VEHICLE

A vehicle includes first unit(s), second unit(s), and an intermediate unit. The intermediate unit is configured to mediate communication between the communication device and the first unit(s) or the second unit(s), and include intermediate unit processor(s) and intermediate unit memory(ies) coupled to the intermediate unit processor(s). The intermediate unit processor(s) are configured to: when a first message including a first functional address and a predetermined command is received from a communication device, transmit the first message to the first unit(s); when a second message including a second functional address and the command is received from the communication device, transmit the first message to the first unit(s); when the first message is received from the communication device, transmit the second message to the second unit(s); and when the second message is received from the communication device, transmit the second message including the to the second unit(s).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-166516 filed on Sep. 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a vehicle.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-167573 discloses a technology in which an external device is coupled to a vehicle and diagnoses malfunctions in various electronic devices of the vehicle.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure provides a vehicle to which a communication device is to be coupled. The vehicle includes one or more first units, one or more second units, and an intermediate unit. The intermediate unit is configured to mediate communication between the communication device and the one or more first units or the one or more second units. The intermediate unit includes one or more intermediate unit processors and one or more intermediate unit memories. The one or more intermediate unit memories are coupled to the one or more intermediate unit processors. The one or more intermediate unit processors are configured to perform a process including, when a message including a first functional address for the one or more first units and a predetermined command is received from the communication device, transmitting the message including the first functional address and the predetermined command to the one or more first units. The one or more intermediate unit processors are configured to perform a process including, when a message including a second functional address for the one or more second units and the predetermined command is received from the communication device, transmitting the message including the first functional address and the predetermined command to the one or more first units. The one or more intermediate unit processors are configured to perform a process including, when the message including the first functional address and the predetermined command is received from the communication device, transmitting the message including the second functional address and the predetermined command to the one or more second units. The one or more intermediate unit processors are configured to perform a process including, when the message including the second functional address and the predetermined command is received from the communication device, transmitting the message including the second functional address and the predetermined command to the one or more second units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To transmit a message from an external device coupled to a vehicle to various electronic devices mounted on the vehicle, a functional address that can identify multiple transmission destinations may be used to transmit the message to the electronic devices.

The types of functional addresses set for electronic devices may vary among manufacturers. Since the vehicle includes electronic devices of various manufacturers, part of the electronic devices may be unable to determine that a message using the functional address is directed to them. If the message is not transmitted to part of the electronic devices as intended, there is a possibility that malfunction diagnosis cannot be performed and the user's convenience decreases.

It is desirable to improve convenience in communication between a vehicle and a communication device.

FIG.1is a functional block diagram illustrating a vehicle100according to this embodiment. Examples of the vehicle100include a hybrid vehicle including an engine and a motor as traveling drive sources.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the vehicle100includes an intermediate unit110, a first communication bus120, a second communication bus122, and a third communication bus124.

The vehicle100includes first control units130and140. The first control units130and140can communicate bidirectionally with the intermediate unit110via the first communication bus120.

The vehicle100includes second control units150,160, and170. The second control units150,160, and170can communicate bidirectionally with the intermediate unit110via the second communication bus122.

The vehicle100includes a first control unit180and a second control unit190. The first control unit180and the second control unit190can communicate bidirectionally with the intermediate unit110via the third communication bus124.

The first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190are different in terms of manufacturers. InFIG.1, “CU” represents “control unit”.

In this embodiment, the first control units130,140, and180are configured to determine that a message including a functional address A described later in detail is directed to them. The first control units130,140, and180are not configured to determine that a message including a functional address B described later in detail is directed to them.

In this embodiment, the second control units150,160,170, and190are configured to determine that a message including the functional address B described later in detail is directed to them. The second control units150,160,170, and190are not configured to determine that a message including the functional address A described later in detail is directed to them.

That is, the functional address A is a functional address for transmission of a message to the first control units130,140, and180. The functional address B is a functional address for transmission of a message to the second control units150,160,170, and190.

In this embodiment, two first control units130and140are coupled to the first communication bus120, but the number of first control units coupled to the first communication bus120is not limited to this example. That is, the number of first control units coupled to the first communication bus120may be one, three, or more.

In this embodiment, three second control units150,160, and170are coupled to the second communication bus122, but the number of second control units coupled to the second communication bus122is not limited to this example. That is, the number of second control units coupled to the second communication bus122may be one, two, four, or more.

In this embodiment, one first control unit180and one second control unit190are coupled to the third communication bus124, but the numbers of first control units and second control units coupled to the third communication bus124are not limited to these examples. That is, the numbers of first control units and second control units coupled to the third communication bus124may be two or more. The number of first control units coupled to the third communication bus124may differ from the number of second control units coupled to the third communication bus124.

The first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190may be control units for various electronic devices mounted on the vehicle100. Examples of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190include an engine controller that controls the engine. Examples of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190include a motor controller that controls the motor. Examples of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190include a battery controller that controls a battery. Examples of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190include a wireless communicator that wirelessly communicates with a data center outside the vehicle100. Examples of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190include a car navigation system controller that controls a car navigation system. Examples of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190include an autonomous driving controller that controls autonomous driving of the vehicle100.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the first control unit130includes one or more processors132and one or more memories134coupled to the processors132. The first control unit140includes one or more processors142and one or more memories144coupled to the processors142. The first control unit180includes one or more processors182and one or more memories184coupled to the processors182.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the second control unit150includes one or more processors152and one or more memories154coupled to the processors152. The second control unit160includes one or more processors162and one or more memories164coupled to the processors162. The second control unit170includes one or more processors172and one or more memories174coupled to the processors172. The second control unit190includes one or more processors192and one or more memories194coupled to the processors192.

Each of the processors132,142,152,162,172,182, and192includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). Each of the memories134,144,154,164,174,184, and194includes, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The ROM is a storage element that stores programs and arithmetic parameters to be used by the CPU. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters to be used for processes performed by the CPU.

Each of the memories134,144,154,164,174,184, and194stores, for example, information indicating a history of codes of malfunctions in each control unit.

In this embodiment, a first communication device200and a second communication device210can be coupled to the vehicle100. The first communication device200and the second communication device210are different in terms of manufacturers.

In this embodiment, the first communication device200and the second communication device210are coupled to the vehicle100by wire. The first communication device200and the second communication device210may be coupled to the vehicle100by wireless. Communications among the first communication device200, the second communication device210, the intermediate unit110, the first control units130,140, and180, and the second control units150,160,170, and190may be performed by using, for example, a controller area network (CAN) protocol.

When the first communication device200is coupled to the vehicle100, the first communication device200can communicate bidirectionally with the vehicle100. For example, the first communication device200can communicate bidirectionally with the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190via the intermediate unit110.

When the second communication device210is coupled to the vehicle100, the second communication device210can communicate bidirectionally with the vehicle100. For example, the second communication device210can communicate bidirectionally with the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190via the intermediate unit110.

The first communication device200and the second communication device210are dedicated terminals for diagnosing malfunctions in the first control units and the second control units of the vehicle100. Examples of the first communication device200and the second communication device210include a personal computer. InFIG.1, the first communication device200is coupled to the vehicle100.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the first communication device200includes one or more processors202and one or more memories204coupled to the processors202. The second communication device210includes one or more processors212and one or more memories214coupled to the processors212. Each of the processors202and212includes, for example, a CPU. Each of the memories204and214includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM.

The first communication device200and the second communication device210can transmit various messages to diagnose malfunctions in the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100. Description is made about the structure of the message to be transmitted from the first communication device200or the second communication device210to any of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100.

FIG.2illustrates the structure of the message according to the embodiment of the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.2, the message includes an address part of 3 bytes and a command part of 5 bytes. The data size of the address part and the data size of the command part are examples, and are not limited to these examples.

The address part includes addresses of transmission destinations of the message. The addresses set in the address part are roughly categorized into a physical address that designates a specific transmission destination and a functional address that designates multiple transmission destinations. In this embodiment, the functional address designates all of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100as the transmission destinations. The functional address may designate at least part of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100.

In this embodiment, the first communication device200is configured to set the functional address A in the address part of the message as the functional address that designates all of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100as the transmission destinations. The first communication device200does not have a function of setting the functional address B in the address part of the message as the functional address that designates all of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100as the transmission destinations. The first communication device200may be redesigned to have a function of setting both the functional address A and the functional address B in the address part of the message. However, such redesigning of the first communication device200may be difficult in view of avoiding an increase in designing costs.

In this embodiment, the second communication device210is configured to set the functional address B in the address part of the message as the functional address that designates all of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100as the transmission destinations. The second communication device210does not have a function of setting the functional address A in the address part of the message as the functional address that designates all of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100as the transmission destinations. The second communication device210may be redesigned to have a function of setting both the functional address A and the functional address B in the address part of the message. However, such redesigning of the second communication device210may be difficult in view of avoiding an increase in designing costs.

For example, the command part includes an information deletion command for instructing each of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190designated by the address part to delete the stored malfunction code history information.

For example, the command part includes an information request command for requesting each of the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190designated by the address part to transmit the stored malfunction code history information.

The commands set in the command part are not limited to these commands. In this embodiment, various commands set in the command part can be identified irrespective of the types of the control units.

The intermediate unit110mediates the communications between the first communication device200or the second communication device210and the first control units130,140, and180and the second control units150,160,170, and190of the vehicle100.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the intermediate unit110includes one or more processors112and one or more memories114coupled to the processors112. The processor112includes, for example, a CPU. The memory114includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM.

The memory114of the intermediate unit110stores a functional address conversion table described later in detail. When a functional address is set in the address part of a message received from the first communication device200or the second communication device210, the intermediate unit110can convert the functional address set in the address part of the received message based on the functional address conversion table.

In this embodiment, the first control units130,140, and180are configured to determine that a message including the functional address A is directed to them, and are not configured to determine that a message including the functional address B is directed to them. The second control units150,160,170, and190are configured to determine that a message including the functional address B is directed to them, and are not configured to determine that a message including the functional address A is directed to them. That is, the control units different in terms of manufacturers use different functional addresses to determine that messages are directed to them.

In this embodiment, the first communication device200is configured to set the functional address A in the address part of a message, and is not configured to set the functional address B in the address part of a message. The second communication device210is configured to set the functional address B in the address part of a message, and is not configured to set the functional address A in the address part of a message. That is, the communication devices different in terms of manufacturers are configured to set different functional addresses in the address parts of messages.

As described above, the vehicle100may include the control units different in terms of manufacturers, and the communication devices different in terms of manufacturers may be coupled to the vehicle100. When a message using the functional address is transmitted from the communication device to the vehicle100, there is a possibility that the message cannot be transmitted to part of the control units as intended and the user's convenience decreases.

In this embodiment, the intermediate unit110converts the functional address set in the address part of the message based on the transmission destination control units and the types of the communication buses. Thus, the message transmitted from the communication device to the vehicle100can be transmitted to all the control units as intended, and the user's convenience can be improved.

FIG.3illustrates the functional address conversion table according to the embodiment of the disclosure. In the functional address conversion table inFIG.3, functional addresses obtained by conversion are set for the individual types of the transmission destination communication buses based on the type of the functional address set in the address part of a received message.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address A is set in the address part of the received message, the message including the functional address A set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the first communication bus120.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address A is set in the address part of the received message, a message including the functional address B set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the second communication bus122.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address A is set in the address part of the received message, the message including the functional address A set in the address part and a message including the functional address B set in the address part are transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124. For example, the message including the functional address A set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124, and then the message including the functional address B set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124. The order of message transmission is not limited to this example. For example, the message including the functional address B set in the address part may be transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124, and then the message including the functional address A set in the address part may be transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address B is set in the address part of the received message, a message including the functional address A set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the first communication bus120.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address B is set in the address part of the received message, the message including the functional address B set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the second communication bus122.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address B is set in the address part of the received message, a message including the functional address A set in the address part and the message including the functional address B set in the address part are transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when a functional address X is set in the address part of the received message, a message including the functional address A set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the first communication bus120.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address X is set in the address part of the received message, a message including the functional address B set in the address part is transmitted to all the control units coupled to the second communication bus122.

FIG.3illustrates a rule that, when the functional address X is set in the address part of the received message, a message including the functional address A set in the address part and a message including the functional address B set in the address part are transmitted to all the control units coupled to the third communication bus124.

In this embodiment, various commands set in the command part are not subjected to the conversion process like the conversion process for the functional address.

In the manner described above, the intermediate unit110can convert the functional address set in the address part of the received message and transmit the messages including the functional addresses after the conversion to the control units or the communication buses. Thus, the message transmitted from the communication device to the vehicle100can be transmitted to all the control units as intended. Further, the increase in designing costs can be suppressed because of no redesigning of the control units and the communication devices.

The functional address conversion table illustrated inFIG.3is an example, and is not limited to this example. For example, when the vehicle100includes a fourth communication bus (not illustrated), a functional address conversion method is set based on the types of control units coupled to the fourth communication bus.

When a physical address is set in the address part of a message received from the first communication device200or the second communication device210, the intermediate unit110performs a predetermined relay process without performing the above conversion process for the address part of the received message. Examples of specific processes to be performed in the vehicle100are described.

An intermediate unit process to be performed by the intermediate unit110is described.FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating the intermediate unit process according to the embodiment of the disclosure. The intermediate unit process is performed, for example, when an operator couples the first communication device200or the second communication device210to the vehicle100. Various processes including the process described below can be performed by the processor112of the intermediate unit110. For example, the processor112executes a program stored in the memory114of the intermediate unit110to perform the various processes.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the intermediate unit110determines whether a message is received from the first communication device200or the second communication device210(S100-1). When a message is received (YES in S100-1), the intermediate unit110advances the process to Step S100-3described later. When no message is received (NO in S100-1), the intermediate unit110terminates the intermediate unit process.

The intermediate unit110determines whether a functional address is set in the address part of the received message (S100-3). When no functional address is set in the address part of the received message (NO in S100-3), that is, when a physical address is set in the address part of the received message, the intermediate unit110advances the process to Step S100-5. When a functional address is set in the address part of the received message (YES in S100-3), the intermediate unit110advances the process to Step S100-7.

The intermediate unit110performs a relay process for relaying the received message (S100-5), and terminates the intermediate unit process. For example, the intermediate unit110transmits the received message to a control unit designated by the physical address set in the address part of the received message or to a communication bus to which this control unit is coupled.

The intermediate unit110sets a predetermined initial value in a communication bus counter stored in the memory114(S100-7). The set value of the communication bus counter is decremented in Step S100-15described later. The set initial value is the same as the total number of the communication buses of the vehicle100. Since the vehicle100includes the first communication bus120, the second communication bus122, and the third communication bus124in this embodiment, an initial value “3” is set in the communication bus counter.

The intermediate unit110sets a communication bus serving as a communication target based on the value of the communication bus counter (S100-9). For example, when the value of the communication bus counter is “3”, the third communication bus124is set as the communication target. When the value of the communication bus counter is “2”, the second communication bus122is set as the communication target. When the value of the communication bus counter is “1”, the first communication bus120is set as the communication target.

The intermediate unit110performs a functional address conversion process (S100-11). For example, the intermediate unit110converts the functional address based on the functional address set in the address part of the message received in Step S100-1, the type of the communication bus serving as the communication target set in Step S100-9, and the functional address conversion table illustrated inFIG.3. For example, when the functional address A is set in the address part of the received message and the second communication bus122is set as the communication target, the intermediate unit110refers to the functional address conversion table illustrated inFIG.3and sets the functional address B as a result of the functional address conversion process.

The intermediate unit110performs a message transmission process (S100-13). For example, the intermediate unit110generates a message by replacing the functional address set in the address part of the message received in Step S100-1with the functional address obtained through the functional address conversion process in Step S100-11. The intermediate unit110transmits the generated message to the communication bus serving as the communication target set in Step S100-9.

In this embodiment, various commands set in the command part can be identified irrespective of the types of the control units. That is, in this embodiment, the commands set in the command part are not subjected to the conversion process like the conversion process for the functional address. If the commands set in the command part are identified based on the types of the control units, the commands set in the command part may be subjected to the conversion process like the conversion process for the functional address in addition to the conversion of the functional address.

The intermediate unit110decrements the value of the communication bus counter (S100-15).

The intermediate unit110determines whether the value of the communication bus counter is “0” as a result of the process in Step S100-15(S100-17). When the value of the communication bus counter is “0” (YES in S100-17), the intermediate unit110terminates the intermediate unit process. When the value of the communication bus counter is not “0” (NO in S100-17), the intermediate unit110advances the process to Step S100-9and repeats the process from Step

S100-9to Step S100-17until the value of the communication bus counter reaches “0”.

A first control unit process to be performed by each of the first control units130,140, and180is described.FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating the first control unit process according to the embodiment of the disclosure.

Various processes including the process described below can be performed by each of the processors132,142, and182of the first control units130,140, and180. For example, each of the processors132,142, and182executes a program stored in each of the memories134,144, and184of the first control units130,140, and180to perform the various processes.

In this embodiment, the first control unit process is performed by timer interruption at predetermined time intervals. The first control unit process to be performed by the first control unit130is described as an example.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the first control unit130determines whether a message is received from the first communication device200or the second communication device210via the intermediate unit110(S200-1). When no message is received (NO in S200-1), the first control unit130terminates the first control unit process. When a message is received (YES in S200-1), the first control unit130advances the process to Step S200-3.

The first control unit130determines whether a physical address indicating the first control unit130is set in the address part of the received message (S200-3). When the physical address indicating the first control unit130is set in the address part of the received message (YES in S200-3), the first control unit130advances the process to Step S200-7described later. When the physical address indicating the first control unit130is not set in the address part of the received message (NO in S200-3), the first control unit130advances the process to Step S200-5.

The first control unit130determines whether the functional address A is set in the address part of the received message (S200-5). When the functional address A is set (YES in S200-5), the first control unit130advances the process to Step S200-7described later. When the functional address A is not set (NO in S200-5), the first control unit130terminates the first control unit process.

The first control unit130analyzes a command set in the command part of the received message (S200-7).

The first control unit130performs a process associated with a result of the analysis in Step S200-7(S200-9), and terminates the first control unit process. For example, when an information deletion command is set in the command part of the received message, the first control unit130performs a process of deleting the malfunction code history information stored in the memory134.

A second control unit process to be performed by each of the second control units150,160,170, and190is described.FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating the second control unit process according to the embodiment of the disclosure. Various processes including the process described below can be performed by each of the processors152,162,172, and192of the second control units150,160,170, and190. For example, each of the processors152,162,172, and192executes a program stored in each of the memories154,164,174, and194of the second control units150,160,170, and190to perform the various processes.

In this embodiment, the second control unit process is performed by timer interruption at predetermined time intervals. The second control unit process to be performed by the second control unit150is described as an example.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the second control unit150determines whether a message is received from the first communication device200or the second communication device210via the intermediate unit110(S300-1). When no message is received (NO in S300-1), the second control unit150terminates the second control unit process. When a message is received (YES in S300-1), the second control unit150advances the process to Step S300-3.

The second control unit150determines whether a physical address indicating the second control unit150is set in the address part of the received message (S300-3). When the physical address indicating the second control unit150is set in the address part of the received message (YES in S300-3), the second control unit150advances the process to Step S300-7described later. When the physical address indicating the second control unit150is not set in the address part of the received message (NO in S300-3), the second control unit150advances the process to Step S300-5.

The second control unit150determines whether the functional address B is set in the address part of the received message (S300-5). When the functional address B is set (YES in S300-5), the second control unit150advances the process to Step S300-7described later. When the functional address B is not set (NO in S300-5), the second control unit150terminates the second control unit process.

The second control unit150analyzes a command set in the command part of the received message (S300-7).

The second control unit150performs a process associated with a result of the analysis in Step S300-7(S300-9), and terminates the second control unit process. For example, when an information deletion command is set in the command part of the received message, the second control unit150performs a process of deleting the malfunction code history information stored in the memory154.

As described above, the vehicle100according to this embodiment is the vehicle100to which a communication device (e.g., the first communication device200and the processor202) is to be coupled.

The vehicle100includes one or more first units (e.g., the first control units130,140,180).

The vehicle100includes one or more second units (e.g., the second control units150,160,170,190).

The vehicle100includes the intermediate unit110configured to mediate communication between the communication device (e.g., the first communication device200or the second communication device210) and the first unit (e.g., the first control units130,140,180) or the second unit (e.g., the second control units150,160,170,190).

The intermediate unit110includes one or more intermediate unit processors (processor112) and one or more intermediate unit memories (memory114) coupled to the intermediate unit processor (processor112).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) is configured to, when a message including a first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) for the first unit (e.g., the first control units130,140,180) and a predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the first communication device200), perform a process including transmitting the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the first unit (e.g., the first control units130,140,180) (e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) is configured to, when a message including a second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) for the second unit (e.g., the second control units150,160,170,190) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the second communication device210), perform a process including transmitting the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the first unit (e.g., the first control units130,140,180) (e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) is configured to, when the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the first communication device200), perform a process including transmitting the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the second unit (e.g., the second control units150,160,170,190) (e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) is configured to, when the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the second communication device210), perform a process including transmitting the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the second unit (e.g., the second control units150,160,170,190) (e.g., Steps $100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

In the vehicle100of this embodiment, for example, even when the control units different in terms of manufacturers are mounted, the message transmitted from the communication device to the vehicle100can be transmitted to all the control units as intended, and the user's convenience can be improved.

The vehicle100may include the first communication bus120to which the one or more first units (e.g., the first control units130,140) are coupled.

The vehicle100may include the second communication bus122to which the one or more second units (e.g., the second control units150,160,170) are coupled.

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) may be configured to, when the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the first communication device200), perform a process including transmitting the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the first communication bus120(e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) may be configured to, when the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the second communication device210), perform a process including transmitting the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the first communication bus120(e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) may be configured to, when the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the first communication device200), perform a process including transmitting the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the second communication bus122(e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) may be configured to, when the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the second communication device210), perform a process including transmitting the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the second communication bus122(e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

By switching the messages to be transmitted based on the types of the communication buses, the possibility of an increase in the communication amount can be reduced, and the possibility of communication delay can be reduced.

The vehicle100may include the third communication bus124to which the one or more first units (e.g., the first control unit180) and the one or more second units (e.g., the second control unit190) are coupled.

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) may be configured to, when the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the first communication device200), perform a process including transmitting the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) and the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the third communication bus124(e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

The intermediate unit processor (processor112) may be configured to, when the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) is received from the communication device (e.g., the second communication device210), perform a process including transmitting the message including the first functional address (e.g., the functional address A) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) and the message including the second functional address (e.g., the functional address B) and the predetermined command (e.g., the information deletion command) to the third communication bus124(e.g., Steps S100in the above embodiment,FIG.3).

With this configuration, the messages can appropriately be transmitted based on the types of the communication buses. Thus, the possibility of an increase in the communication amount can be reduced, and the user's convenience can be improved.

Although the embodiment of the disclosure is described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. It is understood that various modifications and revisions are conceivable by persons having ordinary skill in the art within the scope of claims and are included in the technical scope disclosed herein.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle100is a hybrid vehicle, but may be various types of vehicle such as a gasoline vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), and a non-plug-in hybrid vehicle (hybrid vehicle).

The series of processes to be performed by the vehicle100according to the above embodiment may be implemented by using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Programs serving as software are prestored in, for example, non-transitory media provided inside or outside each device. For example, the programs are read from the non-transitory medium (e.g., a ROM), loaded in a transitory medium (e.g., a RAM), and executed by a processor such as a CPU.

According to the above embodiment, programs for performing the processes of the functions of the vehicle100can be provided. Further, non-transitory computer-readable media storing the programs can be provided. The non-transitory media may be disc (disk) media such as an optical disc, a magnetic disk, and a magneto-optical disk, or may be semiconductor memories such as a flash memory and a USB memory.

According to the embodiment of the disclosure, the convenience in the communication between the vehicle and the communication device can be improved.