In-Vehicle Relay Proxy for Scalable Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dynamic changes in the configuration of in-vehicle networks lead to an exponential increase in the number of design patterns due to variations in applications and device configurations, complicating network management.
Innovation Solution
A relay device that includes a relay unit and a proxy processing unit to manage and relay frames between networks, aggregating functional unit information and generating setting information to simplify network configuration changes, thereby reducing the number of design patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the in-vehicle network dynamically changes configuration to accommodate variations in applications and device configurations, then the adaptability of the network is improved, but the number of design patterns increases exponentially, leading to increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The relay device acts as an intermediary between the first network and the second network. It includes a proxy processing unit that represents multiple functional units in the second network when communicating with the first network, thereby mediating complex multi-device interactions through a single interface point and reducing the number of direct communication paths that need to be designed
2Ease of operation
If the relay device represents multiple functional units as a single unit to the first network, then the ease of operation is improved, but information loss occurs between the simplified view and the actual multiple units
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy processing unit serves as an intermediary that maintains detailed information about multiple functional units while presenting a simplified interface to the first network. It translates between the simplified representation needed for easy management and the detailed information required for proper communication routing and configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The relay device creates a virtual copy or representation of the multiple functional units in the second network through the proxy processing unit. This copy allows the first network to interact with a simplified single-unit interface while the actual multiple units retain their full functionality and information integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device for use in an in-vehicle network that includes a plurality of functional units, wherein the in vehicle network including a first network and a second network, the relay device includes: a relay unit configured to performs relay processing to relay frames transmitted and received between the functional units in the first network and the functional units in the second network, and frames transmitted and received between a plurality of the functional units in the second network; and a proxy processing unit configured to act as a proxy for the plurality of functional units in the second network by operating as a communication partner of the functional units in the first network in communicating information regarding setting processing for performing communication in the in-vehicle network.