Multiplex transmission system

Claim 2

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the period in which the information is transmitted among the plurality of control units, the change being made by referring to a map which contains both the travelling state of the vehicle and corresponding information transmission periods.

Claim 3

The system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission control means decides an order of priority for transmission of information among the plurality of control units, and changes said order of priority in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle.

Claim 4

The system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission control means performs transmission of information with respect to a specific control unit periodically, and changes said specific control unit in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, and wherein said specific control unit is specified from among said plurality of control units so as to act as a main control unit for obtaining a stable engine control

Claim 5

The system according to claim 1, wherein said transmission control means includes means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state and changes the period of transmission of information during a time set by a timer, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of the determination.

Claim 6

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the period in which the information is transmitted among the plurality of control units, the change being made in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein said transmission control means is adapted to change the period of transmission at starting of an engine in such a manner that the information is transmitted at a period shorter than said prescribed period.

Claim 7

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the period in which the information is transmitted among the plurality of control units, the change being made in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein said transmission control means is adapted to change the period of transmission at starting of an engine in such a manner that the information is transmitted at a period shorter than said prescribed period.

Claim 8

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: means for specifying a communicating-party control unit from among the plurality of control units, with which the plurality of control units perform transmission and reception of information; and transmission control means for performing transmission of information with respect to said specified communicating-party control unit periodically, and changing a period of the periodical transmission of information by referring to a map which contains both said specified communicating-party control unit and corresponding information transmission periods.

Claim 9

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: means for specifying a communicating-party control unit from among the plurality of control units, with which the plurality of control units perform transmission and reception of information; and transmission control means for performing transmission of information with respect to said specified communicating-party control unit periodically, and changing a period of the periodical transmission of information by referring to a map which contains both said specified communicating-party control unit and corresponding information transmission periods.

Claim 10

The system according to claim 6, wherein said transmission control means includes means for sensing a travelling state of the vehicle, wherein the period of transmission of information is changed in independence upon the specified communicating-party control unit and the travelling state of the vehicle.

Claim 11

The system according to claim 7, wherein said transmission control means includes means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state and changes the period of transmission of information during a time set by a timer, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of the determination.

Claim 12

The system according to claim 6, wherein said transmission control means includes means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state and changes over transmission of information from periodic transmission to transmission in accordance with occurrence of an event, or from transmission in accordance with occurrence of an event to periodic transmission, in dependence upon the specified communication-party control unit and the travelling state of the vehicle, during a time set by a timer, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of the determination.

Claim 13

The system according to claim 6, wherein said transmission control means performs transmission of information with respect to a specific control unit periodically, renders transmission of information with respect to the rest of said control units that is in accordance with occurrence of an event, and changes said specific control unit in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, and wherein said specific control unit is specified from among said plurality of control units so as to act as a main control unit for obtaining a stable engine control.

Claim 14

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the method of transmission control during a time set by a timer, which is performed by the first control means, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means.

Claim 15

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the method of transmission control during a time set by a timer, which is performed by the first control means, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means.

Claim 16

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the method of transmission control during a time set by a timer, which is performed by the first control means, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means, wherein said second control means is so adapted that when said discriminating means has determined that one of the plurality of control units has performed a system reset and is in the unstable state, said second control means changes the method of transmission control, which is performed by said first control means, for a predetermined time following the system reset in such a manner that said rest of said control units which transmit the information necessary for controlling said one of the plurality of control units perform transmission of information at a period shorter than that which prevails when said one of the plurality of control units is in the stable state.

Claim 17

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the method of transmission control during a time set by a timer, which is performed by the first control means, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means, wherein said second control means is so adapted that when said discriminating means has determined that one of the plurality of control units has performed a system reset and is in the unstable state, said second control means changes the method of transmission control, which is performed by said first control means, for a predetermined time following the system reset in such a manner that said rest of said control units which transmit the information necessary for controlling said one of the plurality of control units perform transmission of information at a period shorter than that which prevails when said one of the plurality of control units is in the stable state.

Claim 18

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the method of transmission control during a time set by a timer, which is performed by the first control means, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means, wherein said second control means is so adapted that when said discriminating means has determined that said control unit is in the stable state, said second control means changes the method of transmission control, which is performed by said first control means, in such a manner that said rest of said control units which transmit the information necessary for controlling said control unit perform transmission of information in accordance with occurrence of an event, and when said discriminating means has determined that said control unit is in the unstable state, said second control means changes the method of transmission control, which is performed by said first control means, in such a manner that said rest of said control units perform transmission of information periodically.

Claim 19

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the method of transmission control during a time set by a timer, which is performed by the first control means, between one method when a control unit is in the stable state and another method when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means, wherein said second control means is so adapted that when said discriminating means has determined that said control unit is in the stable state, said second control means changes the method of transmission control, which is performed by said first control means, in such a manner that said rest of said control units which transmit the information necessary for controlling said control unit perform transmission of information in accordance with occurrence of an event, and when said discriminating means has determined that said control unit is in the unstable state, said second control means changes the method of transmission control, which is performed by said first control means, in such a manner that said rest of said control units perform transmission of information periodically.

Claim 20

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the period in which the information is transmitted among the plurality of control units, the change being made in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein said transmission control means is adapted to change the period of transmission at turning the vehicle in such a manner that the information is transmitted at a period shorter than said prescribed period.

Claim 21

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the period in which the information is transmitted among the plurality of control units, the change being made in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein said transmission control means is adapted to change the period of transmission at turning the vehicle in such a manner that the information is transmitted at a period shorter than said prescribed period.

Claim 22

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the period of transmission control, which is performed by the first control means, between one period when a control unit is in the stable state and another period when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means.

Claim 23

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another at a prescribed period, comprising: first control means for performing control in such a manner the information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units is transmitted from the rest of said control units; discriminating means for determining whether operation of each control unit is in a stable state or unstable state; and second control means for changing the period of transmission control, which is performed by the first control means, between one period when a control unit is in the stable state and another period when the control unit is in the unstable state, based upon results of determination made by said discriminating means.

Claim 24

The system according to claim 15, wherein said second control means is adapted to change the period of transmission at performing a system reset in such a manner that the information is transmitted at a period shorter than said prescribed period.

Claim 25

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another in a prescribed method, comprising: determining means for determining a specific control unit from among the plurality of control units which transmit information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units; informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the method of transmission of information, which is performed by the specific control unit, in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein the specific control unit relates to an engine control and said transmission control means is adapted to change the method of transmission at starting of the engine.

Claim 26

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another in a prescribed method, comprising: determining means for determining a specific control unit from among the plurality of control units which transmit information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units; informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the method of transmission of information, which is performed by the specific control unit, in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein the specific control unit relates to an engine control and said transmission control means is adapted to change the method of transmission at starting of the engine.

Claim 27

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another in a prescribed method, comprising: determining means for determining a specific control unit from among the plurality of control units which transmit information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units; informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the method of transmission of information, which is performed by the specific control unit, in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein the specific control unit relates to a turning of the vehicle and said transmission control means is adapted to change the method of transmission at turning the vehicle.

Claim 28

A multiplex transmission system, for use in an automotive vehicle, in which a plurality of control units connected in decentralized fashion to a common transmission line transmit and receive information to and from one another in a prescribed method, comprising: determining means for determining a specific control unit from among the plurality of control units which transmit information necessary for controlling one of the plurality of control units; informing means for informing each control unit of the travelling state of the vehicle by providing the each control unit with the information; and transmission control means for changing the method of transmission of information, which is performed by the specific control unit, in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle, wherein the specific control unit relates to a turning of the vehicle and said transmission control means is adapted to change the method of transmission at turning the vehicle.