JP7007697B2 - Equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, devices and programs.

As an automobile failure diagnosis system, for example, an OBD (on-board diagnostics) system and the like have been widely used conventionally.

In the OBD system, information on each part of the automobile is acquired by connecting an external device to the OBDII connector (“II” of OBDII is Roman numeral 2 and hereinafter referred to as “OBD2”) provided in the automobile. can do. In an automobile maintenance shop or the like, by connecting a diagnostic device to an OBD2 connector as an external device, information on each part of the automobile can be acquired, and inspection and maintenance can be performed based on the information. The OBD2 connector is also simply referred to as an OBD connector and is also referred to as a DLC (data link connector). The signal line of the in-vehicle LAN and the signal line of the K line are connected to the OBD2 connector, and the signal can be output.

A plurality of ECUs (electronic control units, electronic control units) provided for controlling an automobile are connected to the in-vehicle LAN. As the in-vehicle LAN, for example, CAN (controller area network) or the like is used. Further, an ECU is connected to the K line by, for example, P2P (peer to peer). The ECU outputs information acquired from sensors provided in each part of the vehicle to the in-vehicle LAN and K line.

The OBD2 connector is a diagnostic connector, which is usually used for inspection and maintenance of automobiles in a maintenance shop or the like, and nothing is connected when the user is driving. However, the OBD2 connector is often arranged so as to be exposed from a position that cannot be directly seen from the driver's seat, such as the foot of the driver's seat or the passenger's seat, or the right or left side of the center console. This is especially so that an auto mechanic can check the condition of the car by connecting the diagnostic device to the OBD2 connector, sitting in the driver's seat and operating the accelerator pedal and brake pedal of the car while looking at the display of the diagnostic machine. It is considered that this is because the automobile manufacturer does not assume that the OBD2 connector is regularly used by the user.

Combined with the layout accessible from the passenger compartment and the usefulness of the information obtained, there is a demand for the OBD2 connector to be used for purposes other than inspection and maintenance, and the information output from the OBD2 connector is a diagnostic machine. There was a request to use it with external devices other than the above. Patent Document 1 proposes a device capable of making information output from the OBD2 connector available to a plurality of devices by connecting to the OBD2 connector.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-63164

However, for example, automobile manufacturers have begun to instruct the OBD2 connector not to attach an external device other than a diagnostic device for the purpose of preventing troubles. Also, for example, when another external device is connected to the OBD2 connector and the user brings the car to the dealer for inspection and maintenance, the dealer's mechanic will use the diagnostic machine. There is a problem that the work of removing the equipment is generated, the work efficiency of inspection and maintenance is lowered, and the wages are excessively negotiated between the user and the dealer.

On the other hand, the information output from the OBD2 connector covers a wide range of things such as engine state, fuel consumption, automobile speed, door open / closed state, etc., and is extremely useful, so it is a big social loss not to use it. Further, since the information output from the OBD2 connector can be used in various external devices, there has been a request from the user to facilitate the attachment / detachment of the external device.

Recently, the OBD2 connector has been switched to the specification of being connected to the signal line of the in-vehicle LAN via the gateway ECU. As a result, only the minimum necessary data among the data transmitted from the ECU inside the gateway ECU (on the vehicle side) flows to the OBD2 connector. Therefore, there is a problem that an external device that can be used with the conventional specifications cannot be used because necessary information cannot be obtained even if it is connected to the OBD2 connector.

An object of the present invention is, for example, not to connect an external device other than a diagnostic device to a diagnostic connector such as an OBD2 connector provided on an in-vehicle LAN or a K line, and is originally provided for controlling an automobile, for example. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device or the like capable of making information on a vehicle state based on information output from an electronic control device such as an ECU available from an external device. Further, an object of the present invention is, for example, a state in which a diagnostic connector provided on an in-vehicle LAN or a communication cable in an in-vehicle is opened for a diagnostic machine, and is based on information output from an electronic control device such as the above-mentioned ECU. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device or the like that can make information on the state of a vehicle available from an external device.

Further, it is assumed that such a problem will occur not only when the connection means for the external device is a diagnostic connector. As such a case, for example, there may be a case where connecting an external device having no original purpose to a connecting means for an external device having the original purpose is restricted.

Based on this, an object of the present invention is, for example, to connect an external device other than the external device having the original purpose to the connection means for the external device having the original purpose provided in the in-vehicle LAN or the K line. Moreover, for example, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device which can make information about a state of a vehicle based on the information output from an electronic control device such as the ECU available from an external device. Further, an object of the present invention is, for example, to make a connection means for an external device having an original purpose provided in an in-vehicle LAN or a communication cable in the vehicle open for the external device having the original purpose, for example. An object of the present invention is to provide a device or the like capable of making information on a vehicle state based on information output from an electronic control device such as an ECU available from an external device. Further, an object of the present invention is not limited to this, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an effect obtained from a part of the configuration disclosed in the present specification, drawings and the like. For example, a problem in which the part described as "can be" in the present specification is replaced with "is a problem" is disclosed in the present specification. It is also an object of the present invention to solve this problem. The applicant of the present application intends to make a part of the constitution described in the present specification amended or to make a claim in a divisional application.

(1) For example, it is a communication system in which an electronic control device that controls a vehicle with respect to a communication path through which a signal containing information flows and a diagnostic connector to which a diagnostic device for diagnosing the state of the vehicle are connected are connected. In a vehicle provided with a communication system in which the external device can communicate with the electronic control device by directly or indirectly connecting the external device, the communication system and the vehicle interior of the vehicle are arranged. A device connected to a first external device, including an external device side connection portion connected to the first external device and a vehicle side connection portion connected to the communication system, and the external device side. In the communication system in which the connection portion is arranged in the vehicle interior and the vehicle side connection portion is a portion other than the diagnostic connector in the communication system and a signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained. The device may be characterized in that it is connected to a location.

In this way, the user can keep the diagnostic connector open even when using, for example, the first external device. Further, the first external device can acquire a signal necessary for operation and perform operation based on this signal.

On the other hand, the vehicle dealer removes the external device from the diagnostic connector when using the diagnostic device for the vehicle brought in by the user, and reconnects the external device to the diagnostic connector after inspecting and repairing the vehicle. There is no need to do the work to do. In particular, it is difficult for the dealer to charge the user for the wages generated separately, but it is no longer necessary to charge the additional wages for removal, etc., and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles with the user due to the charges. can.

The device according to the present invention is used for a vehicle such as an automobile, and may serve as an interface between a communication system and a first external device, for example.

The "communication path through which a signal containing information flows" may be any communication path as long as the signal containing information can be transmitted. For example, it may be one communication path, or a plurality of communication paths may be directly or indirectly connected. When indirectly connected, for example, it is preferable that a plurality of communication paths are connected via a member that relays a signal. The member that relays the signal may be physically relayed directly, for example, such as a connector, or, for example, a gateway, which once receives a signal from a certain communication path and performs some control, and another communication path. It may be output to. The "signal containing information" may be composed of, for example, packets.

Further, the "communication path" may be, for example, a one-to-one communication path. Further, for example, a network in which a plurality of electronic control devices are connected may be used, and in this way, information obtained from the plurality of electronic control devices can be used in the diagnostic device and the first external device. In particular, when the electronic control device is an ECU of an automobile, the communication path may be, for example, an in-vehicle LAN such as CAN or a K line. The information flowing through the communication path may be, for example, information regarding the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device that controls the vehicle.

The "electronic control device that controls the vehicle" may be an electronic control device that moves the vehicle itself, for example, by operating a motor or an actuator provided in the vehicle, or, for example, without performing such control. Alternatively, it may be an electronic control device that performs such control and controls to acquire information from a sensor or the like provided in the vehicle and output information based on the acquired information to a communication path, for example, an ECU. And so on.

The "diagnosis machine" may be, for example, a device for diagnosing the state of the vehicle based on the information on the state of each part of the vehicle collected by the electronic control device, and in particular, a device generally widely used for diagnosis. Further, the diagnostic device is based on, for example, a transmitting device that only transmits a diagnostic signal is separately connected to a communication system, and the signal transmitted from the electronic control device responds to the signal transmitted from the transmitting device. It may be used as a device for diagnosing. The diagnostic machine may be, for example, a failure diagnosis machine. The same applies to the second external device in (5) described later.

The "diagnosis connector" may be, for example, a connector that can perform vehicle diagnosis in common with many vehicles. In addition, it is generally preferable to use a connector that can be connected by a diagnostic machine for widespread diagnosis at a maintenance shop in the city, not at a vehicle manufacturer. In particular, for example, an OBD2 connector or the like may be used. It is preferable that the electronic control device that controls the vehicle and the diagnostic connector are connected via, for example, a communication path.

In addition, the "diagnostic connector" may be located, for example, in the passenger compartment, and in particular, it may be located at the foot of the driver's seat or passenger's seat, or on the right or left side of the center console. Furthermore, it may be arranged so as to be exposed in a position that is difficult to see or cannot be seen directly from the driver's seat. In this way, when the person using the diagnostic machine operates the diagnostic machine connected to the diagnostic connector, or if the diagnostic machine is equipped with a display unit, he / she operates while visually recognizing the display. You can check the status of the information flowing through the communication path.

The "external device" may be a device that only transmits a signal such as a signal transmitting device, a device that only receives a signal, or a device that transmits / receives a signal. Regarding the connection between the external device and the communication system, "directly" may be, for example, connecting between the communication system and the external device without using other members, and "indirectly" means, for example, the communication system and the outside. It is preferable to connect to the device via another member. The "member" may be, for example, a connector or another device.

"Communication" may be a concept including, for example, one or both of transmission and reception of signals.

"Communication system" refers to a system that can communicate in general, and may include, for example, a communication path, an electronic control device, and a diagnostic connector, and in addition to these, other components such as a gateway ECU may be included. It may be included. The communication system may be located inside the vehicle. The "inside of the vehicle" in which the communication system is arranged may be, for example, a part that does not appear in the exterior or the interior of the vehicle, and in particular, a place that cannot be accessed unless a part of the members constituting the vehicle is removed. A part of the members constituting the vehicle may be, for example, a member that separates the inside and the outside of the vehicle interior (a portion that does not appear in the exterior or the interior of the vehicle), and may be a so-called instrument panel.

The "first external device" may be a device that only transmits a signal such as a signal transmitting device, a device that only receives a signal, or a device that transmits / receives a signal. good. Further, for example, an operation of outputting information based on a signal acquired at a location other than the diagnostic connector in the communication system where a signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained to the user. It is preferable to use a device having a function of performing the above. In particular, for example, a display device such as a display capable of displaying information obtained at a portion to which a vehicle-side connection portion of a communication system is connected, or a radar detector or a car navigation device that displays such information may be used. Alternatively, a simple security device or the like capable of issuing an alarm based on the information obtained at the portion to which the vehicle-side connection portion of the communication system is connected may be used.

The "vehicle compartment" may be, for example, a living space for the occupants of the vehicle. The passenger compartment does not necessarily have to be a closed space, and may be an open space such as a so-called open car without a roof, or may be a closed space such as a covered car. ..

The "external device side connection portion" may be, for example, one that is directly connected to the first external device by soldering or the like, or, for example, a connection means such as a connector that fits with a connector provided in the first external device. It may be provided with. Further, for example, it may be as described in (2) described later. The connection portion of the first external device connected to this "external device side connection portion" may be a wiring connected to an internal component by, for example, soldering, or, for example, an end portion or an intermediate portion of this wiring. It may be a connector provided in. This connector may be, for example, drawn out from the housing by wiring, and in particular, may be arranged on the surface of the housing, for example.

The "vehicle-side connection portion" may be, for example, one that is directly connected to a communication path by soldering or the like, and may be particularly provided with, for example, a connection means. The connection means may be connectable to a connection means other than the connector for a diagnostic device provided in the communication system, for example, an electrotap, or a connector fitted to a connector provided in the communication system, for example. The connector provided in the communication system may be an unused connector or a connector that is likely to be empty. For example, a connector may be used so that the device is connected only when the vehicle is manufactured and the device is not connected after the manufacturing. Further, for example, it may be an optional connector to which the optional equipment of the vehicle provided by the dealer is connected.

Further, the "vehicle-side connection portion" is, for example, a state in which a part of the members constituting the vehicle is removed when connecting to the communication system, and after the connection, a part of the members constituting the vehicle is reattached to the vehicle. It is good to say. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary troubles such as the user accidentally disconnecting the vehicle-side connection portion from the communication system.

In the apparatus according to the present invention, the external device side connection portion and the vehicle side connection portion can transmit information signals by wireless communication using, for example, wireless communication members provided in the external device side connection portion and the vehicle side connection portion. Although it may be connected to, it is particularly preferable to connect the information signal so that it can be transmitted by a transmission line.

When connecting the external device side connection part and the vehicle side connection part by a transmission line, for example, the vehicle side connection part is connected to the communication system with a part of the members constituting the vehicle removed, and after the connection, the vehicle is connected. It is preferable that this transmission line transmits information about the state of the vehicle between the vehicle-side connection portion and the first external device in a state where a part of the constituent members is reattached to the vehicle. The transmission line may be arranged so as to pass through a gap between a part of the member and the other part when a part of the member constituting the vehicle is reattached to the vehicle. In this way, the transmission line passes through the space inside the vehicle and the space outside the vehicle interior (the part that does not appear in the exterior or interior of the vehicle) separated from the vehicle interior by the members constituting the vehicle. be able to. In particular, the transmission line is arranged inside the vehicle separated from the passenger compartment by the instrument panel and the external device side connection portion connected to the first external device arranged on the dashboard even when the instrument panel is attached, for example. It can be connected to the vehicle side connection part.

"A place other than the diagnostic connector in the communication system and in the communication system where the signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained" is the place where the signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained. Any location may be used, but for example, when a communication system is provided with a gateway for converting or selecting a signal of information flowing in a communication path, the signal is converted or selected by the gateway in the communication path. It is good to make it the part that is not. In this way, it is possible to acquire a signal that has not been converted or selected.

The "signal required for the operation of the first external device" may be, for example, a signal generated by the electronic control device output from the electronic control device connected to the communication path.

The "operation" of the first external device that has obtained the signal necessary for operation from the communication system may be, for example, the output of information based on the necessary signal to the user as described above. In this way, the user can make it possible to acquire information that cannot normally be acquired from an external device arranged in the vehicle interior from the first external device. This information may be, for example, information about the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device.

(2) The connection portion on the external device side may be a connection means that can be attached to and detached from the connection means provided in the first external device.

By doing so, when the device according to the present invention cannot be attached to the vehicle unless, for example, a part of the members constituting the vehicle is removed, or when the attachment work requires soldering. Even if the installation requires technology, once the device according to the present invention is installed in the vehicle by a worker of a store, the user can use the first external device for the device. It can be easily attached and detached. The connecting means provided in the apparatus according to the present invention and the connecting means provided in the first external device may be, for example, a connector. The connector provided in the apparatus according to the present invention may be, for example, drawn out into the vehicle interior by a transmission line, and in particular, may be arranged so as to be exposed to the vehicle interior side on the surface of the instrument panel, for example. The connector provided in the first external device may be, for example, drawn out from the housing by wiring, and in particular, may be arranged on the surface of the housing, for example. The connector provided in the apparatus according to the present invention and the connector provided in the first external device may be connected via, for example, a cable provided with two connectors.

With the conventional OBD2 connector, no special technology was required to attach or remove external devices. On the other hand, in the apparatus of the present invention, for example, when the external device side connection portion and the first external device are connected by soldering or the like, once attached to the vehicle, the first external device can be easily used. May not be able to be attached or detached. However, by making the connection portion on the external device side a connecting means that can be attached to and detached from the connecting means of the first external device, the user can easily attach and detach the first external device to and from the device according to the present invention. can do.

For example, if the first external device is installed and is broken due to an initial failure within a week, the entire vehicle will be repaired at the store where the installation work was performed again within a short period of time after the installation work. It will be a troublesome situation that you have to bring it. However, by making the connection part on the external device side a detachable connection means, you can easily remove only the first external device and send it for repair without disassembling the vehicle or the first external device, or immediately as a replacement. It can also be exchanged for.

(3) A connector other than the diagnostic connector is provided on the communication path, and by connecting the vehicle-side connector and the connector other than the diagnostic connector, the vehicle-side connector and the communication system are connected. It is good to connect with.

In this way, the user or a person who installs the device according to the present invention (for example, a worker at a store) can easily connect the device to the communication system as compared with the case of direct connection, and wiring. You will be freed from the hassle of connecting. Further, even when the device is removed, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

The connector other than the diagnostic connector may be of the same type as the diagnostic connector, for example, and may be of the same type as the OBD2 connector, but may be particularly an optional connector. This optional connector may be, for example, a connector capable of connecting optional equipment to the vehicle at the user's option in the future, and may be particularly arranged inside the instrument panel. Further, this optional device may be, for example, a device that can be selected as a vehicle option by a dealer. For example, the display unit or the operation unit can be incorporated or embedded in the center console portion of the instrument panel with the display unit or the operation unit exposed in the vehicle interior. It may be a device, and further, it may be a device that can be connected to an optional connector by a connector provided in a portion embedded inside the instrument panel.

The "connector other than the diagnostic connector" is, for example, a connector other than the diagnostic connector in the communication system, and may be connected to a place where a signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained, and is connected to the communication system as a gateway. When the ECU is arranged, it is preferable that the gateway ECU is connected to a place where a signal that has not been converted or selected can be output.

(4) In the communication system, a plurality of electronic control devices are arranged in the communication path, one of the plurality of electronic control devices is a gateway, and the gateway is the communication path other than the gateway. It is arranged between the portion to which the electronic control device is connected and the portion to which the diagnostic connector is connected, and the vehicle-side connection portion is the portion of the communication path to which the electronic control device other than the gateway is connected. It is good to be connected to.

In this way, the user can see that the signal transmitted to the diagnostic connector by the electronic control device that is the gateway is a signal transmitted from an electronic control device other than the gateway converted into another signal or a part thereof. Even if it is selected, it is possible to reliably send and receive signals to and from each electronic control device other than the gateway. The electronic control device as a gateway may be arranged, for example, between the part of the communication path to which all the electronic control devices other than the gateway are connected and the part to which the diagnostic connector is connected.

(5) The device and the device so as to give priority to communication by the second external device, provided that the second external device, which is a diagnostic device, is connected to the communication system via the diagnostic connector. It is preferable to have a communication limiting unit capable of limiting communication by at least one of the first external devices via the communication path.

In this way, the user and the dealer in which the vehicle is brought in by the user can diagnose the batting between the signal emitted from the diagnostic device, which is the second external device, and the signal emitted from the device itself or the first external device. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary troubles that lead to malfunction of the machine. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to remove the device or the first external device from the communication system, or to reattach it after inspecting or repairing the vehicle, and troubles occur due to the request for additional wages for such work. You won't be bothered.

The device according to the present invention is suitable, for example, in a communication system where communication by a first external device causes a hindrance to communication by a diagnostic device.

The concept of "communication via the communication path by at least one of the device and the first external device can be restricted so as to prioritize communication by the second external device" is, for example, a second diagnostic device. For communication by an external device, not only the communication by the device according to the present invention or the first external device is completely cut off, but also the communication by the first external device is allowed as long as there is no problem in the communication of the diagnostic device. It may be a concept that includes aspects such as restriction.

As the "communication restriction", for example, the transmission / reception control of the signal may be performed so that the communication signal of the diagnostic device and the communication signal of the first external device do not batting or interfering with each other.

Since the "restriction of communication" in the apparatus according to the present invention is "possible", for example, even if the diagnostic device is connected to the communication system, it is not necessary to immediately restrict the communication. That is, the connection of the diagnostic device may be all of a plurality of conditions provided for, for example, communication restriction, or may be a part of the conditions.

The "communication restriction by the communication restriction unit" is, for example, a signal in the present invention in which the communication restriction unit according to the present invention detects that the diagnostic device is connected via a communication path or the like and interferes with the operation of the diagnostic device. This may be done by not transmitting from the device, for example by turning off the power to the first external device with a switch, for example making the device inaccessible to the communication system. It is better to do it by things.

The "communication limiting unit" may be, for example, a circuit provided on a board, and particularly may be a chip of an integrated circuit. The chip may be provided, for example, in the connection portion on the external device side or in the connection portion on the vehicle side. When connecting the external device side connection unit and the vehicle side connection unit by a transmission line, a communication restriction unit may be provided, for example, in the middle of the transmission line.

(6) A first switch arranged in the vehicle interior is provided, and the communication restriction unit restricts communication by turning off the first switch to prioritize communication by the second external device. It is good.

In this way, the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user can use the diagnostic device for the vehicle with the diagnostic machine, which is the second external device, and at least one of the device and the first external device. Even if signal batting occurs between the two, the batting can be eliminated and the diagnostic device can be used simply by turning off the first switch provided in the apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the device or the first external device from the communication system, and the user and the dealer may be troubled by the troubles associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. It disappears.

The "first switch" may be, for example, a power switch or the like. In addition, the "first switch" may be placed in the vehicle interior via wiring, for example, and in particular, a place that is easily accessible to the user, such as a so-called dashboard, instrument panel (hereinafter referred to as "instrument panel"), or center. It is recommended to sit in the driver's seat such as the console or its surroundings and place it in a place that can be reached.

(7) The first external device is provided with a second switch, and the communication limiting unit is the state in which the first external device is connected to the external device side connection unit, and the first external device is said to have the first external device. By turning off the second switch, it is preferable to restrict communication by giving priority to communication by the second external device.

In this way, the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user can use the diagnostic device for the vehicle with the diagnostic machine, which is the second external device, and at least one of the device and the first external device. Even if signal batting occurs between the two, the batting can be eliminated and the diagnostic device can be used simply by turning off the second switch provided in the first external device. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the device or the first external device from the communication system, and the user and the dealer may be troubled by the troubles associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. It disappears.

The "second switch" provided in the first external device may be, for example, a power switch or the like. Further, the first external device may be a device such as a radar detector, which is arranged in a place easily accessible to the user on a so-called dashboard.

(8) In a state where the first external device is provided with an operation unit and the first external device is connected to the external device side connection unit, the communication restriction is performed by using the operation unit of the first external device. The communication restriction unit can operate the unit, and the communication restriction unit operates the communication restriction unit by using the operation unit of the first external device to give priority to communication by the second external device. Good to do.

In this way, the dealer who brought in the vehicle from the user can use the diagnostic machine as a second external device and at least one of the device and the first external device when using the diagnostic machine for the vehicle. Even if signal batting occurs between the two, the batting can be eliminated and the diagnostic device can be used only by operating the operation unit of the first external device. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the device or the first external device from the communication system, and the user and the dealer may be troubled by the troubles associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. It disappears.

The "operation unit" of the first external device may be, for example, a switch, a button, a dial, etc. provided in the housing of the first external device, and the first external device shall be provided with a display unit. It may be possible to set with a button or the like provided on the housing based on the setting screen displayed on the display unit. Further, as the "operation unit" of the first external device, for example, the first external device may be provided with a touch panel type display unit, and may be set by directly touching the setting screen displayed on the display unit. Further, for example, a remote controller that can be operated wirelessly using radio waves, infrared rays, or the like may be used.

The first external device may be a device such as a radar detector that is placed in a place easily accessible to the user on a so-called dashboard. The display unit of the first external device may display, for example, the selection of "stop / resume access to the communication system" as a setting menu.

(9) The first external device is provided with an operation unit, the external device side connection unit and the first external device are connected by wireless communication, and the first external device is connected to the external device side connection unit. In the connected state, the communication restriction unit can be operated by using the operation unit of the first external device, and the communication restriction unit can be operated by using the operation unit of the first external device. It is preferable to restrict communication by giving priority to communication by the second external device by operating the above, and when wireless communication between the external device side connection unit and the first external device becomes impossible, the communication restriction unit May restrict communication by giving priority to communication by the second external device.

By doing so, the user can prevent troubles such as the wiring of the device according to the present invention getting caught in the hand, and can freely arrange the first external device. In addition, when the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user uses the diagnostic device for the vehicle, a signal is sent between the diagnostic device, which is the second external device, and at least one of the device and the first external device. Even if the batting occurs, the batting can be eliminated and the diagnostic machine can be used only by operating the operation unit of the first external device. Further, even when the communication restriction unit of the device according to the present invention cannot be operated by the operation unit of the first external device, the diagnostic device can be reliably used. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the device from the communication system, and the user and the dealer are not bothered by the occurrence of troubles and the like associated with the billing of additional wages for such work.

For "wireless communication" between the external device side connection unit and the first external device, for example, a chip capable of wireless communication is provided between the external device side connection unit and the first external device, and Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi- It is preferable to use Fi or the like.

The first external device may be a device such as a radar detector that is placed in a place easily accessible to the user on a so-called dashboard. The display unit of the first external device may display, for example, the selection of "stop / resume access to the communication system" as a setting menu.

(10) When the communication restriction unit detects that a signal other than the signal transmitted from the first external device is transmitted, the communication restriction unit stops access to the electronic control device and communicates with the second external device. It is advisable to restrict communication by giving priority to.

In this way, the user and the dealer in which the vehicle is brought in by the user can diagnose the batting between the signal emitted from the diagnostic device, which is the second external device, and the signal emitted from the device itself or the first external device. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary troubles that lead to malfunction of the machine. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to remove the device or the first external device from the communication system, or to reattach it after inspecting or repairing the vehicle, and troubles occur due to the request for additional wages for such work. You won't be bothered.

The "signal other than the signal transmitted from the first external device" that is detected by the communication restriction unit of the device according to the present invention and stops access to the electronic control device is transmitted from, for example, a diagnostic device. It should be a signal.

(11) When the communication restriction unit detects that a predetermined signal flows in the communication path, it may perform communication restriction that gives priority to communication by the second external device.

In this way, the dealer who brought in the vehicle from the user can use the diagnostic machine as a second external device and at least one of the device and the first external device when using the diagnostic machine for the vehicle. Even if signal batting occurs between the two, the batting can be eliminated and the diagnostic device can be used only by setting a predetermined signal to flow in the communication path. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the device or the first external device from the communication system, and the user and the dealer may be troubled by the troubles associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. It disappears.

The "predetermined signal" flowing through the communication path may be, for example, a signal output to the communication path by an electronic control device and may be a signal related to the state of a vehicle operation switch or the like originally provided in the vehicle.

The "vehicle operation switch" may be, for example, an "ignition switch", a "light power switch", a "brake pedal" or the like. The "ignition switch" may be operated by inserting a key into a key cylinder, for example, or may be a button type. The "light power switch" may be, for example, a "room light power switch" or a "headlight power switch".

The "predetermined state" of the vehicle operation switch may be, for example, a state in which a predetermined operation is performed using the vehicle operation switch, and in particular, for example, switching on and off of the vehicle operation switch is repeated a predetermined number of times. It is good to put it in the state of being. This "switching on and off of the vehicle operation switch" may be, for example, "repeating switching of the ignition switch on and off a predetermined number of times (for example, three times per second) within a predetermined time". For example, "switching the headlights on and off and switching the brakes on and off at the same time" may be performed.

Further, it is preferable that the priority of the communication by the second external device can be canceled when the communication by the second external device is prioritized by detecting the predetermined signal and then the similar signal is detected again. In this way, the user and the dealer can easily release the priority of the communication by the second external device.

(12) The signal transmitted from the electronic control device is converted into a format that can be used by the first external device, and the signal transmitted from the first external device is converted into a format that can be used by the electronic control device. It may be provided with a signal conversion unit.

In this way, the user uses the first external device without worrying about the correspondence between the signal used in the electronic control device of the communication system and the signal used in the first external device. can do.

The "signal conversion unit" may be, for example, a circuit provided on a substrate, and particularly may be a chip of an integrated circuit. The chip may be provided, for example, in the connection portion on the external device side or in the connection portion on the vehicle side. When connecting the external device side connection unit and the vehicle side connection unit by a transmission line, a communication restriction unit may be provided, for example, in the middle of the transmission line.

As an example, the conversion of the signal format may be as follows. For example, the format of the request message transmitted from the first external device is "7E0 **", the format of the response message recognizable by the first external device is "7E8 **", and the electronic control device of the communication system. The case where the format of the request message recognizable in the above is "700 ##" and the format of the response message transmitted from the electronic control device of the communication system is "708 ##" will be described.

In this case, the first external device transmits "7E0 **", and the device according to the present invention that receives "7E0 **" converts this signal into "700 ##" by the signal conversion unit and communicates. Send to the system communication path. The electronic control device of the communication system that receives and recognizes "700 ##" flowing through the communication path transmits "708 ##" to the communication path. Upon receiving "708 ##", the signal conversion unit converts it into "7E8 **" and transmits it to the first external device. Here, "**" and "##" are arbitrary numbers or symbols indicating the contents of the request or response, and may be, for example, hexadecimal numbers.

The request message may convey, for example, "instruction to another device", and the response message may convey, for example, "response from another device to the instruction". Further, the response message may be, for example, a positive response message indicating "execution of the instruction and its result" and a negative response message indicating "the inability to execute the instruction and the reason".

(13) After transmitting a signal from the device to the communication system, it is preferable to record a signal flowing through a portion of the communication system to which the vehicle-side connection portion is connected for a predetermined period.

In this way, the manufacturer who brought in the device in which the trouble occurred from the user can easily identify the cause of the trouble and the signal generated by the device that caused the trouble based on this record. And this signal can be modified. In addition, the user of the device in which the trouble has occurred can continue to use the device whose signal has been corrected by the manufacturer.

The recording of the signal may be, for example, a predetermined period after the signal is transmitted from the device. After the lapse of a predetermined period, for example, the record may be deleted, or may be retained, for example, as long as the capacity of the storage unit allows. Further, for example, a certain amount of the latest record may be continuously saved while being updated in the storage unit by so-called overwrite saving or the like during the operation of the device, and if a communication abnormality occurs, the update may be stopped. It is preferable to save the recording for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) before the time of occurrence as another recording file in the storage unit. As a result, the record stored in the storage unit includes the signal that caused the trouble, and can be used to identify the cause of the trouble. The storage unit may be, for example, an external server or the like capable of communicating with the device of the present invention, or may be provided in, for example, the device according to the present invention.

(14) When the electronic control device can communicate with an external server and the electronic control device receives update information of software used in the electronic control device from the server, the software is updated. , It is advisable to record the difference between the signals flowing through the communication path before and after the update.

In this way, the manufacturer who brought in the device in which the trouble occurred from the user can identify that the trouble is caused by the change in the signal flowing through the communication path due to the update based on this record. , The cause of the trouble can be easily identified and the cause can be corrected. In addition, the user of the device in which the trouble has occurred can continue to use the device in which the cause of the trouble has been corrected by the manufacturer.

The difference between the signals flowing through the communication path before and after the update is that, for example, the signal flowing through the communication path is recorded in advance in the storage unit before the update, and the signal flowing through the communication path after the update is newly recorded in the storage unit. It is good to find out by comparing the records of. The storage unit may be, for example, an external server or the like capable of communicating with the device of the present invention, or may be provided in, for example, the device according to the present invention.

The communication between the electronic control device and the external server may be, for example, wireless communication such as LTE and 3G.

(15) It is preferable to enable communication with an external server and to transmit a signal received from the electronic control device to the server.

In this way, the manufacturer who brought in the device from the user can improve the device by referring to the records stored in the server. In addition, the user who brought the device to the manufacturer can use the improved device.

The communication between the device and the external server may be, for example, wireless communication such as LTE and 3G.

The inventions (1) to (15) described above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, it may be possible to provide at least one of the other configurations (2) to (15) without providing all or part of the configuration of (1). However, in particular, it is preferable to include all or a part of the configuration of (1) and to include at least one configuration and combination of (2) to (15). Further, any component may be extracted from at least one of (1) to (15) and combined. The applicant of the present application intends to obtain a patent right for such a structure.

(16) For example, it may be configured as a program for realizing the function described in any one of (12) to (15) above in a computer.

The above-mentioned specific method of the present invention is an example, and a part may be extended or a part may be limited.

For example, a device connected to a communication system provided in a vehicle and a first external device arranged in the vehicle interior of the vehicle, wherein the communication system includes an electronic control device that controls the vehicle. A communication path through which vehicle information, which is information about the state of the vehicle based on information output from the electronic control device, flows, and a vehicle interior which is a connection means capable of connecting the communication path from the vehicle interior to a second external device. Having an inner connecting means, the first external device can communicate with the electronic control device by being connected to the device, and the second external device is connected to the vehicle interior side connecting means. By doing so, it becomes possible to communicate with the electronic control device, and the device has an external device-side connection unit connected to the first external device and a vehicle-side connection unit connected to the communication system. Vehicle information can be transmitted between the external device-side connection portion and the vehicle-side connection portion, and the vehicle-side connection portion is a portion of the communication system other than the vehicle interior-side connection means. The device may be characterized in that it is connected to a place where vehicle information flows.

By doing so, the user can be in a state where the vehicle interior side connection means is released even when the first external device is used, for example. Therefore, for example, when the vehicle interior side connection means is a connector for a diagnostic machine, when a vehicle such as an automobile breaks down and visits a dealer or the like for repair, the user suddenly receives a "first external device" from the dealer. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from being requested to "remove from the vehicle interior side connection means" or to be charged a separate wage if it cannot be removed.

On the other hand, when the dealer uses the diagnostic machine as the second external device, the dealer removes the external device from the vehicle interior side connection means which is the connector for the diagnostic machine, and after the vehicle is inspected and repaired, the first external device is used again. There is no need to connect the device to the vehicle interior side connection means. In particular, it is difficult for the dealer to charge the user for the separately generated wages, but it is not necessary to charge the additional wages for removal and the like, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles due to the charges. Further, the first external device can acquire a signal necessary for operation and perform operation based on this signal.

"Communication system" refers to a system in general that can communicate, and may include, for example, a communication path, an electronic control device, and a diagnostic connector, and also includes other components such as a gateway ECU in addition to these. You may go out. The communication system may be located inside the vehicle. The "inside of the vehicle" in which the communication system is arranged may be, for example, a part that does not appear in the exterior or the interior of the vehicle, and in particular, a place that cannot be accessed unless a part of the members constituting the vehicle is removed.

The "vehicle compartment" may be, for example, a living space for the occupants of the vehicle. It does not necessarily have to be a closed space, and may be an open space such as a so-called open car without a roof, or a closed space such as a covered car.

The "first external device" may be a device that only transmits a signal such as a signal transmitting device, a device that only receives a signal, or a device that transmits / receives a signal. good. Further, for example, an operation of outputting information based on a signal acquired at a location other than the diagnostic connector in the communication system where a signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained to the user. It is preferable to use a device having a function of performing the above. In particular, for example, a display device such as a display capable of displaying information obtained at a portion to which a vehicle-side connection portion of a communication system is connected, or a radar detector or a car navigation device that displays such information may be used. Alternatively, a simple security device or the like capable of issuing an alarm based on the information obtained at the portion to which the vehicle-side connection portion of the communication system is connected may be used.

The "electronic control device that controls the vehicle" may be an electronic control device that moves the vehicle itself, for example, by operating a motor, an actuator, or a fuel injection valve of an engine provided in the vehicle. Electronic control equipment that does not perform any control, or performs such control, acquires information from sensors provided in the vehicle, and outputs information based on the acquired information to the communication path. For example, an ECU or the like may be used.

The "communication path through which the information signal flows" may be any communication path as long as the information signal can be transmitted. For example, it may be one communication path, or a plurality of communication paths may be directly or indirectly connected. When indirectly connected, for example, it is preferable that a plurality of communication paths are connected via a member that relays a signal. The member that relays the signal may be physically relayed directly, for example, such as a connector, or, for example, a gateway, which once receives a signal from a certain communication path and performs some control, and another communication path. It may be output to.

Further, the "communication path" may be, for example, a one-to-one communication path. Further, for example, a network in which a plurality of electronic control devices are connected may be used, and in this way, information obtained from the plurality of electronic control devices can be used in the diagnostic device and the first external device. In particular, when the electronic control device is an ECU of an automobile, the communication path may be, for example, an in-vehicle LAN such as CAN or a K line. The information flowing through the communication path may be, for example, information regarding the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device that controls the vehicle.

The "second external device" may be a diagnostic machine that is widely used for diagnosis in maintenance shops in the city. The diagnostic device may be, for example, a device for diagnosing the state of the vehicle based on the information on the state of each part of the vehicle collected by the electronic control device. Further, the diagnostic device is based on, for example, a transmitting device that only transmits a diagnostic signal is separately connected to a communication system, and the signal transmitted from the electronic control device responds to the signal transmitted from the transmitting device. It may be used as a device for diagnosing. The diagnostic machine may be, for example, a failure diagnosis machine.

The "vehicle interior side connection means" may be, for example, a connector that can perform vehicle diagnosis in common with many vehicles. In addition, it is generally preferable to use a connector that can be connected by a diagnostic machine for widespread diagnosis at a maintenance shop in the city, not at a vehicle manufacturer. In particular, for example, an OBD2 connector or the like may be used. It is preferable that the electronic control device that controls the vehicle and the vehicle interior side connection means are connected, for example, via a communication path.

The "external device side connection portion" may be, for example, one that is directly connected to the first external device by soldering or the like, or, for example, a connection means such as a connector that fits with a connector provided in the first external device. It may be provided with.

The "vehicle-side connection portion" may be, for example, one that is directly connected to a communication path by soldering or the like, and may be particularly provided with, for example, a connection means. The connection means may be connectable to a connection means other than the connector for a diagnostic device provided in the communication system, for example, an electrotap, or a connector fitted to a connector provided in the communication system, for example. The connector provided in the communication system may be an unused connector or a connector that is likely to be empty. For example, a connector may be used so that the device is connected only when the vehicle is manufactured and the device is not connected after the manufacturing. Further, for example, it may be an optional connector to which the optional equipment of the vehicle provided by the dealer is connected.

Further, the "vehicle-side connection portion" is, for example, a state in which a part of the members constituting the vehicle is removed when connecting to the communication system, and after the connection, a part of the members constituting the vehicle is reattached to the vehicle. It is good to say. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary troubles such as the user accidentally disconnecting the vehicle-side connection portion from the communication system. A part of the members constituting the vehicle may be, for example, a member that separates the inside and the outside of the vehicle interior (the inside of the vehicle that cannot be seen from the inside or outside of the vehicle), and may be a so-called instrument panel.

In the apparatus according to the present invention, the external device side connection portion and the vehicle side connection portion can transmit information signals by wireless communication using wireless communication members provided in the external device side connection portion and the vehicle side connection portion. It is good to connect, and in particular, it is good to connect information signals so that they can be transmitted by a transmission line.

For example, the transmission line is connected to the communication system in a state where a part of the member constituting the vehicle is removed from the connection portion on the vehicle side, and after the connection, a part of the member constituting the vehicle is reattached to the vehicle. Information about the condition of the vehicle may be transmitted between the vehicle-side connection and the first external device. A part of the members constituting the vehicle may be, for example, a member that separates the inside and the outside of the vehicle interior, and may be a so-called instrument panel. Further, the transmission line may be arranged so as to pass through a gap between a part of the member and the other part when a part of the member constituting the vehicle is reattached to the vehicle. In this way, the transmission line passes through the space inside the vehicle and the space outside the vehicle interior (inside the vehicle that cannot be seen from inside or outside the vehicle) separated from the vehicle interior by the members constituting the vehicle. be able to. Further, the transmission line is arranged inside the vehicle separated from the passenger compartment by the instrument panel and the external device side connection portion connected to the first external device arranged on the dashboard, for example, even when the instrument panel is attached. It can be connected to the vehicle side connection part.

According to the present invention, for example, an external device other than a diagnostic device is not connected to a diagnostic connector provided on an in-vehicle LAN or a K line, and for example, an electronic device such as an ECU originally provided for controlling an automobile is used. It is possible to provide a device or the like that can make information about the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the control device available from the external device. Further, according to the present invention, for example, the diagnostic connector provided on the in-vehicle LAN or the in-vehicle communication cable is opened for the diagnostic machine, and is based on the information output from the electronic control device such as the ECU. It is possible to provide a device or the like that can make information about the state of the vehicle available from an external device.

According to the present invention, for example, an external device other than the external device having the original purpose is not connected to the connection means for the external device having the original purpose provided in the in-vehicle LAN or the K line, and for example. It is possible to provide a device or the like that can make information about the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device such as the ECU available from an external device. Further, according to the present invention, for example, the connection means for an external device having an original purpose provided in the in-vehicle LAN or the communication cable in the vehicle is opened for the external device having the original purpose, and for example. It is possible to provide a device or the like that can make information about the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device such as the ECU available from an external device.

Further, for example, it is possible to provide a product described in the present specification, such as a product having an effect described as "can be" in the present specification.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which an interface for OBD2 is applied. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the vehicle interior showing the arrangement of the OBD2 connector. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the option connector and the vehicle-side connector are connected. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment 2-1 is applied. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which an interface according to a modification of the second embodiment 2-1 is applied. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment 2-2 is applied. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment 2-3 is applied. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment 2-4 is applied. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment of the second embodiment is applied. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the third embodiment is applied. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the first alternative aspect of the third embodiment is applied. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second alternative aspect of the third embodiment is applied. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the third alternative aspect of the third embodiment is applied. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the fourth embodiment is applied. FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the first modification is applied. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the first modification is applied. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second modification is applied. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the third modification is applied. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which an interface according to another aspect of the third modification is applied. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which a T-type harness is arranged between the communication system shown in FIG. 2 and the interface. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which an interface in which an external device-side connector and a vehicle-side connector are integrated is applied. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which an interface connected to a wiring in which a communication limiter is connected in the middle of a transmission line is applied. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system in which a communication limiter is connected to a wiring connected in the middle of a transmission line and an interface in which an ammeter is arranged in a communication path is applied.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The device of the present embodiment is an interface for connecting an external device to a communication system provided in a vehicle such as an automobile, and the diagnostic connector provided in the communication system is in a state of being opened for a failure diagnosis machine. It is a thing. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to those exemplified in the embodiments described below, and it is easy for those skilled in the art to have other embodiments from the teaching and spirit within the scope of the claims. Let's understand.

1. 1. Configuration of Communication System FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which an interface of a type connected to an OBD2 connector (hereinafter, also referred to as “OBD2 connection type interface”) is applied. 2 and 3 are block diagrams showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the device (interface) according to the first embodiment is applied. In FIG. 3, the parts constituting the interface (hereinafter, referred to as “the interface” or simply “the interface”) according to the invention corresponding to the scope of claims at the time of filing the application of the present application are shown by thick lines (hereinafter, FIG. 6, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 16, FIG. 18, FIG. 19 and FIG. 21). For example, in a procedural amendment or divisional application, the applicant intends to acquire rights to a part of this part, a part different from this part, or a part including this part and the part described in the present specification. The communication system shown in FIG. 1 and the communication system shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 differ in the presence or absence of the gateway ECU and the optional connector described later, but the interface can be applied to any of them.

The communication system 10 controls the vehicle, is already installed in the vehicle shipped from the factory, and forms a part of the vehicle. The communication system 10 includes a communication path 12, an ECU 14 which is an electronic control device, and an OBD2 connector 16 which is a diagnostic connector. A plurality of ECUs 14 are provided, and include an engine ECU 14a, a hybrid ECU 14b, an ABS ECU 14c, a body ECU 14d, a meter ECU 14e, and a transmission ECU 14f. Hereinafter, when the term "ECU 14" is simply used, these ECUs are collectively referred to. Note that the transmission ECU 14f is omitted in FIG. In FIG. 2, the ABS ECU 14c and the transmission ECU 14f are omitted (hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 7 to 9, FIG. 11, FIGS. 13 to 15, FIG. 17 and FIG. 20). In FIG. 3, the hybrid ECU 14b, the ABS ECU 14c, and the meter ECU 14e are omitted (hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 6, 10, 12, 16, 18, 18, 19 and 21). The communication system 10 may include components other than these (for example, connectors, electronic control devices, sensors, etc.).

The ECU 14 and the OBD2 connector 16 are connected to the communication path 12 to form a CAN. A signal including information output from the ECU 14 flows through the communication path 12. A signal flowing through the communication path 12 can be acquired from the OBD2 connector 16. Further, a signal including information output from an external device connected to the OBD2 connector 16 also flows through the communication path 12.

Sensors and devices (not shown) necessary for controlling the engine system, such as a throttle sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a water temperature sensor, are connected to the engine ECU 14a. The hybrid ECU 14b is also called a hybrid control ECU (HV ECU) and controls the hybrid system. A vehicle speed sensor 18 that detects the speed of the vehicle is connected to the ABSECU 14c. As shown in FIG. 3, a door lock control device 22, a hazard lighting control device 24, and other devices (not shown) are connected to the body ECU 14d. As shown in FIG. 3, a shift position detection sensor 20 that detects the position of the shift lever and other devices (not shown) are connected to the transmission ECU 14f. These ECUs 14 operate the connected devices and output signals generated based on the information acquired from the connected devices and sensors to the communication path 12.

In addition to the ECU 14, an electronic control device such as an ECU having other functions may be connected to the communication path 12. The broken line between the engine ECU 14a and the hybrid ECU 14b and the broken line between the body ECU 14d and the meter ECU 14e in FIGS. 1 and 2 indicate that an electronic control device may be further connected (hereinafter, FIGS. 7 to 7). 9, FIG. 11, FIGS. 13 to 15, the same applies to FIGS. 17 and 20).

In the communication system 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a gateway ECU 26 is provided between a portion of the communication path 12 to which the ECU 14 is connected and a portion to which the OBD2 connector 16 is connected. That is, the portion of the communication path 12 to which the ECU 14 is connected and the portion of the communication path 12 to which the OBD2 connector 16 is connected are indirectly connected by the gateway ECU 26. Hereinafter, the portion of the communication path 12 to which the ECU 14 is connected is also referred to as “inside the gateway ECU 26”, and the portion of the communication path 12 to which the OBD2 connector 16 is connected is also referred to as “outside of the gateway ECU 26”. Although the gateway ECU 26 is an ECU, it is not included in the ECU 14 which collectively refers to the engine ECU 14a and the like.

In the communication system 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the information signal output from the ECU 14 to the communication path 12 is selected or converted by the gateway ECU 26, or is output to the OBD2 connector 16 side as it is. A part of the information signal flowing inside the gateway ECU 26 of the communication path 12 flows outside the gateway ECU 26, and another part does not flow outside the gateway ECU 26. Further, the information signal output from the external device connected to the OBD2 connector 16 flows from the OBD2 connector 16 to the outside of the gateway ECU 26 of the communication path 12, is selected or converted by the gateway ECU 26, or is directly connected to the communication path 12. It is output to the inside of the gateway ECU 26. For example, in the vehicle of the embodiment, the information used only between the ECUs 14 is blocked by the gateway ECU 26 so as not to be output to the OBD2 connector 16 side (from the inside to the outside), while the information from the OBD2 connector 16 side is used only inside. The same information as the information to be output is blocked, the other information is relayed from the outside to the inside, and the information of the response from the ECU 14 to this is also relayed from the inside to the outside.

An option connector 28 is connected to the gateway ECU 26 via a communication path 12. The option connector 28 is a connector provided in advance inside the so-called instrument panel of the vehicle. The option connector 28 is for connecting a car navigation device, which is originally a dealer option of a car dealer. In the car navigation device connected to the option connector 28, a vehicle speed signal or the like is acquired from the CAN via the option connector 28, and the acquired signal is used for navigation processing. A signal of information output to the communication path 12 from the ECU 14 or an electronic control device connected to the inside of the gateway ECU 26 of the communication path 12 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) flows through the option connector 28, and a radar described later. The signal necessary for the operation of the detector 40 is obtained.

The communication path 12, the ECU 14, the gateway ECU 26, and the option connector 28 are separated from the vehicle interior by a vehicle component 30 such as a so-called instrument panel, and are separated from the vehicle interior (a portion that does not appear in the vehicle exterior or interior (for example, a dash). Inside the board, inside the bonnet, etc.). In FIGS. 1 and 2, it is represented as the part on the left side of the broken line representing the vehicle component 30 (hereinafter, FIGS. 7 to 9, FIG. 11, FIGS. 13 to 15, 17 and 20). In FIG. 3, it is represented as a portion surrounded by a rectangle representing the vehicle component 30 (hereinafter, FIG. 6, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 16, FIG. 18, FIG. 19 and Similarly in FIG. 21, it is arranged in the space of).).

The OBD2 connector 16 is arranged so that the terminals are exposed on the surface of the vehicle component 30, and the connector 74 provided from the vehicle interior to the failure diagnosis machine 70 via the wiring 72 can be connected. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the failure diagnosis machine 70 is connected to the communication system 10 by connecting the OBD2 connector 16 and the connector 74. The failure diagnosis machine 70 is a device used for vehicle inspection by a car dealer or the like, and is for failure diagnosis output from the ECU 14 included in the communication system 10 by inserting the connector 74 into the OBD2 connector 16 and connecting the connector 74 to the OBD2 connector 16. Acquire and display information etc. As described above, in general, the failure diagnosis machine 70 is connected to the communication system 10 by a dealer or the like in which the failed vehicle is brought in by the user, and is not connected when the normal vehicle is used.

When an external device such as a radar detector 40 or a failure diagnosis device 70, which will be described later, is directly or indirectly connected to the communication system 10, the external device is connected to the ECU 14 and other electronic control devices (not shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). Communication becomes possible.

Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the OBD2 interface 100 is connected to the OBD2 connector 16 and the radar detector 40 is connected to the OBD2 interface 100. In principle, the OBD2 connector 16 is a connector for the failure diagnosis machine 70. Is. "RD" in the figure means a radar detector (same below). The interface 100 for OBD2 includes a connection portion 100a that can be connected to the OBD2 connector 16 and a connection portion 100b that can be connected to the connector 50 provided at the end of the wiring 48 of the radar detector 40.

Conventionally, when a signal flowing through a communication path 12 is used in an external device such as a radar detector 40, the OBD2 interface 100 is connected to the OBD2 connector 16 and the radar detector is connected to the OBD2 interface 100 as shown in FIG. An external device such as a machine 40 was connected. By using the device (interface 80) according to the present invention, it is possible to use the signal flowing through the communication path 12 in the external device with the OBD2 connector 16 open.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the vehicle interior showing the arrangement of the OBD2 connector. The OBD2 connector 16 is provided at a different position depending on the vehicle model, and is provided at or near any of the portions shown by circles in the figure. Specifically explaining the parts indicated by circles, the side of the accelerator pedal (a), the right side of the driver's seat (b), the center of the driver's foot (c), the left side of the driver's seat (d), and the right side of the center console (e). , Right side of passenger seat foot (f), back side of steering right side panel (g), left side of passenger seat foot (h), left side of center console (i) and under center console (j). The characters in parentheses correspond to the characters in the circle shown in the figure. For example, in the vehicle of the embodiment, it is provided on the right side (e) of the center console as shown in FIG.

2. 2. First Embodiment As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 (indicated by a thick line in FIG. 3), the interface 80, which is the apparatus according to the first embodiment, includes a transmission line 82, an external device side connector 84, and a vehicle. The side connector 86 is provided, and the external device side connector 84 and the vehicle side connector 86 are connected to the transmission line 82. The connector 84 on the external device side has a built-in control member such as a microcomputer that transmits / receives and controls signals. The vehicle-side connector 86 is connected to the option connector 28 of the communication system 10. The external device side connector 84 may be arranged anywhere, but it is preferable to arrange the external device side connector 84 so that the terminals are exposed on the surface of the vehicle constituent member 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In order to arrange the external device side connector 84 in this way, the instrument panel or other vehicle component 30 is provided with a hole for fitting the external device side connector 84 after the purchase of the vehicle, and the external device side connector is provided. 84 is attached to this hole.

The connection of the interface 80 to the communication system 10 is performed as follows. First, a part (instrument panel) of the vehicle component 30 is removed to expose the option connector 28 so that it can be accessed, and then the vehicle-side connector 86 is connected to the option connector 28. The external device side connector 84 is fitted into a hole provided in the vehicle constituent member 30 and arranged so that the terminal is exposed on the surface of the vehicle constituent member 30. Then, reattach the instrument panel to its original position.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the option connector and the vehicle-side connector are connected. The option connector 28 includes a terminal portion 28a connected to the vehicle-side connector 86 and a main body portion 28b extending in a direction perpendicular to the terminal portion 28a (in the direction of the arrow x in the figure). The main body portion 28b is connected to the communication path 12 on the opposite side of the terminal portion 28a.

The vehicle-side connector 86 is a main body portion 86b extending in a direction perpendicular to the terminal portion 86a and the terminal portion 86a connected to the option connector 28 (arrow-x direction in the figure) and the main body portion 86b from the terminal portion 86a side of the main body portion 86b. It is provided with two arms 86c extending in the opposite direction (arrow x direction in the figure). The main body portion 86b is connected to the transmission line 82 on the opposite side of the terminal portion 86a. The tip of the arm 86c projects inward. The distance between the arms 86c is almost equal to the width of the main body 86b of the option connector 28 (the length in the arrow y direction in the figure) except for the tip, and the length of the part excluding the protruding portion of the tip of the arm 86c is optional. It is substantially equal to the length in the direction (arrow x direction in the figure) perpendicular to the terminal portion 86a of the main body portion 86b of the connector 28.

When connecting the option connector 28 and the vehicle-side connector 86, the tip of the arm 86c first comes into contact with the main body portion 28b of the option connector 28, and the arm 86c faces outward. After that, when the terminal portion 86a and the terminal portion 28a are connected, the tip of the arm 86c becomes a position beyond the main body portion 28b of the option connector 28, the bending of the arm 86c is restored, and the option connector 28 is so-called by the arm 86c. It will be in a state of being held. When separating the option connector 28 and the vehicle-side connector 86, it is necessary to manually bend the arm 86c of the option connector 28 toward the outside, and it is extremely unlikely that the option connector 28 will be separated arbitrarily. The option connector 28 and the vehicle-side connector 86 may be made of metal, for example, and may be made of resin in particular. The vehicle-side connector 86 is a male-side connector, and the option connector 28 is a female-type connector that fits with the vehicle-side connector 86.

The radar detector 40 displays information on the reception of microwaves emitted from the surroundings of the vehicle, information about the current vehicle, and other information on the display unit 42. Generally, the radar detector 40 is obtained by a user at an automobile supply store or the like after purchasing a vehicle, and is fixed on a dashboard as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the radar detector 40 includes a display unit 42 composed of a touch panel type liquid crystal screen, an operation unit 44 having a plurality of buttons, and a power switch 46. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, a wiring 48 drawn from the inside is provided, and the wiring 48 drawn from the inside is provided with a connector 50 at an end portion. The connector 50 of the radar detector 40 is detachably connected to the connector 84 on the external device side of the interface 80. As a result, the radar detector 40 is indirectly connected to the communication system 10 via the interface 80, and can communicate with the ECU 14.

A control member such as a microcomputer built in the connector 84 on the external device side includes a CAN port and a UART port. The CAN port is connected to the transmission line 82 side, and the UART port is connected to the wiring 48 side (connector 50 side). The control member such as a microcomputer built in the connector 84 on the external device side has a function of transmitting CAN packet data acquired from the transmission line 82 side as serial data to the wiring 48 side and serial data received from the wiring 48 side. It is provided with a function of transmitting as a CAN packet on the transmission line 82 side.

The radar detector 40 generates information of 56 items to be described later based on the signal acquired from the communication path 12 via the interface 80, and outputs the information to the user from the display unit 42.

The radar detector 40 acquires vehicle information included in the signal acquired from the communication path 12 via the interface 80 every 0.5 seconds. The vehicle information includes, for example, vehicle speed, engine speed, engine load factor, throttle degree, ignition timing, ratio of remaining fuel, intake manifold pressure, intake air amount (MAF), injection open time, engine cooling water temperature. (Cooling water temperature), temperature of air taken into the engine (intake temperature), temperature outside the vehicle (outside air temperature), amount of remaining fuel in the fuel tank (remaining fuel amount), fuel flow rate, instantaneous fuel consumption, accelerator opening, There is winker information (operation of left and right winkers (ON / OFF)), brake opening, steering angle information of the steering wheel, and the like.

Based on the vehicle information acquired by the radar detector 40, the following 56 items of information are generated, and the information selected by the user is output.

The 56 items that can be output are "speed", "average speed", "maximum speed", "5-second speed", "average 5-second speed", "maximum 5-second speed", "rotation speed", "average rotation speed", "maximum rotation speed", and "maximum rotation speed". Engine load "Average load" "Maximum load" "Throttle opening" "Average throttle opening" "Maximum throttle opening" "Ignition timing" "Fuel level" "Inmani pressure" "MAF" "INJ" "Cooling water temperature" "Intake air temperature" "Outside air temperature" "Residual fuel" "Fuel flow rate" "Fuel consumption" "Lifetime fuel consumption" "Instantaneous fuel consumption" "This time fuel consumption" "Lifetime fuel consumption" "Average fuel consumption" "Average fuel consumption general road" "Average Fuel-efficient highway, "driving time", "driving time", "idle time", "idle ratio", "mileage", "lifetime mileage", "0-20km / h acceleration time", "0-20km / h average acceleration", "0-" 20km / h shortest acceleration "0-40km / h acceleration time" "0-40km / h average acceleration" "0-40km / h shortest acceleration" "0-60km / h acceleration time" "0-60km / h average acceleration" "0-60km / h shortest acceleration" "0-80km / h acceleration time" "0-80km / h average acceleration" "0-80km / h shortest acceleration" "0-20km / h running time" "20-40km" / H running time, "40-60km / h running time", "60-80km / h running time", "80km / h or more running time".

"Speed" displays the current vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side in units of km / h. The "average speed" displays the average vehicle speed of the vehicle speed acquired from the power on of the radar detector 40 from the vehicle side to the present in units of km / h. The "maximum speed" displays the highest vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side by turning on the power of the radar detector 40 in units of km / h. The "5-second speed" displays the average vehicle speed of the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side from 5 seconds before to the present in units of km / h. The "average 5-second speed" displays the average speed every 5 seconds from the power-on of the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side in units of km / h. The "maximum 5-second speed" displays the maximum speed every 5 seconds from the power-on of the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side in units of km / h. "Rotation speed" displays the current engine speed obtained from the vehicle side in units of rpm. The "average rotation speed" displays the average value of the engine rotation speed acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of rpm. The "maximum rotation speed" displays the maximum value of the engine rotation speed acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of rpm. "Engine load" displays the current engine load factor acquired from the vehicle side in%. "Average load" displays the average value of the engine load factor acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. "Average load" displays the average value of the engine load factor acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. "Maximum load" displays the maximum value of the engine load factor acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. "Throttle opening" displays the current throttle opening acquired from the vehicle side in%. The "average throttle opening" displays the average value of the throttle opening acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. The "maximum throttle opening" displays the maximum value of the throttle opening acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. "Ignition timing" displays the current ignition timing acquired from the vehicle side in units of °. The "average throttle opening" displays the average value of the throttle opening acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. The "maximum throttle opening" displays the maximum value of the throttle opening acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of%. "Fuel level" displays the ratio of the current remaining fuel obtained from the vehicle side in%. "Intake manifold pressure" displays the current intake manifold pressure acquired from the vehicle side in units of kPa. "MAF" displays the amount of air sucked into the current engine (intake air amount (MAF)) acquired from the vehicle side in units of g / s. "INJ" displays the time (injection open time) in which fuel is injected in a fixed time by the injector acquired from the vehicle side in units of ms. "Cooling water temperature" displays the current engine cooling water temperature (cooling water temperature) acquired from the vehicle side in units of ° C. "Intake air temperature" indicates the temperature of the air taken into the current engine (intake air temperature) acquired from the vehicle side in units of ° C. "Outside air temperature" displays the current outside air temperature (outside air temperature) acquired from the vehicle side in units of ° C. "Remaining fuel" indicates the amount of remaining fuel (remaining fuel amount) in the current fuel tank acquired from the vehicle side in units of L. "Fuel flow rate" displays the current fuel flow rate acquired from the vehicle side in units of ml / m. "Fuel consumption" indicates the difference between the amount of remaining fuel acquired from the vehicle side when the power is turned on and the current amount of remaining fuel as fuel consumption in ml. "Lifetime fuel consumption" displays the cumulative value of fuel consumption since the radar detector 40 was first installed or reset, in units of L. "Instantaneous fuel consumption" displays the current instantaneous fuel consumption acquired from the vehicle side in units of km / l. "Fuel efficiency this time" displays the fuel efficiency due to the current driving, etc. calculated based on the instantaneous fuel efficiency acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of km / l. "Lifetime fuel consumption" displays the fuel consumption in the unit of km / l calculated based on the instantaneous fuel from the time when the radar detector 40 is first installed or all reset on the setting screen to the present. "Average fuel consumption" displays the fuel consumption in the unit of km / l calculated based on the instantaneous fuel from the time when the radar detector 40 is first installed or after resetting the average fuel consumption on the setting screen to the present. .. The "average fuel consumption general road" is based on the map data stored in the database provided in the radar detector 40 and the current position acquired by the GPS receiver provided in the radar detector 40, and the current position is set to the position of the general road. After determining whether it is equivalent and installing the radar detector 40 for the first time based on the instantaneous fuel consumption obtained from the vehicle side at the position of the general road, or after resetting the average fuel consumption on the setting screen, the general road up to the present The average fuel consumption in is displayed in units of km / l. Similarly, the "average fuel consumption expressway" displays the average fuel consumption on the expressway in units of km / l. "Operating time" displays the time from the power on to the present in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. "Running time" displays the time from the power-on to the present when the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side exceeds 0 in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. The "idle time" displays the time when the vehicle was stopped, that is, the time when the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side is 0, in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. The "idle ratio" is the time during which the vehicle was running from the time the power was turned on to the present, that is, the time when the vehicle speed exceeded 0 (driving time), and the time when the vehicle was stopped, that is, the time when the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle side was 0. Displayed in units of% ratio to (stop time). The "mileage" displays the mileage obtained from the vehicle speed and the elapsed time acquired from the vehicle side from the power-on to the present in units of km. The "lifetime mileage" displays the cumulative value of the mileage since the radar detector 40 was first installed or reset, in units of km. "0-20km / h acceleration time" displays the time taken from the latest stop state to the speed of 20km / h in seconds. "0-20km / h average acceleration" displays the average time taken from the stopped state to the speed of 20km / h in seconds. "0-20km / h shortest acceleration" displays the shortest time taken from a stopped state to a speed of 20km / h in seconds. "0-40km / h acceleration time" displays the time taken from the latest stop state to the speed of 40km / h in seconds. "0-40km / h average acceleration" displays the average time taken from the stopped state to the speed of 40km / h in seconds. "0-40km / h shortest acceleration" displays the shortest time taken from a stopped state to a speed of 40km / h in seconds. The "0-60 km / h acceleration time" displays the time taken from the latest stop state to a speed of 60 km / h in seconds. "0-60km / h average acceleration" displays the average time taken from the stopped state to the speed of 60km / h in seconds. "0-60km / h shortest acceleration" displays the shortest time taken from a stopped state to a speed of 60km / h in seconds. "0-80km / h acceleration time" displays the time taken from the latest stop state to the speed of 80km / h in seconds. "0-80km / h average acceleration" displays the average time taken from the stopped state to the speed of 80km / h in seconds. "0-80km / h shortest acceleration" displays the shortest time taken from a stopped state to a speed of 80km / h in seconds. "0-20km / h running time" displays the total time of running at 20km / h from the stopped state in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. "20-40km / h running time" displays the total time of running from 20km / h to 40km / h in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. "40-60km / h running time" displays the total time of running at a speed of 40km / h to 60km / h in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. "60-80km / h running time" displays the total time of running at a speed of 60km / h to 80km / h in the format of hours: minutes: seconds. "Running time of 80 km / h or more" displays the total time of running at 80 km / h or more in the format of hours: minutes: seconds.

3. 3. The second embodiment is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment is applied. The interface shown in the figure has the same configuration as the interface shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 except that a communication limiter is provided, and substantially the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

The second embodiment has the following embodiments 2-1 to 2-7 as specific embodiments.
Embodiment 2-1: A switch 92 is connected to the communication limiter 88 via wiring 90, and communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88 by operating the switch 92.
Embodiment 2-2: Communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88 by operating the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40 wiredly connected to the interface 80.
Embodiment 2-3: Communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88 by software by operating the menu displayed on the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40 wiredly connected to the interface 80.
Embodiment 2-4: Communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88 under the control of the radar detector 40 wirelessly connected to the interface 80.
Embodiment 2-5: When data other than the data transmitted by the vehicle ID or the interface 80 itself is detected, the communication limiter 88 limits the communication.
Embodiment 2-6: Communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88 by operating the vehicle.

3-1. Embodiment 2-1
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the 2-1 embodiment is applied. In the interface 80 shown in the figure, a communication limiter 88 is arranged in the middle of the transmission line 82. The communication limiter 88 is composed of an integrated circuit or the like including a microcomputer, and is arranged on a substrate. The communication limiter 88 includes two CAN ports (not shown), one port is connected to the transmission line 82 on the external device side connector 84 side, and the other port is the transmission line 82 on the vehicle side connector 86 side. It is connected to the. A switch 92 is connected to the communication limiter 88 via wiring 90, and the switch 92 is arranged within reach from the driver's seat in the vehicle interior.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the modified example of the embodiment 2-1 is applied. In the interface 80 shown in the figure, a microcomputer built in the connector 84 on the external device side operates as a communication limiter 88 (similar to FIGS. 8, 9 and 11). In the interface 80 shown in FIG. 7, a switch 92 is connected to a microcomputer that operates as a communication limiter 88 built in the connector 84 on the external device side via wiring 90. The communication system 10 shown in FIG. 7 is not provided with an optional connector, and as shown in FIG. 17 described later, the vehicle-side connection portion 82a of the transmission line 82 is soldered to the inside of the gateway ECU 26 to provide a communication path 12. Is directly connected to (the same applies to FIGS. 8, 9 and 11).

In this embodiment, the user manually executes and stops the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88. That is, the communication restriction is executed by turning off the switch 92 connected to the communication limiter 88 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the communication restriction is stopped by turning on the switch 92.

The "communication restriction" by the communication limiter 88 is set by the failure diagnosis device 70 when the failure diagnosis device 70 is connected to the OBD2 connector 16 and the radar detector 40 is connected to the external device side connector 84 of the interface 80. This is performed by restricting communication via the communication path 12 by the radar detector 40 so as to give priority to communication. Specifically, the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 is to prevent the signal that interferes with the operation of the failure diagnosis device 70 from being transmitted from the interface 80 to the communication system 10, and to prevent the interface 80 from accessing the communication system 10. And the transmission of packets in the direction of the connector 84 side of the external device side or the opposite direction is blocked from the vehicle side connector 86 side (control). When communication is not restricted, that is, in normal times, the communication limiter 88 passes all packets in both directions from the vehicle side connector 86 side to the external device side connector 84 side or vice versa.

3-2. Embodiment 2-2
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment is applied. The interface 80 shown in the figure has a function in which the communication limiter 88 detects the on / off of the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40.

In this embodiment, the user manually executes and stops the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88. That is, when the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40 shown in FIG. 8 is turned off, the communication limiter 88 executes the communication restriction in conjunction with the power switch 46. Further, when the switch 92 is turned on, the communication limiter 88 stops the communication restriction in conjunction with the switch 92. Specifically, for example, it may be configured as a switch having both the functions of the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40 and the switch 92 of FIG. 7. As another configuration, a signal is periodically transmitted from the radar detector 40 to the communication limiter 88, and the power of the radar detector 40 is turned off, so that this periodic signal is received by the communication limiter 88. When it is no longer done, the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 may be executed.

The communication limiter 88 of the interface 80 shown in FIG. 6 may be capable of detecting the on / off of the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40, and is connected to the communication limiter 88 in this way. The communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 can be executed and stopped not only by operating the switch 92 but also by operating the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40.

3-3. Embodiment 2-3
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment is applied. In the interface 80 shown in the figure, the communication limiter 88 can receive the signal of the radar detector 40.

In the present embodiment, the operation of executing and stopping the communication restriction by the communication restriction device 88 is performed according to the operation of the user to the operation unit of the radar detector 40. That is, in response to an operation of turning on or off the communication restriction of the operation menu 42a displayed on the operation unit (not shown in FIG. 9) of the radar detector 40 or the display unit 42 by the user touching the display unit 42. , Select either to execute or stop the communication restriction. In response to this on or off, the radar detector 40 transmits the on or off signal to the communication limiter 88 by the operation of the software built in the radar detector 40, and the communication limiter 88 receives this signal. Performs or stops communication restrictions according to the signal.

In the operation menu 42a displayed on the display unit 42 shown in FIG. 9, "when the communication restriction is executed" is displayed as "off" in the sense that the interface 80 cannot access the CAN of the communication system 10. , "When the restriction of communication is stopped" is displayed as "on" in the sense that the interface 80 can access the CAN of the communication system 10. The figure shows a state in which "off" is selected in the operation menu 42a and communication restriction is being executed.

3-4. Embodiment 2-4
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment is applied. In the interface 80 shown in the figure, the communication limiter 88 can receive the signal of the radar detector 40.

The radar detector 40 shown in FIG. 10 is wirelessly connected to the interface 80. A chip for wireless communication is provided in each of the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 shown in the figure, and the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 are connected by wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark). Ru.

In this embodiment, the user manually executes and stops the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88. That is, as in the second embodiment, the user touches the display unit 42 or the operation unit 44 to display the operation menu 42a on the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40, and selects either execution or stop of communication restriction. do. Then, a signal is transmitted from the radar detector 40 to the communication limiter 88 by the operation of the software built in the radar detector 40, and the communication limiter 88 that receives this signal executes or stops the communication restriction. .. Further, even when the wireless communication between the connector 84 on the external device side and the radar detector 40 becomes impossible for some reason such as radio wave conditions, the communication restriction is executed. Further, when the communication restriction is executed due to the inability to perform wireless communication, and when the wireless communication between the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 is restored, the communication restriction is stopped.

3-5. Embodiment 2-5
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second embodiment is applied, and an explanatory diagram of the operation. In the interface 80 shown in the figure, the communication limiter 88 can receive the signal of the radar detector 40.

FIG. 11A shows a state in which the OBD2 interface 100 is connected to the OBD2 connector 16 and the connector 74 of the failure diagnosis machine 70 is connected to the OBD2 interface 100. The failure diagnosis machine 70 specifies an ID and sends a request message to the ECU 14 to be diagnosed. Upon receiving the request message and recognizing that the ID is the ID corresponding to itself, the ECU 14 transmits a return message to the communication path 12, and the failure diagnosis machine 70 receives this return message and displays diagnostic information based on the return message. do.

Similarly, the radar detector 40 also specifies an ID to the ECU 14 for which information is desired, and transmits a request message via the interface 80. Upon receiving the request message and recognizing that the ID is the ID corresponding to itself, the ECU 14 transmits the return message to the communication path 12, and the radar detector 40 receives this return message via the interface 80 and uses the return message as the return message. Display based information.

In the present embodiment, the failure diagnosis machine 70 detects an abnormality and accesses by batting the ID of the request message transmitted from the failure diagnosis machine 70 and the ID of the request message transmitted from the radar detector 40 via the interface 80. In order to prevent the device from stopping, communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88 in the following two cases.
(1) Before the interface 80 transmits a signal (actually, a monitoring time of about several seconds is required), the request message transmitted from the failure diagnosis device 70 and the request message transmitted from the radar detector 40 are the same destination. (The ID of the access destination. FIG. 11A shows the case of "7E0".) Or the return message from the same destination (FIG. 11A shows the case of "7E8"). When the communication limiter 88 detects.
(2) When a request or return of a different item of the same destination is detected while the interface 80 is being accessed.

For example, if the interface 80 requests the vehicle speed while the failure diagnosis machine 70 requests the engine speed, the operation is as shown in FIGS. 11 (b) and 11 (c). This operation is as follows. First, the failure diagnosis machine 70 transmits the signal S1 with the CAN ID of the function request (in this case, "engine speed"). Subsequently, the signal S2 is transmitted by the CAN ID of the physical request (in this case, "vehicle speed").

Next, the engine rotation speed information S3 is returned from the engine ECU 14a to the signal S1, and further, the vehicle speed information S4 is returned from the engine ECU 14a to the signal S2. Of the ECUs 14 that have received the signal S1 that is a function request, the ECUs other than the engine ECU 14a that can output the "engine speed" do not respond to the signal S1. Since the signal S2, which is a physical request, targets the engine ECU 14a, among the ECUs 14 that have received the signal S2, the ECUs other than the engine ECU 14a ignore the signal S1. In FIG. 11B, the signals S1 to S4 are omitted and described as "7DF YY ...", "7E0 XX ...", "7E8 XX ...", and "7E8 YY ...", respectively.

Here, the interface 80 issues the vehicle speed request S2, but returns the engine speed information S3 that does not meet the request, so that subsequent transmission is stopped. That is, communication is restricted by the communication limiter 88. After that, if the return of the "7E8 XX ..." signal does not return for a certain period of time, the transmission from the interface 80 is restarted. That is, the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 is released.

3-6. Embodiment 2-6
In this embodiment, the communication limiter 88 of the interface 80 shown in FIGS. 6 to 11 can detect the operation of the ignition switch provided in the vehicle.

In this embodiment, the user manually executes and stops the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88. That is, in the execution of the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88, the ignition switch (not shown) provided in the vehicle is switched from off to on three times per second (the initial state is turned off, and off → on → off → on). → Off → When the communication limiter 88 detects that a signal has flowed through the communication path 12 via the ECU of the communication system 10 due to the operation of the ignition switch. To do. Further, when the communication restriction is stopped by the communication limiter 88, the communication limiter 88 detects that a signal has flowed due to the same ignition switch operation being performed while the communication restriction is being executed. Do if.

4. Third Embodiment FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the third embodiment is applied. The interface according to the third embodiment shown in the figure has the same configuration as the interface shown in FIG. 3 except that a signal converter is provided, and substantially the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. is doing.

As shown in FIG. 12, the interface 80 is provided with a signal converter 94 in the middle of the transmission line 82. The signal converter 94 is composed of an integrated circuit or the like including a microcomputer, and is arranged on a substrate.

The signal converter 94 converts the signal transmitted from the ECU 14 into a format that can be used by the radar detector 40, and converts the signal transmitted from the radar detector 40 into a format that can be used by the ECU 14.

An example of signal format conversion will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the format of the request message transmitted from the radar detector 40 is "7E0 **", the format of the response message recognizable by the radar detector 40 is "7E8 **", and the ECU 14 can recognize it. The format of the request message is "700 ##", and the format of the response message transmitted from the ECU 14 is "708 ##".

In this case, the radar detector 40 transmits a request message of "7E0 **". The request message "7E0 **" flows to both the signal converter 94 side and the direct communication path 12 side. Upon receiving the request message "7E0 **", the signal converter 94 converts the request message into the format of "700 ##" and immediately transmits it to the communication path 12 of the communication system 10. Therefore, the request message "700 ##" transmitted by the signal converter 94 flows to the communication path 12 side without a large delay after the request message "7E0 **" transmitted by the radar detector 40.

The ECU 14 receives the request message "700 ##" flowing through the communication path 12, and the ECU 14 recognizing that it is a request message for itself among the ECUs 14 transmits the response message "708 ##" to the communication path. Further, even if the ECU 14 receives the request message "7E0 **" flowing through the communication path 12, it does not recognize (ignore) this message, and therefore does not perform any operation.

The response message "708 ##" transmitted by the ECU 14 flows to both the signal converter 94 side and the radar detector 40 side directly via the option connector 28. Upon receiving the response message "708 ##", the signal converter 94 converts the response message into "7E8 **" and transmits it to the radar detector 40. The radar detector 40 that has received the response message "7E8 ##" displays the information corresponding to this response message on the display unit 42. Further, even if the radar detector 40 receives the request message "708 ##", it does not recognize (ignore) this message, and therefore does not perform any operation.

Here, "**" and "##" are data indicating the contents of the request or response. In FIG. 12, the flow of the request message is shown by a solid line, and the flow of the response message is shown by a broken line.

If the radar detector 40 cannot receive the response message to the request message within, for example, 100 milliseconds, the radar detector 40 retries to send the request message again. For example, the retry is performed three times, and if the response message cannot be received even after the retry is performed three times, an error is regarded as an error, and the fact that the error has occurred is displayed on the display unit 42.

4-1. Another Embodiment of the Third Embodiment The other embodiment of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. In FIGS. 13 to 15, the communication system 10 is mounted on the new automobile, the radar detector 40 is an old automobile compatible machine before the model change, and the display of 56 items described in the first embodiment is displayed. The case where the device is possible but is not compatible with the new model vehicle after the model change (hereinafter referred to as "new vehicle non-compatible device") is shown. 13 to 15 show an example in which the microcomputer built in the connector 84 on the external device side operates as the signal converter 94. The communication system 10 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 is not provided with an optional connector, and as shown in FIG. 17 described later, the vehicle-side connection portion 82a of the transmission line 82 is soldered inside the gateway ECU 26. It is directly connected to the communication path 12.

4-1-1. In the first alternative aspect, FIG. 13 shows the OBD2 interface 100 connected to the OBD2 connector 16, the radar detector 40 connector 50 connected to the OBD2 interface 100, and nothing connected to the external device side connector 84. Indicates the state.

FIG. 13 shows a case where a request message is transmitted to the engine ECU 14a. As shown in FIG. 13, the format of the request message transmitted from the radar detector 40, which is not compatible with the new automobile, is "7E0 XX ...", and the format of the response message recognizable by the radar detector 40 is "7E8 XX ...". ". The format of the request message that can be recognized by the ECU 14 mounted on the new model vehicle is "700 YY ...", and the format of the response message transmitted from the ECU 14 is "708 YY ...". The format (CAN ID) of these signals is the same as in the case shown in FIG. The format of the request message and the response message transmitted from the radar detector 40 corresponds to the ECU mounted on the old model automobile.

In this gateway ECU 26, a specific CAN ID (in this case, the ID “7xx” used in the failure diagnosis machine 70) can pass through, and other CAN IDs (for example, “B4”) are blocked. ..

The old-style request message “7E0XX ...” transmitted from the radar detector 40 flows to both the ECU 14 side and the external device side connector 84 side inside the gateway ECU 26 via the OBD2 connector 16. When the signal converter 94 built in the connector 84 on the external device side detects the request message "7E0 XX ..." in the old format, it converts it into the new format "700 YY ..." and transmits it. Upon receiving "700 YY ...", the engine ECU 14a transmits a new type response message "708 YY ...". Even if the engine ECU 14a receives the old-style request message, it does not recognize (ignore) this message, and therefore does not perform any operation. Further, even if the ECU 14 other than the engine ECU 14a receives the old-format request message or the new-format request message "7E0XX ..." addressed to the engine ECU 14a, it does not recognize this message and therefore does not perform any operation. ..

The new type response message "708 YY ..." transmitted from the engine ECU 14a flows to both the external device side connector 84 side and the radar detector 40 side via the OBD2 connector 16. When the signal converter 94 built in the connector 84 on the external device side detects the new format response message "708 YY ...", it converts it into the old format "7E8 XX ..." and transmits it. Upon receiving the response message "7E8 XX ...", the radar detector 40 displays the information corresponding to this response message on the display unit (not shown in FIG. 13). Further, even if the radar detector 40 receives the new format response message "708 YY ...", it does not recognize (ignore) this message, and therefore does not perform any operation.

4-1-2. In the second alternative mode, FIG. 14 shows a state in which the adapter 102, the interface 100 for OBD2, and the connector 50 of the radar detector 40 are connected in order to the connector 84 on the external device side of the interface 80, and nothing is connected to the OBD2 connector 16. Is shown. The adapter 102 is provided with a first connector 106 at one end of the wiring 104 and a second connector 108 at the other end of the wiring 104. The first connector 106 is connected to the external device side connector 84 of the interface 80. The second connector 108 is a connector of the same type as the OBD2 connector 16 and is connected to the connection portion 100a of the OBD2 interface 100. The connector 50 of the radar detector 40 is connected to the connection portion 100b of the interface 100 for OBD2.

FIG. 14 shows a case where a request message is transmitted to the hybrid ECU 14b. The old format request message "7E2 XX ..." transmitted from the radar detector 40 is converted to the new format "7D2 YY ..." by the signal converter 94 built in the connector 84 on the external device side, and transmitted to the ECU 14 side. Will be done. Upon receiving "7D2 YY ...", the hybrid ECU 14b transmits a new format response message "7DA YY ...". Even if the ECU 14 other than the hybrid ECU 14b receives the new type request message "7D2 YY ..." To be the destination of the hybrid ECU 14b, it does not recognize this message and therefore does not perform any operation.

The new type response message "7DAYY ..." Output from the hybrid ECU 14b flows to both the external device side connector 84 side and the OBD2 connector 16 side. When the signal converter 94 built in the connector 84 on the external device side detects the new format response message "7DAY YY ...", it converts it into the old format "7EA XX ..." and transmits it to the radar detector 40 side. Upon receiving the response message "7EA XX ...", the radar detector 40 displays the information corresponding to this response message on the display unit (not shown in FIG. 14).

Further, when the radar detector 40 is connected to the communication system 10 via the interface 80, the ID inside the gateway ECU 26 is also output to the external device. FIG. 14 shows a state in which a signal including an ID “B4” flowing through the communication path 12 passes through the interface 80 and is output to the radar detector 40.

4-1-3. Third alternative aspect FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the interface 80 and the radar detector 40 are wirelessly connected in the block diagram shown in FIG. A chip for wireless communication is provided in each of the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 shown in the figure, and the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 are connected by wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark). Ru.

In this case, the old-style request message "7E2 XX ..." transmitted from the radar detector 40 is transmitted to the external device-side connector by wireless communication, and the signal converter 94 built in the external device-side connector 84 has a new-style request message. It is converted to "7D2 YY ...". Further, the new format response message "7DAY YY ..." output from the hybrid ECU 14b is converted into the old format "7EA XX ..." and transmitted to the radar detector 40 by wireless communication. Further, a signal including an ID "B4" flowing through the communication path 12 is also transmitted to the radar detector 40 by wireless communication. Other than that, the signal flow is the same as that of the second alternative mode described above.

5. Fourth Embodiment FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the fourth embodiment is applied. The interface shown in the figure has the same configuration as the interface shown in FIG. 3 except that the connector on the second external device side is provided, and substantially the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the interface 80, the transmission line 82 is bifurcated, and each of the three ends of the transmission line 82 has a second connector in addition to the external device side connector 84 and the vehicle side connector 86. An external device side connector 96 is provided.

The vehicle-side connector 86 is connected to the option connector 28 as in the other embodiments. All of the vehicle-side connector 86, the external device-side connector 84, and the second external device-side connector 96 are arranged at positions that cannot be seen from the vehicle interior inside the vehicle component 30.

The external device side connector 84 is a connector of the same type as the option connector 28, and is connected to the connector 60 provided in the car navigation device 52 via the wiring 58. The car navigation device 52 is a device that is selected as a vehicle option by a dealer or is separately purchased at an automobile supply store after the vehicle is purchased, and is originally connected to the option connector 28. The car navigation device 52 is embedded in the center console portion of the instrument panel of the vehicle component 30 with the display unit 54 and the operation unit 56 exposed in the vehicle interior. The connector 60 of the car navigation device 52 is provided at the end of the wiring 58 drawn out from the back surface, and these wiring 58 and the connector 60 cannot be seen from the vehicle interior.

The second external device side connector 96 is connected to the connector 50 of the radar detector 40. The wiring 48 of the radar detector 40 is arranged so as to pass through the gap between the instrument panel and other parts. The second external device side connector 96 may be arranged in the vehicle interior, or may be arranged so that the terminals are exposed on the surface of the vehicle constituent member 30. When arranged in the vehicle interior, the transmission line 82 is arranged so as to pass through the gap between the instrument panel of the vehicle component 30 and other parts. When the terminal is arranged so as to be exposed on the surface of the vehicle constituent member 30, a hole is provided in the vehicle constituent member 30, and the second external device side connector 96 is fitted into the hole.

6. Modification example of the interface according to the above-described embodiment The interface according to the above-described embodiment may be modified as follows. Further, the interface according to the above-described embodiment can be applied to, for example, the following communication system.

6-1. First Modification Example FIGS. 17 and 18 are block diagrams showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the first modification is applied. The interfaces shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 have the same configurations as the interfaces shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, except that the vehicle-side connector is not provided, and the communication system shown in FIG. 18 has a gateway ECU and an option. It has the same configuration as the communication system and interface shown in FIG. 3 except that there is no connector, and substantially the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

Unlike the one shown in FIG. 3, the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 18 does not have the gateway ECU 26, and the portion of the communication path 12 to which the ECU 14 is connected and the portion to which the OBD2 connector 16 is connected are directly connected. There is.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the interface 80 is provided with an external device-side connector 84 at one end of the transmission line 82, and the connector is provided at the vehicle-side connection portion 82a which is the other end. Not provided. In the interface 80, the vehicle-side connection portion 82a of the transmission line 82 is directly connected to the communication path 12 by soldering or the like. As shown in FIG. 17, when the gateway ECU 26 is provided, it is directly connected to the communication path 12 inside the gateway ECU 26.

In this case, the connection of the interface 80 to the communication system 10 is performed as follows. First, a part (instrument panel) of the vehicle component 30 is removed to expose the communication path 12 so that it can be accessed, and then the vehicle side connection portion 82a is connected to the communication path 12 by soldering or the like. The external device side connector 84 is fitted into a hole provided in the vehicle constituent member 30 and arranged so that the terminal is exposed on the surface of the vehicle constituent member 30. Then, reattach the instrument panel to its original position.

6-2. The second modification FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the second modification is applied. The communication system and interface shown in FIG. 3 have the same configuration as the communication system and interface shown in FIG. 3 except that an optional connector, a vehicle-side connector, and an external device-side connector are not provided, and are substantially the same. Have the same reference numerals.

The interface 80 shown in FIG. 19 is not provided with a connector on either the external device side connection portion 82b, which is one end of the transmission line 82, or the vehicle side connection portion 82a, which is the other end. In the interface 80, the external device side connection portion 82b of the transmission line 82 is directly connected to the radar detector 40 by soldering or the like, and the vehicle side connection portion 82a is directly connected to the inside of the gateway ECU 26 of the communication path 12 by soldering or the like. Will be done.

In this case, the connection of the interface 80 to the communication system 10 is performed as follows. First, a part (instrument panel) of the vehicle component 30 is removed to expose the communication path 12 so that it can be accessed, and then the vehicle side connection portion 82a is connected to the communication path 12 by soldering or the like. The transmission line 82 is pulled out to the vehicle interior side, and the external device side connection portion 82b is connected to the radar detector 40 by soldering or the like. After that, the radar detector 40 is placed at a predetermined position on the instrument panel, and the instrument panel is attached to the original position. At this time, the transmission line 82 is arranged so as to pass through the gap between the instrument panel and other members in the vehicle constituent member 30.

6-3. Third Modification Example FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a communication system to which the interface according to the third modification is applied. In the communication system and interface shown in FIG. 2, substantially the same parts as the communication system and interface shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The difference between the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 20 and the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 2 is that the communication path 12 to which the engine ECU 14a and the hybrid ECU 14b are connected and the communication path 12 to which the body ECU 14d and the meter ECU 14e are connected are connected. It is independent, and a communication path 12 to which a millimeter-wave ECU 14g and an ITS (intelligent transport systems) connect ECU 14h are connected is added.

The communication path 12, the ECU 14, the gateway ECU 26, and the option connector 28 are spaces outside the vehicle interior (parts that do not appear in the exterior or interior of the vehicle) separated from the vehicle interior by a vehicle component 30 such as a so-called instrument panel. Placed in. The OBD2 connector 16 is arranged so that the terminals are exposed on the surface of the vehicle component 30, and the connector 74 provided in the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be connected from the vehicle interior.

The interface 80 includes four transmission lines 82, an external device side connector 84, and a vehicle side connector 86, and all four transmission lines 82 are connected to the external device side connector 84. Further, one of the transmission lines 82 is provided with a vehicle-side connector 86 at the end not connected to the external device-side connector 84. FIG. 20 shows a state in which the connector 50 of the radar detector 40 is connected to the connector 84 on the external device side.

A control member such as a microcomputer built in the connector 84 on the external device side includes four CAN ports and a UART port. The four CAN ports are connected to each transmission line 82 side, and the UART port is connected to the wiring 48 side (connector 50 side). The control member such as a microcomputer built in the connector 84 on the external device side has a function of transmitting CAN packet data acquired from the transmission line 82 side as serial data to the wiring 48 side and serial data received from the wiring 48 side. It is provided with a function of transmitting as a CAN packet on the transmission line 82 side.

The three transmission lines 82 not provided with the vehicle-side connector 86 have a communication path 12 to which the engine ECU 14a and the hybrid ECU 14b are connected, and a communication path 12 to which the body ECU 14d and the meter ECU 14e are connected, respectively, at the vehicle-side connection portion 82a. , And the communication path 12 to which the millimeter wave ECU 14g and the ITS connect ECU 14h are connected are directly connected by soldering or the like. As a result, the signals output from all the ECUs 14 can be received from the external device side connector 84, and the radar detector 40 connected to the external device side connector 84 can receive the signals necessary for operation. ..

<Another aspect of the third modification>
Another aspect of the third modification will be described with reference to FIG. 21. The communication system and interface shown in FIG. 3 have the same configuration as the communication system and interface shown in FIG. 3 except that a plurality of communication paths to which the ECU is connected are provided, and are substantially the same in the same parts. The code is attached.

The communication system 10 shown in FIG. 21 includes five communication paths 12, a plurality of ECUs 14, a gateway ECU 26, and an OBD2 connector 16. The communication system 10 may include components other than these (for example, a connector, an electronic control device, etc.).

All five communication paths 12 are connected to the gateway ECU 26, one of which is an engine ECU 14a and a hybrid ECU 14b, another one of which is a body ECU 14d and a meter ECU 14e, and another one of which is a millimeter wave ECU 14g and an ITS connect ECU 14h. Is connected, another one is connected to the option connector 28, and the other one is connected to the OBD2 connector 16. That is, all the communication paths 12 are indirectly connected via the gateway ECU 26.

The communication path 12, the ECU 14, the gateway ECU 26, and the option connector 28 are spaces outside the vehicle interior (parts that do not appear in the exterior or interior of the vehicle) separated from the vehicle interior by a vehicle component 30 such as a so-called instrument panel. Placed in. The OBD2 connector 16 is arranged so that the terminals are exposed on the surface of the vehicle component 30, and the connector 74 provided in the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be connected from the vehicle interior. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the connector 60 of the car navigation device 52 is connected to the option connector 28, and the connector 74 of the failure diagnosis machine 70 is connected to the OBD2 connector 16.

The interface 80 includes four transmission lines 82 and an external device side connector 84, and all four transmission lines 82 are connected to the external device side connector 84. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the connector 50 of the radar detector 40 is connected to the connector 84 on the external device side.

The four transmission lines 82 are directly connected to the communication path 12 to which the ECU 14 or the option connector 28 is directly connected at the vehicle side connection portion 82a by soldering or the like. As a result, it is possible to receive signals output from all ECUs 14 from the external device side connector 84 and signals output from the external device (in this case, the car navigation device 52) connected to the option connector 28, and the external device side. The radar detector 40 connected to the connector 84 can receive signals necessary for operation.

The external device side connector 84 may be arranged anywhere, but FIG. 21 shows a state in which the terminals are arranged so as to be exposed on the surface of the vehicle component 30. The instrument panel or other vehicle component 30 is provided with a hole into which the external device side connector 84 can be fitted. Further, a connector may be provided on each of the vehicle-side connection portion 82a of the four transmission lines 82 and the communication path 12 corresponding thereto, and the vehicle-side connection portion 82a and the communication path 12 may be connected via the connector.

6-4. Other Modifications In the interface 80 according to the present invention described in the above-described embodiment and modification, instead of connecting the external device-side connector 84 and the vehicle-side connector 86 by the transmission line 82, the external device-side connector 84 and the vehicle-side are connected. A chip for wireless communication may be provided in each of the connectors 86, and the external device side connector 84 and the vehicle side connector 86 may be connected by wireless communication by Bluetooth (registered trademark).

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and the like, the configuration is described in which the option connector 28 and the vehicle-side connector 86 of the interface 80 are directly connected, but as shown in FIG. 22, the option connector 28 and The T-type harness 110 may be arranged between the interface 80 and the vehicle-side connector 86. The T-shaped harness 110 includes a bifurcated wiring 112 and a first connector 114, a second connector 116, and a third connector 118 provided at each of the three ends of the wiring 112. The first connector 114 is a connector of the same type as the vehicle-side connector 86 of the interface 80, and is connected to the option connector 28. The second connector 116 is a connector of the same type as the option connector 28, and is connected to the vehicle-side connector 86. The third connector 118 is a connector of the same type as the option connector 28. A dealer option external device (not shown) originally connected to the option connector 28 is connected to the third connector 118. By using the T-type harness 110, the dealer option external device and other external devices can be used even if the interface 80 is used.

Two T-type harnesses 110 are prepared, one T-type harness 110 first connector 114 is connected to the option connector 28, the other T-type harness 110 second connector 116 is connected to the vehicle side connector 86, and one T-type harness 110 is connected. The second connector 116 of the type harness 110 and the first connector 114 of the other T type harness 110 may be connected. As a result, the two third connectors 118 can be used, and the number of connectable external devices can be increased. Three or more T-type harnesses 110 may be connected. The format of the third connector 118 does not have to be the same as that of the option connector 28.

In the above embodiment, the interface 80 has been described as having a transmission line 82, but as shown in FIG. 23, the interface 80 is integrated with the external device side connector 84 and the vehicle side connector 86, and there is no transmission line 82. It may be a thing. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, the connector 84 on the external device side and the connector 50 on the radar detector 40 are connected, and the connector 86 on the vehicle side and the second connector 116 of the above-mentioned T-type harness 110 are connected. The first connector 114 of the T-type harness 110 and the option connector 28 are connected.

In the above embodiment, a control member such as a microcomputer that transmits / receives and controls signals has been described as a configuration in which the control member is built in the external device side connector 84, but the control member may be built in the vehicle side connector 86. Further, the control member may operate as either or both of the communication limiter 88 and the signal converter 94 described in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle-side connector 86 is a male-side connector and the option connector 28 is a female-side connector. However, the vehicle-side connector 86 is a female-side connector and the option connector 28 is fitted to the female-side connector. It may be configured to be a connector on the male side.

In the above embodiment, the radar detector 40 is configured to have a connector 50 provided at the end of the wiring 48 drawn from the inside, and to connect the connector 50 and the external device side connector 84 of the interface 80. However, after providing the main body side connector on the main body of the radar detector 40, instead of the wiring 48, a wiring connecting the connector fitted to the main body side connector and the connector 50 is used, and this wiring is used for the radar detector 40. The main body and the external device side connector 84 of the interface 80 may be connected.

In the above embodiment, the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 are configured to communicate by UART, but the communication method between the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 is not limited to this. For example, it may be a UART, USB, or other serial communication, or it may be a network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or CAN.

The radar detector 40 is configured to acquire vehicle information every 0.5 seconds, but the cycle for acquiring vehicle information is faster than 0.5 seconds, such as 0.2 seconds or 0.25 seconds. It may be variable depending on the number of display items set by the user and the number of items to be acquired. For example, when a quick response is required such as "rotation speed" or "immunity pressure", the cycle is accelerated (for example, 0.1 seconds), and conversely, "cooling water temperature" or "outside air temperature". When such a quick response is not required, it is advisable to slow down the cycle (for example, 10 seconds) and acquire vehicle information separately for each item.

In the above embodiment, the information that can be output by the radar detector 40 is 56 items, but information other than these 56 items may be generated and output. For example, in a hybrid vehicle, information such as "HV battery charge / discharge current", "battery capacity", "engine running ratio", and "gasoline consumption" may be output. The "HV battery charge / discharge current" and "battery capacity" can be obtained directly from the vehicle.

The "engine running ratio" is a value of the ratio of the distance traveled by the engine to the total mileage of the hybrid vehicle, and the lower the value, the better the fuel efficiency. According to the "engine running ratio", the mileage of the engine can be known, which is a guideline for when to change the engine oil. For example, if the total mileage of the trip meter is 5000 km and the "engine mileage ratio" displayed on the radar detector 40 is 50%, the mileage of the engine is only 2500 km, so that the user can use it. It can be determined that the oil does not need to be changed yet.

In addition, "gasoline consumption" is effective in the following cases. For example, if the heater is turned on in winter, even when the engine should stop (for example, downhill or waiting for a traffic light), the engine will be started just to warm the room, gasoline will be used, and fuel efficiency will be poor. Become. At this time, by displaying the "gasoline consumption" on the radar detector 40, the user can pay attention to the fuel consumption. In particular, in a vehicle that does not have a tachometer (engine rotation speed meter), it is difficult for the user to grasp the degree of engine operation, so the display of "gasoline consumption" is effective in raising the user's interest in fuel efficiency. ..

In embodiment 2-1 of the second embodiment, the communication limiter 88 is arranged in the middle of the transmission line 82 as shown in FIG. 6, but the communication limiter 88 is configured as shown in FIG. 24. It may be configured to be connected to the wiring 82c connected in the middle of the transmission line 82.

In Embodiment 2-4 of the second embodiment, the communication restriction device 88 executes and stops the communication restriction by selecting the operation menu displayed on the display unit 42 of the wirelessly connected radar detector 40. However, as in the second embodiment, the communication restrictionr 88 may execute and stop the communication restriction by turning on and off the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40.

In the second embodiment 2-5, when the communication limiter 88 detects the batting of the CAN ID, the communication limiter 88 executes the communication restriction. However, the communication limiter 88 uses the communication limiter 88. It may be configured to be executed when it is detected that a signal other than the signal transmitted from the radar detector 40 is transmitted to the communication system 10.

In addition to the method described in the second embodiment, the communication limiter 88 may execute and stop the communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 via the communication path 12 and the transmission line 82 to the failure diagnosis device 70 and the radar detector. It may be performed even when it is detected that 40 is connected. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, an ammeter 98 is arranged in a portion between the gateway ECU 26 and the OBD2 connector 16 of the communication path 12, and the current consumption of the failure diagnosis machine 70 connected to the OBD2 connector 16 by the ammeter 98. When is detected, the communication restriction device 88 may execute and stop the communication restriction. The ammeter 98 is connected to the communication limiter 88 by wiring 82d. The ammeter 98 may be, for example, a clamp ammeter.

In the second embodiment, the embodiments 2-1 to 2-6 are shown, but these embodiments may be combined. For example, by combining Embodiment 2-1 with Embodiments 2-2 to 2-6, execution and stop of communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 in Embodiments 2-2 to 2-6. When is unstable, the communication restriction can be reliably executed and stopped by operating the switch 92.

The radar detector 40 has a configuration in which the operation unit 44 is provided in the main body of the radar detector 40, but the operation unit 44 may be a remote controller connected to the main body of the radar detector 40 by wire or wirelessly. A remote controller may be used in combination with the one provided on the main body.

In the third embodiment, the configuration in which the interface 80 shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 includes the signal converter 94 has been described. The interface 80 shown in these figures may be provided with the communication limiter 88 shown in FIG. 6 or the like in addition to the signal converter 94. Thereby, not only the signal conversion by the signal converter 94 but also the communication limitation by the communication limiter 88 described in the second embodiment can be performed. The signal converter 94 and the communication limiter 88 use control members such as a microcomputer built in the external device side connector 84 or the vehicle side connector 86 as a communication limiter 88 and a signal converter 94. It may work.

Further, in the third embodiment, the configuration in which the ECU 14 does not recognize the request message "7E0 **" has been described, but the gateway ECU 26 does not recognize the request message "7E0 **" regardless of whether the ECU 14 recognizes the request message "7E0 **". The request message "7E0 **" may be blocked, and the request message "7E0 **" may not flow inside the gateway ECU 26.

The external device side connector 84 and the second external device side connector 96 may have the same configuration as the vehicle side connector 86 shown in FIG.

In the third modification, the configuration in which transmission / reception between the connector 84 on the external device side and the wiring 48 side is performed via the UART port has been described with reference to FIG. 20, but this UART port may be used as a port of another type. For example, it may be a CAN port. When a CAN port is used, the interface 80 combines four CAN lines (four communication paths 12) into one CAN line (one wiring 48). That is, the interface 80 in this case exerts a function of unifying a plurality of lines into one. By using this interface 80, the configuration is equivalent to that of an old vehicle without the gateway ECU 26, and the gateway ECU 26 blocks the signal flowing inward so that a part of the information does not flow to the OBD2 connector 16 outside the gateway ECU 26. Even in this case, it is possible to use external devices and interfaces for older vehicles.

7. A system for collecting data of a communication system using the interface according to the present invention Next, a system for collecting data of a communication system using the interface according to the present invention will be described.

7-1. Conventional Technology and Background In the interface 80 described in each of the above-described embodiments, the microcomputer is embedded in the microcomputer built in the external device side connector 84 or the vehicle side connector 86 or the microcomputer connected to the transmission line 82, thereby incorporating the program into the microcomputer. Use to monitor the CAN of the communication system 10 or send data to the CAN to monitor packets that exchange information between the ECUs of the vehicle that controls the vehicle, or the ECU of the vehicle. It is possible to send an inquiry packet to the user and acquire the contents of the response packet. Data for radar detectors and navigation can be generated and transmitted from data such as engine speed contained in packets obtained by such monitoring and acquisition.

However, the format of this packet varies from vehicle to vehicle, and it is sufficient for the vehicle manufacturer to be able to control the vehicle, and it is information that does not need to be disclosed to a third party. Need to analyze. Therefore, it is necessary to procure a vehicle every time. Further, when trying to display the information of a new item, even if it is an old model vehicle, it is necessary to procure it again and re-analyze it, which causes a problem that it is costly.

On the other hand, in the age of big data, those who collect valuable data anyway can make a profit. Data obtained from an in-vehicle network such as CAN, for example, data obtained via an OBD2 connector is a treasure trove, and it is extremely useful to acquire this data and collect it in a server.

7-2. Problem-solving means As a result of the present inventors examining the above-mentioned problems and the like, the following configurations (1) to (9) have been conceived as the problem-solving means. Instead of the processing performed by the microcomputer built in the external device side connector 84 of the interface 80 shown in FIG. 2 or the like, the processing of the communication limiter 88, and the processing of the signal converter 94 described in each of the above embodiments, or In addition, it is advisable to perform a process consisting of these procedures. Hereinafter, the case where the in-vehicle network configured by the communication system 10 is CAN will be described, but it can also be applied to networks other than CAN.

(1) For example, it has a communication function such as a wireless LAN or LTE, and has a function of wirelessly transmitting a packet such as CAN acquired by the interface 80 to a server and accumulating it.

(2) On the screen of an external device (radar detector 40, PND (portable navigation device, portable car navigation system), etc.) connected to the interface 80, the vehicle type (model, etc. described in the vehicle verification) and safety equipment It is equipped with a function to display and set a screen for setting the type of vehicle and the presence or absence of safety equipment for each type.

(3) The information of the above (2) is added to the information of the above (1) and transmitted, and the correspondence relationship between the CAN packet and the vehicle type, the correspondence relationship between the CAN packet and the type of the installed safety equipment, or the CAN packet. The correspondence between the vehicle type and the installed safety equipment is stored in the server. This makes it possible to analyze the contents of CAN packets flowing by vehicle type from these correspondence relationships. Therefore, the manufacturer of the interface 80 does not have to procure the vehicle by himself and collect the packets by himself to determine the contents of the packet restricted by the communication limiter and the packet converted by the signal converter, and the same vehicle type among the users. By analyzing what kind of data is flowing at what time, it is possible to determine the contents of the packet restricted by the communication limiter and the packet converted by the signal converter. In addition, it becomes easy to obtain new knowledge by comparing the differences in data between different vehicle types. For example, it becomes easy to determine the content of the packet to be converted by the signal converter.

(4) What is used as a trigger by the interface 80 to acquire and transmit a range of packets is set in advance, and the packets in the set range are acquired and together with information indicating the type of the trigger. It is preferable to transmit, and it is preferable to configure these to set this range especially from the server side via wireless communication. In this way, on the server side, it is possible to specify from a large number of accumulated data that information flows to CAN in such a packet pattern at the time of this type of trigger. Such specific processing may be automatically performed by comparing a large number of data or by machine learning or the like. Examples of trigger types are given below (4-1) to (4-3).

(4-1) For example, it detects ACC on by operating the ignition switch provided in the vehicle, power supply noise at engine start, etc., and uses it as a trigger to capture information for several seconds (for example, 5 seconds) before and after that. Send to the server.

(4-2) For example, a known packet ID and data pattern obtained from CAN are used as a trigger. For example, the ID and data of the packet specified by ISO are used as a trigger. The data can be, for example, "transmitted while the engine speed is less than xxx rotations", "transmitted when the water temperature is xxx ° C. or higher", and the like. In this way, the trigger can be set without wiring.

(4-3) For example, when the signal line is branched to the sensor or actuator of the vehicle or the sensor is directly attached to the sensor or actuator, such as engine starter or car security, the signal is used as an interface. Input to 80 (or an external device such as a radar detector 40 or PND to which it is connected). Then, as a trigger, it is assumed that the state of these sensors and the like reaches a desired state. For example, the "door open" sensor transmits a packet from 1 second before "door open" to 1 second after "door close". By doing so, the causal relationship between the door opening and the contents of the packet can be more reliably identified, and it becomes easy to compare the same vehicle type or different vehicle types of a plurality of users.

(5) In the communication system 10 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a plurality of CANs are provided in the vehicle, and the plurality of CAN lines (communication paths 12) are connected by a gateway ECU 26. Therefore, information is acquired from a plurality of CAN lines, a time stamp is added to each of the acquired information, and the information is transmitted to the server. The server can analyze what kind of packet is sent to another CAN line when which packet arrives on which CAN line. This makes it easy to analyze which CAN line to connect our equipment to obtain appropriate information. (The correlation of data packets between a plurality of CAN lines may be discovered by the same method as the method of (6) below.)

(5-1) The network is not limited to CAN, and may be connected to both CAN and Ethernet (registered trademark) to seek correlation, and the correlation between CAN and CANFD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate) may be 1 It may be taken within one network.

(6) Using machine learning or deep learning from the acquired data, it is possible to derive what kind of trigger is inserted and what kind of packet is output. For example, it may be performed by unsupervised learning, or by supervised learning using a known trigger to which a known packet is sent as a teacher, the information indicated by the packet for a known trigger of an unknown vehicle model may be derived. May be good. If this process is performed by a microcomputer, it can be performed without requiring communication cost. Moreover, if it is performed on the server side, it can be performed more accurately by adding information from a large number of vehicles.

(7) To the user, useful information based on the data obtained from the accumulated CAN is provided from the server on the Web or the like. For example, the communication interface 80 stores individual identification information unique to each, and the above-mentioned microcomputer transmits the individual identification information to the server together with the above-mentioned CAN packet. The identification information may be stored in the microcomputer at the time of shipment from the factory, but may be configured to store the user ID or the like input by the connected radar detector 40 or the like as individual identification information. The server displays the fuel consumption of the vehicle, failure diagnosis information, various logs, etc. based on the contents of the CAN packet stored in association with the individual identification information on the page provided for each individual identification information. For example, it is preferable that the configuration can be seen from each user-dedicated page opened on the Web by the manufacturer of the communication interface 80.

(7-1) Information related to the contents of the PND connected to the interface 80 like the radar detector 40 and the radar detector 40, security and engine starter connected to the interface 80 like the radar detector 40, etc. It is preferable that the operation information of the above is also transmitted from these devices to the above-mentioned microcomputer of the interface 80, transmitted to the server in the same manner as described above, stored in the server, and provided to the user via the Web or the like. In particular, it is preferable to have a function of displaying user operations in chronological order.

(8) For the user, a screen explaining the merits of providing data is displayed on the screen of the radar detector 40, PND, etc., and a selection screen for whether or not to permit the provision of information is displayed on the OBD2 connector 16. Displayed at the time of the first connection. Determines whether to send the information obtained from CAN according to this setting

(9) The interface will be sold as compatible with all vehicle models with a built-in function to acquire what can be acquired by any vehicle such as ISO and display it on RD or the like. After that, when the analysis of the relationship between the packet and the information analyzed by the mechanisms (1) to (8) above is completed, the server sends a software update start instruction to the above-mentioned microcomputer, and the microcomputer processes the software update. .. As a result, the unique information that can be automatically acquired by the car can be displayed at any time.

8. Response to external attacks on in-vehicle networks For example, in a new vehicle, when an external device such as a radar detector 40 for an old vehicle is connected via the interface 80 according to the present invention, the external device or interface is used as an information signal. The packet transmitted from the 80 does not correspond to the new vehicle, and there is a possibility that the external device or the interface 80 cannot be used. In addition, the vehicle-mounted network (communication system 10) may be attacked from the outside. In such a case, the program is built in the microcomputer built in the external device side connector 84 of the interface 80 or the vehicle side connector 86 described in each of the above-described embodiments or the microcomputer connected to the transmission line 82, and this microcomputer is used. (Hereinafter, also referred to as “microcomputer of interface 80”) may be used, for example, to take the correspondences shown in the following (a) to (h).

(A) The microcomputer of the interface 80 may be provided with a function of monitoring communication in the communication system 10. If a warning log communication occurs in the in-vehicle communication system 10 after sending a packet that is an information signal from the interface 80, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the packet is subject to design change. It is good to do it.

In particular, the number of transmission bytes of the packet may be monitored, and if the number of transmission bytes deviates from the normal time, it may be determined that an abnormality has occurred. Further, the time of the transmission interval of the warning log may be monitored, and it may be determined that the time of the transmission interval is different from the normal one as an abnormality occurrence.

If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the packet sent from the interface 80 before the determination is determined to be abnormal, and the packet may be subject to design change.

By machine learning (for example, deep learning), the relationship between the packet transmitted from the interface 80 and the packet of the log data may be learned to generate a model for discriminating whether or not it is regarded as an abnormal packet.

Machine learning may be performed, for example, by the microcomputer itself of the interface 80. Further, it is preferable that the interface 80 is provided with a communication function, and the packet sent from the interface 80 and the log data packet are transmitted to an external server wirelessly connected to the interface 80 by this communication function.

(B) In recent years, automobiles having an Internet communication function, so-called connected cars, have been developed. In a connected car, there is a risk of being attacked by an in-vehicle communication system from the outside. Possible attacks include, for example, statistical attacks, message-level attacks, and timing attacks.

A "statistical attack" is, for example, an attack in which an attacker sends data in anticipation of a time when the traffic state is difficult to detect, or an attack in which an unauthorized person launches a denial of service attack on a vehicle. .. A service denial attack causes a communication bus (communication path) such as CAN-BUS to malfunction with a large amount of data, and hinders access from the ECU to CAN-BUS.

A "message level attack" is, for example, an attack in which a malicious message is inserted. These messages may contain, for example, different formats or unusual content.

A "timing attack" is an attack that, for example, pretends that an inserted malicious message has normal content and message rating, but actually violates the normal timing sequence of such messages in the car.

(B-1) As a countermeasure against the "statistical attack", the microcomputer of the interface 80 learns the traffic pattern of the network, and the data transmission timing is set so that the data is transmitted according to the traffic pattern. Adjust.

(B-2) As a countermeasure against "message level attack" and "timing attack", the transmission content and transmission timing of the network packet are learned. As the content to be transmitted, it is particularly preferable to learn the correspondence between the fields of some packets. For example, the correspondence between the ID and data fields is learned.

A packet that deviates from the relationship between the learned ID and the data is sent out, and it is determined whether or not the abnormality is determined as described in (a) above, and the packet that is not determined to be abnormal is adopted. In particular, it is preferable to use one that is not used as an ID and that is not judged to be abnormal. The "packet that deviates from the relationship between the learned ID and the data" corresponds to, for example, a packet or the like in which the ID exists in the learned contents of a certain packet but the data does not exist in the learned contents.

Regarding the timing, it is advisable to learn the time between packets sent to the network and both packets as explanatory variables, and the state of the actuator or the like that has changed thereafter or known OBD data as the objective variable. From the learning results, it is possible to know which packet changes which actuator or known OBD data.

(C) The interface 80 may issue a warning when an abnormality is detected by the microcomputer and when information about the state of the system is notified. In the following, a warning when an abnormality is detected in the network is referred to as an "abnormality warning", and a warning when notifying information about the state of a software system is referred to as a "system warning". The warning may be issued from the display unit or speaker of an external device such as a car navigation system or a radar detector 40 connected to the interface 80.

The "abnormality warning" is issued when the state deviates from the standard created in the learning stage of the microcomputer of the interface 80. Items for which an error warning is issued include, for example, "invalid CAN ID", "CAN timing warning", "invalid payload length", "invalid payload value", "service denial attack", "invalid sequence", etc. It is good to do.

The "invalid CAN ID" is issued when an application uses a DBC (database CAN) file to identify an invalid CAN ID. The DBC file may be provided by the OEM or vendor. "CAN timing warning" is issued when the message inserted by the application is detected. The "invalid payload length" is issued when the application detects a malicious payload based on the invalid payload length of the CAN ID. An "invalid payload value" is issued when an application detects a malicious payload. A "denial of service attack" is issued when an application detects a denial of service attack, such as causing data to continuously flow to a network (flood state) without waiting for a response from the system. An "invalid sequence" is fired when an application detects a state pattern violation. The state pattern should be part of the criteria created during the learning phase of the product.

The "system warning" may be, for example, a "memory usage increase warning", an "input verification warning", an "audit log", a "CAN data read", or the like.

The "memory usage increase warning" is issued when the memory usage of the application becomes higher than expected. "Input validation warning" is issued when input validation fails for certain data such as message timestamp, payload length, etc. An "audit log" is an audit log such as a data log start or a data log end. "Read CAN data" is a warning to start / stop reading CAN data.

Of the anomaly warning and the system warning, the most important one is the anomaly warning, so it is advisable to judge whether it is a system warning or an anomaly warning, and change only the packet with the anomaly warning.

(D) The "abnormal warning" issued by the interface 80 includes the above-mentioned "invalid CAN ID", "CAN timing warning", "invalid payload length", "invalid payload value", and "service denial attack". In addition, there are items such as "warning severity" and "information indicating whether the bus in which the problem occurred is a high-speed bus to a low-speed bus". It is advisable to read the log and exclude the information about the packet in which the abnormality is detected from the teacher data of the packet learning in the system established by the manufacturer of the interface 80 from these abnormality warnings. In particular, it is preferable to have a function for adjusting so that "invalid CAN ID", "invalid payload length", and "invalid payload value" are not used as invalid ones. Further, the teacher data may include valid data and invalid data separately.

(E) The change (so-called update) of the software version of the ECU 14 is detected by the microcomputer of the interface 80, and the change (difference) between the network packet before the update and the network packet after the update is detected. Then, (e1) the change is wirelessly transmitted to the cloud. (E2) In particular, when an external device such as a car navigation system connected to the interface 80 or a packet of the address used in the interface 80 stops flowing (address change, data field content change), a notification to that effect is newly added. Information on the outflowing address and new packets is also sent to the cloud. In the cloud, information on which packet before the update corresponds to which packet after the update is output by machine learning or the like. The software of the ECU 14 may be updated by sending the updated software from the failure diagnosis machine 70 connected to the OBD2 connector 16, and further, it may be possible to update the software wirelessly.

The update may be detected, for example, by detecting (A-1) to (A-4) of "9" described later.

(F) The request message to the ECU 14 (from the failure diagnosis machine 70 or the like) and the response message from the ECU 14 to the request message are monitored and recorded. Monitor and record whether the response message is a positive response message indicating "the instruction was executed and its result" or a negative response message indicating "the instruction cannot be executed and the reason". After the software update, anything that changes from positive to negative uploads that information to the cloud.

(G) The failure diagnosis machine is also required to be updated in response to the vehicle update. However, the failure diagnosis machine and the vehicle do not always request the update at the same time. Therefore, for example, it is advisable to give priority to the packet issued by the diagnostic device even if an update is applied. In particular, for example, it is preferable to give priority to packets specified by ISO, which are common among vehicle types.

(H) Whether or not the destination type of the message is physical addressing may be used as an explanatory variable for learning.

9. Operations related to software update For example, the following operations may be performed in connection with the software update of the ECU 14 described in (e) of "8" above.

(A-1) When a software update is detected, it is advisable to notify that the update is necessary as follows. The notification may be performed using a display unit or a speaker of an external device such as a car navigation system or a radar detector 40 connected to the interface 80.
-Notify that an update is required when the vehicle is not running.
-Update will be performed if the user who has been notified that the update is required consents. -Determine whether the situation requires notification to the user in order to perform the update or the situation does not require notification to the user.
-If the part to be updated does not affect the current situation, the update may be performed automatically.

(A-2) When an update is required, the following items will be notified.
・ Instruction to park the car in a safe place before updating.
-Time required to perform the update.
・ Do not move the car while updating.
-The engine will automatically turn off or start during the update.
-The door of the vehicle must be locked during the update.
・ Instructions not to leave people in the car.
・ Instruction to leave the car.
In addition, contrary to the notification of the above items, the driver's seat is notified to instruct that there is a person during the update.

(A-3) After the update is completed, a notification requesting a specific user operation is performed. For example, a notification such as "Please start the engine" is given.

(A-4) The version check sequence before and after the update may be, for example, as follows.
-When making changes to the information flowing through the network, it is necessary to update a plurality of ECUs 14 at the same time. The IDs of the ECUs 14 that need to be updated collectively are stored in a table, and inquiries are made according to the contents stored in the table.
-If the version of each ECU 14 returned in response to the inquiry is different from the combination stored in the table, each ECU 14 is updated.
-Inquire again after updating and check if it matches the version stored in the table.
The interface 80 may monitor the version check sequence and / and the version rewrite sequence, and determine whether or not the update has been performed based on whether or not the version check sequence or / and the version rewrite sequence have been performed.

For example, the above-mentioned microcomputer or the like may have the following functions.
(A) It is preferable to have a function of detecting a power-on such as ACC on of a vehicle and capturing a CAN packet when the power is turned on. In particular, it is advisable to capture CAN packets before and after the power is turned on. Based on the difference between the packet captured when the power is turned on and the packet captured when the vehicle is running, a characteristic packet is extracted when the power is turned on, and the authentication information between the ECUs 14 inside the vehicle is estimated based on the packet, and the ECU 14 is used. It is advisable to perform a process of using the authentication information for communication with the microcomputer. In a vehicle having a function of first performing authentication between ECUs when communicating between ECUs, there is a high possibility that authentication will be performed when communication is started after the power is turned on to the ECU. The authentication information can be estimated more reliably.

(B) The above-mentioned microcomputer has two or more CAN ports, the first CAN port is connected to the communication path inside the gateway ECU, and the second CAN port is connected to the communication path outside the gateway ECU. The gateway ECU sends out a packet detected as a known "intrusion" from the second CAN port, and based on whether or not the packet detected as the known "intrusion" passes through the first CAN port. Has a function to determine whether or not an intrusion detection system (IDS) is provided, and changes the content of packets sent from the CAN port of a microcomputer connected to the outside of the gateway depending on whether the IDS is provided or not. It should have a function. This determination may be made at all times when the microcomputer is started, but it is detected that the mechanic of the dealer has attached the device equipped with the microcomputer (for example, the interface 80 described in each of the above-described embodiments) to the vehicle for the first time. A function to change the contents of the packet sent from the CAN port of the microcomputer connected to the outside of the gateway based on the stored result after that is performed and the result is stored. You should be prepared.

Further, when a known "intrusion" packet is sent from the second CAN port and the corresponding packet is detected in the first CAN port, the corresponding packet is regarded as "packet generated at the time of intrusion". Judgment or storage is performed, and if the packet is detected when the packet detected as a known "intrusion" is not sent from the second CAN port, the microcomputer determines that there is an intrusion. It is good to do it.

For example, when an installer of an interface 80 or the like having this microcomputer (such as a mechanic at a mass retailer or a specialty store) installs an interface 80 (during setup) for a packet detected as an "intrusion" known by an in-vehicle IDS. ), And for this packet, a signal different from the usual one is sent out as a signal to the ECU in charge of notifying the driver and a signal to the ECU that communicates to the outside by LTE or the like. Check if it is processed by the microcomputer. If an unusual signal is detected, the contents of that signal are stored, and whether or not there was an actual intrusion during actual user use after setup is detected. Judgment is based on. As a result, it is possible to detect that an abnormality has been detected in the IDS from the after-sales product provided with the microcomputer connected to the CAN bus.

(C) The information left in the ECU 14 of the vehicle is utilized for criminal investigation and the like. For example, CAN packets flowing in a communication path several tens of seconds before and after the operation of the airbag ECU are stored in the ECU 14. Further, in the ECU 14 for infotainment, transmission records from wirelessly connected smartphones, voice recognition results, and the like are left. Some vehicle users cannot know what information is stored in the vehicle. It seems that some users find this unpleasant. Therefore, it is preferable to have a function of determining what the vehicle remembers based on the information acquired by the above-mentioned microcomputer connected to the communication path and notifying the vehicle. In particular, it is preferable that the microcomputer or a device connected to the microcomputer is provided with a function of displaying whether information capable of estimating the user's behavior, personal information, or the like is stored.

Further, the ECU 14 may be provided with a function of separately transmitting information necessary for investigation and information necessary for vehicle operation (for example, failure diagnosis) according to the type of request so that the information can be obtained from the outside. ..

(D) A device such as a microcomputer or a radar detector, drive recorder, or PND connected to the microcomputer is equipped with a wireless LAN connection function (Wi-Fi), and in addition to communication with a normal server, Wi-Fi It is good to have a function to perform packet capture. The user is instructed to operate the genuine smartphone application of the vehicle, and the Wi-Fi packet and CAN packet at the time of operation are captured and stored, and the packet is different from the Wi-Fi packet at the time of operation. If a similar flow occurs in the CAN packet, it is determined that it is due to a Wi-Fi connection from a non-genuine application. It is preferable to have a function of notifying a warning that such communication has occurred from a device such as a radar detector, a drive recorder, or a PND connected to the CAN.

(E) The above-mentioned microcomputer, etc. has a function to judge the level of automatic driving of the vehicle, and the radar detector, drive recorder, PND, etc. connected to the above-mentioned microcomputer, etc., notify the vehicle according to the level. It is good to have a function to perform. For example, it may be determined whether or not the vehicle is an autonomous driving vehicle, and if it is an autonomous driving vehicle, it may be controlled so as not to give an alarm. When the vehicle is an autonomous driving vehicle, it is determined whether it is in the automatic driving mode or the non-automatic driving mode, and when it is in the automatic driving mode, the alarm notification is not performed (other notifications such as entertainment are performed). ) It is good to control.

(F) The power supply line connected to each ECU 14 is sandwiched by a current clamp or the like, the current clamp is connected to the microcomputer, the current flowing to each ECU 14 is measured, and the timing of flowing the packet according to the power consumption of the ECU 14 is determined. You should decide. For example, the maximum value and the minimum value of the power consumption during the operation of each ECU 14 are continuously measured, and when the current amount of each ECU 14 is the most frequent value, the data is flowed into the ECU 14. It is possible to prevent the flowing packet from becoming conspicuous in the network or the ECU 14, or the ECU 14 from being overloaded. In particular, the relationship between the amount of packets destined for each ECU 14 and the power consumption of each ECU is stored, and based on the relationship, the packets to the ECU 14 and the power consumption of the ECU 14 are sent to the ECU 14. It is good to decide the timing to send the packet. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the ECU 14 from being overloaded due to network processing. Further, data can be flowed from the retrofitted microcomputer while reducing the possibility that the ECU 14 that monitors the network determines that an abnormality has occurred in the network.

(G) The after-sales product connected to the in-vehicle LAN (for example, CAN) is provided with a means for determining whether or not the product has entered the maintenance shop (for example, the position of the dealer in GPS, the determination when the power is turned on when the product is in the position of the vehicle inspection factory). When the power of the after-product is turned on (when the ACC is turned on) in the maintenance shop, the signal from the in-vehicle LAN is not accepted (for example, the display indicating that the operation of the product itself is stopped) is displayed. Do). By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a malicious person modifies the program of the microcomputer at the maintenance shop. The ECU 14 may be provided with this function.

(H) The number of ECUs incorporating open source software, such as the meter ECU 14e, is increasing. Only from a specific authenticated computer, the ECU 14 receives usage information (version information, etc.) of software such as open source software in each ECU 14, in response to an external request such as a microcomputer connected to the in-vehicle LAN. It is good to have a function to send. The life cycle of open source software is about 2 years, but the life cycle of cars is about 20 years, and it is necessary to update the vulnerabilities of these software. At this time, the software usage information required for the update can be safely obtained from the outside.

(K) The microcomputer may be provided with a function of stopping access to the in-vehicle LAN in a specific area, and it is preferable to operate only other functions during the stop. By doing so, when the access of the after-product to the in-vehicle LAN is prohibited depending on the area, it is possible to prohibit the access to the in-vehicle LAN only in the area.

(E) The vehicle manufacturer may configure the ECU 14 to respond when the one connected to the OBD connector of the vehicle is a legitimate failure diagnosis machine. However, in order to comply with exhaust gas standards, it is necessary to be able to perform conventional failure diagnosis. Therefore, when a certified failure diagnostic machine is connected to the OBD connector, the vehicle manufacturer outputs its own information to the vehicle other than the information specified by ISO, but the certification has not been obtained (in the present application). It is advisable to construct a gateway ECU or the like so that the device (such as the interface 80) outputs only the information specified by ISO. At this time, as authentication, a method using information (key (common key, public key cryptography, etc.)) may be used, but an NFC (Near Field Communication) reading unit is provided in the OBD connector of the vehicle, and an NFC tag is attached to the failure diagnosis machine. It may be provided to determine whether or not to authenticate depending on whether or not the NFC tag is legitimate. In such a configuration, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the microcomputer of the present application is connected inside the gateway ECU.

In the interface 80 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ECU 14 and the OBD2 connector 16 to which the failure diagnosis device 70 is connected are connected to the communication path 12 through which the signal including information flows. In a vehicle provided with a communication system 10 that enables the external device to communicate with these ECUs by directly or indirectly connecting the external device, the communication system 10 and the vehicle It is connected to the radar detector 40 arranged in the vehicle interior. At the same time, the external device side connector 84 connected to the radar detector 40 and the vehicle side connector 86 connected to the communication system 10 are provided, the external device side connector 84 is arranged in the vehicle interior, and the vehicle side connector 86 is provided. , A location other than the OBD2 connector 16 in the communication system 10 and connected to a location in the communication system 10 where a signal necessary for the operation of the radar detector 40 can be obtained.

Therefore, the user can keep the OBD2 connector 16 open for the failure diagnosis machine 70 even when using the radar detector 40, for example. Further, the radar detector 40 can acquire a signal necessary for operation and perform operation based on this signal.

On the other hand, the vehicle dealer removes the external device from the OBD2 connector 16 when using the failure diagnosis machine 70 for the vehicle brought in by the user, and after the vehicle is inspected and repaired, the external device is reattached to the OBD2 connector 16. No need to do the work of connecting to. In particular, it is difficult for the dealer to charge the user for the wages generated separately, but it is no longer necessary to charge the additional wages for removal, etc., and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of troubles with the user due to the charges. can.

The "communication path 12 through which a signal containing information flows" may be any communication path as long as the signal containing information can be transmitted. For example, it may be one communication path, or a plurality of communication paths may be directly or indirectly connected. When indirectly connected, for example, it is preferable that a plurality of communication paths are connected via a member that relays a signal. The member that relays the signal may be physically relayed directly, for example, such as a connector, or, for example, a gateway, which once receives a signal from a certain communication path and performs some control, and another communication path. It may be output to. The "signal containing information" may be composed of, for example, packets.

Further, the "communication path 12" may be, for example, a one-to-one communication path. Further, for example, it is preferable to use a network in which electronic control devices such as a plurality of ECUs are connected, and in this way, the information obtained from the plurality of electronic control devices can be used in the failure diagnosis machine 70 and the radar detector 40. Can be done. In particular, when the electronic control device is an ECU of an automobile, the communication path 12 may be, for example, an in-vehicle LAN such as CAN or a K line. The information flowing through the communication path 12 may be, for example, information regarding the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device that controls the vehicle.

The "electronic control device that controls the vehicle" connected to the communication path 12 outside the ECU 14 can also be an electronic control device that moves the vehicle itself, such as operating a motor or an actuator provided in the vehicle. Alternatively, for example, without performing such control, or while performing such control, information is acquired from a sensor or the like provided in the vehicle, and information based on the acquired information is output to the communication path 12. It may be an electronic control device that controls the operation, and may be, for example, an ECU or the like.

The "fault diagnosis machine 70" may be, for example, a device for diagnosing the state of the vehicle based on information on the state of each part of the vehicle collected by an electronic control device, and in particular, a device generally widely used for diagnosis. .. Further, in the failure diagnosis machine 70, for example, a transmission device that only transmits a diagnostic signal is separately connected to the communication system 10, and the electronic control device responds to the signal transmitted from the transmission device and transmits the signal. It may be a device that performs diagnosis based on a signal.

The "OBD2 connector 16" is a connector that can perform vehicle diagnosis in common with many vehicles. It is also a connector that can be connected by a failure diagnosis machine 70 for general diagnosis at a maintenance shop in the city, not a vehicle manufacturer. The electronic control device that controls the vehicle, such as the above-mentioned ECU, and the OBD2 connector 16 are connected via a communication path 12.

Further, the "OBD2 connector 16" may be arranged, for example, in the vehicle interior, and in particular, it may be arranged at the foot of the driver's seat or the passenger seat, or on the right side or the left side of the center console. Furthermore, it may be arranged so as to be exposed in a position that is difficult to see or cannot be seen directly from the driver's seat. By doing so, the person using the failure diagnosis machine 70 operates the failure diagnosis machine 70 connected to the OBD2 connector 16, or visually recognizes the display if the failure diagnosis machine 70 has a display unit. While driving, the state of the information flowing through the communication path 12 can be confirmed.

The "external device" may be a device that only transmits a signal such as a signal transmitting device, a device that only receives a signal, or a device that transmits / receives a signal. Regarding the connection between the external device and the communication system 10, "directly" may be, for example, connecting between the communication system 10 and the external device without using other members, and "indirectly" means, for example, the communication system. It is preferable to connect the 10 to the external device via another member. The "member" may be, for example, a connector or another device.

"Communication" may be a concept including, for example, one or both of transmission and reception of signals.

The "communication system 10" refers to a system in which communication is possible in general, and may include, for example, a communication path 12, an electronic control device such as an ECU, and an OBD2 connector 16, and in addition to these, for example, a gateway ECU or the like. It may contain other components. The communication system 10 may be arranged inside the vehicle. The "inside of the vehicle" in which the communication system 10 is arranged may be, for example, a portion that does not appear in the exterior or the interior of the vehicle, and in particular, a location that cannot be accessed unless a part of the vehicle component 30 is removed. A part of the vehicle constituent member 30 may be, for example, a member that separates the inside and the outside of the vehicle interior (a portion that does not appear in the exterior or the interior of the vehicle), and may be a so-called instrument panel.

The "radar detector 40" may be a device that only receives signals or may be a device that transmits and receives signals. Further, an operation of outputting information based on the signal acquired in the communication system 10 where the signal necessary for the operation of the radar detector 40 can be obtained at a place other than the OBD2 connector 16 in the communication system 10 is output to the user. It is preferable to use a device that has a function to perform. In particular, for example, a display device such as a display capable of displaying the information obtained at the portion to which the vehicle-side connector 86 of the communication system 10 is connected, or a radar detector or a car navigation device for displaying such information may be used. Alternatively, a simple security device or the like capable of issuing an alarm based on the information obtained at the portion to which the vehicle-side connector 86 of the communication system 10 is connected may be used.

The "vehicle compartment" may be, for example, a living space for the occupants of the vehicle. The passenger compartment does not necessarily have to be a closed space, and may be an open space such as a so-called open car without a roof, or may be a closed space such as a covered car. ..

The "external device side connector 84" is a connection means provided in the external device side connection portion, and can be fitted with a connector provided in the radar detector 40. Instead of the connector, the external device side connection portion may be directly connected to the radar detector 40, for example, by soldering or the like. The connection portion of the radar detector 40 connected to this "external device side connection portion" may be a wiring connected to an internal component by, for example, soldering, or at an end portion or an intermediate portion of the wiring, for example. It may be a provided connector. This connector may be, for example, drawn out from the housing by wiring, and in particular, may be arranged on the surface of the housing, for example.

The "vehicle-side connector 86" is a connection means provided in the vehicle-side connection portion, and can be fitted to the connector provided in the communication system 10. Instead of the connector, the vehicle-side connection portion may be directly connected to the communication path 12, for example, by soldering or the like. The vehicle-side connector may be connectable to a connection means other than the OBD2 connector 16 provided in the communication system 10, for example, an electro-tap, or the above-mentioned connector. The connector provided in the communication system 10 may be an unused connector or a connector that is likely to be vacant. For example, a connector may be used so that the device is connected only when the vehicle is manufactured and the device is not connected after the manufacturing. Further, for example, the option connector 28 to which the optional equipment of the vehicle provided by the dealer is connected may be used.

Further, the "vehicle-side connection portion" is, for example, a state in which a part of the vehicle component 30 is removed when connecting to the communication system 10, and after the connection, a part of the vehicle component 30 is reattached to the vehicle. It is good to do. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary troubles such as the user accidentally disconnecting the vehicle-side connection portion from the communication system 10.

In the interface 80, the external device side connection portion and the vehicle side connection portion are connected so as to be able to transmit information signals by wireless communication using wireless communication members provided in the external device side connection portion and the vehicle side connection portion, respectively. However, it is particularly preferable to connect the information signal so that it can be transmitted by the transmission line 82.

When the external device side connection part and the vehicle side connection part are connected by the transmission line 82, the vehicle side connection part is connected to the communication system 10 with a part of the vehicle component 30 removed, and after the connection, the vehicle component member. It is preferable that the transmission line 82 transmits information about the state of the vehicle between the vehicle side connection portion and the radar detector 40 with a part of the 30 reattached to the vehicle. When a part of the vehicle constituent member 30 is reattached to the vehicle, the transmission line 82 may be arranged so as to pass through the gap between the part of the member and the other part. In this way, the transmission line 82 passes through the space inside the vehicle interior and the space outside the vehicle interior (a portion that does not appear in the exterior or interior of the vehicle) separated from the vehicle interior by the vehicle component 30. be able to. In particular, the transmission line 82 is arranged inside the vehicle separated from the vehicle interior by the instrument panel and the external device side connection portion connected to the radar detector 40 arranged on the dashboard even when the instrument panel is attached, for example. It can be connected to the vehicle side connection part.

"A place in the communication system 10 other than the OBD2 connector 16 in the communication system 10 where the signal necessary for the operation of the radar detector 40 can be obtained" is a place where the signal necessary for the operation of the radar detector 40 can be obtained. Any location may be used, but for example, when the communication system 10 is provided with a gateway ECU 26 for converting or selecting a signal of information flowing in the communication path 12, the signal is converted by the gateway ECU 26 in the communication path 12. It is good to use the part that is not selected. In this way, it is possible to acquire a signal that has not been converted or selected.

The "signal required for the operation of the radar detector 40" may be, for example, a signal generated by the electronic control device, which is output from an electronic control device such as an ECU connected to the communication path 12.

The "operation" of the radar detector 40 that has obtained the signal necessary for operation from the communication system 10 may be, for example, the output of information based on the necessary signal to the user as described above. In this way, the user can acquire information from the radar detector 40, which cannot normally be acquired from an external device arranged in the vehicle interior. This information may be, for example, information about the state of the vehicle based on the information output from the electronic control device. Further, the information may be output as characters or images on the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40, or may be output by voice, for example, by providing a speaker inside the radar detector 40.

In the above embodiment, the external device side connection portion is a connector 50 provided on the radar detector 40 and a detachable external device side connector 84.

Therefore, for mounting the interface 80 according to the present invention, for example, when the interface 80 cannot be mounted on the vehicle unless a part of the vehicle component 30 is removed, or when the mounting work requires soldering. Even if it requires technology, the user can easily attach / detach the radar detector 40 to / from the interface 80 once the interface 80 is attached to the vehicle by a worker of a dealer or the like. It will be like. The external device-side connector 84 provided on the interface 80 may be drawn out from the vehicle interior by a transmission line 82, and in particular, it may be arranged so as to be exposed to the vehicle interior side on the surface of the instrument panel, for example. The connector 50 provided in the radar detector 40 may be, for example, drawn out from the housing by wiring, and in particular, may be arranged on the surface of the housing, for example. The connector 84 on the external device side provided in the interface 80 and the connector provided in the radar detector 40 may be connected via, for example, a cable provided with two connectors.

With the conventional OBD2 connector, no special technology was required to attach or remove external devices. On the other hand, in the interface 80 according to the present invention, for example, when the connection portion on the external device side and the radar detector 40 are connected by soldering or the like, once the interface 80 is attached to the vehicle, the radar detector 40 can be easily used. May not be able to be attached or detached. However, by using the external device side connection portion as a connection means (external device side connector 84) that can be attached to and detached from the connector 50 of the radar detector 40, the user can use the radar detector 40 as the interface 80 according to the present invention. Can be easily attached and detached.

For example, if the radar detector 40 is installed and broken due to an initial failure within a week, the entire vehicle will be repaired at a store where the installation work was performed again within a short period of time after the installation work. It will be a troublesome situation that you have to go. However, by using a detachable connection means (external device side connector 84) for the external device side connection portion, it is possible to easily remove only the radar detector 40 and send it out for repair without disassembling the vehicle or the radar detector 40. , Can be replaced immediately with a replacement.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a connector (option connector 28) other than the OBD2 connector 16 is provided on the communication path 12, and the vehicle-side connector 86 and the option connector 28 are connected to each other. , The vehicle-side connector 86 and the communication system 10 are connected.

Therefore, the user or the person who installs the interface 80 (for example, a worker at a store) can easily connect the interface 80 to the communication system 10 as compared with the case of direct connection, which makes wiring connection troublesome. Freed from. Further, even when the interface 80 is removed, the burden on the operator can be reduced.

The option connector 28 is, for example, a connector that can connect an optional device to the vehicle at the user's option in the future, and is arranged inside the instrument panel. Further, this optional device is a device (car navigation device 52) that can be selected as a vehicle option by the dealer, and as described with reference to FIG. 16, the display unit 54 or the operation unit 56 is exposed in the vehicle interior. It can be incorporated or embedded in the center console part of the instrument panel in the state. Further, the connector 60 provided in the portion embedded inside the instrument panel can be connected to the option connector 28.

The "option connector 28" may be connected to a location other than the OBD2 connector 16 in the communication system 10 where a signal necessary for the operation of the radar detector 40 can be obtained, and the gateway ECU 26 is arranged in the communication system 10. If this is the case, it is preferable that the gateway ECU 26 is connected to a position where a signal that has not been converted or selected can be output.

In the above embodiment, in the communication system 10, a plurality of ECUs including the gateway ECU 26 are arranged in the communication path 12, and the gateway ECU 26 is connected to the electronic control device (ECU 14) other than the gateway ECU 26 in the communication path 12. It is arranged between the OBD2 connector 16 and the portion to which the OBD2 connector 16 is connected, and the vehicle-side connector 86 is connected to the portion of the communication path 12 to which an electronic control device other than the gateway ECU is connected.

Therefore, the user considers that the signal transmitted to the OBD2 connector 16 by the gateway ECU 26 is a signal transmitted from an electronic control device other than the gateway ECU 26 converted into another signal or a part thereof is selected. Even in this case, it is possible to reliably transmit and receive signals to and from each electronic control device other than the gateway ECU 26. In the above embodiment, the gateway ECU 26 is arranged between the portion of the communication path 12 to which all the electronic control devices other than the gateway ECU 26 are connected and the portion to which the OBD2 connector 16 is connected.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 and the like, the failure diagnosis is performed on condition that the failure diagnosis machine 70 (second external device) is connected to the communication system 10 via the OBD2 connector 16. A communication limiter 88 capable of restricting communication via the communication path 12 by at least one of the interface 80 and the radar detector 40 is provided so as to give priority to the communication by the machine 70.

Therefore, the user and the dealer in which the vehicle is brought in by the user can use the signal emitted from the failure diagnosis device 70, which is the second external device, and the signal emitted from the interface 80 itself or the radar detector 40, which is the first external device. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary troubles leading to malfunction of the failure diagnosis machine 70 such as batting. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to remove the interface 80 or the radar detector 40 from the communication system 10 and to reattach it after inspecting or repairing the vehicle. You will not be bothered by the occurrence.

The interface 80 is suitable, for example, in the communication system 10, when communication by the radar detector 40 causes a hindrance to communication by the failure diagnosis device 70.

The concept that "communication via the communication path 12 by at least one of the interface 80 and the radar detector 40 can be restricted so as to prioritize communication by the failure diagnostic device 70" is an interface, for example, for communication by the failure diagnosis device 70. The concept includes not only completely blocking the communication by the 80 or the radar detector 40, but also restricting the communication by the radar detector 40 so as to allow the communication by the radar detector 40 within a range where there is no problem in the communication of the failure diagnosis machine 70. good.

"Communication restriction" shall control the transmission and reception of signals so that the communication signal of the failure diagnosis device 70 and the communication signal of the radar detector 40 do not batting or interfering with each other.

Since the "communication restriction" in the interface 80 is "possible", for example, even if the failure diagnosis device 70 is connected to the communication system 10, it is not necessary to immediately restrict the communication. That is, the connection of the failure diagnosis device 70 may be all of a plurality of conditions provided for, for example, communication restriction, or may be a part of the conditions.

The "communication restriction by the communication limiter 88" is, for example, a signal that the communication limiter 88 detects that the failure diagnosis device 70 is connected via the communication path 12 or the like and interferes with the operation of the failure diagnosis device 70. This may be done by not transmitting from the interface 80, for example by turning off the power to the radar detector 40 using a switch, for example, to prevent the interface 80 from accessing the communication system 10. It is good to do it by doing.

The "communication limiter 88" is a chip of an integrated circuit including a microcomputer provided on a substrate. In FIG. 6, the communication limiter 88 is provided in the middle of the transmission line 82, but the chip of the communication limiter 88 is, for example, an external device side connection portion (external device side connector 84) as shown in FIG. It may be provided in the vehicle side connection portion (vehicle side connector 86).

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a switch 92 (first switch) arranged in the vehicle interior is provided, and the communication limiter 88 is provided by turning off the switch 92. It is possible to restrict communication by giving priority to communication by the failure diagnosis device 70.

Therefore, when the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user uses the failure diagnosis machine 70 for the vehicle, the failure diagnosis machine 70 which is the second external device, the interface 80, and the radar which is the first external device are used. Even if signal batting occurs with at least one of the detectors 40, the batting can be eliminated by simply turning off the switch 92 provided on the interface 80, and the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be used. .. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the interface 80 or the radar detector 40 from the communication system 10, and the user and the dealer are troubled by the occurrence of troubles and the like associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. Is gone.

The "switch 92" may be, for example, a power switch or the like. The "switch 92" is arranged in the vehicle interior via the wiring 90, and is particularly accessible to the user by sitting in the driver's seat such as a so-called dashboard, instrument panel, center console or its surroundings. Place it in a place where you can reach it.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the radar detector 40 includes a power switch 46 (second switch), and the communication limiter 88 is a radar detector on the external device side connector 84. By turning off the power switch 46 of the radar detector 40 in the state where the 40 is connected, it is possible to restrict the communication by giving priority to the communication by the failure diagnosis device 70.

Therefore, when the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user uses the failure diagnosis machine 70 for the vehicle, the signal is batting between the failure diagnosis machine 70 and at least one of the interface 80 and the radar detector 40. Even if it occurs, the batting can be eliminated and the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be used only by turning off the power switch 46 provided in the radar detector 40. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the interface 80 or the radar detector 40 from the communication system 10, and the user and the dealer are troubled by the occurrence of troubles and the like associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. Is gone.

The radar detector 40 may be arranged in a place easily accessible to the user on the so-called dashboard.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the radar detector 40 includes an operation unit 44 and the radar detector 40 is connected to the external device side connector 84, the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40 The communication limiter 88 can be operated by using the communication limiter 88, and the communication limiter 88 gives priority to communication by the failure diagnosis device 70 by operating the communication limiter 88 using the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40. Communication restrictions can be applied.

Therefore, when the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user uses the failure diagnosis machine 70 for the vehicle, the signal is batting between the failure diagnosis machine 70 and at least one of the interface 80 and the radar detector 40. Even if it occurs, the batting can be eliminated and the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be used only by operating the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the interface 80 or the radar detector 40 from the communication system 10, and the user and the dealer are troubled by the occurrence of troubles and the like associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. Is gone.

The operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40 may be provided with a switch, a dial, or the like in addition to the buttons provided on the housing of the radar detector 40 shown in FIG. Further, it is preferable that the setting can be performed by a button or the like provided on the housing based on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40. Further, in the operation unit, instead of the buttons and the like, the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40 is composed of a touch panel type liquid crystal screen or the like, and can be set by directly touching the setting screen displayed on the display unit 42. can do. Further, the operation unit of the radar detector 40 can be a remote controller that can be operated wirelessly using radio waves, infrared rays, or the like.

The radar detector 40 may be a device arranged in a place easily accessible to the user on a so-called dashboard, and the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40 may, for example, "stop / resume access to the communication system" as a setting menu. It is good to display the selection of.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the radar detector 40 includes an operation unit 44, and the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 are connected by wireless communication to the external device side connector 84. With the radar detector 40 connected, the communication limiter 88 can be operated using the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40, and the communication limiter 88 communicates using the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40. By operating the limiter 88, communication is restricted by giving priority to communication by the failure diagnosis device 70, and when wireless communication between the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40 becomes impossible, the communication limiter 88 fails. It is possible to restrict communication by giving priority to communication by the diagnostic device 70.

Therefore, the user can prevent troubles such as the wiring of the interface 80 getting caught in the hand, and can freely arrange the radar detector 40. Further, when the dealer who brought the vehicle from the user uses the failure diagnosis machine 70 for the vehicle, the signal is batting between the failure diagnosis machine 70 and at least one of the interface 80 and the radar detector 40. Even if it occurs, the batting can be eliminated and the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be used only by operating the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40. Further, even when the communication limiter 88 of the interface 80 cannot be operated by the operation unit 44 of the radar detector 40, the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be reliably used. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the interface 80 from the communication system 10, and the user and the dealer are not bothered by the occurrence of troubles and the like associated with the billing of additional wages for such work.

For "wireless communication" between the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40, for example, a chip capable of wireless communication is provided between the external device side connector 84 and the radar detector 40, and Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi. It is done by such.

The radar detector 40 may be a device arranged in a place easily accessible to the user on a so-called dashboard, and the display unit 42 of the radar detector 40 may, for example, "stop / resume access to the communication system" as a setting menu. It is good to display the selection of.

In the second embodiment, when the communication limiter 88 detects that a signal other than the signal transmitted from the radar detector 40 is transmitted, the communication limiter 88 stops access to the electronic control device such as the ECU 14, and makes a failure diagnosis. It is possible to restrict communication by giving priority to communication by the machine 70.

Therefore, the user and the dealer who brought in the vehicle from the user are useless, which leads to malfunction of the failure diagnosis machine 70 such as batting between the signal emitted from the failure diagnosis machine 70 and the signal emitted from the interface 80 itself or the radar detector 40. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of troubles. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the need to remove the interface 80 or the radar detector 40 from the communication system 10 and to reattach it after inspecting or repairing the vehicle. You will not be bothered by the occurrence.

The "signal other than the signal transmitted from the radar detector 40", which is detected by the communication limiter 88 and stops access to the electronic control device such as the ECU 14, is the signal transmitted from the failure diagnosis device 70. Can be done.

In the second embodiment, when the communication limiter 88 detects that a predetermined signal flows through the communication path 12, the communication limiter 88 can perform communication restriction that gives priority to communication by the failure diagnosis device 70.

Therefore, when the dealer who brought in the vehicle from the user uses the failure diagnosis machine 70 for the vehicle, the signal is batting between the failure diagnosis machine 70 and at least one of the interface 80 and the radar detector 40. Even if it occurs, the batting can be eliminated and the failure diagnosis machine 70 can be used only by setting a predetermined signal to flow in the communication path 12. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the work of removing the interface 80 or the radar detector 40 from the communication system 10, and the user and the dealer are troubled by the occurrence of troubles and the like associated with the billing of additional wages for such work. Is gone.

The "predetermined signal" flowing through the communication path 12 is a signal output to the communication path 12 by an electronic control device such as the ECU 14, and is a signal related to the state of a vehicle operation switch or the like originally provided in the vehicle.

The "vehicle operation switch" may be a "light power switch", a "brake pedal" or the like in addition to the above-mentioned "ignition switch". The "ignition switch" may be operated by inserting a key into a key cylinder, for example, or may be a button type. The "light power switch" may be, for example, a "room light power switch" or a "headlight power switch".

The "predetermined state" of the vehicle operation switch may be, for example, a state in which a predetermined operation is performed using the vehicle operation switch, and in particular, for example, switching on and off of the vehicle operation switch is repeated a predetermined number of times. It is good to put it in the state of being. This "switching on and off of the vehicle operation switch" may be "repeated switching of the ignition switch on and off a predetermined number of times (for example, three times per second) within a predetermined time". For example, "switching the headlights on and off and switching the brakes on and off at the same time" may be used.

Further, it is preferable that the priority of the communication by the failure diagnosis device 70 can be canceled when the communication by the failure diagnosis device 70 is prioritized by detecting a predetermined signal and then the same signal is detected again. In this way, the user and the dealer can easily release the priority of communication by the failure diagnosis machine 70.

The communication restriction by the communication limiter 88 may be performed by at least one of the above-mentioned methods. Therefore, the switch 92 connected to the communication limiter 88 is not always necessary.

In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the signal transmitted from the electronic control device such as the ECU 14 is converted into a format that can be used by the radar detector 40, and the signal transmitted from the radar detector 40 is converted into a format that can be used by the radar detector 40. It is equipped with a signal converter 94 that converts into a format that can be used in electronic control equipment.

Therefore, the user can use the radar detector 40 without worrying about the correspondence between the signal used in the electronic control device such as the ECU 14 of the communication system 10 and the signal used in the radar detector 40. Can be done.

The "signal converter 94" is a chip of an integrated circuit provided on a substrate. The signal converter 94 is provided in the middle of the transmission line 82, but the chip of the signal converter 94 may be provided, for example, in the external device side connection portion (external device side connector 84) or in the vehicle side connection portion (vehicle side connection portion). It may be provided on the vehicle-side connector 86).

As shown in FIG. 12, the conversion of the signal format can be performed as follows as an example. The format of the request message transmitted from the radar detector 40 is "7E0 **", and the format of the response message recognizable by the radar detector 40 is "7E8 **", which can be recognized by the electronic control device of the communication system 10. The case where the format of the request message is "700 ##" and the format of the response message transmitted from the electronic control device of the communication system 10 is "708 ##" will be described.

In this case, the radar detector 40 transmits "7E0 **", and the interface 80 that receives "7E0 **" converts this signal into "700 ##" by the signal converter 94, and the communication system 10 is used. It is transmitted to the communication path 12. The electronic control device of the communication system 10 that has received and recognized "700 ##" flowing through the communication path 12 transmits "708 ##" to the communication path 12. Upon receiving "708 ##", the signal converter 94 converts it into "7E8 **" and transmits it to the radar detector 40. Here, "**" and "##" are arbitrary numbers or symbols indicating the contents of the request or response, and may be, for example, hexadecimal numbers.

The request message may convey, for example, "instruction to another device", and the response message may convey, for example, "response from another device to the instruction". Further, the response message may be, for example, a positive response message indicating "execution of the instruction and its result" and a negative response message indicating "the inability to execute the instruction and the reason".

In the above embodiment, after transmitting a signal from the interface 80 to the communication system 10, it is preferable to record the signal flowing through the portion to which the vehicle-side connector (vehicle-side connector 86) of the communication system 10 is connected for a predetermined period.

By doing so, the manufacturer who brought in the interface 80 in which the trouble occurred from the user can identify the cause of the trouble based on this record and easily transmit the signal generated by the interface 80 that caused the trouble. This signal can be modified by specifying. Further, the user of the interface 80 in which the trouble has occurred can continue to use the interface 80 whose signal has been corrected by the manufacturer.

The signal may be recorded for a predetermined period after the signal is transmitted from the interface 80, for example. After the lapse of a predetermined period, for example, the record may be deleted, or may be retained, for example, as long as the capacity of the storage unit allows. Further, for example, a certain amount of the latest record may be continuously saved while being updated in the storage unit by so-called overwrite saving or the like during the operation of the interface 80, and if a communication abnormality occurs, the update may be stopped. It is preferable to save the recording for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds) before the time of occurrence as another recording file in the storage unit. As a result, the record stored in the storage unit includes the signal that caused the trouble, and can be used to identify the cause of the trouble. The storage unit may be, for example, an external server capable of communicating with the interface 80, or may be provided in the interface 80, for example.

In the above embodiment, the electronic control device such as the ECU 14 can communicate with an external server, and when the electronic control device receives the update information of the software used in the electronic control device from the server, the software is updated. Then, the difference between the signals flowing through the communication path 12 before and after the update is recorded.

Therefore, the manufacturer who brought in the interface 80 in which the trouble occurred from the user identifies that the trouble is caused by the change in the signal flowing through the communication path 12 due to the update, and also identifies the trouble. The cause of the problem can be easily identified and the cause can be corrected. Further, the user of the interface 80 in which the trouble has occurred can continue to use the interface 80 in which the cause of the trouble has been corrected by the manufacturer.

The difference between the signals flowing through the communication path 12 before and after the update is that, for example, the signal flowing through the communication path 12 is recorded in advance in the storage unit before the update, and the signal flowing through the communication path 12 after the update is newly recorded in the storage unit. However, it is advisable to find out by comparing these records. The storage unit may be, for example, an external server capable of communicating with the interface 80, or may be provided in the interface 80, for example.

The communication between the electronic control device and the external server may be, for example, wireless communication such as LTE and 3G.

In the above embodiment, communication with an external server is possible, and a signal received from an electronic control device such as an ECU 14 can be transmitted to the server.

Therefore, the manufacturer who brought in the interface 80 from the user can improve the interface 80 by referring to the records stored in the server. Also, the user who brought the interface 80 to the manufacturer can use the improved interface 80.

The communication between the interface 80 and the external server may be, for example, wireless communication such as LTE and 3G.

Although various aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to embodiments and modifications, these embodiments and explanations have not been made for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention, and are intended for understanding the present invention. It should be added that it was provided to contribute. The scope of the invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described herein, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. In the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is to be obtained is specified in the scope of claims attached to the application, but even if the configuration is not specified in the scope of claims at present, it is described in the present specification. We intend to make the disclosed structure the scope of claims in the future.

The invention of the present application is not limited to the configuration described in the above-described embodiment. The components of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Further, any component of each embodiment or modification, and any component described in the means for solving the invention or a component embodying any component described in the means for solving the invention. May be configured in any combination. We also intend to acquire the rights to the inventions having these configurations in the amendment or divisional application of the present application.

10 Communication system 12 Communication path 14 ECU
14a engine ECU
14b hybrid ECU
14c ABSECU
14d body ECU
14e meter ECU
14f transmission ECU
14g millimeter wave ECU
14h ITS Connect ECU
16 OBD2 connector 18 Vehicle speed sensor 20 Shift position detection sensor 22 Door lock control device 24 Hazard lighting control device 26 Gateway ECU
28 Optional connector 28a Terminal part 28b Main body part 30 Vehicle component 40 Radar detector (RD)
42 Display 44 Operation Unit 46 Power Switch 48 Wiring 50 Connector 52 Car Navigation Device 54 Display 56 Operation Unit 58 Wiring 60 Connector 70 Failure Diagnosis Machine 72 Wiring 74 Connector 80 Interface 82 Transmission Line 82a Vehicle Side Connection Unit 82b External Device Side Connection 82c Wiring 84 External device side connector 86 Vehicle side connector 86a Terminal part 86b Main body part 86c Arm 88 Communication limiter 90 Wiring 92 Switch 94 Signal converter 96 Second external device side connector 98 Current meter 100 OBD2 interface 100a Connection part 100b Connection 102 Adapter 104 Wiring 106 First connector 108 Second connector 110 T-type harness 112 Wiring 114 First connector 116 Second connector 118 Third connector

Claims (16)

A communication system in which an electronic control device that controls a vehicle for a communication path through which a signal containing information flows and a diagnostic connector to which a diagnostic device that diagnoses the state of the vehicle is connected are connected, and is an external device. In a vehicle provided with a communication system that enables the external device to communicate with the electronic control device by connecting directly or indirectly.
A device connected to the communication system and a first external device arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
An external device-side connection unit connected to the first external device and a vehicle-side connection unit connected to the communication system are provided.
The external device side connection portion is arranged in the vehicle interior,
The state of the electronic control device and the vehicle in which the vehicle-side connection portion is a portion other than the diagnostic connector in the communication system and controls the vehicle from which a signal necessary for the operation of the first external device can be obtained. By connecting to a location in the communication system between the diagnostic connector to which the diagnostic device to be diagnosed is connected, the diagnostic connector to which the diagnostic device for diagnosing the condition of the vehicle is connected is opened. A device characterized by being . The device according to claim 1, wherein the external device-side connecting portion has a connecting means provided on the first external device and a detachable connecting means. A connector other than the diagnostic connector is provided on the communication path.
The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle-side connection portion and the communication system are connected by connecting the vehicle-side connection portion and the connector other than the diagnostic connector. .. In the communication system, a plurality of electronic control devices are arranged in the communication path, and one of the plurality of electronic control devices is a gateway.
The gateway is arranged between a portion of the communication path to which the electronic control device other than the gateway is connected and a portion to which the diagnostic connector is connected.
The one according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle-side connection portion is connected to a portion of the communication path to which the electronic control device other than the gateway is connected. Device. The device and the first are given priority over communication by the second external device, provided that the second external device, which is a diagnostic device, is connected to the communication system via the diagnostic connector. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a communication limiting unit capable of restricting communication by at least one of the external devices via the communication path. Equipped with a first switch located in the passenger compartment,
The device according to claim 5, wherein the communication restriction unit restricts communication by turning off the first switch to prioritize communication by the second external device. The first external device is equipped with a second switch.
The communication limiting unit is the second external device by turning off the second switch of the first external device in a state where the first external device is connected to the external device side connection unit. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the communication is restricted by giving priority to the communication by the above. The first external device is provided with an operation unit.
In a state where the first external device is connected to the external device side connection unit, the communication restriction unit can be operated by using the operation unit of the first external device.
The communication restriction unit is characterized in that by operating the communication restriction unit using the operation unit of the first external device, it is possible to perform communication restriction that gives priority to communication by the second external device. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7. The first external device is provided with an operation unit.
The external device side connection portion and the first external device are connected by wireless communication.
In a state where the first external device is connected to the external device side connection unit, the communication restriction unit can be operated by using the operation unit of the first external device.
By operating the communication restriction unit using the operation unit of the first external device, the communication restriction unit can perform communication restriction that gives priority to communication by the second external device.
A claim characterized in that, when wireless communication between the external device side connection unit and the first external device becomes impossible, the communication restriction unit performs communication restriction that gives priority to communication by the second external device. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 7. When the communication limiting unit detects that a signal other than the signal transmitted from the first external device is transmitted, the communication limiting unit stops access to the electronic control device and gives priority to communication by the second external device. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein communication is restricted. The communication restriction unit is any of claims 5 to 10, wherein when it detects that a predetermined signal flows through the communication path, the communication restriction unit performs communication restriction that gives priority to communication by the second external device. The device according to item 1. A signal conversion unit that converts a signal transmitted from the electronic control device into a format that can be used by the first external device, and converts a signal transmitted from the first external device into a format that can be used by the electronic control device. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the apparatus is provided with. Claims 1 to 12 are characterized in that, after a signal is transmitted from the device to the communication system, a signal flowing through a portion of the communication system to which the vehicle-side connection portion is connected is recorded for a predetermined period of time. The device according to any one of the above items. The electronic control device can communicate with an external server,
When the electronic control device receives update information of software used in the electronic control device from the server, the software is updated and the software is updated.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the difference between the signals flowing through the communication path before and after the update is recorded. Communication with external servers is possible,
The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a signal received from the electronic control device can be transmitted to the server. A program for realizing the function of the device according to any one of claims 12 to 15 in a computer.

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