JP2011205777A - Vehicle network system for formation of vehicle and vehicle network controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle network system and a vehicle network controller by which vehicle formation information can be obtained in an optional vehicle while shortening time required for generation of vehicle formation information through the effective use of a band by reducing a burden in network management.SOLUTION: The vehicle network controller includes a first communication means which performs transmission and reception of information with the vehicle network controller of an adjacent vehicle on one end side of each vehicle, a second communication means which performs transmission and reception of information with the vehicle network controller of an adjacent vehicle on the other end side of each vehicle, and a vehicle information acquiring/accumulating means which accumulates its own vehicle information on a vehicle on which itself is loaded and adjacent vehicle information on an adjacent vehicle acquired via the communication means from the vehicle network controller loaded on the adjacent vehicle, as information on a vehicle adjacent to itself. The vehicle network system monitors and controls the terminal device loaded on each vehicle, based on the vehicle information on all vehicles of vehicle formation obtained from the information on the vehicle adjacent to itself.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle network system that is used in vehicle composition including a plurality of vehicles, and a vehicle network control device that constitutes the vehicle network system.

  In order to organically operate various devices mounted on each vehicle constituting a vehicle organization, a vehicle network system is required to connect these devices to each other for monitoring and control. A vehicle network control device is required to control the flow of information on the network of this vehicle network system. It has been standardized as a network technology for collecting, monitoring, and controlling vehicle-related information (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle information”) such as the status and driving status of various devices installed in each vehicle, and is widely used in the world. The local area network, that is, the LAN technology, is often used.

  Examples of the LAN method include a star type, a bus type, or a hybrid type of a star type, a bus type, and a ring type. For example, in the formation of a railway vehicle in which vehicles are connected in series, a bus system is considered desirable from the viewpoint of simplification of wiring constituting the LAN. As a bus structure, a bus structure such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) bus, a GP-IB bus, an RS232C bus, an S100 bus, a VL bus, an ISA bus, an EISA bus, a PCI bus, or a Centronics bus is a candidate. As the transmission medium constituting the bus structure, an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, a twisted pair wire, or the like can be used.

  Token Ring (IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)) is a communication protocol for railway vehicle information transmission systems that can obtain a sufficient response speed even when the number of connected terminals increases in the LAN system described above. There is known a railway vehicle transmission system in which data transmission is performed using the 802.5 committee) (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Token ring has the advantage that congestion does not occur because the sender that obtained the token occupies the network, but the overhead of data transmission on the network such as completion of operation by returning data to the sender However, in applications with a large amount of information such as camera data, bandwidth has become insufficient. In order to send camera data, it may be possible to prepare a coaxial line in addition to the LAN cable. However, in addition to the cost burden of the coaxial line, there is a problem that the weight of the wire increases, so that the weight of the vehicle is aimed at. It will be retrograde. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the above problems when examining the network configuration of the vehicle network system.

  Next, in the vehicle network system, vehicle organization information is important in order to specify various devices mounted on each vehicle. A train that travels on a track as an example of a vehicle organization composed of a plurality of vehicles is equipped with a monitoring device that monitors the state of the entire train, and the monitoring control in which the status of each vehicle constituting the train is arranged in the leading vehicle, etc. Centralized monitoring is performed by the device. For example, a monitoring control device is installed in the leading vehicle at both ends, and a monitoring terminal device that sends information to the monitoring control device is installed in each intermediate vehicle. The status of each vehicle is displayed on a display device connected to the vehicle.

  This monitoring device detects whether or not the door is normally closed by a monitoring terminal mounted on each vehicle, collects the information to the monitoring control device of the leading vehicle through the network, and collects this information on the monitor display device. It is displayed on the display screen.

  In order to centrally monitor the situation of each vehicle with such a device, it is possible to recognize in what order (arrangement order) the plurality of vehicles forming the train are connected, that is, vehicle organization Information is extremely important. That is, even if information with the vehicle number of the vehicle is transferred from each vehicle, it is necessary to recognize which vehicle the vehicle with the vehicle number corresponds to in the actual train.

  Conventionally, as a mechanism for recognizing vehicle formation, devices such as a monitoring control device and a monitoring terminal are cascade-connected sequentially to a network, and monitoring terminals in the middle of the network open and close the network cables sequentially by a relay circuit. Some devices recognized the order of monitoring terminals.

  In addition, there is a type in which a digital switch for number setting is provided in a monitoring terminal installed in each vehicle, and the digital switch of each vehicle is manually set in advance to a number that matches the actual vehicle arrangement order.

  Furthermore, the direction information of the vehicles arranged side by side is provided with, for example, a “direction switch” in the monitoring control device and the monitoring terminal, and when the connection direction of the vehicle is changed, the setting of this switch is changed manually. The monitoring and control device has also recognized that the connection direction has changed.

  Here, in the case of manually setting the vehicle arrangement order and the vehicle connection direction, the number of work steps for manually setting the switches is increased, and there is a possibility that an artificial setting error occurs. Furthermore, when the monitoring terminal is switched to a new one due to a failure, or when the vehicle itself is switched to another one, there is a problem that each switch must be set again to an appropriate value.

  As an example of a vehicle network control apparatus for solving the above-described problem, a vehicle composition recognition apparatus in which a communication line for information communication used in a vehicle network system and a lead-in signal line are separated is reported (for example, , See Patent Document 2). In this configuration, the arrangement number is sequentially acquired in such a manner that the monitor terminal of each vehicle responds to an inquiry from the monitor control device mounted on the leading vehicle. Specifically, a vehicle number setting start command is transmitted through a communication line from a monitor control device arranged in the leading vehicle or the like. Each monitor terminal own terminal has a relay part that does not relay between one end that means one end of the vehicle and two ends that mean the other end of the vehicle in order to identify both ends of the vehicle Set to state. In this state, the monitor control device sends a confirmation signal to the lead-through line. The monitor terminal that has received the confirmation signal for the first time sends out a predetermined array number assignment request via the communication line. Initially, only the monitor terminal mounted on the leading vehicle receives the confirmation signal and sends out an array number assignment request. Each time the monitor control device receives an array number assignment request from the monitor terminal, the monitor control device sequentially changes the number and transmits it through the communication line. The monitor terminal that has received the array number switches to a relay state in which data transfer between the first end side and the second end side is possible. In this way, the order of vehicles is recognized by sequentially switching the relay state of the lead-through line.

  In this method, the vehicle information of all vehicles can be viewed only from the head vehicle where the monitoring control device is placed, and the problem of lack of flexibility in acquiring vehicle information in the intermediate vehicle required for vehicle maintenance management There is a point. Furthermore, in the conventional network configuration, there is a problem that the network management overhead is large in order to manage the network as a whole, and the network bandwidth realized in the physical layer cannot be used effectively.

JP-A-8-228403 JP 2000-302039 A

  The information transmission system for railway vehicles in Patent Document 1 automatically reconfigures the vehicle organization network when various vehicle organization changes are made during commercial operation (merging or dividing of the organization vehicles). Passing is used, so if there is a change in vehicle composition, the node management table with the address reset so that the node address does not overlap is transferred sequentially between the vehicles, and the node management table is redistributed to each vehicle across the entire network. There is a need to. In addition, since the transmission right is given by the token, it is necessary to manage the token in the entire network, and there is a problem that the management burden of the network is large.

  In addition, the vehicle formation identification device of Patent Document 2 automatically generates vehicle formation information. However, the communication line for information communication and the lead-in signal line are set as separate systems to respond to sequential inquiries from the head vehicle. (Polling method), the system configuration is complicated and vehicle composition information can be generated only for a predetermined vehicle such as the leading vehicle, and information is acquired in the intermediate vehicle and in-vehicle device for maintenance management. There is a problem that it is difficult to meet the control requirements.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described conventional situation, the present invention effectively uses the bandwidth secured in the physical layer by reducing the burden of network management for information transmission, and reduces the time required for generating vehicle formation information in any vehicle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle network system and a vehicle network control device that can obtain vehicle formation information.

  The vehicle network system according to claim 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices and a vehicle network control device to which the plurality of terminal devices are connected, which are mounted on each vehicle of a vehicle organization composed of a plurality of vehicles. A vehicle network system for controlling a network for the vehicle network control device to monitor and control the terminal device, wherein the vehicle network control device controls a vehicle network of an adjacent vehicle on one predetermined end side of each vehicle. A second communication unit that transmits and receives information between a first communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from a device and a vehicle network control unit of a vehicle adjacent to two predetermined ends of each vehicle. Communication means, the own vehicle information of the vehicle on which it is mounted, and the vehicle network control device mounted on the adjacent vehicle. Vehicle information acquisition and storage means for storing the adjacent vehicle information of the adjacent vehicle acquired through the vehicle as own adjacent vehicle information, and based on the vehicle information of all vehicles of the vehicle formation obtained from the own adjacent vehicle information The terminal device mounted on each vehicle is monitored and controlled. Here, the vehicle network system includes a plurality of terminal devices such as a door and an air conditioner mounted on each vehicle constituting the vehicle organization and a vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle to which these terminal devices are connected. It covers the entire vehicle organization.

  According to the vehicle network control device described in claim 1, the host vehicle information related to the host vehicle including the device information acquired from the plurality of terminal devices connected to the host vehicle and the first communication unit or the second communication unit. Since the adjacent vehicle information related to the adjacent vehicle acquired from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle is stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means as own adjacent vehicle information, the vehicle information acquisition and storage means of each vehicle includes The vehicle information for three cars (two cars in the case of an end vehicle) is stored as the own vehicle information, including the own vehicle information and the adjacent vehicle information of both adjacent vehicles. Further, a vehicle representing an arrangement state of vehicles by collecting and organizing information on own vehicles for three vehicles (two vehicles in the case of an end vehicle) accumulated in the vehicle information acquisition and accumulation means of neighboring vehicles. Organization information can be generated. Here, since the vehicle information for the three cars is clearly discriminated from the one end side and the two end sides, the arrangement of the vehicles in the three-car train is clear. For example, if the entire vehicle organization is an array of vehicles such as i, b, c, d, h, the vehicle a is vehicle i, b, vehicle b is vehicle i, b, c, v Vehicles B, C, D, Vehicle D have information on vehicles adjacent to the vehicles D, E, and Vehicle E. Then, the vehicle C acquires its own adjacent vehicle information relating to the vehicles A, B, C from the adjacent vehicle B, and acquires its own adjacent vehicle relating to the vehicles C, D, E from the vehicle D. By acquiring the own adjacent vehicle information from the adjacent vehicles at both ends in this way, it can be seen that the vehicle organization is i, b, c, d, e based on the own vehicle information of the own vehicle and the adjacent vehicle. The network system can specify and monitor and control a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle based on own vehicle information of all vehicles. In addition, since the adjacent vehicle information includes vehicle information for three vehicles in the intermediate vehicle other than the leading vehicle, the vehicle network system collects information on the adjacent vehicle information every three vehicles, thereby speeding up information collection. Can be planned. Further, when it is desired to collect information on some vehicles in order to know the arrangement of the vehicles, the adjacent vehicle information of even-numbered vehicles may be collected from the head vehicle.

  The vehicle network control device according to claim 2 comprises a vehicle network system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle of a vehicle organization composed of a plurality of vehicles together with the plurality of terminal devices. A vehicle network control device for controlling a network of the vehicle network system, wherein the vehicle network control device performs transmission and reception of information with a vehicle network control device of an adjacent vehicle on one predetermined end side of each vehicle. Second communication means for transmitting and receiving information between the communication means and the vehicle network control device for the adjacent vehicle at the two predetermined ends of each vehicle, and own vehicle information of the vehicle on which the vehicle is mounted And the adjacent vehicle information of the adjacent vehicle acquired from the vehicle network control device mounted on the adjacent vehicle via the communication means. Vehicle information acquisition and storage means for storing as a vehicle network system for monitoring and controlling the terminal device mounted on each vehicle based on vehicle information of all vehicles in the vehicle organization obtained from the own adjacent vehicle information It is characterized by controlling the network.

  According to the vehicle network control device described in claim 2, a vehicle network system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle of a vehicle organization composed of a plurality of vehicles together with the plurality of terminal devices. A vehicle network control device configured to control a network of the vehicle network system, wherein information is transmitted to and received from a vehicle network control device of an adjacent vehicle on one predetermined end side of each vehicle. 1 communication means and a second communication means for transmitting and receiving information between the vehicle network control devices of adjacent vehicles at two predetermined ends of each vehicle, and the vehicle on which the vehicle is mounted. The vehicle information and the adjacent vehicle information of the adjacent vehicle acquired from the vehicle network control device mounted on the adjacent vehicle via the communication means are self-adjacent. Vehicle information acquisition and storage means for storing both of the information, and a vehicle network for monitoring and controlling the terminal device mounted on each vehicle based on vehicle information of all vehicles in the vehicle organization obtained from the own adjacent vehicle information Since the network of the system is controlled, the vehicle network system covering the entire vehicle organization operates based on the vehicle information accumulated by the parallel processing and the distributed processing by the vehicle network control device provided in each vehicle.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the vehicle network control device according to the second aspect, further comprising third communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the vehicle network control device of each vehicle, Vehicle information acquisition and storage means communicates with the vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle via the third communication means, and acquires the adjacent vehicle information of the vehicle from the vehicle network control device. The vehicle information acquisition and storage means, and the connection relation of the vehicles constituting the vehicle composition by determining the arrangement order of the vehicles so that the stored adjacent vehicle information from the vehicles is consistent with each other Is generated based on the vehicle composition information and the vehicle adjacent information stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means of the vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle. Serial is characterized by controlling the network of a vehicle network system for controlling monitor terminal device mounted on each vehicle.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the vehicle network control device described in claim 1 includes third communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the vehicle network control device of each vehicle. Each vehicle so that its own adjacent vehicle information of the vehicle is acquired from each vehicle and stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means, and the stored adjacent vehicle information from each vehicle is consistent with each other. By determining the arrangement order of the vehicles, the vehicle organization information representing the connection relationship of the vehicles constituting the vehicle organization is generated, so that the mutual relationship among all vehicles in the organization can be grasped. And the terminal device mounted in each said vehicle is supervised and controlled based on this vehicle organization information. Here, through the third communication means, the vehicle network control device of each vehicle exchanges vehicle information with the vehicle network control device of another vehicle beyond the adjacent vehicle. As a result, in each vehicle, the vehicle information of all the vehicles is accumulated in the vehicle information accumulation means of each vehicle. In the collected vehicle information of each adjacent vehicle, information for two or three vehicles is integrated, and includes the alignment information. For example, assuming that the vehicles are arranged in the order of i, b, c, d, h, vehicle c obtains the arrangement information of i, b, c or c, b, b from vehicle b, and has its own When the arrangement information such as B, C, D or D, C, and B is combined, it can be easily understood that the arrangement order is A, B, C, D, C, D, B, B. Further, by combining the information from the vehicle D, it can be easily understood that the arrangement of the vehicles is in the order of i, ro, ha, ni, ho or ho, ni, ha, ro, i. Therefore, the vehicle organization information can be easily generated in the communication range of the third communication means by arranging the arrangement information without contradiction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle network control device according to the second or third aspect transmits information in communication with the vehicle network control device of another vehicle via the communication means. It is characterized by transmitting additional information identifying communication means to be used, and performing predetermined processing according to the additional information included in the received information when receiving the information. The additional information may be included in the main information, or may be additional information put in a packet different from the main information when packetizing the information as main data. When the packet is divided into main and sub, the received main information is discriminated as additional information, and the subsequent processing is performed.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, as the additional information, for example, the code A is added to the information transmitted from the first communication means at one end of the vehicle, and the second communication means at the two ends of the vehicle. When the code C is added to the information transmitted from the information, when the information is received, the information to which the code A is added is processed for the code A, and the information to which the code C is added is The process prepared for the code C is performed. As an example of this processing, when the transmission and reception codes are the same, information is received and the subsequent processing is performed, but when the codes are different, the information may be discarded. In addition, if it is determined that the code A is added to the information transmitted from the first communication means and the code C is added to the information transmitted from the second communication means at the initial setting or reset of the processing process, the initial setting is performed. Or the kind of edge part of the adjacent vehicle which adjoins each edge part of the own vehicle can be known by examining the code | symbol received after the processing process reset.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle network control device according to the fourth aspect, additional information added to transmission information from the first communication unit and the second communication unit, and the first The difference information related to the additional information between the communication means on the first end side and the second end side by discriminating the difference between the additional information added to the information received by the second communication means and the information received by the second communication means Based on the difference information, discriminates the relationship between the direction of the own vehicle and the adjacent vehicle, generates vehicle direction information, and stores it in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means as own adjacent vehicle information including the vehicle direction information. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the additional information added to the transmission information from the first communication unit and the second communication unit, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are Distinguishing the difference between the additional information added to the information to be received, generating the difference information related to the additional information between the communication means on the first end side and the second end side, and based on the difference information Since the vehicle orientation information is generated by discriminating the relationship between the orientation of the host vehicle and the adjacent vehicle and stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means as the own vehicle information including the vehicle orientation information, In addition to the lineup, the orientation of each vehicle is included. Then, the monitoring control of the terminal device whose operation target is determined by the direction of the vehicle like the doors on both sides of the vehicle can be accurately performed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle network control device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a communication means switching device having a plurality of the communication means and a determination control unit that performs processing relating to additional information of the communication means. Provided, when the difference information indicates the same additional information, obtains the own adjacent vehicle information from a vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle, and when the difference information indicates a difference in additional information, the determination control unit The additional information is made different in the vehicle based on a predetermined rule, and is reset so as to be the same with the communication means of the adjacent vehicle, and the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle Neighboring vehicle information is acquired. The above communication means switching device can be realized by, for example, a commercially available L2 switch. The L2 switch rewrites the contents of the forwarding database (FDB) that determines the transfer destination of data between ports based on the signal from its control terminal, and each port of the switch (corresponding to a part of communication means) Control the transfer path between them.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the additional information is made different in the same vehicle so that the information on the first end side and the second end side of each vehicle does not interfere with each other. Further, in the relationship with the adjacent vehicle, when the information exchange with the same additional information is set to be permitted, the additional information of the communication means of the adjacent vehicle is controlled to be the same. In the initial setting, since the additional information on the first end side and the second end side are set different from each other, the type of the end portion of the adjacent vehicle can be determined by examining the received additional information. Here, the determination control unit may be constituted by a CPU and a memory, or may be an LSI. Control of information exchange via the network can be performed in each layer of the OSI reference model, which is a standard network architecture model in which the communication model is modeled in seven layers. The L2 switch controls data transfer in the data link layer of the second layer above the physical layer which is the first layer.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle network control device according to the sixth aspect, with respect to the resetting of the additional information, one vehicle in the vehicle organization is selected by a predetermined method as the main vehicle. A vehicle other than the vehicle that is the vehicle is set as a slave vehicle, and the additional information is changed in each slave vehicle in order from the adjacent vehicle of the vehicle that is the master vehicle, and the communication means of the adjacent vehicle in each slave vehicle It is reset so that it may become the same, and the said adjacent vehicle information is acquired from the vehicle network control apparatus of the said adjacent vehicle of each said vehicle, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Here, the main vehicle usually selects the first or last vehicle in the train formation and sequentially resets it.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, in the vehicle network control device according to claim 6, for the resetting of the additional information, one vehicle of the vehicle organization is selected by a predetermined method as a main vehicle, A vehicle other than the vehicle that becomes the master vehicle is set as a slave vehicle, and additional information is made different in each slave vehicle in order from the adjacent vehicle of the vehicle that becomes the master vehicle, and communication means of the adjacent vehicle in each slave vehicle Between the vehicle and the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle of each vehicle to obtain the own adjacent vehicle information, so that there is no duplication of additional information in the vehicle, In the relationship, the additional information can be easily reset so that the additional information is the same.

  The invention described in claim 8 is the vehicle network control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the monitoring / control device that displays the vehicle organization information and inputs the control information to each vehicle. The vehicle information acquisition and accumulation of the host vehicle based on the control information input through the monitoring / control device connected to the monitoring / control device connection unit. The information accumulated in the means and the information accumulated in the vehicle information acquisition and accumulation means of the other vehicle are displayed, and information for controlling the terminal devices mounted on the host vehicle and the other vehicle is output. It is characterized by that.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle has the monitoring / control device connecting portion, the monitoring / control device (monitor, etc.) is connected to each vehicle. In each vehicle, the status of all the vehicles can be monitored and necessary control information can be sent.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the vehicle network control apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the network address that connects between the in-composition network that covers the entire vehicle composition and the in-vehicle network that covers the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle network control device obtains a vehicle identification code from a vehicle identification code setting unit having a vehicle identification code consisting of letters or numbers or letters and numbers different for each vehicle, and based on the vehicle identification code. And generating an internet protocol (IP) address for the in-composition network, assigning the generated in-composition network IP address to a plurality of the communication means and the network address conversion device, and connecting each of the connected to the vehicle network Predetermined for each terminal device of a plurality of terminal devices mounted on the vehicle It is characterized by setting a conversion table for mutually converting the IP address and the IP address for a given the intra-network through the network address translation device. The vehicle network system can be roughly divided into a portion covering the entire vehicle formation and a portion covering each vehicle. At that time, the IP address used in the vehicle can be made common in the terminal device of each vehicle, assuming that it does not flow out of the vehicle. By generating this common IP address based on a vehicle identification code unique to each vehicle, each terminal device of each vehicle can be uniquely determined in the entire vehicle organization.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the IP address of the terminal device assigned a common IP address in each vehicle is unique and can be used in the network within the organization via the network address translation device. It is converted to a non-IP address and distributed through the network within the organization. In addition, when data is sent to a specific terminal device from the outside of the vehicle on which the terminal device is mounted through the formation network, an IP address unique to the terminal device is used, and the IP address is determined by the network address conversion device in the vehicle. It is converted into an IP address unique to the terminal device common to each vehicle.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, the vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle is adjacent to three vehicles for the intermediate vehicle and two vehicles for the end vehicle stored in the vehicle information storage means of each vehicle. Vehicle formation information representing the arrangement state of the vehicles can be generated based on the vehicle information. Here, since the vehicle information for the three cars is clearly discriminated from the one end side and the two end sides, the arrangement of the vehicles in the three-car train is clear. Furthermore, since vehicle composition information can be easily generated by comparing vehicle information collected from each vehicle and the position of the vehicle in the vehicle composition can be grasped, the vehicle network system according to the present invention can Special wiring for collecting formation information is not required, network construction can be simplified, and processing is performed in each vehicle in a distributed manner. Therefore, it is necessary to generate vehicle formation information as compared with the polling method. Time can be shortened. In addition, since the network configuration is distributed, management of the entire network is unnecessary, so that the burden of network management can be greatly reduced and the network bandwidth can be used effectively.

  In the invention described in claim 2, since the vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle collects adjacent vehicle information, information necessary for the vehicle network system is collected in a distributed manner. High speed can be achieved. In addition, the monitoring control of the terminal device of each vehicle can be easily performed based on the vehicle information of all vehicles in the vehicle formation obtained from the own adjacent vehicle information accumulated in the vehicle information acquisition and accumulation means.

  In the invention described in claim 3, the vehicle network control device for each vehicle obtains its own adjacent vehicle information of all vehicles, and arranges them so as not to be contradictory, thereby easily including all vehicles. Information can be generated. By obtaining the vehicle arrangement information, it is possible to accurately control the terminal device mounted on each vehicle.

  In the invention described in claim 4, in the communication with the vehicle network control device of another vehicle via the communication means, the information including the additional information for identifying the communication means used when transmitting the information is transmitted, and the information Since the predetermined processing is performed according to the additional information included in the received information when receiving the vehicle, it is possible to receive the additional information as to which one of the adjacent vehicles is connected to the host vehicle. Can be identified.

  In the invention described in claim 5, the additional information added to the transmission information from the first communication means and the second communication means, and the first communication means and the second communication means receive the information. Distinguishing the difference between the additional information added to the information, generating the difference information related to the additional information between the communication means on the first end side and the second end side, and based on the difference information, the own vehicle The vehicle information acquisition and storage means stores the direction information between the vehicle information acquisition storage means and the vehicle information acquisition and storage means. The arrangement information of vehicles including is accumulated. Therefore, by collecting the adjacent vehicle information of all the vehicles and arranging them without contradiction, the vehicle organization information including the direction of the vehicle can be easily obtained.

  The vehicle network control device according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle network control device includes a communication means switching device having a plurality of the communication means and a determination control unit that performs processing related to additional information of the communication means, and the difference information Indicates that the additional information is the same, the own adjacent vehicle information is acquired from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle, and when the difference information indicates a difference in the additional information, the determination control unit is predetermined. Based on the rules, the additional information is changed in the vehicle and reset so as to be the same between the communication means of the adjacent vehicles, and the own adjacent vehicle information is obtained from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicles. Since it is characterized by the acquisition, it is possible to exchange information with adjacent vehicles without causing interference of information within the vehicle. According to the configuration of the present invention, vehicle composition information can be generated even in a configuration using an L2 switch which is a commercially available communication means switching device.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, regarding the resetting of the additional information, one vehicle in the vehicle organization is selected by a predetermined method as a master vehicle, and a vehicle other than the vehicle that has become the master vehicle is a slave vehicle. In addition, in order from the adjacent vehicle of the vehicle that became the main vehicle, the additional information is made different in the slave vehicle, and is reset to be the same with the communication means of the adjacent vehicle of each vehicle, Since it is characterized in that the own adjacent vehicle information is acquired from a vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle of the vehicle, it is possible to easily obtain vehicle composition information efficiently in a configuration using a commercial product such as an L2 switch. it can.

  In the invention described in claim 8, the vehicle network control device of each vehicle has a monitoring / control device connecting portion, and the monitoring / control device is connected to the vehicle / network control device and stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means. Since it is possible to display information and to output information for controlling the terminal devices mounted on the host vehicle and other vehicles, the device mounted on any vehicle from any vehicle in the vehicle organization Can be monitored and controlled.

  The vehicle network control device according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle network control device has a predetermined common IP address for each terminal device of a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle connected to the vehicle network and the predetermined organization. Since the conversion table for mutual conversion with the IP address for the internal network is set in the network address conversion device, the monitoring and control of the terminal devices of a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle is performed on the network control device of the other vehicle Since the IP address of the terminal device mounted on each vehicle is common, there is an advantage that manufacturing management and maintenance management at the time of device replacement are facilitated. Further, since an IP address used in the formation network is also given to each terminal device, information on an arbitrary terminal device can be monitored and control information can be sent from an arbitrary vehicle in the vehicle formation.

It is a figure explaining the vehicle network control apparatus (CNC [Car Network Controller]) and terminal device of each vehicle which comprise a vehicle network system. It is a block diagram of the vehicle network control apparatus of 1st Example. It is a block diagram of the vehicle network control apparatus of 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing of the process in a vehicle network control apparatus. It is a figure explaining the process which produces | generates an IP address from a vehicle identification code and provides to an apparatus. It is a figure explaining an example of the IP address provided in each vehicle. It is a figure which shows the information exchangeable range by the connection condition between vehicles and additional information of this invention. It is a figure explaining the process which produces | generates vehicle organization information based on the information from each vehicle. It is a figure explaining the mode of the additional information (A and C) at the time of independent and 2 both organization. It is a figure explaining a mode that A and C are set without contradiction from the both ends at the time of 5-car organization. It is a figure explaining a mode that the additional information of A and C from both ends at the time of 5-car organization collides, and resetting is performed. It is a figure explaining the mode of the additional information (A and C) when there are a master vehicle (master) and a slave vehicle (slave) in a five-car train. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a monitoring and control apparatus.

  A vehicle network system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The vehicle network system includes a plurality of terminal devices (doors, motors, air conditioners, etc.) mounted on each vehicle of a plurality of vehicles (1 to 5) as shown in FIG. It is composed of CNC (Car Network Controller)). Here, in order to identify both ends of the vehicle, the ends of each vehicle are named in advance as one end and two ends. In FIG. 1, an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E1 (6) is provided as a communication means at one end of the vehicle, and an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E2 (7) is provided at two ends of the vehicle. The network control device of each vehicle is connected to each other via an adjacent vehicle adjacent to each end of the vehicle via E1 and E2, and acquires information from the counterpart device. The network control device of each vehicle is provided with vehicle information acquisition and storage means (not shown), and the own vehicle information of the own vehicle and the adjacent vehicle information acquired from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle are stored as own adjacent vehicle information. ing.

  The vehicle network system uses the information stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means of the vehicle network control device of each vehicle constituting the vehicle, and monitors and controls the terminal devices mounted on the vehicles constituting the vehicle network system. Specifically, in the vehicle i, when it is desired to know the vehicle information of all the vehicles constituting the vehicle organization, the vehicle i already has the information of the vehicle a and the vehicle b. If vehicle information relating to vehicles C, D, and E) is acquired, vehicle information about all vehicles A to E can be obtained. In the present invention, since acquisition of information is performed in a distributed manner, there is no need to acquire information from all the vehicles in order from the leading vehicle as in the prior art.

  Next, a configuration of a vehicle network control apparatus that configures the vehicle network system and controls the network of the vehicle network system will be described. FIG. 2 shows a vehicle network control device 20 and a signal determination unit (CPU) 21 that performs various processes such as signal determination included therein, a memory 29 that stores necessary data, and encoding / setting of A setting that is additional information. Decoding section 22, encoding / decoding section 23 for C setting as additional information, encoding / decoding section 24 for B setting as additional information, demultiplexing hub 25 on one end side, multiplexing on second end side A demultiplexing hub 26 and a demultiplexing hub 28 to which a plurality of terminal devices are connected are described. In this case, the additional information A is added to the adjacent vehicle on one end side of the vehicle, the additional information C is added to the adjacent vehicle on the second end side of the vehicle, and the additional information B is added to target all vehicles constituting the vehicle formation. It is a thing. The memory 29 means information storage means such as a storage device such as a dynamic memory, a static memory, or a hard disk. Further, the signal determination unit 21 is provided with connection means for connecting a vehicle identification code setting unit 305 and a monitor 291 placed outside the network control device. Here, the A setting and the C setting are for controlling the connection with the adjacent vehicle, and are attached to the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface which becomes the port of the hub, and in the data transmitted from the port to the outside. The path through which the data flows is controlled based on the code.

  The signal determination unit 21 is connected to the terminal device through the IP address conversion unit 27 and the multiplexing / demultiplexing hub 28, and can collect information from the terminal device and give a control command to the terminal device. An IP address conversion table, which will be described later, used in the IP address conversion unit 27 is generated by the signal determination unit 21 based on the vehicle identification code from the vehicle identification code setting unit connected to the signal determination unit 21, and the IP address conversion unit 27. Is set to Device information collected from the terminal device via the IP address conversion unit 27 is stored as part of the host vehicle information in a memory 29 connected to the signal determination unit, and this memory serves as vehicle information acquisition and storage means. The vehicle network control device also has a terminal for connecting a monitor 291 described later.

  The multiplexing / demultiplexing hubs 25, 26, 28 may be so-called repeater hubs or switching hubs. As an interface to the outside of the multiplexing / demultiplexing hub, an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface is preferably used. The multiplexing / demultiplexing hubs 25, 26 at the end of the vehicle are connected to the Ethernet® interface of the multiplexing / demultiplexing hub of an adjacent vehicle via, for example, an Ethernet® interface. The connected Ethernet (registered trademark) interface sends out a link pulse to confirm the connection of the physical layer, and when a broadcast signal is transmitted with its own MAC address in the transmission source in accordance with an instruction from the signal determination unit, the other party receiving it The network controller on the side can know the other party's settings (A, B, C) and the MAC address. The signal determination unit 21 is connected to an IP address conversion unit 27 to be described later, and a plurality of terminal devices 1 to 6 are connected to the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E15 to E20 of the multiplexing / demultiplexing hub 28, respectively. Has been.

  The encoding / decoding units 22, 23, and 24 that perform encoding / decoding in each setting of A, B, and C are used as additional information for identifying communication means through which information passes when transmitting data to the outside. When B and C are added and data is received from the outside, the additional information of A, B and C is sent to the signal determination unit in a form that can be processed by the signal determination unit. For example, when an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame is used as the data shape, an option code placed before the main data in the A setting encoding / decoding unit 22 when transmitting data to an adjacent vehicle on one end side In advance, a value corresponding to the A setting is inserted. In addition, when there is a value corresponding to the A setting of the option code in an external frame, the A setting encoding / decoding unit 22 adds a value indicating that the A setting is set to the data portion, Prior to the frame, a signal including information indicating that the A setting is set is inserted so that the signal determination unit can process it. Similar processing is performed for the C setting by the C setting encoding / decoding unit 23.

  The data from the signal determination unit to be transmitted to all the vehicles constituting the vehicle organization is encoded by adding the additional information B to this information by the B setting encoding 24. Data having additional information B is sent from the demultiplexing hubs 25 and 26 to the adjacent vehicle. The data having the additional information B is sent to the B setting encoding / decoding unit 24 by the demultiplexing hubs 25 and 26 of the adjacent vehicle. Since this data has additional information of B, it is sent to the signal determination unit 21 for predetermined processing. Data from the demultiplexing hub 25 is transferred to the demultiplexing hub 26, and data from the demultiplexing hub 26 is transferred to the demultiplexing hub 25, respectively. In this way, the data having the additional information B is transmitted to all the vehicles constituting the vehicle composition.

  When an arbitrary vehicle is requested to send its own adjacent vehicle information to the vehicle network control device of each vehicle with additional information B, the own adjacent vehicle information of the vehicle is requested from all the vehicles constituting the vehicle formation. Is sent as data accompanied by additional information of B to the network control device that has sent Based on this vehicle information, it is possible to monitor / control the catch of the terminal device mounted on each vehicle. In this way, in any vehicle constituting the vehicle organization, it is possible to easily collect vehicle information of all vehicles and to monitor and control the terminal device of each vehicle.

  As a second embodiment, a configuration using a switching hub (L2 switch) 302 will be described with reference to FIG. The vehicle network control apparatus 300 of the second embodiment is configured to include an L2 switch inside. The L2 switch is connected to the communication means of the adjacent vehicle on the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E1 and Ex connected to the communication means of the adjacent vehicle on one end side (END # 1) and the second stage (END # 2). Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E2 and Ey are provided for connection to the outside of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E3 is provided for connection to the network address conversion unit (router unit) 304, and Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E4, E5, E6 are provided for connection to the determination control unit. ing. A serial interface C4 such as RS232C is provided for setting the internal state of the L2 switch 302.

  The determination control unit 301 is connected to a hub to which a plurality of terminal devices 1 to 6 are connected via an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E10. Through this hub, the determination control unit collects information from each terminal device as part of the host vehicle information. Further, a vehicle IP address conversion table, which will be described later, is created by the determination control unit based on information acquired from the vehicle identification code setting unit 305 as will be described later, and is transferred to the router unit 304 via the control interfaces C1, C2. Is set.

  A feature of the vehicle network control apparatus 300 of the second embodiment is that it includes a configuration including an L2 switch which is a data link layer switch. When the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface provided in each port of the L2 switch as a communication means for communicating with the adjacent vehicle is connected by a physical line such as an electric wire or an optical fiber or by radio (light, radio wave) The auto-negotiation function automatically examines the physical state of the other party and one's own physical state and automatically selects the optimum communication conditions, enabling intercommunication using Ethernet (registered trademark) frames between interfaces. .

  Here, since the MAC address (MAC address) of the partner interface is unknown immediately after the start of communication, when transmitting a broadcast frame to each other, the MAC address of the partner is learned by the partner L2 switch and connected to the port and the end of the port. A correspondence table with the MAC address of the transmission source of the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface is created.

  When the Ethernet (registered trademark) frame received from the adjacent vehicle is a broadcast frame, in a normal L2 switch, the broadcast frame is basically transferred to all ports provided in the L2 switch. However, here, it is necessary to separate the first end side and the second end side, and it is necessary to control the transfer destination of the received frame. That is, the communication device on the one end side communicates only with the communication device connected to the one end side and does not communicate with the communication device connected to the second end side, so that the connection destination can be reliably specified. The same applies to the two end sides.

  A virtual LAN (hereinafter referred to as “VLAN”) in which a plurality of broadcast domains indicating a range in which a broadcast frame is transferred is provided in the L2 switch in order to block the information exchangeable range between the communication means on the first end side and the second end side. .) Can be used to set up a logical connection relationship in addition to the physical connection. In order to do the same in the network layer, an IP address filter method may be used, and in the transport layer, the connection relationship may be controlled by the port number.

One method of configuring a VLAN is called a port VLAN. This is a method of grouping switch ports and treating each group as an independent broadcast domain. Each port of the switch is provided with an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, and the broadcast domain of the Ethernet (registered trademark) frame is set for each port from the control terminal of the switch.

  Here, the relationship between the L2 switch and the determination control unit included in the network control device illustrated in FIG. 3 will be described. The L2 switch is connected to a determination control unit that controls the switch via Ethernet (registered trademark). In FIG. 3, the setting value of each Ethernet (registered trademark) interface at the time of initial setting is described as VLAN. The Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E1, E4, and E7 are set to A, and the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E2, E6, and E9 are set to C, and are grouped as VLAN-A and VLAN-C, respectively. Information exchange within the range of settings is possible.

  In this state, when the setting value of the VLAN of the communication means connected to each other is connected to the network control apparatus of the adjacent vehicle after the initial setting and the communication means connected to each other is the same, it belongs to the same VLAN. Exchange of information is possible.

  In the case of a VLAN in which the two end sides of the adjacent vehicle are connected to the one end side of the vehicle and the setting of the communication means of the own vehicle and the adjacent vehicle is different, the own vehicle of the frame transmitted from the network control device of the counterpart vehicle No transfer is performed in the L2 switch. That is, since the frame from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle received by the communication means is not transferred to the vehicle network control device of the own vehicle, even if the communication means is connected, the vehicle network control device is not connected to the counterpart device. They cannot exchange information with each other.

  In this case, it is necessary to change the setting value of the communication means on one end side of the two adjacent vehicles or the other second end side. The setting value of the port VLANASAkitaka SamejimaVALN → VLAN is reset through the switch control port C4 from the control port C3 of the determination control unit described in FIG. In order to exchange information between the vehicle network control devices, it is only necessary that the setting values of the connected communication means are the same, so the setting value on one side of the connected communication means is changed. Since the initial setting values are only A and C, it is only necessary to reset the setting value A of one of the two communication means to C or to change C to A by the method described later. However, if the setting values of the communication means at both ends are the same in the same vehicle, it is impossible to distinguish between the first end side and the second end side. become. In other words, the setting values for the communication means from the end vehicle to the same one end side and two end side are set so as to be the same between adjacent vehicles such as A-C, C-A, A-C. It ’s fine. This resetting or reassignment is performed by using a predetermined method so that one of the trained vehicles is a master vehicle (master) and the other vehicle is a slave vehicle (slave), and the slave vehicle is set to the master vehicle. Also good. A method of automatically resetting the end vehicle as the main vehicle will be described later.

  When a connection with an adjacent vehicle is established, the network control device of each vehicle acquires adjacent vehicle information from the adjacent vehicles on the first end side and the second end side, and the vehicle information as the own adjacent vehicle information together with the information on the own vehicle. The information can be stored in a storage means such as a memory or a hard disk as information acquisition and storage means. Here, the network control device can recognize how the host vehicle and the adjacent vehicles on the first end side and the second end side are arranged for three vehicles. As vehicle information, each vehicle is easily and individually identified by obtaining a vehicle identification code uniquely given to each vehicle, and an IP address generated from the vehicle identification code by a method described later is assigned to each vehicle. If it is included in the vehicle information as a unique network address, subsequent information collection becomes easy.

  Next, a method for realizing a vehicle organization network that covers the entire vehicle organization of the vehicle network system will be described. In FIG. 3, the Ex port and the Ey port provided in the L2 switch of the adjacent vehicle are connected by a wiring different from the connection of the E1 port and the E2 port, and the entire vehicle organization is shared with the common VLAN attribute, for example, Assuming VLAN-B, in FIG. 3, the determination control unit of each vehicle has a port in which the attribute of VLAN-B of another vehicle is set via ports E5 and E8 having the attribute of VLAN-B. Can exchange information. That is, it becomes possible to exchange information between the vehicle network control devices of the entire vehicle organization.

  Here, when the tag VLAN is used, the connection between the switches can be simplified. The tag VLAN is standardized by IEEE802.1Q (dot one queue), and constructs a VLAN with a tag in which VLAN identification information is embedded between the transmission source address and data of an Ethernet (registered trademark) frame. . By attaching identification information of 4 octets to the Ethernet (registered trademark) frame, one port can belong to a plurality of VLANs. In this way, ports belonging to a plurality of VLANs are called overlap ports, and conversely, ports belonging to only one VLAN are called client ports. Although only a client port can be created in a port VLAN, a port that can handle a tag is called a tag port, and the tag VLAN is characterized in that this port can be used as an overlap port.

  In FIG. 3, the settings of the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E1 and E2 connected to the adjacent vehicles of the L2 switch of each vehicle are set as tag Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces, and the attributes of the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces are set. , A and B or C and B. Then, the information can be exchanged in the entire formation vehicle via the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E1 and the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E2, and the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface Ex and the Ethernet (registered trademark) can be exchanged. Wiring used in the interface Ey can be omitted. For redundancy, the wiring between the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces Ex and Ey and the wiring between the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E1 and E2 may be overlapped to improve fault tolerance.

  Here, if the L2 switches are connected by a plurality of lines, a loop may be formed and the broadcast frame may circulate. Normally, if only one line has sufficient capacity, the use of the spanning tree protocol (STP) cuts off one line and eliminates the formation of a loop. In order to always use the two lines, all the VLAN attributes of the Ethernet (registered trademark) interfaces E1, E2, Ex, and Ey connected to the adjacent vehicle are set to B after exchanging information with the adjacent vehicle after the initial setting. As an alternative, the link aggregation control protocol (LACP) may be run in advance before connection. Note that a multiple spanning tree protocol (MSTP) in which the compatibility of STP and VLAN is improved may be applied.

  In the first embodiment, information A and C is added as additional information, information is transmitted, information with information A or C added is received from an adjacent vehicle, and it is identified and processed. Thus, the vehicle network control device of each vehicle can have vehicle information of the own vehicle and its own adjacent vehicle, that is, own vehicle information, by communicating with the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle. In the second embodiment, the A setting and the C setting are used as the V-LAN setting, the L2 switch is used, and each vehicle communicates with the adjacent vehicle using the VLAN-A and the VLAN-C. Vehicle information, that is, own vehicle information.

  Next, generation of vehicle formation information will be described. In the first example, the B setting is used, and in the second example, the vehicle information including the adjacent vehicles of each vehicle is shared throughout the vehicle organization using the VLAN-B corresponding to the B setting. As described in detail, vehicle composition information can be generated in each vehicle.

  The first method is to issue a polling signal to all vehicle network controllers using the B setting (VLAN-B). When the network address of the entire vehicle organization network is set to 172.17.0.0/16 and the destination IP address is also used as a broadcast packet using 172.17.255.255, each vehicle is transmitted as a broadcast packet when transmitted from the vehicle network controller. Transferred to the vehicle. The vehicle network control device of each vehicle that has received this packet returns the vehicle information for both the own vehicle and the vehicle information on the first end side and the second end side with the transmission source of the broadcast packet as a new destination. The vehicle network control apparatus that has transmitted the broadcast packet can generate vehicle formation information including itself by organizing the vehicle information for each of the three cars returned from each vehicle. In addition, since the vehicle information for only two vehicles is returned from the vehicle at the end, it can be seen that the vehicle is the first or last vehicle.

  The above process will be described in detail. In FIG. 1, the vehicle C transmits a broadcast packet. From the vehicle D, the vehicles C, D, and E are used, and from the vehicle E, the vehicles D and E are used. When the vehicle data is received, the vehicle C can recognize that the vehicle C is connected to one end of the host vehicle and that the vehicle E is connected to the end of the vehicle. Similarly, on the second end side, it can be recognized that the vehicle A is connected to the tip of the vehicle B. Therefore, the vehicle C includes vehicle formation information including the vehicle A to the vehicle E including the host vehicle. Can be generated.

  The second method is a method of inquiring in order. For example, when the vehicle C makes an inquiry to the vehicle D on the one end side of the own vehicle, the vehicle D returns vehicle information for the vehicles C, D, and E. Then, the vehicle C recognizes that the vehicle E is connected to the tip of the vehicle D connected to one end side of the own vehicle. Next, the vehicle information is inquired to the vehicle e using a network IP address, which will be described later, included in the vehicle information returned using the setting B. Then, the vehicle E returns vehicle information for the three persons including the own vehicle. By repeating this operation, it is possible to generate vehicle formation information for one side of a long train. Similarly, since the vehicle formation information can be generated also on the second end side, the entire vehicle formation information can be generated by combining the vehicle formation information at both ends.

  Next, the determination of the direction of the vehicle will be described. In FIG. 1, information cannot be exchanged because the setting values on the second end side of the vehicle C and the first end side of the vehicle B are different in the initial setting. Therefore, by resetting the set value on the two end sides of the vehicle C from C to A, it becomes the same as the set value of the adjacent vehicle, and information exchange becomes possible. In FIG. 3, the change by resetting the set value of the L2 switch is performed by a control command from the determination control unit shown in FIG. 3 to the L2 switch. Here, regarding the change of the setting value from the determination control unit, the setting of the communication means connected to the adjacent vehicle is recorded in the vehicle network control apparatus of each vehicle by recording the setting value of the communication means of the vehicle network control apparatus. Can be discriminated in the initial state. In addition, the history of whether or not it is the same as the initial setting is recorded with a flag, so that the determination control unit knows whether or not the setting value that can be communicated is the same as the initial state. Good.

  The mutual relationship between the direction of the own vehicle and the adjacent vehicle obtained by comparing the setting of the communication means of each vehicle and the communication means of the adjacent vehicle in the initial setting can be distributed to vehicles in the range of the B setting. Therefore, all the vehicle network control devices having the port set to B can obtain the vehicle orientation information within the range of the B setting, and the vehicle network control device of each vehicle includes the vehicle organization including the orientation relationship. Each piece of information can be generated. Here, the communication means set to B corresponds to the third communication means in the claims.

  In order to separate the data on the first end side and the second end side using the VLAN in the L2 switch, it is necessary to set different VLAN settings for the first end side and the second end side in the L2 switch of each vehicle. A method for resetting the VLAN without contradiction in the entire vehicle formation will be described later.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle network control apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The vehicle network control device shown in FIG. 3 houses a vehicle identification number setting unit 305, a router unit 304, and a hub 303 in addition to the L2 switch and the determination control unit 301 described so far. Each port of the hub 303 is connected to a door controller, a monitoring camera, a motor, an air conditioner, a brake device, a lighting device, a broadcasting device, a guidance display device, and the like as a terminal device (End Device: ED). Further, the determination control unit is provided with a CPU as an arithmetic device (not shown), and a memory is connected to the CPU as data storage means.

  The vehicle network control device 300 of the vehicle network control system is provided with a connection unit for connecting the display / control information input device 291. By connecting the display / control information input device (monitor) 291, the own vehicle In addition, the vehicle information of the entire vehicle organization can be grasped, and control information can be input. In order to improve the user interface, the vehicle is shown on the monitor (see FIG. 14), and when there is an abnormality, the color is changed, etc. Becomes easier.

  Since all the vehicle determination control units perform a common operation, the operation of the vehicle vehicle determination control unit 301 shown in FIG. 3 will be described as a representative. Here, the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface E1 or the like is also referred to as a port 1. The L2 switch has ports 1 and 2 connected to adjacent vehicles, ports 4 to 6 connected to the determination control unit, and C4 that receives a control signal from the determination control unit. Ports 7 to 9 of the determination control unit are connected to ports 4 to 6 of the L2 switch, respectively, and the settings of the respective VLANs are as follows: ports 4 and 7 are VLAN-A, ports 5 and 8 are VLAN-B, ports 6 and 9 Is set to VLAN-C.

  The operation of the vehicle network control apparatus 300 of the vehicle network control system shown in FIG. 3 mounted on each vehicle will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the operation is started by power-on or an operation start command, an IP address is generated and the generated IP address is assigned (S41). Hereinafter, IP address generation. The grant will be described in detail.

  The IP address needs to be assigned so that the addresses do not overlap each other within the communication range. In FIG. 2, a vehicle identification code setting unit 305 in which a vehicle identification code that is not duplicated in each vehicle is recorded in a switch, a memory, or the like is connected to the CPU. In FIG. 3, a vehicle identification code setting unit 305 is also connected to the determination control unit 301. The CPU 21 of FIG. 2 and the CPU of the determination control unit 301 of FIG. 3 obtain the vehicle identification code from the vehicle identification code setting unit 305 and generate an IP address therefrom. The IP address generated here is unique to each vehicle, and is a static IP address that does not change after generation.

  There is a one-to-one correspondence between the vehicle identification code and the generated static IP address, and the relationship between the vehicle identification code and the generated static IP address may be prepared in advance as a table, or may be generated each time using a predetermined rule (algorithm). Also good. As a method for generating an IP address, a correspondence table of vehicle identification codes and private IP addresses is prepared in advance, and this is stored in a memory, so that the determination control unit that has obtained the vehicle identification code refers to the correspondence table. The network address corresponding to the vehicle identification code can be easily generated.

  For example, the case where it produces | generates as a private static IP address which does not overlap with the class B from a vehicle identification code is demonstrated. A 32-bit IP address is divided into 8 bits and displayed as a decimal number, expressed as aaa, bbb, ccc, ddd. A fixed value of 172 is assigned to aaa, and a fixed value of 017 is assigned to bbb. Is generated based on the vehicle identification code.

  The vehicle identification code may be represented by a character and a number indicating the character of the vehicle, such as MO 1234, but the character is replaced with an appropriate number according to a certain rule such as an ASCII code. By performing the processing, each vehicle can obtain a numerical value that does not overlap with the information obtained from the vehicle identification code setting unit. FIG. 6 shows a vehicle with vehicle identification codes # 5601 to # 5603.

  If both the vehicle identification code read by the judgment control unit and the vehicle identification code in the memory are compared and matched, the correspondence table between the vehicle identification code and the IP address is already created and set in the router. The mounted device (ED) uses a router to convert its IP address and is connected to a train network (S57).

  If the two values read do not match, a network address of the vehicle is generated from the vehicle identification code newly read from the vehicle identification code setter and the IP address correspondence table, and the vehicle network address of the mounting apparatus And a local address correspondence table (network address table: NAT) are created (S54). Then, the generated NAT information is set in the router (S55).

  Further, the value of the vehicle identification code read from the vehicle identification code setting device is stored in the memory (S56). Then, based on the NAT information read into the router, which is a part having a correspondence table between addresses that can be used outside and addresses that can be used only in the vehicle, the IP address of each mounted device is converted and connected to the vehicle network ( S57).

  The vehicle network control device assigns the IP address generated as described above as necessary, such as an L2 switch, a router unit, itself, or a hub (S41).

  Here, specific generation of an IP address will be described with reference to FIG. By subtracting 5600 from the numeric part of the data including the code read from the vehicle identification code setting unit by the CPU inside the determination control unit 301 (hereinafter, the CPU 21 in FIG. 2 also functions in the same manner), 1 to Get the number 3. As the network address, for the ccc, if the value obtained by adding the above value to 40 is used and 1 is used as the ddd, the IP address generated as described above is assigned as shown in FIG. An example of the situation is that the IP address 172.17.41.1 of the network control device with the vehicle identification code # 5601, the IP address 172.17.42.1 of the network control device with the vehicle identification code # 5602 and the vehicle identification code # 5603 The IP address of the network control device is 172.17.43.1.

  Next, assignment of an IP address of a device mounted on each vehicle will be described. Here, if the IP address assigned to the device is class C, the upper 16 bits of the IP address will be 192.168. And the lower 16 bits will be assigned to the device mounted on each vehicle.

  For example, if the lower bits of the IP address are started from 11, as shown in FIG. 6, the terminal device 1 (ED1) starts with the IP address 192.168.0.11 and sequentially changes the numbers of the lower bits. To grant. Here, in each vehicle, since the IP address of each device is common, even if the device is exchanged, re-assignment of the IP address is not necessary, so that management becomes easy.

  Since the IP address assigned to each device is common to each device, the information of each on-board device of the vehicle cannot be released outside the IP address. Therefore, it is necessary to convert to an IP address that can be used in the vehicle organization network that covers the entire vehicle organization, using the network address assigned to the vehicle network control device of each vehicle.

  As one method, the lower 3 octets of the IP address assigned to the device is connected to the upper 3 octets of the network address to obtain an IP address of 4 octets. The state of this correspondence is shown in FIG. The above method is an example, and it is digitized by an ASCII code including a vehicle identification code, and a predetermined number is added to or subtracted from the numeric value divided by 256 to obtain a remainder (0 to 0). 255).

  In the above description, an IP address is assigned to all devices connected to the vehicle network. Next, the vehicle network control device communicates with the adjacent vehicle as described above, and acquires vehicle information (S42).

  Furthermore, VLAN-B is set for the determination control unit and the L2 switch to create an environment in which information can be exchanged throughout the entire vehicle organization, and communicate with other vehicles to obtain information on other vehicles (S43). Next, vehicle organization information is generated by organizing the obtained vehicle information (S44).

  As for the host vehicle, the ports E10 and E14 in FIG. 3 are used to collect information from the terminal device connected to the hub, and the information is collected and stored in the information collecting and storing unit. In addition, necessary control information is sent to each terminal to perform a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes various contents such as door opening / closing, lighting on / off, motor control, air conditioner temperature setting (S45). Here, since the mounting device IP address of each vehicle is common, the monitoring and control program of the vehicle network control device can be shared.

  The vehicle network control device is provided with a connection unit for connecting a display / control device that accepts human input of display and control information. When the display / control device is connected to this, the vehicle network control device senses that ( S46) Predetermined information is sent to the connection part of the display / control device for display (S47). An example of the display is shown in FIG.

  As a usage of the display / control device, for example, when sending data from the surveillance camera (ED2) of vehicle identification number # 5601 to the last vehicle in which the conductor is present, the IP address of the transmission source 192.168.0.12 is the router Is converted to 172.17.41.12, and reaches the conductor of the rearmost vehicle. Conversely, the operation command of the surveillance camera is transmitted from the conductor as the IP address 172.17.41.12 of the transmission destination, and received by the router having the network address 172.17.41.1. The IP address is converted to 192.168.0.12 and reaches the surveillance camera. Also, operations such as opening and closing one door at a time can be realized by using a broadcast packet in the network layer and placing an IP address indicating the door and control information for the door in the data portion.

  Since the vehicle network control device returns to the beginning of the process upon receiving a notification of a change in the composition of the vehicle due to disconnection of the connection between the vehicles (S48), even if the vehicle composition is divided due to a failure, New vehicle formations can be configured. The Ethernet (registered trademark) interface is provided with link pulse transmission means, and can determine whether or not the LAN is physically connected. The status of the physical link has changed (there is a physical link → disappears, or there is no physical link →), or the vehicle has been connected or released by separately holding digital input information that is pressurized during connection Or by separately having digital input information that is pressurized at the time of connection, if it is recognized that the vehicle is connected or released, it is determined that the vehicle is connected or released, and the system is Returning to the initialization routine (S41), the organization information is collected again. In particular, in the normal case where there is no change in the vehicle composition, if the power is turned on by detecting on / off of the power, the process returns to S45 (S49).

  As described above, the vehicle network control device of each vehicle can obtain information on vehicles constituting the train while exchanging information with adjacent vehicles. As vehicle information, there are a vehicle identification code of each vehicle, a direction of the vehicle, an IP address of a device mounted on each vehicle, in addition to information on a terminal device mounted on each vehicle.

  In the present invention, in any vehicle, by connecting the monitor 291 to the vehicle network control device 300 of the formation vehicle network control system, it is possible to obtain information on all devices of all vehicles, and at the same time, Can be controlled.

  In addition, since the network is configured by connecting the switches, it is resistant to failures and logically divided using an IP level VLAN, so that the degree of freedom of the network configuration is great and the vehicle network can be easily managed. .

  Next, a case where VLAN setting is performed for the L2 switch will be described in detail. According to the specification, when the A setting and the C setting in the previous period cannot be communicated, the A setting and the C setting are switched at regular intervals, and if the A setting or the C setting agrees, the communication is established. The setting replacement may be stopped to fix the setting, and the adjacent vehicle information may be exchanged. At this time as well, the positions of the first port connected to the adjacent vehicle on one end side and the second port connected to the adjacent vehicle on the second end side are recognized in advance. Can be recognized.

  FIG. 7 shows a VLAN setting state in the initial setting when the L2 switch is used. The VLAN setting of the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, which is a communication means of each vehicle, is A for E1, C for E2, and B for Ex and Ey. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the setting of the Ethernet (registered trademark) interface used for internal connection is set to B for E3 and E5, A for E4, and C for E6. In this state, since one end side of the vehicle C and one end side of the vehicle D are both set to A, the vehicle network control device of the vehicle C and the vehicle network control device of the vehicle D can be connected. However, since the setting values of both the first end side of the adjacent vehicle B and the second end side of the vehicle C are different, the vehicle network control device of the vehicle B and the vehicle network control device of the vehicle C are not connected. It needs to be replaced. The replacement is performed by a control signal from the determination control unit.

  Further, by using E1 and E2 as tag ports and setting A and B or C and B, connection to an adjacent vehicle can be performed with a single track. C setting data from the determination control unit is sent to the adjacent vehicle via E9 of the determination control unit and E2 of the L2 switch. Further, the B setting data from the determination control unit is sent from the E8 of the determination control unit and the E5 of the L2 switch to both adjacent vehicles via the E1 and E2 of the L2 switch.

  Here, generation of vehicle formation information will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Consider a 5-car train formation in which vehicles a, b, c, d, ho are in this order. The vehicle network control device mounted on the vehicle C has B, C, D, D, C, and B as vehicle information for three vehicles of the host vehicle and both adjacent vehicles. The vehicle at the end has two vehicle methods, and the intermediate vehicle has three vehicle methods as a set. Information of a, b, b, b is obtained from the vehicle a by polling or sequentially inquiring to neighboring vehicles. From the vehicle B, information on three cars, i, b, c, or c, b, b is obtained. In order for the information on the vehicles A, B, and C to be arranged without contradiction, the vehicle network control device for each vehicle of the vehicles A, B, and C has one or two arrangements of these three vehicle information arrangements. Is selected as the vehicle organization. Similarly, for the vehicles C, D, and E, an arrangement with no contradiction is selected. Then, if you select 1 row for all 5 cars, you get a row of a, b, c, d, h, and if you select a row of 2, you can get vehicle formation information such as h, d, ha, b, i Obtainable. In addition, the vehicle network control device for each vehicle can easily generate and have local vehicle organization information by individually acquiring vehicle information for two or three vehicles locally as a set. Can do.

  Further, since the first end side is A and the second end side is C in the initial setting, in FIG. 8, # 1 indicates the first end side, # 2 indicates the second end side, and each vehicle is 1 from the second end side. The end side is the direction of the vehicle, and the arrow of each vehicle indicates the direction of each vehicle. The vehicle network control device of each vehicle can also acquire this arrow, that is, vehicle orientation information. If it does so, the vehicle network control apparatus of each vehicle can have vehicle formation information including the direction of a vehicle.

  Here, the traveling direction of the train to be operated configured by the vehicle formation of the vehicles A to E is determined by a master declaration issued from the driver's seat. In FIG. 1, when a master declaration is issued from the driver's seat on the one end side (# 1END) of the vehicle A, this train is operated with the vehicle A as the leading vehicle, and the traveling direction is determined. The train organization information is “a”, “b”, “c”, “d”, and “e” starting from the vehicle “a”.

  This master declaration can be transmitted to all vehicles within the range of B setting. Since the vehicle network control device of each vehicle knows from which end port it has received the master declaration, it can recognize the direction of its vehicle relative to the traveling direction of the train.

  Next, a method will be described in which the settings of the adjacent communication means are made the same, and the settings on the first end side and the second end side in the vehicle are set to different values.

  FIG. 9 shows a single vehicle and a two-car train formation. In the case of a single vehicle, since there is no physical link for both # 1 and # 2, the vehicle network control device for that vehicle is “single vehicle (only one vehicle is self, there is no other connected vehicle)” Therefore, VLAN switching and control are not performed.

  In the case of a two-car train, either # 1 or # 2 has a physical link and the other has no physical link. Car) ”.

  When two cars are established, the end vehicles do not replace their own VLANs, and wait for a certain period of time while periodically transmitting a VLAN temporary confirmation flag. Here, since # 2 of A and # 2 of B coincide with each other in VLAN-C, the VLAN is established and the connection is confirmed.

  If both vehicles are not established, the LAN temporary confirmation flag is sent periodically and waits for a certain period of time. However, even if # 2 and # 12 of (a) are physically connected, the VLAN is not established because the VLANs do not match. do not do. The vehicle network control devices for the vehicles A and B determine that the VLANs do not match because the VLAN is not established even after waiting for a predetermined time. Here, assuming that the value of the MAC address # 2 of the vehicle A is larger than the value of the MAC address # 1 of the vehicle B, if the smaller one is replaced on both the first end side and the second end side of the VLAN setting, the vehicle The VLAN between the vehicles is established by changing the VLAN setting of B.

  FIG. 10 shows a case where the primary confirmation flag from the end vehicle is transmitted to the other end in the formation of three or more cars. First, when there is a physical link in both # 1 and # 2, the network control device of the vehicle determines that the host vehicle is an “intermediate vehicle of three or more trains”. The intermediate vehicle shall respond to the request from the end vehicle regarding the VLAN setting.

Since vehicle a and vehicle e do not have a physical link on one side and a physical link on the other side, each vehicle network control device determines that it is a vehicle at the end of two or more trains, and does not replace VLANs. While sending the VLAN temporary confirmation flag periodically, wait for a certain time. (State 1)

  Since the intermediate vehicles B, C, and D have physical links on both the # 1 side and the # 2 side, the intermediate vehicles are determined to be intermediate vehicles of three or more cars, and the VLAN is set at every predetermined time. The switching of VLAN settings is repeated such that “# 1 = VLAN-A, # 2 = VLAN-C” and “# 1 = VLAN-C, # 2 = VLAN-A”. (State 1)

  Since the intermediate vehicles B and D periodically change the VLAN setting of the own vehicle, when the VLAN setting of the end vehicle becomes the same, a temporary confirmation flag is received from the end vehicle. When the intermediate vehicle receives this temporary confirmation flag, it stops changing the VLAN, and waits for a certain time while periodically transmitting the received VLAN temporary confirmation flag to the other end. Here, the state is determined with the vehicle B in the initial state and the vehicle D in the replacement state. (State 2)

  When “# 2 = VLAN-A, # 1 = VLAN-C”, the vehicle network control device of vehicle C matches the VLANs of B and E, and receives a temporary confirmation flag from B and E. When C receives this temporary confirmation flag, it stops with “# 2 = VLAN-A, # 1 = VLAN-C”. (State 3)

  Since the vehicle network control device of the vehicle C has received the temporary confirmation flag from both B and E, it is determined that there is no VLAN inconsistency, the VLAN setting is confirmed as it is, and the determination flag is transmitted to B and E. . (State 4)

  The vehicle network control device of the vehicle B receives the confirmation flag from the vehicle C, confirms the VLAN setting as it is, and transmits the confirmation flag to A. (State 5)

  The vehicle network control device of the vehicle D receives the confirmation flag from C, confirms the VLAN setting as it is, and transmits the confirmation flag to E. (State 5)

  The vehicle network control device of vehicle A receives the confirmation flag from B and confirms the VLAN setting as it is. (State 6)

The vehicle network control device of the vehicle E receives the confirmation flag from D and confirms the VLAN setting as it is. (State 6)
As described above, the VLAN setting is confirmed. (State 6)

  Next, a case where there is a VLAN mismatch between intermediate vehicles that have been replaced with a VLAN so as to match the end vehicle will be described with reference to FIG.

  The vehicle network control device of the end vehicle A and E has no physical link at one end and has a physical link at the other end, so it is determined that the vehicle is at the end of the organization, VLAN is not replaced, and VLAN is temporarily determined While sending the flag periodically, wait for a certain time. (State 1)

  Since the vehicle network control devices of vehicles B, C, and D have physical links on both the # 1 side and the # 2 side, it is determined that the vehicle is an intermediate vehicle of three or more cars, and the VLAN is set for a predetermined time. Every time, “# 1 = VLAN-A, # 2 = VLAN-C” and “# 1 = VLAN-C, # 2 = VLAN-A” are repeatedly switched. (State 1)

  When “# 2 = VLAN-C, # 1 = VLAN-A”, the vehicle network control device of vehicle B matches VLAN-C of # 2 and receives a temporary confirmation flag from A. Upon receiving this temporary confirmation flag, VLAN replacement is fixed with “# 2 = VLAN-C, # 1 = VLAN-A”, and the VLAN temporary confirmation flag is periodically transferred to # 1 through # 1. Wait for a certain time while sending. (State 2)

  When “# 2 = VLAN-A, # 1 = VLAN-C”, the vehicle network control device of the vehicle D matches VLAN-C of E # 2, and receives a temporary confirmation flag from E. Upon receiving this temporary confirmation flag, the VLAN replacement is fixed with “# 2 = VLAN-A, # 1 = VLAN-C”, and the VLAN temporary confirmation flag is periodically transmitted to # 2 through D # 2. Wait for a certain time while sending. (State 2)

  When “# 2 = VLAN-C, # 1 = VLAN-A”, the vehicle network control device of the vehicle C matches the VLAN with B, and receives a temporary confirmation flag from B. When C receives this temporary confirmation flag, it fixes “# 2 = VLAN-C, # 1 = VLAN-A”. (State 3)

  Similarly, when “# 2 = VLAN-A, # 1 = VLAN-C”, it is connected to D. However, it is possible to give priority to the earlier side, or assign a priority order (for example, give priority to the # 1 side) in advance. May be.

  The vehicle network control device of the vehicle C receives the temporary confirmation flag from B, fixes the VLAN setting, and waits for a certain period of time until the connection of VLAN-C on the # 2 side is established. However, since VLAN is not established, it is determined that there is a contradiction in VLAN. (State 4)

  At the same time, the vehicular network controller also determines that there is a VLAN inconsistency because the VLAN # 2 is not established even after waiting for a certain period of time. (State 4)

  Therefore, the vehicle network control devices of vehicles C and D compare the magnitudes of the MAC address values of # 2 of vehicle C and # 2 of vehicle 2. The vehicle C determines that it is necessary to change its own VLAN setting because the value of the MAC address of # 2 of the vehicle 2 is larger. On the other hand, the vehicle D determines that there is no need to change its VLAN setting because the value of the MAC address of the vehicle D # 2 is larger, and does nothing.

  Next, the network control device of the vehicle C requests the network control device of the vehicle B to change the VLAN setting. (State 5)

  When receiving the VLAN change request from the vehicle network control device of the vehicle C, the network control device of the vehicle B returns ACK to C. Upon receiving the ACK from B, the VLAN setting is changed from “# 1 = A, # 2 = C” to “# 1 = C, # 2 = A”, and a temporary confirmation flag is periodically transmitted. (State 6)

  Next, the network control device in the vehicle B requests that the VLAN setting be switched and changed. (State 6)

  When receiving the VLAN change request from B, the network control device of vehicle A returns ACK to B. Upon receiving an ACK from A, the network control device in B replaces the VLAN setting from “# 1 = A, # 2 = C” to “# 1 = C, # 2 = A” and sets the temporary confirmation flag periodically. Send to. (State 6) Further, the network control device for vehicle A switches from “# 1 = A, # 2 = C” to “# 1 = C, # 2 = A”. (State 6)

  The network control device of vehicle A confirms its own VLAN setting and transmits a confirmation flag to B. B receives the confirmation flag from A. (State 8)

  The network control device in the vehicle B determines its own VLAN setting and transmits a determination flag to C. C receives the confirmation flag from B. (State 9)

  The network control device of the vehicle C determines its own VLAN setting and transmits a determination flag to d. D receives the confirmation flag from C. (State 10)

  The network control device of the vehicle D determines its own VLAN setting and transmits a determination flag to e. Ho receives the confirmation flag from D. (State 11)

  Then, the VLAN setting is confirmed. (State 12)

  The above-mentioned VLAN resetting procedure is performed in order between adjacent vehicles, but when the network control device of each vehicle is connected within the B setting range, information is exchanged within the B setting range. it can. In that case, the state where it cannot wait between the vehicle network control apparatuses between adjacent vehicles and cannot wait becomes unnecessary. Then, the VLAN setting of the communication means physically connected to the adjacent vehicle can be reset in order from the end vehicle without using the temporary confirmation flag used in the description of the above process. At that time, the priority order can be determined based on the MAC address of the end vehicle and the size of the vehicle identification code, and the A and C settings can be determined in order so as to match the dominant vehicle setting.

  This will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

  The vehicle network control devices for vehicles A and E have no physical link on one side and a physical link on the other side. Therefore, the vehicle network control device determines that it is “the vehicle at the end of organization” and declares it to VLAN-B. . (State 1)

  Further, the vehicle network control devices of vehicles B, C, and D determine that they are “intermediate vehicles of the organization” because there are physical links in both # 1 and # 2, and “# 1 = VLAN− “A, # 2 = VLAN-C” and “# 2 = VLAN-A, # 1 = VLAN-C” are periodically switched. (State 1)

  The vehicle network controller of the vehicle A communicates with the vehicle network controller of the vehicle using VLAN-B. The vehicle identification code or MAC address value of the vehicle E is compared with the magnitude of the identification code or MAC address value of A. (Here, it is assumed that Lee is larger)

  The vehicle network control device of the vehicle A has its own vehicle identification code value (or MAC address value) larger than the vehicle identification code value (or MAC address value) of Ho, so It is determined that there is, and the VLAN setting is not changed, and a fixed flag is periodically transmitted via VLAN-C of the # 2 port. (State 1, State 2)

  Similarly, the vehicle network controller of the vehicle E uses the VLAN-B to communicate with the vehicle network controller of the vehicle A, and the vehicle identification code or MAC address of the vehicle A and its own (e) vehicle identification code or Compare the MAC address value of the self and the MAC address value of the self-ho), and the value of the vehicle identification code (or MAC address value) is greater than the value of the vehicle identification code (or MAC address value) Because it is small, it is judged that it is a slave. The vehicle network control device of the vehicle E periodically replaces “# 1 = VLAN-A, # 2 = VLAN-C” and “# 1 = VLAN-C, # 2 = VLAN-A”. (State 1, State 2)

  When # 1 of the intermediate vehicle B is VLAN-A and # 2 is VLAN-C, a VLAN is established with # 2 of a. At that time, B receives the confirmation flag transmitted from A. (State 3)

  When the vehicle network control device in the vehicle B receives the confirmation flag from A, the VLAN setting is fixed as it is (# 1 = VLAN-A, # 2 = VLAN-C), and the confirmation flag is set to VLAN-A of the # 1 port. Send out regularly via. (State 4)

  When # 1 of VLAN C is VLAN-A and # 2 is VLAN-C, VLAN # 1 and VLAN are established. At that time, C receives the confirmation flag transmitted from B. (State 4)

  When the vehicle network control device of vehicle C receives the confirmation flag from B, the VLAN setting is fixed as it is (# 1 = VLAN-A, # 2 = VLAN-C), and the confirmation flag is set to VLAN-C of # 2 port. Send out regularly via. (State 5)

  When # 1 of the intermediate vehicle D is VLAN-A and # 2 is VLAN-C, a VLAN is established with # 2 of C. At that time, D receives the confirmation flag transmitted from C. (State 5)

  When the vehicle network control device of the vehicle D receives the confirmation flag from C, the VLAN setting is fixed as it is (# 1 = VLAN-A, # 2 = VLAN-C), and the confirmation flag is set to VLAN-A of the # 1 port. Send out regularly via. (State 6)

  When vehicle # 1 is VLAN-C and # 2 is VLAN-A, vehicle # 1 and VLAN are established. At that time, the vehicle network control device of the vehicle E receives the confirmation flag transmitted from D. (State 6)

  When the vehicle network control device of the vehicle e receives the confirmation flag from D, the VLAN setting is fixed as it is (# 1 = VLAN-C, # 2 = VLAN-A), and the VLAN is established and confirmed. (State 7)

  As described above, when the VLAN settings at both ends of one vehicle are different and become the same as the VLAN of the adjacent vehicle, each vehicle has its own vehicle, its one-end adjacent vehicle, and its two-end adjacent vehicle information 257194347. 257194347ASAkitaka Samejima257194347 Information → It is possible to send the vehicle information of the total number of duplicates for 3 cars (2 cars at the end). At that time, since the information on the first end side and the second end side are identified without being mixed with each other, the vehicle formation information can be easily generated by collecting and organizing information for three cars from each vehicle. .

  In the present invention, the transmission lines of both train networks have a configuration in which a large number of vehicle network control devices are connected in series, and delay time can be a problem when applied to a train in which a plurality of vehicles are connected in series. In the embodiment, the network is configured by using a so-called switching hub. However, since the switching hub is conventionally considered to have a large delay and is not suitable for train control, the delay time is briefly examined.

  Assuming a serial connection of switching hubs as an example of a specific transmission path configuration, when the switching hub operates in a store-and-forward manner, a delay corresponding to the frame length occurs when the frame passes. In addition, when another frame is already being transmitted from the same port, a delay corresponding to this is caused because the process waits until the transmission is completed. Although the delay time depends on the frame length, it is assumed that all are transmitted by UDP / IP, and when the data transmission rate is 100 Mbps, the reception time of the minimum frame and the maximum frame of Ethernet (registered trademark) is the data length (including the header). ) Is about 100 bytes, and maintenance data (such as failure information from the vehicle equipment 31) is about 1500 bytes, it is about 0.005 ms and about 0.12 ms, respectively. Here, when the store-and-forward method is used, since the switching hub checks the frame consistency, it is possible to prevent an error frame from flowing inadvertently on the transmission path.

  When calculating the delay time until the last port receives the information transmitted by the first port, the relay delay by the switching hub is about 0.01 ms for each port. Since two ports are required at the entrance and exit of the signal for one switching hub, if a delay is connected to 5 switching hubs as shown in FIG. 1, a delay of about 0.1 ms can be seen. . Even if the delay of the store-and-forward system is added to this, transmission can be performed from end to end of the vehicle formation with a delay of 1 ms or less, so that it can be sufficiently used as a normal control signal.

  As described above, the present invention is very useful for building a vehicle network system such as a train composed of a plurality of vehicles that is sufficiently practical, and contributes to the development of the industry.

1-5 Vehicle 6, 7 Interface 20 Vehicle network control device 21 Signal determination unit 22, 23, 24 Encoding / decoding unit 25, 26, 28 Demultiplexing hub 27 IP address conversion unit 29 Memory (storage means)
291 Monitor 300 Vehicle network control device 301 Determination control unit 302 L2 switch 303 Hub 304 Router unit 305 Vehicle identification code setting unit

Claims (9)

A plurality of terminal devices and a vehicle network control device connected to the plurality of terminal devices, which are mounted on each vehicle of a vehicle organization composed of a plurality of vehicles, are provided, and the vehicle network control device monitors and controls the terminal devices A vehicle network system for controlling a network for performing
The vehicle network control device
First communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from a vehicle network control device of an adjacent vehicle on one predetermined end side of each vehicle;
Second communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle on the predetermined two end sides of each vehicle;
Vehicle information acquisition and storage for storing the own vehicle information of the vehicle on which the vehicle is mounted and the adjacent vehicle information of the adjacent vehicle acquired from the vehicle network control device mounted on the adjacent vehicle via the communication unit as the own vehicle information Means, and
A vehicle network system, wherein the terminal device mounted on each vehicle is monitored and controlled based on vehicle information of all vehicles in a vehicle organization obtained from the own adjacent vehicle information. Vehicle network control for controlling a network of the vehicle network system by configuring a vehicle network system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle of a vehicle organization composed of a plurality of vehicles together with the plurality of terminal devices A device,
First communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from a vehicle network control device of an adjacent vehicle on one predetermined end side of each vehicle;
Second communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle on the predetermined two end sides of each vehicle;
Vehicle information acquisition and storage for storing the own vehicle information of the vehicle on which the vehicle is mounted and the adjacent vehicle information of the adjacent vehicle acquired from the vehicle network control device mounted on the adjacent vehicle via the communication unit as the own vehicle information Means, and
A vehicle network control device that controls a network of a vehicle network system that monitors and controls the terminal device mounted on each vehicle based on vehicle information of all vehicles in a vehicle organization obtained from the own adjacent vehicle information. . Comprising third communication means for transmitting and receiving information to and from the vehicle network control device of each vehicle other than the own vehicle;
The vehicle information acquisition and accumulation means communicates with the vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle via the third communication means, and acquires the own adjacent vehicle information of the vehicle from the vehicle network control device. The vehicle information is stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means, and the connection of the vehicles constituting the vehicle composition is determined by determining the arrangement order of the vehicles so that the stored adjacent vehicle information from the vehicles is consistent with each other. Generate vehicle organization information that represents the relationship,
A vehicle network system for monitoring and controlling a terminal device mounted on each vehicle based on the vehicle organization information and the own vehicle information stored in vehicle information acquisition and storage means of a vehicle network control device mounted on each vehicle. The vehicle network control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the network is controlled.   In communication with the vehicle network control apparatus of another vehicle via the communication means, the information including the additional information for identifying the communication means used when transmitting the information is transmitted, and the information received when the information is received The vehicle network control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein predetermined processing is performed according to the additional information included. The additional information added to the transmission information from the first communication means and the second communication means is the same as the additional information added to the information received by the first communication means and the second communication means. Discriminating the difference, generating the same information related to the additional information between the communication means on the first end side and the second end side,
Based on the difference information, the relationship between the direction of the host vehicle and the adjacent vehicle is determined, vehicle direction information is generated, and stored as the host vehicle information including the vehicle direction information in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means. The vehicle network control device according to claim 4. A communication means switching device having a plurality of communication means, and a determination control unit that performs processing related to additional information of the communication means,
When the difference information indicates the same additional information, the own adjacent vehicle information is acquired from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicle, and when the difference information indicates a difference in additional information, the determination control unit The additional information is made different in the vehicle based on a predetermined rule, and is re-set so as to be the same between the communication means of the adjacent vehicles, and the self-adjacent from the vehicle network control device of the adjacent vehicles The vehicle network control device according to claim 5, wherein vehicle information is acquired.   Regarding the resetting of the additional information, one vehicle constituting the vehicle composition is selected as a main vehicle by a predetermined method, a vehicle other than the vehicle that has become the main vehicle is set as a slave vehicle, and the vehicle that has become the main vehicle is selected. In order from the adjacent vehicle, the additional information is made different in the slave vehicle and reset so as to be the same as the communication means of the adjacent vehicle of each vehicle, and the vehicle network of the adjacent vehicle of each vehicle The vehicle network control device according to claim 6, wherein the own adjacent vehicle information is acquired from a control device.   The monitor connected to the monitoring / control device connection unit, which has a monitoring / control device connection unit connected to a monitoring / control device for displaying the vehicle organization information and to which control information for each vehicle is input -Based on the control information input via the control device, the information stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means of the host vehicle and the information stored in the vehicle information acquisition and storage means of the other vehicle are displayed. The vehicle network control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein information for controlling a terminal device mounted on the host vehicle and the other vehicle is output together. A network address translation device for connecting between the in-composition network covering the entire vehicle organization and the in-vehicle network covering the vehicle;
A vehicle identification code is obtained from a vehicle identification code setting unit having a vehicle identification code consisting of different letters or numbers or letters and numbers for each vehicle, and an internet protocol (IP) address for the intra-composition network is generated based on the vehicle identification code And assigning the generated in-composition network IP address to the plurality of communication means and the network address conversion device, and for each terminal device of a plurality of terminal devices mounted on each vehicle connected to the vehicle network 4. A conversion table for mutual conversion between a predetermined common IP address and a predetermined IP address for the in-organization network is set in the network address conversion device. The vehicle network control device described in 1.

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