Abstract:
A distributed network management method for a vehicle is provided. The distributed network management method includes a first step, a second step, a third step and a fourth step. The first step is for preforming a re-configuring action and a pre-defining action to a plurality of network messages transmitted through a plurality of nodes. The second step is for defining a leading node form the nodes. The third step is for detecting a failed node from the nodes. The fourth step is for defining at least one idle node by the leading node according to a task load of each of the nodes, thereby assigning a task of the failed node to the idle node.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a network management system and method, especially relates to a distributed network management system and method for a vehicle. 
         [0003]    Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    An Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is an integrated solution for a smart vehicle concerning driving safety and intelligent driving. The ADAS is introduced to a high class vehicle to provide vehicle driving messages and driving environment messages to the driver, and to integrate the driver&#39;s driving commands to assist the vehicle to travel, shift or stop intelligently. Furthermore, the ADAS is also capable of providing warning information to the driver in order to respond early. 
         [0005]    For providing more safety and intelligent driving functionalities, the aforementioned ADAS commonly includes subsystems having different functionalities, such as a Blind Spot Detecting System, a Backup Parking Aid System, a Rear Crash Collision Warning System, a Lane Departure Warning System, a Collision Mitigation System, an Adaptive Front-lighting System, a Night Vision System, an Adaptive Cruise Control System, a Pre-Crash System, a Parking Aid System, a Forward Collision Warning System and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It&#39;s also possible to include other subsystems with different functionalities in the future. 
         [0006]    In the ADAS, nodes on a vehicular network are used for transmitting the sensing data of the sensors and executing the command of the electronic control unit. However, once the electronic control unit is failed, the task thereof cannot be normally executed, thereby reducing the driving safety. More importantly, conventional vehicular network doesn&#39;t have complete functionalities of fault detection, fault analysis and fault tolerance. An extra backup hardware is required to execute the task of the failed electronic control unit, thus the hardware cost is huge and the task is still cannot be executed when the backup hardware is failed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a distributed network management system for a vehicle is provided. The distributed network management system is disposed on a plurality of electronic control units that are inter-connected via a network. The distributed network management system includes a plurality of data configuration modules, a plurality of data definition modules, a plurality of distributed node status broadcast modules, a plurality of task transformation modules, a plurality of task overload modules and a plurality of task load balance modules. Each of the data configuration modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units, and each of the data configuration modules is configured for performing a re-configuring action to a plurality of network messages. Each of the data definition modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and is connected to each of the data configuration modules, and each of the data definition modules is configured for performing a pre-defining action corresponding to the network messages. Each of the distributed node status broadcast modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units, and each of the distributed node status broadcast module is configured for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task assigning action. Each of the task transformation modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units, and each of the task transformation modules is configured for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task transferring action. Each of the task overload modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units, and each of the task overload modules is configured for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task overloading action. Each of the task load balance modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units, and each of the task overload modules is configured for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task load balancing action. Wherein one of the electronic control units performs the task assigning action to order the other of the electronic control units through one of the distributed node status broadcast modules; when any one of the electronic control units is failed and cannot perform any tasks, one of the electronic control units performs the task transform action, the task overloading action and the task balancing action to order the other of the electronic control units to perform the tasks of the failed electronic control unit through one of the task transformation modules, one of the task overload modules and one of the task balance modules respectively. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a distributed network management system for a vehicle is provided, the distributed network management system includes a plurality of electronic control units, a portable electronic control unit, a plurality of data configuration modules, a plurality of data definition modules, a plurality of distributed node status broadcast modules, a plurality of task transformation modules, a plurality of task overload modules and a plurality of task load balance modules. The electronic control units are inter-connected by a network. The portable electronic control unit is detachably connected to the electronic control units by the network. Each of the data configuration modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and the portable electronic control unit, and each of the data configuration modules is configured for re-configuring a plurality of network messages. Each of the data definition modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and the portable electronic control unit and is connected to each of the data configuration modules, and each of the data definition modules is configured for performing a pre-defining action corresponding to the network messages. Each of the distributed node status broadcast modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and the portable electronic control unit, and each of the distributed node status broadcast module is configured for enabling the portable electronic control unit to perform a task assigning action. Each of the task transformation modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and the portable electronic control unit, and the portable electronic control unit performs a task transferring action through one of the electronic control units. Each of the task overload modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and the portable electronic control unit, and the portable electronic control unit performs a task overloading action through one of the task overload modules. Each of the task load balance modules is disposed on each of the electronic control units and the portable electronic control unit, and the portable electronic control unit performs a task load balancing action through one of the task load balance modules. Wherein the portable electronic control performs the task assigning action to order the electronic control units through one of the distributed node status broadcast modules; when any one of the electronic control units is failed and cannot perform any tasks, the portable electronic control unit performs the task transform action, the task overloading action and the task balancing action to order the electronic control units to perform the tasks of the failed electronic control unit through one of the task transformation modules, one of the task overload modules and one of the task balance modules respectively. 
         [0009]    According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a distributed network management method for a vehicle is provided. The distributed network management method includes a data configuration step, a data definition step, a distributed node status broadcast step, a task transformation step, a task overload step and a task load balance step. The data configuration step is for preforming a re-configuring action to a plurality of network messages transmitted through a plurality of nodes. The data definition step is for performing a pre-defining action corresponding to the network messages. The distributed node status broadcast step is for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task assigning action. The task transformation step is for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task transferring action. The task overload step is for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task overloading action. The task load balance step is for selecting one of the electronic control units to perform a task load balancing action. 
         [0010]    According to further another aspect of the present disclosure, a distributed network management method for a vehicle is provided. The distributed network management method includes a first step, a second step, a third step and a fourth step. The first step is for preforming a re-configuring action and a pre-defining action to a plurality of network messages transmitted through a plurality of nodes. The second step is for defining a leading node form the nodes. The third step is for detecting a failed node from the nodes. The fourth step is for defining at least one idle node by the leading node according to a task load of each of the nodes, thereby assigning a task of the failed node to the idle node. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present disclosure can be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description of the embodiment, with reference made to the accompanying drawings as follows: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing a distributed network management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing electronic control units of a sensing end and a processing end of the distributed network management system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is an operation flow chart of the distributed network management system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic view showing a data configuration step of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic view showing a data definition step of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic view showing a distributed node status broadcast step of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a distributed network management system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic view showing a task transferring action performed by a distributed network management system; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6B  is a schematic view showing a task overloading action performed by a distributed network management system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6C  is a schematic view showing a task load balancing action performed by a distributed network management system; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6D  is a schematic view showing a task backup action performed by a distributed network management system; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6E  is a schematic view showing the task backup action performed by the distributed network management system of  FIG. 6D ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view showing a portable electronic control unit being added to a distributed network management system; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a backup node being added and a failure node being found. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0027]    The present disclosure provides a distributed network management system and method for a vehicle, the system and the method are capable of providing functionalities of fault detection, fault analysis and fault tolerance. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing a distributed network management system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing electronic control units of a sensing end and a processing end of the distributed network management system of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0029]    The distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle is composed of a plurality of sensors S, a plurality of electronic control units  200  in a sensing end and a plurality of electronic control units  300  in a processing end. The sensors S, the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end and the electronic control units  300  in the processing end are connected to each other through a network. In other word, the electronic control units  200  and the electronic control units  300  can be viewed as nodes in a distributed network, and network messages are transmitted between the electronic control units  200  and the electronic control units  300 . 
         [0030]    Each of the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end includes a data configuration module  210 , a data definition module  220 , a distributed node status broadcast module  230 , a task transformation module  240 , a task overload module  250  and a task load balance module  260 . The electronic control units  200  in the sensing end are connected to the sensors S and receive sensing data of the network messages. 
         [0031]    Each of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end includes a data configuration module  310 , a data definition module  320 , a distributed node status broadcast module  330 , a task transformation module  340 , a task overload module  350  and a task load balance module  360 . The electronic control units  300  are connected to the electronic control units  200 . The electronic control units  300  in the processing end analyze and process sensing data and output order data of the network messages to the electronic control units  300  in the sensing end. 
         [0032]    The hardware structures of the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end and the electronic control units  300  in the processing end are well-known arts, there is no repeated herein again. Furthermore, the data configuration module  210 , the data definition module  220 , the distributed node status broadcast module  230 , the task transformation module  240 , the task overload module  250  and the task load balance module  260  of each of the electronic control units  200  have the same functionalities as the data configuration module  310 , the data definition module  320 , the distributed node status broadcast module  330 , the task transformation module  340 , the task overload module  350  and the task load balance module  360  of each of the electronic control units  300 . 
         [0033]    The data configuration modules  210 ,  310  are configured to perform a re-configuring action to the network messages. Here the re-configuring action is to define a source and a target of each of the network messages, and the re-configuring action can be performed online without re-encoding the network messages. 
         [0034]    The data definition modules  220 ,  320  are configured to perform a pre-defining action. Here the pre-defining action is to define a type and a message ID of each of the network messages, which means that defining the message ID first then classifying the network messages. 
         [0035]    The distributed node status broadcast module  230  in the electronic control units  200  and the distributed node status broadcast module  330  in the electronic control units  300  can select one leading node from each of the electronic control units  200  and each of the electronic control units  300 . The leading node can perform a task assigning action to the other electronic control units  300  in the processing end. 
         [0036]    The task transformation modules  240 ,  340  are for performing a task transferring action. 
         [0037]    The task overload modules  250 ,  350  are for performing a task overloading action. 
         [0038]    The task load balance modules  260 ,  360  are for performing a task balancing action. 
         [0039]    When all of the network messages are re-configured and pre-defined online by the data configuration module  210 ,  310  and the data definition module  220 ,  320 , the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end or one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end) by the distributed node status broadcast module  230 ,  330  will perform task assigning action. Then, when any one of the electronic control units  300  is failed and cannot process sensing data and output order data, the leading node will assign the task to the electronic control units  300  in the processing end which are operated normally. 
         [0040]    The distributed node status broadcast module  230  in the electronic control unit  200  and the distributed node status broadcast module  330  in the electronic control unit  300  are cooperated with each other. In other word, all of the distributed node status broadcast modules  230  and the distributed node status broadcast modules  330  are for selecting any one of the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end or any one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end as a leading node to order all of the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end and all of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is an operation flowchart of the distributed network management system  100  of  FIG. 1 . The distributed network management method includes a data configuration step S 01 , a data definition step S 02 , a distributed node status broadcast step S 03 , a task transformation step S 04 , a task overload step SOS and a task load balance step S 06 . 
         [0042]    The data configuration step S 01  is for performing a re-configuring action to a plurality of network messages transmitted through a plurality of nodes. In more detail, the data configuration step S 01  is performed by the data configuration module  210 ,  310  of the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. Each of the electronic control units  200  in the sensing end and each of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is a node in a network. 
         [0043]    The data definition step S 02  is for performing a pre-defining action corresponding to the network messages. In more detail, the data definition step S 02  is performed by the data definition module  220 ,  320  of the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. 
         [0044]    The distributed node status broadcast step S 03  is for selecting one of the nodes to perform a task assigning action. In more detail, the distributed node status broadcast step S 03  is performed by the distributed node status broadcast module  230 ,  330  of the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. The distributed node status broadcast module  230 ,  330  selects one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300  as a leading node to lead the other electronic control units  200 ,  300 . 
         [0045]    The task transformation step S 04  is for selecting one of the nodes to perform a task transferring action. In more detail, the task transferring action S 04  is performed by the task transformation module  240 ,  340  of the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. When any one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is failed, the original task of the failed electronic control units  300  is transferred by the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300 ) to another one of the electronic control units  300 . 
         [0046]    The task overload step S 05  is for selecting one of the nodes to perform a task overloading action. In more detail, the task overload step S 04  is performed by the task overload module  250 ,  350  of the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. When any one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is failed, the failed electronic control units  300  is task overloaded by the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300 ), and then the task is processed by another one of the electronic control units  300 . 
         [0047]    The task load balance step S 06  is for selecting one of the nodes to perform a task load balancing action. In more detail, the task load balance step S 06  is performed by the task load balance module  260 ,  360  of the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. When any one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is failed, the failed electronic control units  300  is task load balanced by the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300 ), and then the task is executed by another one of the electronic control units  300 . 
         [0048]    In the task transformation step S 04 , the task overload step S 05  and the task load balance step S 06 , the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300 ) will determine which node (one of the electronic control units  300  in the sensing end) to execute the task of a failed electronic control unit  300  according to a task load of the nodes (the electronic control units  200  or the electronic control units  300 ) that are operated normally. Simply speaking, the leading node will assign the task of the fail node to an idle node. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic view showing a data configuration step SOL of  FIG. 3 ;  FIG. 4B  is a schematic view showing a data definition step S 02  of  FIG. 3 ;  FIG. 4C  is a schematic view showing a distributed node status broadcast step S 03  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0050]    In  FIG. 4B , the data configuration module  210 ,  310  will perform the data configuration step S 01  in  FIG. 3 , thus the electronic control unit  200  in the sensing end and the electronic control unit  300  in the processing end will store data configuration text file of the network messages from a source or a target. The data configuration step SOI can be performed online without re-encoding all of the network messages. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 4B , the data definition module  220 ,  320  will perform the data definition step S 02  in  FIG. 3 , thus each node (the electronic control unit  200  and the electronic control unit  300 ) will define a header of the network message, in which the header contains message ID and type. 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 4C , the distributed node status broadcast module  230 ,  330  will perform the distributed node status broadcast step S 03  in  FIG. 3 , thus each node (the electronic control unit  200  and the electronic control unit  300 ) can be operated by a Token Passing network protocol, and the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300 ) can generate command in accordance with the status of the other nodes (the electronic control unit  200  and the electronic control unit  300 ). How the nodes can operate through the Token Passing network protocol is a common art in the technology field, thus there is no repeated herein again. In  FIG. 4C , the electronic control unit  300  in the processing end is acted as the leading node. The quantity of the electronic control unit  200  and the electronic control unit  300  in the figure is just taken as an example, and is not limited. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing a distributed network management system  100  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment, the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle is constructed by directly connecting a plurality of sensors S and a plurality of electronic control units  300  in the processing end through a network. The electronic control units  200  in the sensing end in  FIG. 1  are not included. 
         [0054]    In  FIG. 1 , the sensor S doesn&#39;t have functionality of determining network address, thus it cannot determine to which electronic control unit  300  the sensing data being send. Therefore, extra electronic control units  200  are required in the distributed network management system  100  of  FIG. 1 , and the task assigning action performed by the leading node (selected from one of the electronic control units  200  or one of the electronic control units  300 ) can be performed. 
         [0055]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the sensor S (e.g. IP Camera) has functionality of determining network address, thus it can send sensing data to the electronic control unit  200  which is ordered to execute the task in accordance with the task assigning action performed by the leading node (one of the electronic control units  300 ). 
         [0056]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic view showing a task transferring action performed by a distributed network management system;  FIG. 6B  is a schematic view showing a task overloading action performed by a distributed network management system;  FIG. 6C  is a schematic view showing a task load balancing action performed by a distributed network management system;  FIG. 6D  is a schematic view showing a task backup action performed by a distributed network management system. 
         [0057]    In  FIG. 6A , the distributed network management system  100  includes four electronic control units  200  in the sensing end and four electronic control units  300  in the processing end. Here assuming that the sensing data transmitted by each of the electronic control units  200  is analyzed and processed by the corresponding electronic control units  300 . In  FIG. 6A , the task load of the four electronic control units  300  is 60%, 90%, 90% and 40% respectively. Therefore, the corresponding available task load is 40%, 10%, 10%, and 60% respectively. When one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is failed, its 40% task load is transferred to another electronic control units  300  having 60% task load, thus the task load will be increased to 100%. 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 6B , the task load of the four electronic control units  300  is 80%, 90%, 90% and 40% respectively. When one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is failed, its 40% task load is transferred to another electronic control units  300  having 80% task load, thus the task load will be increased to 120% and is overloaded. 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 6C , when the failed electronic control unit  300  in  FIG. 6B  is repaired, the electronic control unit  300  having 120% task load will recover its 40% task load to the repaired electronic control unit  300 . 
         [0060]    In  FIG. 6D , a portable electronic control unit  400  is added as a backup node. The task load of the five electronic control units  300  is 70%, 90%, 90%, 40%, and 0% respectively. When one of the electronic control units  300  in the processing end is failed, its 40% task load is transferred to another electronic control unit  300  having 0% task load, thereby backup functionality is achieved. 
         [0061]    In  FIGS. 6D and 6E , the portable electronic control unit  400  which acted as a backup node can be a smart phone  500 . The smart phone  500  is detachably connected to the electronic control unit  200  in the sensing end and the electronic control unit  300  in the processing end through a network. Since the data configuration module, the data definition module, the distributed node status broadcast module, the task transformation module, the task overload module and the task load balance module can be constructed by software, thus the smart phone  500  also can include the functionalities of the data configuration module, the data definition module, the distributed node status broadcast module, the task transformation module, the task overload module and the task load balance module through APPs installed therein. Therefore, the smart phone  500  can be acted as a leading node or an idle node. In the embodiment, the type of the portable electronic control unit  400  is not limited, a Tablet PC or a smart watch can also be acted as the portable electronic control unit  400 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view showing a portable electronic control unit  400  being added to a distributed network management system. In  FIG. 7 , the electronic control unit  200 , the electronic control unit  300  and the portable electronic control unit  400  transmit network messages through a switch  600  and a wireless switch  700 . Concerning transmission speed and cost, the electronic control unit  200  and the electronic control unit  300  are connected through the switch  600 . And concerning accessibility and expandability, the portable electronic control unit  400  is connected to the electronic control unit  200  and the electronic control unit  300  through the wireless switch  700 . Furthermore, when the network messages are analyzed, it can be shown on a displayer  800  connected to the switch  600  and the wireless switch  700 . Therefore, driving information can be provided to the driver. In one example, the network used here is an Ethernet or a Wi-Fi network, and the switch  600  and the wireless switch  700  can be a network router. 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a backup node being added and a failure node being found in the distributed network management system  100  for a vehicle. In a step S 31 , the portable electronic control unit  400  is acted as a backup node and is added to the distributed network management system  100 . When the portable electronic control unit  400  is added, the other existing nodes will be informed. In a step S 33 , a failure node is found in accordance with the transmitted network messages. After the step S 33  or the step S 31 , a step S 32  is performed to select a leading node to determine the consistency of the task assignment and the transmission of the Token Passing. In a step S 34 , a fault tolerance procedure is performed. The leading node performs a task transferring action, a task overloading action, a task load balancing action and a task backup action and provides matching data and messages to all nodes. 
         [0064]    In the aforementioned distributed network management system and method thereof for a vehicle, the data configuration module, the data definition module, the distributed node status broadcast module, the task transformation module, the task overload module and the task load balance module can achieve the functionalities of complete fault analysis, fault tolerance and backup by performing task transformation, task overload and task load balance; and those functionalities are not available on the conventional network system for a vehicle. 
         [0065]    Furthermore, the portable electronic control unit can be added to the system anywhere and can be acted as a leading node or an idle node. The portable electronic control unit can be a smart phone that can be plug and play. The smart phone can also perform the similar data configuration action and data definition action, and order the electronic control unit in the processing end to perform the task transferring action, the task overloading action and the task load balancing action for achieving backup functionality. 
         [0066]    Although the present disclosure has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein. 
         [0067]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they fall within the scope of the following claims.