In-Vehicle Gateway Virtual IP Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle network devices lack efficient path selection control when transferring data between different networks, particularly between Ethernet and other standards like CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and MOST, as they do not consider the unique characteristics of these networks.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle gateway device allocates a virtual IP address to non-Ethernet networks, enabling efficient path selection by using a routing map that associates destination IP addresses with output networks, allowing data transfer between Ethernet and other networks like CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and MOST without requiring extensive management information updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If address translation tables are used to translate IP addresses between networks, then data transfer between different networks is enabled, but the gateway device requires extensive management information updates when new ECUs are added or network configurations change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management information into two parts: network-level virtual IP addresses that remain stable, and ECU-level physical IP addresses that can change. This segmentation allows the gateway to maintain stable routing tables at the network level while adapting to changes at the ECU level without requiring extensive updates to management information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual IP addresses as an intermediary layer between the gateway and ECUs on non-Ethernet networks. This intermediary abstraction allows the gateway to communicate with multiple ECUs using a single stable virtual IP address, eliminating the need to update management information when individual ECUs are added, removed, or reconfigured.
2Measurement precision
If a single IP address is assigned to each ECU device, then precise device identification is achieved, but the gateway cannot efficiently route data to ECUs on different network types (Ethernet, CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MOST)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a network-level dimension to the addressing scheme by introducing virtual IP addresses that represent entire networks or network groups. This dimensional addition allows the gateway to perform hierarchical routing: first selecting the target network based on virtual IP, then identifying the specific ECU within that network using the original physical IP address, thereby simplifying path selection control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the IP addressing system universal across multiple network types by allowing virtual IP addresses to represent ECUs on non-Ethernet networks (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, MOST) alongside their physical IP addresses. This multi-functionality enables a single IP header to route data to any ECU regardless of its underlying network type, improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an in-vehicle gateway device which is capable of performing efficient path selection control when data is transferred to a different network. In an in-vehicle gateway device that performs transfer control of data between a first network and a second network, the second network has a different network form from the first network, and a virtual IP address is allocated to the second network.