane and the data plane to configure physical and logical networks, it becomes possible to connect the vehicle internal network and transmit data using only the Data Link Layer of the OSI 7 layers without using IP.

[0049] In particular, data transmission can be transmitted through a dedicated network slicing path to guarantee transmission speed (bandwidth) and communication delay, thereby ensuring QoS for in-vehicle network communication.

[0050] For this purpose, the control message protocol can use, for example, OpenFlow or an API (Application Programming Interface) that applies a dedicated protocol customized for the vehicle.

[0051] In the vehicle internal network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention, network slicing technology is applied based on the above configuration to reduce the number of physical communication lines of the vehicle internal network while ensuring data transmission bandwidth and data transmission time (Low-Latency). Below, the configuration of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) and the vehicle internal network device (200) for realizing this will be described in more detail.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle internal network central control unit (100) and a vehicle internal network device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a vehicle internal network central control device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration including an application unit (110), a control function unit (120), and a data communication unit (130).

[0054] The application unit (110) performs the role of virtualizing and adding internal vehicle network functions, and, for example, is responsible for the function of virtualizing and adding network functions such as DHCP, firewall, and NAT to the vehicle designer and operator.

[0055] The application unit (110) can virtualize the software of the vehicle internal component (300) and, upon request from the customer and the vehicle manufacturer, can dynamically group (combine) or separate the vehicle internal component (300) or the ECU of the vehicle internal component (300) according to common attributes such as function, performance, QoS requirements for data traffic, and traffic path.

[0056] Meanwhile, in relation to the above configuration of the vehicle interior component (300), the vehicle interior service application server (400) can perform the function of providing services required by the customer and the manufacturer to the vehicle interior component (300).

[0057] The control function unit (120) performs the function of grouping or combining vehicle internal components (300) or electronic control units (ECUs) of vehicle internal components (300) based on the vehicle area to physically create authentication, session setup, and dedicated network slicing paths for high-speed Ethernet communication of vehicle internal components (300) under a single central controller.

[0058] In other words, the control function unit (120) can reduce the number of physical communication lines and guarantee the QoS of vehicle internal data traffic by controlling and managing data transmission according to individual requests of a vehicle internal component group (IVC group or ECU group) or a vehicle internal component (300) by dynamically creating a dedicated virtual path (dedicated network slicing path) to the end of a vehicle internal component (300) on a single physical Ethernet cable line.

[0059] The data communication unit (130) is responsible for data communication functions in the vehicle's internal network and may include a sub-communication unit for external communication such as OTA and V2X.

[0060] Meanwhile, the aforementioned configuration of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be divided into functional blocks including, for example, CAM (Component Access Management), CSM (Component Session Management), DPF (Data Plane Function), CAGF (Component Authentication Group Function), CIM (Component Information Management), DTU (Data Traffic Unit), VDF (Vehicle Defined Function), and NSSM (Network Slicing Service Management), as shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] Each function block transmits information requesting and acknowledging information via "Inside Control Signal," and transmits and controls information with external devices via "Outside Control Signal." The details of each function block are as follows.

[0062] The CSM manages the connection of the vehicle's internal components (300), which can be understood as functions such as component registration, DTU (Data Traffic Unit) size, QoS request information, application service authentication, and replacement management during repair.

[0063] Here, the DTU is a basic unit for transmitting data in the vehicle's internal network, used when data is transmitted at each data plane layer, and can be used primarily to process data traffic required by the vehicle's internal components (300).

[0064] The CSM manages the connection with the data network in the vehicle internal network and the sessions of the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300), which can be understood as functions such as session setup, modification, and release.

[0065] The DPF is responsible for processing and transmitting data traffic in conjunction with the vehicle internal network device (200) and the data communication unit (130), and this can be understood as a role such as the delivery of data packets, network slicing paths, and the application of QoS (Quality of Service).

[0066] For reference, in this regard, the NIC (Network Interface Card) can perform the functions of Layer 1 and Layer 2 of the DPF.

[0067] CAGF is responsible for the authentication of vehicle internal components (300) and the active grouping of vehicle internal components (300) according to common attributes (e.g., function, performance, QoS requirements, traffic path) according to the requirements of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100). This can be understood as a role that processes requests for authentication and grouping (combining) of vehicle internal components (300), and transmits and manages the authentication results and the grouping and separation results to the request block.

[0068] CIM provides a function to manage attribute information of the vehicle internal component (300), which can be understood as a role to store and manage information such as the profile, subscription information, status information, and validity period of the traffic path of the vehicle internal component (300).

[0069] VDF performs the function of adding various network features required by customers and manufacturers, and to this end, provides an API (Application Programming Interface) that enables the addition of functions necessary for the vehicle through external integration.

[0070] NSSM creates, configures, and manages a dedicated network slicing path required by the vehicle internal component (300), and this can be understood as a function that monitors the traffic information status and changes of the vehicle internal component (300) and reallocates network resources when necessary to set and manage the dedicated network slicing path.

[0071] Here, dedicated network slicing path configuration is performed at the data link layer using only MAC addresses without IP, and since path calculations based on IP are not required, it can be performed without a router.

[0072] In this regard, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) recognizes topology information of the vehicle internal component (300) as a message of the control plane and executes a command for path setting, and at this time, OpenFlow or a user-defined API protocol may be used.

[0073] For reference, [Table 1] below shows examples of signal information used for the interaction of each function block.

[0074] Signal Information Description Registration Request: Used when requesting network connection for internal vehicle components (parts and devices) Authentication Request / Response: Used for authenticating internal vehicle components Session Establishment Request: Used for establishing a session for internal vehicle components Slice Generation Request: Used when requesting the creation of a dedicated network slicing path DTU Size Request / Response: Used for authenticating the maximum data size to be used by internal vehicle components Dedicated Slice Establishment Request / Response: Used when configuring a network slicing path in the DPF DTU Session Establishment: Used for establishing a session for data transmission

[0075] Meanwhile, a vehicle internal network device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration including a control message processing unit (210) and a data transmission unit (220) as illustrated in FIG. 2 above. The control message processing unit (210) performs the function of connecting with a vehicle internal network central control unit (100) through a control plane communication channel in the control plane of the vehicle internal network.

[0076] The data transmission unit (220) performs the function of transmitting data of the vehicle internal component (300) using a data flow table in the data plane of the vehicle internal network.

[0077] Thus, the main functions (path calculation, routing) and software of the vehicle internal network are performed by the vehicle internal network central control unit (100), and the vehicle internal network device (200) is responsible for the functions of the data transmission switch and hub gateway inside the vehicle.

[0078] Such an in-vehicle network device (200) can be implemented, for example, in a COTS server or a white box switch, and can include an “IVC group I / O gateway” function for an in-vehicle component group (IVC group or ECU group) or be implemented as separate hardware.

[0079] Here, the “IVC group I / O gateway” performs the function of converting various communication methods and protocols of the grouped vehicle internal components (300) or the ECUs of the vehicle internal components (300) into Ethernet to transmit data.

[0080] The operation of each component and function in the vehicle internal network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention described above can be represented by four stages of QoS guarantee operation characteristics, such as registration of the vehicle internal component (300), session setup, dedicated network slicing path setup, and data transmission order. If there is no network slice request, the dedicated network slicing path setup process is omitted, thereby representing three stages of operation characteristics where QoS is not guaranteed.

[0081] Hereinafter, the internal configuration of a vehicle internal network central control unit (100) for realizing QoS guarantee during data transmission in a vehicle internal network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0082] The control function unit (120) is responsible for the function of registering the vehicle interior component (300).

[0083] More specifically, when the authentication of the vehicle internal component is completed in accordance with the registration request from the vehicle internal component (300), the control function unit (120) registers the vehicle internal component (300) to the vehicle internal network by obtaining attribute information for the vehicle internal component.

[0084] Looking at this from the perspective of the operation of each function block of FIG. 3, which was previously exemplified, the vehicle internal component (300) transmits a Registration Request to the CAM, and in response, the CAM performs authentication for the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the CAGF.

[0085] Next, when the authentication for the vehicle interior component (300) is completed, the CAM obtains attribute information of the vehicle interior component (300) by linking with the CIM, and then transmits Registration Accept to the vehicle interior component (300) to complete the registration procedure for the vehicle interior component (300).

[0086] Additionally, the control function unit (120) is responsible for the function of establishing a session for the vehicle interior component (300).

[0087] More specifically, the control function unit (120) sets the data transmission path of the vehicle internal component (300) on the data plane of the vehicle internal network in response to a session setting request of the vehicle internal component (300) registered in the vehicle internal network.

[0088] Looking at this from the perspective of the operation of each function block of FIG. 3, which was previously exemplified, the vehicle internal component (300) transmits a Session Establishment Request to the CAM, and in response, the CAM establishes a data transmission path (session) for the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the DPF.

[0089] Next, when the data transmission path (session) setup for the vehicle internal component (300) is completed, the CAM sends Session Establishment Accept to the vehicle internal component (300) to complete the session setup procedure for the vehicle internal component (300).

[0090] Additionally, the control function unit (120) is responsible for setting a dedicated network slicing path for the vehicle interior component (300).

[0091] More specifically, the control function unit (120) virtualizes the data transmission path of the vehicle internal component (300) in response to a network slicing request of the vehicle internal component (300) in which a data transmission path is set, and creates a dedicated network slicing path separated into the vehicle internal component (300).

[0092] At this time, the control function unit (120) can set a dedicated network slicing path for the vehicle internal component (300) that reflects attribute information (e.g., DTU size) of the vehicle internal component (300).

[0093] Looking at this from the perspective of the operation of each function block of Fig. 3, which was exemplified earlier, the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300) transmit a Slice generation Request to the NSSM, and in response, the NSSM checks the DTU size assigned to the vehicle internal component (300) from the CAM in the DTU Size Request / Response.

[0094] Next, NSSM sets a dedicated network slicing path requested by the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the DPF, and when the setting is complete, transmits Slice generation Accept to the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300) to complete the procedure for setting the dedicated network slicing path.

[0095] Meanwhile, it has been mentioned that the application unit (110) can dynamically group (combine) or separate the vehicle internal components (300) or the ECUs of the vehicle internal components (300) according to common attributes such as function, performance, QoS requirements of data traffic, and traffic path upon request from the customer and the vehicle manufacturer.

[0096] Accordingly, the control function unit (120) can, of course, generate a dedicated network slicing path for each vehicle internal component group in each area of ​​the vehicle where the vehicle internal network device (200) is placed, in the case where a vehicle internal component group of common attributes (IVC group or ECU group) is determined based on the attribute information of the vehicle internal components.

[0097] The data communication unit (130) is responsible for transmitting data of the vehicle interior components (300).

[0098] More specifically, when the data communication unit (130) completes the setup of a dedicated networking slice path for the vehicle interior component (300), it transmits data of the vehicle interior component (300) through the set dedicated networking slice path.

[0099] Looking at this from the perspective of the operation of each function block of FIG. 3, which was previously exemplified, data of the vehicle internal component (300) is transmitted via a dedicated network slicing path, and the DPF transmits (forwards) the data packet via the dedicated network slicing path at the L2 layer and applies QoS (request delay and request speed guarantee rules).

[0100] The data transmission characteristics in this DPF are applied in the same way to the vehicle internal network device (200).

[0101] At this time, since the data transmission path of the internal network is predefined by the vehicle internal network central control unit (100), there is no need for an STP algorithm to detect loops like in conventional communication methods, which reduces the CPU load of the device and prevents looping phenomena that may occur when components or wiring are incorrectly connected.

[0102] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, by removing the routing function that calculates a path from the DPF and the vehicle internal network device (200), it is possible to reduce the delay time due to path calculation in the vehicle internal network and thereby reduce data delay across the entire vehicle internal network.

[0103] To aid in understanding the explanation, Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary method of designing an internal vehicle network according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Looking at this, in the vehicle internal network design method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a design to reduce internal vehicle wiring is considered.

[0105] That is, in the past, vehicle functions were grouped by location within the vehicle, including lighting, sensors, motors, and control devices, but in one embodiment of the present invention, through data path control and management of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100), the grouping of vehicle internal components (300) connected to the IVC group I / O gateway and the vehicle internal network device (200) is performed dynamically according to SW functions or HW functions regardless of location.

[0106] The vehicle internal components (300) at each location have control signals and data transmitted to the final destination by the nearby IVC group IO gateway and the vehicle internal network device (200), and the vehicle internal network devices (200) at different locations can also be grouped by common function, so that the individual cables connecting to the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) are kept short, making it possible to design a system that minimizes complexity and weight.

[0107] The IVC group IO gateway and the vehicle internal network device (200) in each area are connected to and controlled by the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) located in the center of the vehicle. In addition to the data transmission cable for this purpose, if necessary, a separate cable for control and management can be connected so that the control and management of the device can be operated in a separate network environment even when data traffic increases.

[0108] In particular, it can also be used as an emergency recovery data cable in case of a data cable failure, and as a result, through low-latency, high-speed network slicing with a small number of Ethernet cables, communication between areas, functional groups, and as well as communication between the vehicle internal components (300) and the end of the service can be achieved without adding cables for each vehicle internal component (300), thereby reducing the amount and size of cables to be installed throughout the vehicle.

[0109] In addition, in a vehicle internal network design method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a design centered on a vehicle internal network central control unit (100) that enables modularization of vehicle internal components (300) is considered.

[0110] In other words, vehicle cables are components that are expensive and time-consuming to manufacture, and as the sophistication and saturation of cable components increase due to the adoption of new technologies accompanying the evolution toward electrification and SDVs, complexity

[0111] As it increases, the resulting increase in data and control signal requirements necessitate complex cable connections, leading to high manufacturing and installation costs.

[0112] On the other hand, an architecture centered on a central control unit (100) of a vehicle internal network according to one embodiment of the invention simplifies the complexity of cables connected to the vehicle internal components (300) through network slicing and active grouping by software function.

[0113] In addition, instead of connecting each vehicle internal component (300) with a cable that extends along the entire length of the vehicle, the vehicle internal components (300) in each zone are grouped by arranging an IVC group I / O gateway and a vehicle internal network device (200) to enable modular installation, thereby allowing the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) to control multiple vehicle internal components (300) with a single cable and transmit data using a dedicated path virtualized by network slicing.

[0114] In addition, in the vehicle internal network design method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a general-purpose hardware-based design utilizing a COTS server or a white box switch is considered.

[0115] That is, the connection between the in-vehicle network central control unit (100) implemented in the COTS server or White Box Switch, the IVC group I / O gateway, and the in-vehicle network device (200) can maintain a hardware configuration regardless of different models and vehicle types.

[0116] Additionally, the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300) can be modified by adding them to each IVC group I / O gateway in a modular manner, and the necessary software can be added and virtualized to the vehicle internal service application server (400) or the VDF of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100), or the application unit (110).

[0117] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, since it is possible to generalize the hardware to enable software-centric in-vehicle network operation, manufacturing time and resources can be significantly saved, and various vehicles currently in production can be more easily designed to be customized for customers.

[0118] In addition, in the vehicle internal network design method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a software-defined based design that is easy to update and repair is considered.

[0119] That is, the IVC group I / O gateway and the vehicle internal network device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention have a structure in which the software is separated from the hardware and the software is centralized in the vehicle internal network central control unit (100).

[0120] Accordingly, the manufacturer can separate the software of the vehicle internal components (300) and centralize or virtualize it to the VDF of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) and the vehicle internal service application server (400).

[0121] By using these software-defined functions, the vehicle internal components (300), IVC group I / O gateway, and vehicle internal network device (200) can be quickly changed and updated to add or accommodate new functions as needed.

[0122] As a result, individual vehicle internal components (300), such as sensors or motors, can be replaced or added in a plug-and-play manner in a structure centered on the vehicle internal network central control unit (100), and in addition, software can be updated remotely as a sub-communication unit capable of connecting to an external network is added to the vehicle internal network central control unit (100).

[0123] As described above, according to the configuration of the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of communication cables of the vehicle internal physical network by implementing a dedicated network slicing path in the SDV-based vehicle internal network and configuring multiple virtual dedicated networks at the level of a dedicated line from a single physical line.

[0124] Through this, vehicle manufacturers can reduce vehicle weight, thereby improving battery usage efficiency or lowering manufacturing costs. Additionally, precise network slicing bandwidth adjustment technology enables real-time switching of data from low to high capacities as needed, allowing for the efficient management of internal network resources without additional hardware, which in turn reduces vehicle maintenance costs.

[0125] Above all, by implementing low-latency data transmission technology without using complex and expensive Ethernet technologies like TSN, it is possible to implement in-vehicle communication for sensitive time control, such as drive-by-wire, at a low cost.

[0126] Hereinafter, a method for operating an in-vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0127] A method for operating an in-vehicle network according to one embodiment of the present invention is intended to realize QoS guarantee during data transmission based on a dedicated network slicing path setting, and the in-vehicle network central control unit (100) is referred to as the operating entity.

[0128] First, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) registers the vehicle internal component (300) to the vehicle internal network (S100).

[0129] At this time, when the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) completes the authentication of the vehicle internal component in response to a registration request from the vehicle internal component (300), it can register the vehicle internal component (300) in the vehicle internal network by obtaining attribute information for the vehicle internal component.

[0130] In this regard, Fig. 6 shows the above operation characteristics from the perspective of operation by function block.

[0131] That is, the vehicle internal component (300) transmits a Registration Request to the CAM, and in response, the CAM performs authentication for the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the CAGF, and subsequently, when the authentication for the vehicle internal component (300) is completed, the CAM obtains attribute information of the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the CIM and transmits a Registration Accept to the vehicle internal component (300) to complete the registration procedure for the vehicle internal component (300).

[0132] Next, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) establishes a session for the vehicle internal component (300) (S200).

[0133] At this time, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) can set the data transmission path of the vehicle internal component (300) on the data plane of the vehicle internal network in accordance with the session setting request of the vehicle internal component (300) registered in the vehicle internal network.

[0134] In this regard, Figure 7 shows the above operation characteristics from the perspective of operation by function block.

[0135] That is, the vehicle internal component (300) sends a Session Establishment Request to the CAM, and in response, the CAM establishes a data transmission path (session) for the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the DPF, and subsequently, when the establishment of the data transmission path (session) for the vehicle internal component (300) is completed, the CAM sends a Session Establishment Accept to the vehicle internal component (300) to complete the session establishment procedure for the vehicle internal component (300).

[0136] Furthermore, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) sets a dedicated network slicing path for the vehicle internal component (300) (S300).

[0137] At this time, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) can create a dedicated network slicing path separated into vehicle internal components (300) by virtualizing the data transmission path of the vehicle internal component (300) in accordance with the network slicing request of the vehicle internal component (300) in which the data transmission path is set.

[0138] In this regard, Figure 8 shows the above operation characteristics from the perspective of operation by function block.

[0139] That is, the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300) transmit a Slice generation Request to the NSSM. In response, the NSSM checks the DTU size assigned to the vehicle internal component (300) via the CAM in the DTU Size Request / Response. Subsequently, the NSSM establishes a dedicated network slicing path requested by the vehicle internal component (300) in conjunction with the DPF. When the establishment is complete, the NSSM transmits a Slice generation Accept to the vehicle internal network device (200) and the vehicle internal component (300) to finalize the procedure for establishing the dedicated network slicing path.

[0140] Meanwhile, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) can, of course, generate a dedicated network slicing path for each vehicle internal component group in each area of ​​the vehicle where the vehicle internal network device (200) is installed, in the case where a vehicle internal component group (IVC group or ECU group) of common attributes is determined based on the attribute information of the vehicle internal components.

[0141] Afterwards, the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) transmits data of the vehicle internal component (300) (S400).

[0142] At this time, when the vehicle internal network central control unit (100) completes the setting of a dedicated networking slice path for the vehicle internal component (300), it can transmit data of the vehicle internal component (300) through the set dedicated networking slice path.

[0143] In relation to this, Figure 9 shows the above operation characteristics from the perspective of operation by function block.

[0144] That is, data of the vehicle internal component (300) is transmitted via a dedicated network slicing path, and the DPF transmits (forwards) the data packet via the dedicated network slicing path at the L2 layer and applies QoS (request delay and request speed guarantee rules).

[0145] The data transmission characteristics in this DPF are applied in the same way to the vehicle internal network device (200).

[0146] At this time, since the data transmission path of the internal network is predefined by the vehicle internal network central control unit (100), there is no need for an STP algorithm to detect loops like in conventional communication methods, which reduces the CPU load of the device and prevents looping phenomena that may occur when components or wiring are incorrectly connected.

[0147] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the routing function that calculates a path from the DPF and the vehicle internal network device (200) is removed, thereby reducing the delay time due to path calculation in the vehicle internal network and reducing data delay across the entire vehicle internal network.

[0148] As described above, according to the method for operating an in-vehicle network according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of communication cables in the in-vehicle physical network by implementing a dedicated network slicing path in an SDV-based in-vehicle network to configure multiple virtual dedicated networks at the level of a dedicated line from a single physical line.

[0149] Through this, vehicle manufacturers can reduce vehicle weight, thereby improving battery usage efficiency or lowering manufacturing costs. Additionally, precise network slicing bandwidth adjustment technology enables real-time switching of data from low to high capacities as needed, allowing for the efficient management of internal network resources without additional hardware, which in turn reduces vehicle maintenance costs.

[0150] Above all, by implementing low-latency data transmission technology without using complex and expensive Ethernet technologies like TSN, it is possible to implement in-vehicle communication for sensitive time control, such as drive-by-wire, at a low cost.

[0151] Meanwhile, an operation method according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0152] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical concept of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications or alterations are possible by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. In a vehicle internal network central control device that controls a vehicle internal network, A central control device for a vehicle internal network, characterized by including a control function unit that sets a data transmission path of a vehicle internal component registered in the vehicle internal network on the data plane of the vehicle internal network in the control plane of the vehicle internal network, and generates a dedicated network slicing path separated into the vehicle internal components by virtualizing the data transmission path to transmit data of the vehicle internal components.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above control function unit is, A vehicle internal network central control device characterized by registering the vehicle internal component to the vehicle internal network by obtaining attribute information for the vehicle internal component when the authentication of the vehicle internal component is completed in accordance with a registration request from the vehicle internal component.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above vehicle internal network is, It includes an in-vehicle network device for transmitting data of the in-vehicle component at the data link layer, The above control function unit is, A vehicle internal network central control device characterized by generating a dedicated network slicing path that reflects attribute information of the vehicle internal component in response to a network slicing request from the vehicle internal network device and the vehicle internal component.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above vehicle internal network device is, A control plane communication channel for linkage with the vehicle internal network central control unit in the control plane of the vehicle internal network, and A vehicle internal network central control device characterized by including a data flow table for data transmission of the vehicle internal component in the data plane of the vehicle internal network.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above control function unit is, A central control device for an internal vehicle network characterized by determining a group of internal vehicle components with common attributes based on attribute information of the internal vehicle components and generating a dedicated network slicing path for each internal vehicle component group.

6. A method for operating an in-vehicle network performed by a central control unit of the in-vehicle network, wherein A session setting step of setting a data transmission path of a vehicle internal component registered in the vehicle internal network in the control plane of the vehicle internal network in the data plane of the vehicle internal network; and A method for operating an in-vehicle network characterized by including a slice setting step of virtualizing the data transmission path to create a dedicated network slicing path separated into the in-vehicle components to transmit data of the in-vehicle components.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above method is, A method for operating a vehicle internal network, characterized by further including a component registration step of registering the vehicle internal component to the vehicle internal network by obtaining attribute information for the vehicle internal component when the authentication of the vehicle internal component is completed in accordance with a registration request from the vehicle internal component.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above vehicle internal network is, It includes an in-vehicle network device for transmitting data of the in-vehicle component at the data link layer, The above slice setting step is, A method for operating an in-vehicle network characterized by generating a dedicated network slicing path that reflects attribute information of the in-vehicle component in accordance with a network slicing request of the in-vehicle network device and the in-vehicle component.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above slice setting step is, A method for operating an internal vehicle network characterized by determining a group of internal vehicle components with common attributes based on attribute information of the internal vehicle components and generating a dedicated network slicing path for each internal vehicle component group.

10. A computer program stored on a recording medium in combination with hardware to execute each step of any one of claims 6 through 9.

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