George D Nakis

US Patent:

6484082, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

May 24, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/578213

Inventors:

Arnold W. Millsap - Leonard MI
Thomas Michael Forest - Southfield MI
Peter H. G. Hansson - Grastorp, SE
Anthony Anderson - Warren MI
George D Nakis - Holly MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 2200

US Classification:

701 48, 701 33, 701 36, 701 49

Abstract:

A network management approach for use in a vehicle to control activation of electronic control units (ECUs) networked together throughout the vehicle. The ECUs are grouped together by function into virtual networks, with each virtual network including those ECUs used in carrying out a particular control task, such as controlling power windows or automatic headlights. The virtual networks are activated using a messaging protocol that specifies which virtual network is being activated. Periodic messages specifying the virtual network are also used to maintain it active. This permits the ECUs to be maintained in a low power quiescent state when the control functions are not needed, while allowing only those needed for a particular control task to be awakened and maintained in an activated state to carry out their associated control task. An ECU can activate one of the virtual networks by transmitting a wake-up signal followed by a message identifying the virtual network. Each of the ECUs receive this message and, if it is a member of the virtual network being initialized, maintains itself in an active state to carry out the control task associated with the virtual network.