JP2016054385A - Allocation device, allocation method, computer program, and manufacturing method for relay device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an allocation device, an allocation method and a computer program, which determine combinations of messages and mail transmission boxes which can reduce further time required for transmission of the message, and a manufacturing method for a relay device that can surely prevent relay from delaying and reduce further time required for the relay.SOLUTION: The allocation device, when a communication device equipped with a plurality of mail transmission boxes transmits a plurality of messages received from the outside respectively, determines combinations of the messages and the mail transmission boxes in allocating each message to any of the mail transmission boxes by simulating behavior of the communication device in transmission and reception of the messages, which comprises: a storage portion that stores the plurality of messages and priorities attached to respective messages; and a deciding portion that decides respective combinations so that orders of the priorities attached to the plurality of messages to be combined with at least one mail transmission box, of the plurality of messages stored in the storage portion, are continuous.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to an assigning device, an assigning method, and a computer program for determining a set of a message and a sending mailbox when assigning each of a plurality of messages to a plurality of sending mailboxes. Moreover, it is related with the manufacturing method of the relay apparatus based on the said determination.

  Conventionally, in the field of vehicle control, a configuration in which a large number of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that control each device arranged in a vehicle are connected by a communication bus and messages are transmitted and received to perform various processes. It has become. Since there is a limit to the number of ECUs connected to one communication bus, or because the communication speed varies depending on the role of the ECU, the ECUs are divided into a plurality of groups, and each group is connected to one communication bus for different communication. A configuration in which buses are connected by a relay device (gateway) is employed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-65171 A

  In general, a communication device including a relay device or an ECU includes a transmission mailbox for each communication bus to be connected, and when a received message is sent to the communication bus, the message is assigned to the transmission mailbox. When communication is performed via a connected communication bus using, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol, the communication device arbitrates transmission right with another communication device connected to the communication bus. . Specifically, the communication device performs arbitration based on the priority of a message assigned to the transmission mailbox.

  In general, only one message can be assigned to each outgoing mailbox, and when multiple messages to be sent to the same communication bus are received by the communication device, the message is sent based on the priority. Assigned to boxes sequentially. Further, when the communication device includes a plurality of transmission mailboxes corresponding to one communication bus, the communication device allocates one message to each transmission mailbox, and, for example, has the highest priority among the assigned messages. The above transmission right is arbitrated for the message. Therefore, for example, when two messages having a large priority difference are set to be assigned to one transmission mailbox, and a message having a lower priority is assigned to the one transmission mailbox, It may take time to send a high message. Specifically, if a large number of messages with a higher priority than the low priority messages are set to be assigned to other outgoing mailboxes, after the large number of messages are sent to the communication bus, The transmission right is arbitrated for the low priority message. Therefore, there is a possibility that the vehicle control may be adversely affected due to the time required for sending a high priority message assigned to the one transmission mailbox.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an allocating apparatus, an allocating method, and a computer program for determining a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can further reduce the time required for message transmission. It is to provide. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a relay device that can reliably prevent relay delay and can further reduce the time required for relay.

  The assigning device according to the present invention includes a message and a transmission when assigning each message to one of the sending mailboxes when a communication device having a plurality of sending mailboxes sends a plurality of externally received messages. An allocation device that determines a set of mailboxes by simulating behavior when the communication device transmits and receives a message, the storage unit storing the plurality of messages and the priority corresponding to each message; A determination unit configured to determine each group such that a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit and a plurality of messages paired with at least one outgoing mailbox are in the order of priority corresponding thereto; It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the storage unit stores a plurality of messages received by the communication device from the outside and transmitted, and a plurality of priorities corresponding to the messages. The determining unit determines each set so that the order of priority corresponding to each of a plurality of messages paired with at least one transmission mailbox among the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit is continuous. Such an assigning device can determine a set capable of assigning each message to different transmission mailboxes while maintaining the priority order of the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit. For example, when deciding a set so that a plurality of messages are assigned to each of three outgoing mailboxes, the assigning device assigns one or a plurality of messages having a high priority, a medium priority, and a low priority to each outgoing mailbox. Can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which it takes time until a message having a high priority assigned to one transmission mailbox is transmitted due to a message assigned to another transmission mailbox. Therefore, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can further reduce the time required for sending the message.

  An allocating device according to the present invention includes a selection unit that sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on corresponding priorities, and a plurality of messages that are selected in the order selected by the selection unit. When the communication device is assigned to the transmission mailbox, the calculation unit for calculating the required time from the reception of each message to the completion of the transmission, and the required time calculated by the calculation unit are predetermined. And a determination unit that determines whether or not the allowable time is shorter than the allowable time, and the determination unit is based on the lowest (or highest) priority in the priority corresponding to the message that the determination unit determines to be negative. Further, the message in the plurality of messages corresponding to the lower (or higher) priority and the one transmission mailbox are determined as a set.

  In the present invention, the selection unit sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on the corresponding priority. The calculation unit calculates each required time when each of the plurality of messages is assigned to one transmission mailbox in the order selected by the selection unit. The required time is the time from when the communication device receives the message until the transmission is completed. The determination unit determines whether each required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time. The determining unit is configured to combine a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a priority lower than the lowest priority among the priorities corresponding to the messages determined by the determination unit as negative, and the one transmission mailbox. Determine as. Accordingly, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can reliably transmit a message within the allowable time while maintaining the priority order. Similarly, the determination unit includes a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a priority higher than the highest priority in the priority corresponding to the message determined by the determination unit, and the one transmission mailbox. Are determined as a pair. Similarly, in this case, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can reliably transmit a message within the allowable time while maintaining the priority order.

  An allocating device according to the present invention includes a selection unit that sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on corresponding priorities, and a plurality of messages that are selected in the order selected by the selection unit. When the communication device is assigned to the transmission mailbox, the calculation unit for calculating the time required from the reception of each message to the completion of the transmission, and the corresponding low priority (or high) message in order And a determination unit that determines whether or not the required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time, and the determination unit prioritizes the message that the determination unit first determines to be negative A message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a lower (or higher) priority than the degree and the one outgoing mailbox are determined as a set. To.

  In the present invention, the selection unit sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on the corresponding priority. The calculation unit calculates a required time when each of the plurality of messages is assigned to one transmission mailbox in the order selected by the selection unit. The required time is the time from when the communication device receives the message until the transmission is completed. The determination unit determines whether or not the required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time in the order of corresponding low priority messages. The determination unit determines a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a priority lower than the priority corresponding to the message that the determination unit first determines to be negative, and the one transmission mailbox as a set. Accordingly, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can reliably transmit a message within the allowable time while maintaining the priority order. Similarly, the determination unit determines whether or not the required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time in the order of corresponding high priority messages. The determination unit determines a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a higher priority than the priority corresponding to the message that the determination unit first determines to be not, and the one transmission mailbox as a set. Similarly, in this case, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can reliably transmit a message within the allowable time while maintaining the priority order.

  In the allocating device according to the present invention, the calculation unit calculates the time required for the message every time the selection unit selects a message, and the determination unit determines the time required for the calculation unit. Each time it is calculated, it is determined whether or not the required time is shorter than a predetermined allowable time.

  In the present invention, each time the selection unit selects a message, the calculation unit calculates a time required for the message. Each time the calculation unit calculates the required time, the determination unit determines whether the required time is shorter than a predetermined allowable time. Therefore, when the determination unit first determines NO, the selection unit, the calculation unit, and the determination unit can determine a message paired with one transmission mailbox without performing subsequent processing. The burden can be reduced.

  The allocation device according to the present invention is such that the communication device transmits the message when the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by itself is higher than the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by another communication device. The selecting unit selects a message having the lowest priority from the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit, and then sequentially selects the messages in order of the corresponding priority. It is characterized by that.

  In the present invention, the communication device transmits the message when the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by itself is higher than the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by another communication device. The selection unit selects a message corresponding to the lowest priority from the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit, and then sequentially selects messages in descending order of the corresponding priority. Therefore, the allocating device can calculate the time required for each message by simulating a situation in which the communication device allocates a message corresponding to the lowest priority to one transmission mailbox. Therefore, the allocating apparatus can determine a combination of a message and a transmission mailbox that surely satisfies the allowable time even in a situation in which the communication of the communication apparatus is likely to hinder communication.

  In the assignment method according to the present invention, when a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits a plurality of externally received messages, messages and transmissions when allocating each message to one of the transmission mailboxes A method of allocating a set of mailboxes by simulating behavior when the communication device transmits and receives messages, the plurality of messages and priorities corresponding to the messages are stored in advance, The method includes a step of determining each set so that a priority order corresponding to each of a plurality of messages paired with at least one transmission mailbox among the plurality of stored messages is continuous.

  In the present invention, a plurality of messages received by the communication device from the outside and transmitted, and a plurality of priorities corresponding to the messages are stored in advance. Each set is determined so that the order of priority corresponding to each of a plurality of messages paired with at least one transmission mailbox among the plurality of stored messages is continuous. Such an assignment method can determine a set that can assign each message to a different transmission mailbox while maintaining the priority order of the plurality of messages. For example, when determining a set to assign a plurality of messages to each of three outgoing mailboxes, determine the set to assign one or more messages of high, medium, or low priority to each outgoing mailbox. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which it takes time until a message having a high priority assigned to one transmission mailbox is transmitted due to a message assigned to another transmission mailbox. Therefore, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can further reduce the time required for sending the message.

  The computer program according to the present invention provides a message for assigning each message to one of the transmission mailboxes when a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits each of a plurality of externally received messages. The transmission mailboxes are determined by simulating the behavior of the communication device when sending and receiving messages, and the plurality of messages and priorities corresponding to the messages are stored in a computer that has been stored in advance. A computer program for identifying a message that should not be assigned to any outgoing mailbox among a plurality of stored messages and a lower (or higher) priority corresponding to the identified message ) Message corresponding to priority, Characterized in that and a step of determining the fine the transmit mailbox as a set.

  In the present invention, the computer is caused to execute a step of identifying a message that should not be assigned to any transmission mailbox among the plurality of stored messages. Further, the computer is caused to execute a step of determining a message corresponding to a priority lower than the priority corresponding to the identified message and the transmission mailbox as a set. The computer executing such steps can determine a set that can assign each message to different transmission mailboxes while maintaining the priority order of the plurality of messages. For example, when determining a set to assign a plurality of messages to each of three outgoing mailboxes, the computer sets the set to assign one or more messages of high, medium, and low priority to each outgoing mailbox. Can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which it takes time until a message having a high priority assigned to one transmission mailbox is transmitted due to a message assigned to another transmission mailbox. Therefore, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can further reduce the time required for sending the message. Similarly, the computer is caused to execute a step of determining a message corresponding to a priority higher than the priority corresponding to the identified message and the transmission mailbox as a set. In this case as well, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can further reduce the time required for sending the message.

  The relay device manufacturing method according to the present invention includes a plurality of transmission mailboxes to which messages are assigned when transmitting a plurality of messages via a communication bus, and messages in a predetermined message group between different communication buses. A relay apparatus that sequentially relays the relay apparatus using the above-described allocation apparatus, and storing the message group and the priority corresponding to each message in the storage unit of the allocation apparatus; And causing the assigning device to determine a message in the message group to be assigned to each of a plurality of transmission mailboxes included in the relay device based on a message group and a plurality of priorities stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by that.

  In this invention, the process of memorize | storing the several priority corresponding to a message group and each message in the memory | storage part of the above-mentioned allocation apparatus is included. In addition, the above-described assignment device includes a step of determining a message in the message group to be assigned to each of the plurality of transmission mailboxes included in the relay device based on the message group and the plurality of priorities stored in the storage unit. . Therefore, for example, according to the group determined by the assigning device, the relay device can set the required time for sending each message within a predetermined allowable time.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox that can further reduce the time required for sending a message. Also, it is possible to manufacture a relay device that can reliably prevent relay delay and can further reduce the time required for relay.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a simulation apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of a message table. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the relay apparatus used as the object of simulation. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence when a simulation apparatus performs simulation. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a message allocation process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a message allocation process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of arbitration processing. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a delay time calculation process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of the relay message determined as a group, and a transmission mailbox. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for message assignment processing in the fourth embodiment. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine for message assignment processing in the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating embodiments thereof.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a simulation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The simulation device 1 uses a computer such as a personal computer to simulate the behavior of a relay device mounted on a vehicle. The behavior of a relay device means that when each of a plurality of communication devices (ECUs) connected to a plurality of communication buses mounted on a vehicle transmits and receives a plurality of messages having priority according to the CAN protocol, This is the behavior when relaying each message sequentially.

  The simulation apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes, for example, one or a plurality of CPUs (Central Processing Units), a multi-core CPU, and the like. The simulation apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 12, a temporary storage unit 13, an input / output unit 14, a reading unit 15, and a time measuring unit 16. Each unit is connected to the control unit 11 through a bus. The control unit 11 controls each unit by reading and executing a simulation program 12a stored in a storage unit 12 described later.

  The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), a flash memory, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 12 stores a simulation program 12a. The simulation program 12a is a program for controlling each part with which the simulation apparatus 1 is provided, and simulating the behavior of a relay apparatus. The storage unit 12 stores a message table 12b. The message table 12b has data in a table format including a message to be sent to the communication bus that configures the network by the relay apparatus simulated by the simulation apparatus 1 and other messages to be sent to the communication bus. Details will be described later. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores simulation conditions used for the simulation.

  The temporary storage unit 13 is configured by a memory such as SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The temporary storage unit 13 temporarily stores various data generated when the control unit 11 performs processing by the simulation program 12a.

  An input / output device such as a keyboard and a display is connected to the input / output unit 14 from the outside, and an input signal from the input / output device is output to the control unit 11 and an output signal from the control unit 11 is output to the input / output device. .

  The reading unit 15 is configured to be able to read information from the recording medium 2 such as a CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray disc, or flexible disk. The control unit 11 stores the data recorded in the recording medium 2 read by the reading unit 15 in the temporary storage unit 13 or in the storage unit 12. In the recording medium 2, a simulation program 2a for operating the simulation apparatus 1 by being executed by the control unit 11 is recorded. The simulation program 12 a stored in the storage unit 12 may be a copy of the simulation program 2 a read by the reading unit 15 from the recording medium 2. The recording medium 2 may store other information to be stored in the storage unit 12 such as the message table 12b or the simulation condition, and the control unit 11 may store the information in the storage unit 12.

  The timer unit 16 includes a timer or a real-time clock, performs a timing process in response to a request from the control unit 11, and outputs the measured time to the control unit 11.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the message table 12b. The message table 12b stores an ECU-ID, a cycle, a data length, and a bus ID for each ID for identifying each message. The ID is a value represented by a hexadecimal number, for example, and is information including a priority corresponding to a so-called arbitration field in a data frame of the CAN protocol. At this time, the priority of the ID increases as the value decreases. The ECU-ID is information for identifying the relay device or ECU that is a message transmission source. For example, when the value is 0, it indicates that the relay device transmits, and otherwise, the ECU corresponding to each value transmits it. Represents what to do. Here, each row of the message table 12b is referred to as a message, a message transmitted from the relay device is also referred to as a relay message, and a message transmitted from the ECU is also referred to as a transmission message.

  In addition, the cycle indicates a cycle in which the message is to be received by the relay device when the message is transmitted from the relay device, and indicates a cycle in which the message is transmitted from the ECU when the message is transmitted from the ECU. . The unit is, for example, milliseconds. The data length represents the data size of each message, and the unit is, for example, bytes. The bus ID represents an ID for identifying a communication bus to which a message is to be sent. In the first embodiment, an example in which a priority is included in an ID for identifying a message has been described. However, information related to a priority may be stored for each ID separately from an ID for identifying a message. Good.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the relay apparatus 3 to be simulated. The relay device 3 is mounted on a vehicle and connected to a plurality of communication buses 5 to which one or a plurality of ECUs 4 are connected. The relay device 3 includes a control unit 31, and the control unit 31 includes, for example, one or a plurality of CPUs, a multi-core CPU, and the like. In addition, the relay device 3 includes a storage unit 32, a temporary storage unit 33, and a communication unit 34 connected to the control unit 31 via a bus. The control unit 31 controls each unit by reading and executing a control program 32a stored in a storage unit 32 described later.

  The storage unit 32 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory. The storage unit 32 stores a control program 32a. The control program 32a includes processing details for the relay device 3 to relay a message, such as transmitting a message received by the relay device 3 to a relay destination, and processing details for controlling each unit included in the relay device 3. It is a written program. Further, the storage unit 32 stores a bus ID for identifying the connected communication bus 5.

  The temporary storage unit 33 is configured by a memory such as SRAM or DRAM. The temporary storage unit 33 temporarily stores various data generated when the control unit 31 performs processing by the control program 32a.

  The communication units 34 are provided in the same number as the communication buses 5 to be connected, receive a message transmitted to each communication bus 5, and send the message to each communication bus 5 based on a command from the control unit 31. The communication unit 34 includes one or a plurality of reception mailboxes 34a and a transmission mailbox 34b. The reception mailbox 34 a sequentially stores messages to be transmitted to the corresponding communication bus 5 and outputs the messages to the control unit 31. Based on the message output from the reception mail box 34a, the control unit 31 assigns the message to the transmission mail box 34b provided in the communication unit 34 corresponding to the communication bus 5 to which the message is to be transmitted. Thereafter, before sending the message assigned to the transmission mailbox 34b to the communication bus 5, the control unit 31 performs arbitration with the ECU 4 connected to the communication bus 5 based on the priority included in the message. Get the right to send the message. The control unit 31 issues a command to the transmission mailbox 34 b to which the message for which the transmission right has been assigned is assigned, and sends the message to the communication bus 5. Since the arbitration process is the same as that of the conventional CAN protocol, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Further, when a message is assigned to each outgoing mail box 34 b, no other message can be assigned until the message is sent to the communication bus 5. Therefore, when a plurality of messages to be allocated are received, messages having a higher priority among the plurality of messages are sequentially allocated to the transmission mailbox 34b. Further, when a plurality of outgoing mailboxes 34b are provided in the communication unit 34 and a message is assigned to one or more outgoing mailboxes 34b, the control unit 31 of the first embodiment assigns the assigned message. The message having the highest priority is selected as the message to be arbitrated.

  The relay device 3 having the above configuration sequentially relays a plurality of messages transmitted and received by the ECUs 4 connected to different communication buses 5. At this time, if the priority included in the message assigned to the transmission mailbox 34 b of the relay device 3 is low, it takes time until the transmission right of the message is acquired by arbitration and sent to the communication bus 5. There is a fear. When another message with high priority to be assigned to the transmission mailbox 34b is received by the relay device 3 before the message is sent to the communication bus 5, the other message is sent to the communication bus 5. It takes time to be sent out, which may adversely affect vehicle control. Therefore, the simulation apparatus 1 creates a situation in which delay is likely to occur when the relay apparatus 3 relays a message, and simulates the behavior of the relay apparatus 3 in advance. Further, the simulation apparatus 1 determines, for each message to be relayed by the relay apparatus 3, a set of a message that does not adversely affect the vehicle control by simulation and a transmission mail box 34b to which the message is assigned. The simulation device 1 corresponds to an allocation device.

  Below, the process sequence which determines the said group by the simulation apparatus 1 simulating the behavior of the relay apparatus 3 is demonstrated. Here, in the message table 12b stored in the storage unit 12 of the simulation apparatus 1, information related to the message to be relayed by the relay apparatus 3 to be simulated and the ECU 4 connected to the plurality of communication buses 5 communicate with each other. Information relating to a message to be sent to the bus 5 is stored. The simulation conditions stored in the storage unit 12 include the number of transmission mailboxes 34b included in each communication unit 34 as an upper limit value of the number of transmission mailboxes 34b to which messages can be assigned. In the simulation conditions, a prescribed time is stored for each message as a time allowing the degree of relay delay in each message to be relayed by the relay device 3. The specified time is, for example, a time corresponding to the cycle corresponding to each message and the processing capability of the control unit 31 of the relay device 3. In addition to the above, various information necessary for the simulation of the relay device 3 is stored in the simulation conditions.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the simulation apparatus 1 performs a simulation. The control unit 11 of the simulation apparatus 1 provides a bus counter area in the temporary storage unit 13 and initializes the bus counter (step S101). The bus counter is a counter for performing, for each communication bus 5 corresponding to the transmission mail box 34b, a simulation for assigning a message to the transmission mail box 34b performed by the simulation apparatus 1. For example, the control unit 11 performs initialization by setting a value of 1 to the bus counter.

  Next, the control unit 11 extracts a message having a bus ID corresponding to the value of the bus counter stored in the temporary storage unit 13 from the message table 12b stored in the storage unit 12 (step S102). For example, the control unit 11 may extract a message having the same bus ID value as the bus counter value, or the correspondence that represents the correspondence between the bus counter value and the bus ID value in the storage unit 12 in advance. A table may be stored and a message may be extracted based on the correspondence table.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the message has been extracted in step S102 (step S103). When it determines with having not been extracted (S103: NO), the control part 11 finishes a process. On the other hand, when it determines with having extracted (S103: YES), the control part 11 performs a message allocation process (step S104). The message assignment process is a process for determining a combination of a relay message and a transmission mailbox 34b that satisfies a specified time when each relay message included in the message extracted in step S102 is relayed. Details will be described later. .

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 updates the bus counter (step S105). For example, the control unit 11 increments the value of 1 to the value of the bus counter. Then, the control part 11 returns a process to step S102, and repeats the process of step S102-step S105 until it determines with having not extracted the message by step S103.

  By performing the above processing, the simulation apparatus 1 causes the relay message and the transmission mailbox 34b to satisfy the specified time when each relay message is relayed for each communication bus 5 connected to the relay apparatus 3. A set can be determined.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of message assignment processing. The control unit 11 of the simulation apparatus 1 issues a command to the timer unit 16 and starts timing (step S201). Next, the control unit 11 provides an area of the transmission mailbox counter for counting the number of transmission mailboxes 34b in the temporary storage unit 13, and sets the value of the transmission mailbox counter to 1 (step S202).

  Next, the control unit 11 selects the lowest priority message having the lowest priority from the relay messages included in the message extracted in step S102 (step S203). Specifically, the control unit 11 selects the message having the largest ID value from among the messages having the ECU-ID value 0 included in the message extracted in step S <b> 102 and stores the message in the temporary storage unit 13. The control unit 11 functions as a selection unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S203.

  Next, the control unit 11 performs an arbitration process (step S204). In the arbitration process, the control unit 11 is a process of simulating until the relay message selected in step S203 or step S210 described later can be sent from the communication bus 5 through the arbitration. By this processing, the time until the relay message selected in step S203 or step S210 can be sent to the communication bus 5 after being assigned to the transmission mailbox 34b is calculated. Details of the arbitration process will be described later.

  Next, the control unit 11 performs a delay time calculation process (step S205). In the delay time calculation process, the control unit 11 uses the time calculated in step S204 to transmit the relay message to the relay destination ECU 4 after the relay device 3 receives the relay message selected in step S203 or step S210. The time until completion, that is, the delay time is calculated. The control unit 11 functions as a calculation unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S205. Details of the delay time calculation process will be described later.

  Next, the control unit 11 stores the delay time calculated in step S205 in the temporary storage unit 13 (step S206). At that time, the control unit 11 stores the corresponding relay message in association with the delay time. Thereafter, the control unit 11 sets a value of 1 to the selection flag (step S207). Specifically, the control unit 11 provides a selection flag area for identifying whether or not the relay message is selected in Step S203 or Step S210 in the temporary storage unit 13, and associates it with the relay message. The value of the selection flag is set to 1.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether all messages have been selected (step S208). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the value of the selection flag stored in the temporary storage unit 13 is 1 for all the relay message IDs included in the message extracted in step S102 in FIG. By determining, it is determined whether or not all messages have been selected.

  When it determines with not having selected all the messages (S208: NO), the control part 11 determines a period (step S209). Specifically, for each relay message extracted in step S102 in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 has passed an integer multiple of the corresponding period since the start of time measurement in step S201, and the selection flag described above. Whether the value of 1 is 1 or not is determined. Note that the control unit 11 functions as a cycle determination unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S209.

  The control unit 11 selects the next message using the determination result of step S209 (step S210). Specifically, the control unit 11 has passed the integer multiple of the corresponding period from the start of timing and has determined that the value of the selection flag is 1 and the value of the selection flag. The relay message with the highest priority is selected from among the relay messages with 0. In step S210, the control unit 11 functions as a selection unit by executing the simulation program 12a. Then, the control part 11 returns a process to step S204.

  When it determines with having selected all the messages (S208: YES), the control part 11 determines whether all the messages satisfy | filled regulation time (step S211). Specifically, the control unit 11 includes the delay time of each relay message stored in the temporary storage unit 13 included in the simulation condition, and from the specified time stored in the storage unit 12 in association with each relay message. Each is determined whether or not it is too short. When it is determined that one relay message does not satisfy the specified time among the relay messages, the control unit 11 determines that all the messages do not satisfy the specified time. The control unit 11 functions as a determination unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S211.

  When it is determined that all the messages do not satisfy the specified time (S211: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the lowest priority message is included in the relay message that is determined not to satisfy the specified time. Is determined (step S212). If it is determined that the lowest priority message is not included (S212: NO), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S214. On the other hand, if it is determined that the lowest priority message is included (S212: YES), the control unit 11 stores the lowest priority message in the temporary storage unit 13 as an unassignable message (step S213). At this time, the temporary storage unit 13 corresponds to a storage unit. The non-assignable message refers to a relay message with a low possibility of satisfying a specified time regardless of the assignment method.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a message to be extracted (step S214). The message to be extracted is the relay message extracted in step S102 in FIG. 4 having a priority equal to or higher than the lowest priority in the relay message determined to have a delay time longer than the specified time. When it determines with there being no message which should be extracted (S214: NO), the control part 11 returns a process to step S105 in FIG.

  When it is determined that there is a message to be extracted (S214: YES), the control unit 11 extracts and stores the message to be extracted (step S215). Specifically, the control unit 11 extracts a relay message to be extracted from the message table 12 b and stores it in the temporary storage unit 13. At this time, the temporary storage unit 13 corresponds to a storage unit.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines a specific relay message and one transmission mailbox 34b as a set based on the determination result of step S211 (step S216). The specific relay message is a relay message having a priority lower than the lowest priority in a message in which the delay time is determined to satisfy the specified time and the delay time is determined to be longer than the specified time. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines that the delay time is shorter than the specified time and sends a relay message having a lower priority than the priority included in the relay message having the lowest priority. The value is stored in the temporary storage unit 13 in association with the value of the box counter. The control unit 11 functions as a determination unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S216.

  Next, in step S202, the control unit 11 updates the transmission mailbox counter provided in the temporary storage unit 13 to increment the value of 1 (step S217), and returns the process to step S203. The control unit 11 that has returned the process to step S203 targets the relay message stored in the temporary storage unit 13 in step S215, and starts counting again to perform the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S211 that all messages have satisfied the specified time (S211: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the value of the transmission mailbox counter is greater than 1 (step S218). When it determines with the value of the transmission mailbox counter being 1 or less (S218: NO), the control part 11 advances a process to step S223.

  When it is determined that the value of the transmission mailbox counter is greater than 1 (S218: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the value of the transmission mailbox counter is greater than the upper limit value (step S219). The upper limit value is an upper limit value of the number of transmission mailboxes 34b included in the simulation conditions stored in the storage unit 12. When it is determined that the value of the transmission mailbox counter is larger than the upper limit value (S219: YES), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S105 in FIG.

  When it determines with the value of a transmission mailbox counter being below an upper limit (S219: NO), the control part 11 determines whether the allocation impossible message is memorize | stored (step S220). Specifically, the control unit 11 refers to the temporary storage unit 13 to determine whether or not an assignment impossible message is stored. Note that, when the assignment impossible message is stored in the temporary storage unit 13, the assignment impossible message is the one stored in step S213.

  If it is determined that the assignment impossible message is not stored (S220: NO), the controller 11 advances the process to step S223. On the other hand, when it is determined that an unassignable message is stored (S220: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the number of stored unassignable messages is the same as the number of remaining transmission mailboxes. (Step S221). The number of remaining transmission mailboxes corresponds to the number of transmission mailboxes 34b to which messages corresponding to the communication bus 5 of the relay device 3 are not assigned. Specifically, the number of remaining transmission mailboxes is represented by a value obtained by subtracting the value of the transmission mailbox counter from the upper limit value of the transmission mailbox 34b included in the simulation conditions stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 corresponds to a counting unit when counting the number of unallocated messages in step S221 by executing the simulation program 12a.

  When it is determined that the number of unassignable messages is the same as the number of remaining transmission mailboxes (S221: YES), the control unit 11 determines that all messages determined to satisfy the specified time in step S211 and one transmission mailbox 34b. Are determined as a set (step S222). For example, the control unit 11 performs the same process as the process of step S216. Then, the control part 11 returns a process to step S105 in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of unassignable messages is not the same as the number of remaining transmission mailboxes (S221: NO), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S223.

  The control unit 11 determines a set of all the messages determined to have satisfied the specified time in step S211 and one transmission mail box 34b (step S223). For example, the control unit 11 performs the same process as the process of step S216. Next, the control unit 11 updates the specified time (step S224), and returns the process to step S201 in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 11 sets the specified time for each relay message included in the simulation condition as the upper limit, and changes the specified time by an arbitrary magnification such as 0.9 times or 1.1 times, for example. As a new specified time, the simulation is performed again from step S201 in FIG. When the specified time is updated in step S224, the control unit 11 determines that the specified time determined in step S211 is the updated specified time. In addition, when the control unit 11 performs the process of step S211 with the updated specified time and performs the process of step S224 again, when it is determined in step S221 that the number of unassignable messages is larger than the number of remaining transmission mailboxes, Update to be longer than the specified time. Further, when it is determined that the number of messages that cannot be allocated is smaller than the number of remaining transmission mailboxes, the control unit 11 updates the message so that it is shorter than the specified time. Similarly, when it is determined that the value of the transmission mailbox counter is 1 or less, or when it is determined that an unallocated message is not stored, the control unit 11 updates it so as to be shorter than the specified time. .

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of arbitration processing. The control unit 11 selects a comparison target for comparing the priorities included in the relay message selected in step S203 or step S210 in FIG. 5 (step S301). Specifically, a message whose ECU-ID value included in the message extracted in step S102 in FIG. 4 is not 0 is selected as the comparison target.

  Next, the control unit 11 compares the priorities included in the relay message selected in step S203 or step S210 and the outgoing message selected in step S301 (step S302). Note that the control unit 11 functions as a comparison unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S302.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the priority of the message selected in step S203 or step S210 is the highest (step S303). Note that the control unit 11 functions as a transmission determination unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S303.

  When it is determined that the priority is not the highest (S303: NO), the control unit 11 stores the outgoing message having the highest priority among the priorities compared in step S302 in the temporary storage unit 13. (Step S304). For example, when the priority is compared in step S <b> 302, the control unit 11 associates the ID of the highest outgoing message with the bus occupation time and stores it in the temporary storage unit 13. The bus occupation time is the time for which the communication bus 5 is occupied when a message is sent to the communication bus 5, and is calculated based on the data length stored in the message table 12b. Note that the bus occupation time of each message may be stored in the message table 12b in advance.

  Next, the control unit 11 determines the sending cycle (step S305). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a transmission message that has passed an integral multiple of the corresponding period since the start of time measurement, among the transmission messages stored in the temporary storage unit 13 in step S304. Determine whether or not. Note that the control unit 11 functions as a transmission cycle determination unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S305. Thereafter, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S301. At that time, in the process of step S301, the control unit 11 selects a comparison target from the transmission message determined to be in the transmission cycle in step S305 and the other transmission messages not stored in the temporary storage unit 13 in step S304. select.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the priority is the highest (S303: YES), the control unit 11 calculates the total occupation time (step S306). Specifically, when the information related to the transmission message is stored in the temporary storage unit 13 as the transmission message having the highest priority in the priority comparison in step S302, the control unit 11 performs the transmission. Accumulate all message bus occupancy times. When the temporary storage unit 13 does not store information related to the outgoing message having the highest priority, the total occupation time calculated in step S306 is zero. Note that the control unit 11 functions as a time calculation unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S306. Thereafter, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S205.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of delay time calculation processing. The control unit 11 determines whether or not the delay time is stored in the temporary storage unit 13 (step S401). When it is determined that the delay time is not stored (step S401: NO), the control unit 11 reads the initial value of the delay time from the simulation conditions stored in the storage unit 12 (step S402), and the process proceeds to step S404. Proceed with the process. The initial value of the delay time is a time for which a message having a data length of 8 bytes occupies the communication bus 5, for example.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the delay time is stored (S401: YES), the control unit 11 has performed the process of step S206 in FIG. 5 at least once, and the temporary storage unit 13 in step S206. The stored delay time is read (step S403). Then, the control part 11 advances a process to step S404.

  After performing the process in step S402 or step S403, the control unit 11 calculates a delay time (step S404), and returns the process to step S206 in FIG. Specifically, the control unit 11 adds the total occupation time calculated in step S306 in the arbitration process shown in FIG. 7 to the initial value read in step S402 or the delay time read in step S403.

  With the above configuration and processing, the simulation apparatus 1 can simulate a situation in which a delay is likely to occur in the relay of the relay apparatus 3. In addition, the simulation apparatus 1 stores a non-assignable message in the temporary storage unit 13 in step S213 in FIG. 6, and performs processing while excluding a relay message that has a high possibility that the delay time does not satisfy the specified time. Can do. Further, the simulation apparatus 1 determines whether or not the value of the transmission mailbox counter is larger than the upper limit value in step S219 in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to know whether or not the relay device 3 can relay the message within the specified number of transmission mail boxes 34b provided in the communication unit 34 in advance. Further, the simulation apparatus 1 changes the specified time in step S224 in FIG. 6 and repeats the message assignment process until the number of unassignable messages becomes equal to the number of remaining transmission mailboxes in step S221. By doing so, when the specified time is satisfied and the transmission mailbox 34b of the relay device 3 is empty, the unassignable messages can be allocated to the empty transmission mailbox 34b, and the transmission mail of the relay device 3 can be assigned. The box 34b can be used to the maximum.

  Moreover, the simulation apparatus 1 can assign the priority order included in the message paired with the transmission mail box 34b to be continuous by performing the processing of step S215 and step S216 in FIG. Below, it demonstrates using a specific example.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the relay message and the transmission mail box 34b determined as a set. FIG. 9 shows an example of a set determined when the simulation apparatus 1 simulates a relay message to be sent to the same communication bus 5 by the relay apparatus 3 in a table format. In the column of the determination result (first time), when the value of the transmission mailbox counter is 1, the determination result determined by the control unit 11 in step S211 is represented, and “◯” indicates that the delay time satisfies the specified time. "X" indicates that the condition is not satisfied. In the determination result (second time) column, when the value of the transmission mailbox counter is 2, the determination result determined by the control unit 11 in step S211 is represented, and “◯” indicates that the delay time satisfies the specified time. "X" indicates that the condition is not satisfied. In the column of the transmission mailbox ID, the ID of the transmission mailbox 34b to which the corresponding message is assigned is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the communication unit 34 corresponding to the communication bus 5 is provided with two transmission mailboxes 34b, and the simulation apparatus 1 identifies each transmission mailbox 34b. Suppose that one is assigned a transmission mailbox ID of 1 and the other is 2.

  The control unit 11 sets the value of the transmission mailbox counter to 1, calculates a delay time for each relay message with IDs 024 to 49B in step 205, and determines whether or not the specified time is satisfied in step S211. judge. According to the column of the determination result (first time), a relay message that does not satisfy the specified time is included. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that all the messages do not satisfy the specified time (S211: NO), and advances the process to step S212. Among the relay messages to be determined in step S211, the message having the lowest priority, that is, the relay message with ID 49B satisfies the specified time. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that the lowest priority message is not included (S212: NO), and advances the process to step S214 and step S215 without storing the assignment impossible message. Among messages whose delay time does not satisfy the specified time, the ID of the relay message having the lowest priority is 123. Therefore, the control unit 11 extracts the relay messages with IDs 024 to 123 in the process of step S215 even if the delay times related to the relay messages with IDs 024, 025, and 0B8 satisfy the specified time. Remember. After that, the control unit 11 determines each relay message with IDs 23B to 49B and the transmission mailbox 34b with the transmission mailbox ID 1 as a set in step S216.

  Next, the control unit 11 updates the value of the transmission mailbox counter to 2 in the process of step S217, and performs the processes from step S203 onward for the relay messages with IDs 024 to 123 extracted and stored previously. That is, the control unit 11 calculates a delay time when each relay message with IDs 024 to 123 is assigned to one transmission mailbox 34b that is not determined as a set, and satisfies the specified time in step S211. Each is determined whether or not. According to the column of determination results (second time), all messages satisfy the specified time. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines that all messages have satisfied the specified time (S211: YES), and the control unit 11 advances the process to step S218. Here, the value of the transmission mailbox counter is 2, and the value 2 does not exceed the upper limit value of the transmission mailbox 34b provided in the communication unit 34 to be simulated. Not remembered. Therefore, the control part 11 advances a process to step S223. In step S223, the control unit 11 determines each relay message with an ID of 024 to 123 and a transmission mailbox 34b with a transmission mailbox ID 2 as a set.

  As described above, by performing the processing of step S215 and step S216, it is possible to assign the priority order included in the message paired with the transmission mail box 34b to be continuous. Such a simulation apparatus 1 can determine a set that can assign each message to a different transmission mailbox 34b in a state where the priority order of relay messages in the message table 12b is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a message having a high priority assigned to one transmission mailbox 34b takes time to be transmitted due to a message assigned to another transmission mailbox 34b. Therefore, it is possible to determine a set of a message and a transmission mailbox 34b that can further reduce the time required for sending the message.

  In the first embodiment, when the specified time has not been updated even in step S224 in FIG. 6, that is, before the vacant transmission mail box 34b is utilized to the maximum extent, the assignment impossible message is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit. The processing may be advanced on the premise that the data is not stored in 13. Specifically, a flag for distinguishing whether or not the specified time has been updated in step S224 is stored in the temporary storage unit 13. If the controller 11 has not updated the specified time even once in step S224, and determines that the assignment impossible message is stored in step S220, the controller 11 returns the process to step S105 in FIG. By doing so, it is possible to perform the process of making the maximum use of the transmission mailbox 34b for the relay message that satisfies the specified time included in the simulation conditions at the minimum.

  Next, the manufacturing method which manufactures the relay apparatus 3 using the above-mentioned simulation apparatus 1 is demonstrated. The manufacturing apparatus of the relay device 3 creates the message table 12b by using the communication bus 5 to be connected to the relay device 3, the ECU 4 to be connected to each communication bus 5, and information relating to the message sent by each ECU 4. And stored in the simulation apparatus 1. Further, the manufacturing apparatus stores in the storage unit 12 simulation conditions including the number of transmission mailboxes 34b included in the relay apparatus 3 and the specified time of each message.

  Thereafter, the manufacturing apparatus causes the simulation apparatus 1 to perform the processes shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, and when all the relay messages satisfy the specified time, the messages to be assigned to the respective transmission mailboxes 34 b are distinguished and acquired. To do. Specifically, when the transmission mailbox counter does not exceed the upper limit value of the relay device 3 and all the relay messages extracted in step S102 in FIG. 4 satisfy the specified time, steps S216 and S222 in FIG. Or, the set determined in step S223 is acquired. When the relay apparatus 3 assigns the relay message to the transmission mail box 34b, the manufacturing apparatus creates the control program 32a and the like so that the correspondence relationship of the acquired set is obtained. The manufacturing apparatus may use the message acquired when the specified time included in the simulation condition is satisfied, or may use the message acquired when the specified time updated in step S224 is satisfied.

  By manufacturing the relay device 3 as described above, it is possible to satisfy the specified time even in a situation in which the delay created in the relay created by the simulation device 1 is likely to occur, so that the relay delay by the relay device 3 can be reliably prevented. Can do. Further, even when all the relay messages do not satisfy the specified time by the simulation of the simulation apparatus 1, the message table 12b and the simulation conditions can be changed and the simulation can be repeated until the specified time is satisfied. At that time, the manufacturing apparatus newly creates a message table 12b and simulation conditions reflecting the conditions related to the relay apparatus 3, and stores them in the storage unit 12, so that the simulation apparatus 1 allows the relay apparatus 3 related to various conditions to be stored. The behavior can be simulated. Therefore, even when a plurality of relay apparatuses 3 having different conditions such as the number of communication buses 5 to be connected are manufactured, a message table 12b and simulation conditions corresponding to each relay apparatus 3 are created, and the simulation apparatus 1 can be used.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, relay having a priority lower than the lowest priority among the priorities included in the message that is determined that the delay time satisfies the specified time and that the delay time is determined to be longer than the specified time. The message and one transmission mailbox 34b are determined as a set. In the second embodiment, the highest priority among the priority levels included in the relay message that is determined that the relay message that forms a set satisfies the specified delay time and the delay time is longer than the specified time. An example of a relay message having a higher priority will be described. Since the other configurations and operations except the configurations and operations described below are the same as those in the first embodiment, detailed description on the same configurations and descriptions of the operations and effects are omitted for the sake of brevity.

  The control unit 11 of the simulation apparatus 1 determines whether there is a message to be extracted in step S214 in FIG. The message to be extracted in the second embodiment is the relay message extracted in step S102 in FIG. 4 having a priority equal to or lower than the highest priority in the relay message determined to have a delay time longer than the specified time. is there. For example, when the control unit 11 determines in step S211 as the determination result (first time) in FIG. 9, the relay message to be extracted is a relay message having IDs of 026 to 49B.

  In addition, in the process of step S216, the control unit 11 determines a specific relay message and one transmission mail box 34b as a set. The specific relay message in the second embodiment is a relay having a higher priority than the highest priority in the relay message that is determined that the delay time satisfies the specified time and that the delay time is determined to be longer than the specified time. Message. For example, when the control unit 11 determines in step S211 as the determination result (first time) in FIG. 9, the specific relay message is a relay message with IDs 024 and 025. At this time, the control unit 11 determines the relay message with IDs 024 and 025 and the transmission mailbox 34b with the transmission mailbox ID 1 as a set.

  Even when the simulation apparatus 1 performs the above-described processing, the priority order included in the relay message paired with the transmission mail box 34b can be assigned in succession. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the simulation apparatus 1 determines whether or not the delay time satisfies the specified time for all relay messages to be assigned to one transmission mailbox 34b. In the third embodiment, an example in which determination is not performed for all relay messages will be described. Since the other configurations and operations except for the configurations and operations described below are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, a detailed description of the same configuration and a description of the operations and effects are omitted for the sake of brevity. .

  The control unit 11 of the simulation apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment determines whether or not the delay time satisfies the specified time in the order of messages having a low priority or a message having a high priority in the process of step S211 in FIG. , It is determined whether or not all messages satisfy the specified time. When there is a relay message that does not satisfy the specified time when the control unit 11 determines in order of the messages with the lowest priority, the control unit 11 does not determine the relay message with a higher priority than the relay message, and after step S212. Proceed with the process. Also, when there is a relay message that does not satisfy the specified time when the control unit 11 determines in the order of the messages with the highest priority, the control unit 11 does not determine the message with a lower priority than the relay message, and after step S212. Proceed with the process. Moreover, it replaces with the process of step S212 and the control part 11 determines whether the message which does not satisfy regulation time is a lowest priority message.

  Here, when the control unit 11 determines in the order of the messages having the lowest priority in step S211, the control unit 11 executes the processes in steps S214 to S216 as the same processes as those in the first embodiment. In addition, when the control unit 11 determines in the order of the messages with the highest priority in step S211, the control unit 11 executes the processes in steps S214 to S216 as the same processes as those in the second embodiment.

  Even when the simulation apparatus 1 performs the above-described processing, the priority order included in the relay message paired with the transmission mail box 34b can be assigned in succession. Therefore, the same effect as in the first and second embodiments can be obtained. In addition, when there is a relay message that does not satisfy the specified time, it is not necessary to determine whether or not the specified time is satisfied for a relay message having a higher or lower priority than the relay message. Can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first to third embodiments, an example has been described in which the simulation apparatus 1 calculates the delay time for all relay messages to be assigned to one transmission mailbox 34b. In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the delay time is not calculated for all relay messages will be described. Since other configurations and operations except the configurations and operations described below are the same as those in the above-described second embodiment, a detailed description of the same configurations and a description of the operations and effects are omitted for the sake of brevity.

  10 and 11 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of message assignment processing in the fourth embodiment. Note that the processing of step S501, step S502, step S504, and step S505 in FIG. 10 is the same as the processing of step S201, step S202, step S204, and step S205 in FIG. explain. Similarly, the processing from step S507 to step S510 in FIG. 10 is the same as the processing from step S206 to step S209 in FIG. Moreover, since the process of step S512-step S523 in FIG. 11 is the same as the process of step S213-step S224 in FIG. 6, a different part is mainly demonstrated.

  The control unit 11 of the simulation apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment selects the relay message with the highest priority from the relay messages extracted in the main routine (see step S102 in FIG. 4) after the process of step S502. (Step S503). Thereafter, the control unit 11 advances the processing to step S504 and subsequent steps for the selected relay message. Further, after selecting the relay message in the process of step S503 after the process of step S510, the control unit 11 performs the same process as in step S210 in FIG. In other words, the control unit 11 starts the time measurement in step S501, and has passed the integral multiple of the corresponding cycle and has determined that the value of the selection flag is 1, and the value of the selection flag. The relay message with the highest priority is selected from among the relay messages with 0.

  Further, after calculating the delay time of the selected relay message in step S505, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the delay time satisfies the specified time (step S506). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the delay time is shorter than the specified time included in the simulation condition stored in the storage unit 12 in association with the relay message. The control unit 11 functions as a determination unit by executing the simulation program 12a in step S506.

  When it is determined that the delay time does not satisfy the specified time (S506: NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the selected message is the lowest priority message (step S511). When it is determined that the message is the lowest priority message (S511: YES), the control unit 11 advances the process to step S512 and after, and when it is determined that the message is not the lowest priority message (S511: NO), the control unit 11 is performed after step S513. Proceed with the process.

  On the other hand, when it determines with delay time having satisfy | filled regulation time (S506: YES), the control part 11 advances a process after step S507.

  If it is determined in step S509 that all messages have been selected (S509: YES), the controller 11 advances the process to step S517 and subsequent steps. That is, the fact that the control unit 11 has selected all the messages indicates that the delay time of each relay message has satisfied the corresponding specified time in step S506.

  By performing the above processing, each time the delay time is calculated for the relay message selected by the control unit 11, it is determined whether or not the delay time satisfies the specified time. Therefore, when the control unit 11 determines that the delay time does not satisfy the specified time for one relay message, it is not necessary to perform the processing from step S503 to step S510 on the same transmission mailbox counter thereafter. Therefore, the processing burden on the simulation apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 11 first selects the lowest priority message as described in the first and second embodiments when performing a simulation for assigning a message to each outgoing mailbox 34b. No processing is performed. However, by adjusting the initial value of the delay time calculation process (see step S402 in FIG. 8) to a value such as the time that the lowest priority message occupies the communication bus 5, a delay occurs in the relay of the relay device 3. It is possible to simulate an easy situation.

  In the present embodiment, the simulation apparatus 1 has been described with reference to the example in which the outgoing message stored in the message table 12b is used in the arbitration process in step S204 in FIG. May be performed. For example, data whose priority changes at random every predetermined time may be used. In that case, in step S301 in FIG. 7, instead of the process of selecting the comparison target, the control unit 11 issues a command to the time measuring unit 16 and acquires the time that has elapsed since the start of time measurement. In step S302, priorities can be compared based on the time.

  In the present embodiment, the simulation apparatus 1 stores the upper limit value of the number of transmission mailboxes 34b in the storage unit 12, and whether the value of the transmission mailbox counter is larger than the upper limit value in step S218 in FIG. Although it is determined whether or not, it is not necessary to determine. In this case, the value of the transmission mailbox counter when it is determined in step S211 that all messages have satisfied the specified time becomes the minimum value of the number of transmission mailboxes 34b that satisfy the specified time, and the relay device 3 is manufactured. The transmission mailbox 34b can be configured to be minimal.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the simulation apparatus 1 stores the assignment impossible message in the temporary storage unit 13 in step S213 in FIG. 6, but the assignment impossible message may not be stored. In that case, for example, the simulation apparatus 1 ends the process by performing an exception process such as ending the process when the same relay message is determined to include the lowest priority message a plurality of times in step S212. The trouble of not doing can be avoided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the simulation apparatus 1 updates the specified time and performs the message assignment process again in step S224 in FIG. 6, but the process may not be performed. Even in that case, it is possible to know the message to be assigned to the transmission mail box 34b that satisfies the specified time stored in the storage unit 12 in advance.

  In the present embodiment, the simulation apparatus 1 simulates the behavior when the relay apparatus 3 relays a message. However, the simulation apparatus 1 simulates the behavior of a communication apparatus other than the relay apparatus 3 including the transmission mailbox 34b. The set of the message and the transmission mailbox 34b to which the message is assigned may be determined. In the present embodiment, the relay apparatus 3 simulated by the simulation apparatus 1 will be described as an example of relaying a message transmitted / received according to the CAN protocol, but any protocol that uses priority may be used.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the meanings described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

The following items are further disclosed with respect to the above description.
(Appendix 1)
When a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits a plurality of externally received messages, a set of messages and transmission mailboxes when assigning each message to one of the transmission mailboxes is defined as the communication. An allocation device that determines by simulating the behavior when a device sends and receives messages,
A storage unit for storing the plurality of messages and a priority corresponding to each message;
A determination unit for determining each group such that a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit and a plurality of messages paired with at least one transmission mailbox are in the order of priority corresponding thereto; An allocation apparatus characterized by the above.

(Appendix 2)
A selection unit that sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on a corresponding priority;
For each of the plurality of messages, each time is calculated from the time when the communication device receives each message until the transmission is completed when it is assigned to one transmission mailbox in the order selected by the selection unit. A calculation unit;
A determination unit for determining whether each required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time; and
The determination unit includes a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a lower (or higher) priority than a lowest (or highest) priority in a priority corresponding to a message that the determination unit determines to be; The allocation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one transmission mailbox is determined as a set.

(Appendix 3)
A selection unit that sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on a corresponding priority;
For each of the plurality of messages, each time is calculated from the time when the communication device receives each message until the transmission is completed when it is assigned to one transmission mailbox in the order selected by the selection unit. A calculation unit;
A determination unit for determining whether the required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time in order of corresponding low priority (or high) messages;
The determination unit includes a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a priority lower than (or higher than) a priority corresponding to a message that the determination unit first determines to be negative, and the one transmission mailbox. The assigning device according to appendix 1, wherein the assigning device is determined as a set.

(Appendix 4)
The calculation unit calculates the time required for the message every time the selection unit selects a message,
The allocation device according to appendix 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether the required time is shorter than a predetermined allowable time each time the calculation unit calculates the required time.

(Appendix 5)
The communication device transmits the message when the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by itself is higher than the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by another communication device.
The selection unit selects a message having the lowest priority from the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit, and then sequentially selects messages in descending order of the corresponding priority. 5. The assigning device according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, which is a feature.

(Appendix 6)
The communication device is connected to a communication bus to which the other communication device is connected, and transmits a message via the communication bus.
The storage unit occupies an occupation time for occupying the communication bus when each of the plurality of messages is sent to the communication bus, and a plurality of messages transmitted by the other communication devices and a priority corresponding to each message. I remember it,
Whether the communication device can transmit the message based on the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by another communication device stored in the storage unit and the priority corresponding to the message selected by the selection unit A transmission determination unit for determining whether or not,
A time calculation unit that calculates a time from when the selection unit selects a message until the transmission determination unit determines that the message can be transmitted, each time the selection unit selects a message, and
The calculation unit adds the occupied time related to the message selected by the selection unit and the sum of the times calculated by the time calculation unit when the message is selected, each time the time calculation unit calculates the time. The allocation device according to appendix 5, wherein the time required for the message is calculated.

(Appendix 7)
The storage unit is configured to store an occupation time for occupying the communication bus when each of a plurality of messages transmitted by the other communication device is transmitted.
A comparison unit that compares the corresponding priority between the message selected by the selection unit and the message transmitted by the other communication device;
Whether the transmission determination unit can transmit the message by determining whether the comparison result of the comparison unit has the highest priority corresponding to the message selected by the selection unit. To determine whether
The comparison unit determines that the priority corresponding to the message selected by the selection unit is the highest by the transmission determination unit when the transmission determination unit determines that the priority is not the highest. Until it is done, the priority comparison is repeated by changing the comparison target,
The time calculating unit determines that the message having the highest priority in the comparison result of the comparing unit when the transmission determining unit determines that the priority corresponding to the message selected by the selecting unit is not the highest. The allocation device according to appendix 6, wherein the time is calculated based on the corresponding occupation time.

(Appendix 8)
The storage unit stores a transmission cycle in which each of the plurality of messages is transmitted,
After the simulation is started, a transmission cycle determination unit that determines whether or not each of the plurality of messages should be transmitted based on the transmission cycle is provided. The comparison unit is transmitted by the transmission cycle determination unit. The allocation device according to appendix 7, wherein a message determined to be a target is set as the comparison target.

(Appendix 9)
The storage unit stores a cycle in which each of the plurality of messages is to be received by the communication device,
After the simulation is started, a cycle determination unit that determines whether or not each of the plurality of messages should be received by the communication device based on the cycle,
The selection unit is configured to select a message from messages determined to be received by the communication device by the cycle determination unit. The allocation device described.

(Appendix 10)
The assigning device according to any one of appendices 6 to 9, wherein the calculation unit is configured to integrate from a preset initial value.

(Appendix 11)
The allowable time is stored in the storage unit in association with each of the plurality of messages,
The determination unit is configured to determine whether or not all of the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit are shorter than the corresponding allowable time. The allocation device described in 1.

(Appendix 12)
The plurality of messages excluding messages determined as a set by the determination unit are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit as remaining messages,
The selection unit selects a message corresponding to the lowest priority from the remaining messages stored in the storage unit to be assigned to another transmission mailbox different from the one transmission mailbox, and then 12. The assigning device according to any one of appendices 2 to 11, wherein the messages are sequentially selected in descending order of priority corresponding to assignment to another transmission mailbox.

(Appendix 13)
When the determination unit determines that the required time in the message corresponding to the lowest priority selected by the selection unit is longer than the corresponding allowable time, the message is separate from the remaining message, 13. The allocation device according to appendix 12, wherein the allocation unit stores the allocation incapable message in the storage unit.

(Appendix 14)
The storage unit stores an upper limit value of the number of transmission mailboxes that the communication device can have,
When the determination unit determines that each required time in all of the plurality of messages other than the unallocated message stored in the storage unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time, the transmission mailbox to be allocated by the selection unit It is determined whether the number of is below the said upper limit, The allocation apparatus of Claim 13 characterized by the above-mentioned.

(Appendix 15)
When the determination unit determines that each required time in all of the plurality of messages other than the non-assignable message stored in the storage unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time, the non-assignment stored in the storage unit A counting unit for counting the number of messages;
When the number counted by the counting unit is smaller than the upper limit value of the number of transmission mailboxes, the allowable time is updated to a time changed by a predetermined magnification, the simulation is performed again, and then the counting unit counts The assigning device according to claim 14, wherein the allowable time is updated and the simulation is repeated until the number of matches matches the upper limit value of the number of transmission mailboxes.

(Appendix 16)
When a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits a plurality of externally received messages, a set of messages and transmission mailboxes when assigning each message to one of the transmission mailboxes is defined as the communication. An allocation method that determines by simulating the behavior when a device sends and receives messages,
A plurality of messages and priorities corresponding to the messages are stored in advance;
An assignment comprising: determining each set such that the order of priority corresponding to each of a plurality of messages paired with at least one outgoing mailbox among the plurality of stored messages is consecutive; Method.

(Appendix 17)
When a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits each of a plurality of externally received messages, a set of messages and transmission mailboxes when assigning each message to any of the transmission mailboxes, A computer program for causing a computer that stores in advance the plurality of messages and the priority corresponding to each message to determine by simulating the behavior when the communication device transmits and receives messages,
On the computer,
Identifying a message that should not be assigned to any outgoing mailbox among a plurality of stored messages;
A computer program, comprising: executing a message corresponding to a priority lower (or higher) than a priority corresponding to the identified message, and a step of determining the transmission mailbox as a set.

(Appendix 18)
A relay apparatus comprising a plurality of transmission mailboxes to which messages are assigned when transmitting a plurality of messages via a communication bus, and sequentially relaying messages in a predetermined message group between different communication buses, 15. A method of manufacturing a relay device using the allocation device according to any one of up to 15,
Storing the message group and the priority corresponding to each message in the storage unit of the allocation device;
Including causing the assigning device to determine a message in the message group to be assigned to each of a plurality of transmission mailboxes included in the relay device based on the message group stored in the storage unit and a plurality of priorities. The manufacturing method of the relay apparatus characterized by these.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Simulation apparatus 2 Recording medium 2a Simulation program 3 Relay apparatus 4 ECU
5 Communication Bus 11 Control Unit 12 Storage Unit 12a Simulation Program 12b Message Table 13 Temporary Storage Unit 34 Communication Unit 34b Transmission Mailbox

Claims (8)

When a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits a plurality of externally received messages, a set of messages and transmission mailboxes when assigning each message to one of the transmission mailboxes is defined as the communication. An allocation device that determines by simulating the behavior when a device sends and receives messages,
A storage unit for storing the plurality of messages and a priority corresponding to each message;
A determination unit for determining each group such that a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit and a plurality of messages paired with at least one transmission mailbox are in the order of priority corresponding thereto; An allocation apparatus characterized by the above. A selection unit that sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on a corresponding priority;
For each of the plurality of messages, each time is calculated from the time when the communication device receives each message until the transmission is completed when it is assigned to one transmission mailbox in the order selected by the selection unit. A calculation unit;
A determination unit for determining whether each required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time; and
The determination unit includes a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a lower (or higher) priority than a lowest (or highest) priority in a priority corresponding to a message that the determination unit determines to be; 2. The allocation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one transmission mailbox is determined as a set. A selection unit that sequentially selects a plurality of messages stored in the storage unit based on a corresponding priority;
For each of the plurality of messages, each time is calculated from the time when the communication device receives each message until the transmission is completed when it is assigned to one transmission mailbox in the order selected by the selection unit. A calculation unit;
A determination unit for determining whether the required time calculated by the calculation unit is shorter than a predetermined allowable time in order of corresponding low priority (or high) messages;
The determination unit includes a message in the plurality of messages corresponding to a priority lower than (or higher than) a priority corresponding to a message that the determination unit first determines to be negative, and the one transmission mailbox. The allocation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the allocation apparatus is determined as a set. The calculation unit calculates the time required for the message every time the selection unit selects a message,
The allocation device according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the required time is shorter than a predetermined allowable time each time the calculation unit calculates the required time. . The communication device transmits the message when the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by itself is higher than the priority corresponding to the message transmitted by another communication device.
The selection unit selects a message having the lowest priority from the plurality of messages stored in the storage unit, and then sequentially selects messages in descending order of the corresponding priority. 5. The assigning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: When a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits a plurality of externally received messages, a set of messages and transmission mailboxes when assigning each message to one of the transmission mailboxes is defined as the communication. An allocation method that determines by simulating the behavior when a device sends and receives messages,
A plurality of messages and priorities corresponding to the messages are stored in advance;
An assignment comprising: determining each set such that the order of priority corresponding to each of a plurality of messages paired with at least one outgoing mailbox among the plurality of stored messages is consecutive; Method. When a communication device including a plurality of transmission mailboxes transmits each of a plurality of externally received messages, a set of messages and transmission mailboxes when assigning each message to any of the transmission mailboxes, A computer program for causing a computer that stores in advance the plurality of messages and the priority corresponding to each message to determine by simulating the behavior when the communication device transmits and receives messages,
On the computer,
Identifying a message that should not be assigned to any outgoing mailbox among a plurality of stored messages;
A computer program, comprising: executing a message corresponding to a priority lower (or higher) than a priority corresponding to the identified message, and a step of determining the transmission mailbox as a set. A relay apparatus comprising a plurality of transmission mailboxes to which each message is assigned when transmitting a plurality of messages via a communication bus, and sequentially relaying messages in a predetermined message group between different communication buses. A manufacturing method of a relay device manufactured using the allocation device according to any one of 1 to 5,
Storing the message group and the priority corresponding to each message in the storage unit of the allocation device;
Including causing the assigning device to determine a message in the message group to be assigned to each of a plurality of transmission mailboxes included in the relay device based on the message group stored in the storage unit and a plurality of priorities. The manufacturing method of the relay apparatus characterized by these.

Images