Airborne switched network transmission method
By introducing container data streams into the airborne communication network system, the problems of limited inter-domain communication and high evaluation costs caused by software updates are solved, enabling efficient evaluation and flexible updates of the network system when changes occur.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Inter-domain communication in airborne communication network systems is limited, and software updates result in high evaluation costs and extended timeframes. Existing technologies are insufficient for efficiently evaluating network changes.
Introducing container data streams into switched networks, generating and injecting container data streams via a generator, is used for data replacement during evaluation and software updates, ensuring that the network does not require adjustments when it changes.
This enables evaluation without altering the network structure during software updates, reducing evaluation costs and time delays, and improving the flexibility and efficiency of the network system.
Smart Images
Figure CN115695460B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of data transmission via switched Ethernet in an airborne communication network system. Background Technology
[0002] In the automotive industry, current airborne communication network architectures comprise separate functional system domains, such as body / comfort, chassis, powertrain, and infotainment. This architecture is based on system functionality, not on the system's location within the vehicle. Each domain is developed with different plans and requirements. Communication between domains is limited. To assess whether a domain functions correctly, vehicle manufacturers can perform tests independently of other domains to ensure proper functionality.
[0003] To overcome some of the problems of domain-based architectures, such as physical cabling requirements, region- or partition-based architectures have been proposed. These allow for a reduction in physical cabling requirements within the vehicle.
[0004] During the transition to a partitioned architecture, some domains need to share resources such as communication buses.
[0005] Furthermore, the development of over-the-air updates allows automakers to continue developing vehicles after their production and initial launch (in other words, first use) through frequent updates or releases of software components within the vehicle. Some domains, such as infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and / or automated driving (AD), may receive more frequent updates than other domains, such as body / comfort or powertrain.
[0006] When changes in one domain require evaluation across all domains (i.e., some testing), problems arise because different domains share resources. Such evaluation across all domains increases the price of each software update and delays the deployment of the updated architecture due to the time required for testing.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to improve the evaluation (testing) of airborne communication network systems when changes are made to the vehicle systems (e.g., when software updates are performed). Summary of the Invention
[0008] This disclosure relates to a method for transmitting data over a switched network in an airborne communication network system, the method comprising the following steps performed at a transmitting device: generating a reservoir data stream by a generator and transmitting the reservoir data stream over the switched network, and replacing at least a portion of the reservoir data stream with a new data stream by an injector when a new data stream from the transmitting device to a receiving device is required.
[0009] Adding containerized data streams before the switched network is first used in a vehicle (e.g., during the production or development phase of the switched network) facilitates later evaluation (testing) of the network when changes are made. When changes are implemented, the amount or timing of communication within the switched network does not need to be altered. Network adjustments are only necessary if the onboard network must be changed.
[0010] In one implementation, the data service stream sent from the transmitting device to the receiving device includes a regular data stream, to which the container data stream is added.
[0011] In one implementation, the generator generates at least one type of data from the group consisting of random data, data for analysis, data for computer security, data for diagnostics, and data for logs, to create the container data stream. Random data can be generated to create the container data stream. However, any other type of data can be used.
[0012] In one implementation, the method further includes configuring (setting up) the generator to generate the container data stream prior to the first use of the switched network, and replacing at least a portion of the container data stream with the new data stream during the lifetime of the switched network. The container data stream is advantageously established prior to the first rollout of the switched network.
[0013] In one implementation, when a software update is performed within the switched network, at least a portion of the container data stream is replaced with the new data stream. This software update requires adding the new data stream from the transmitting device to the receiving device. Software updates within airborne systems typically involve situations where adding a new data stream between two devices may be necessary.
[0014] In one implementation, the generator generates multiple additional container data streams with different transmission rates for the same receiving device. In this case, the injector selects one container data stream from the multiple data streams with different transmission rates, the transmission rate of which can include the transmission rate of the new data stream.
[0015] Determining which containerized data streams to add within an airborne switched network is based on assumptions related to future changes made during the initial development of the network.
[0016] In one implementation, the generator generates multiple additional container data streams for different receiving devices.
[0017] In one implementation, multiple container data streams are sent through the switched network. The method further includes the step of selecting a container data stream from the multiple container data streams that meets the requirements of the new data stream, the requirements including a sending device, a receiving device, and a transmission rate.
[0018] This disclosure also relates to a transmitting apparatus for an airborne communication network system, the transmitting apparatus including units for performing steps of the previously defined method.
[0019] This disclosure also relates to a method for receiving data by a receiving device through a switched network in an airborne communication network system, the method comprising the following steps performed by the receiving device: receiving a container data stream from a transmitting device through the switched network; and extracting a new data stream from the container data stream by an extractor when a new data stream from the transmitting device to the receiving device is required.
[0020] In one implementation, the received container data stream is either discarded or used for at least one function implemented by the receiving device, including analysis, diagnostic, computer security, and logging functions.
[0021] This disclosure also relates to a receiving device for an airborne communication network system, the receiving device including units for performing steps of the previously defined method.
[0022] This disclosure also relates to an airborne communication network system comprising one or more previously defined transmitting devices, one or more previously defined receiving devices, a transmission line for transmitting a data stream, and one or more switches for routing the data stream.
[0023] This disclosure also relates to vehicles including the previously defined communication network systems. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Other features, objects, and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic example of a portion of an airborne communication network system according to an embodiment is shown.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for sending data and a method for receiving data according to an embodiment.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the transmitting and receiving devices according to the implementation method. Detailed Implementation
[0028] Figure 1 Different devices 101a, 101b… are shown, which are interconnected to form an onboard communication network system within vehicle 100. Devices 101a, 101b… can communicate with each other via a switched network 200 (e.g., a switched Ethernet), which includes one or more transmission lines 102a, 102b… and one or more switches 103. In the switched network, routing is performed using routing tables embedded in the switches 103. Each switch 103 has the capability to route routing data within the network based on its routing table.
[0029] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the airborne communication network system includes three devices 101a, 101b, and 101c, and each device is connected to two other devices via a switch 103. Figure 1 The examples given are merely illustrative. Various implementations of airborne communication network systems exist.
[0030] Upon initial deployment, prior to the first use of the airborne communication network system, a first routine communication is established (in other words, configured) between the different devices 101a, 101b, and 101c. This routine communication is the usual communication from the transmitting device to the receiving device for transmitting data useful to the receiving device (in other words, data that will be used and processed by the receiving device). In operation, the data transmitted via routine communication is processed by the receiving device after reception, for example, to perform actions within the system. In this embodiment, routine communication carries the data required for the operation of the airborne system.
[0031] In one implementation, prior to the first use of the airborne communication network system, additional communications are configured (in other words, established) in addition to regular communications. These additional communications coexist with regular communications. Each additional communication between the transmitting and receiving devices comprises one or more container data streams. These container data streams are generated by a generator on the transmitting device and transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device (or to multiple receiving devices) via the switching network 200. The container data streams carry only data that is not essential for the operation of the switching network 200 (and / or the airborne communication network system) and can be deleted without altering or affecting the operation of the switching network 200 (and / or the airborne system). In one implementation, the data carried by the container data streams includes random data generated by a random or pseudo-random generator. In other implementations, the data carried by the container data streams may include other types of data related to optional functions to be implemented by the receiving device. For example, the data in the container data streams may include data for analysis, data for computer security (e.g., data related to "honeypots"), data for logs, and / or data for analysis, etc. Other types of optional data may be considered for the container data streams. Regardless, the data carried by the container data stream is supplementary and optional, and can be deleted (and / or replaced) at some point during the lifetime of the switching network 200 without altering or affecting its operation. The basic function of the container data stream is to provide a (available) data stream between the sending and receiving devices during the initial rollout (first use) of the switching network 200 and throughout its lifetime.
[0032] Typically, when an airborne communication network system is deployed, it is submitted for testing or evaluation upon its first rollout (before its first use) to ensure proper system functionality. During evaluation (testing), the system's functions are tested to check if they work. Container data streams are present and considered during the evaluation when an airborne communication network system is being evaluated. Evaluations can also be performed at any time during the lifespan of the vehicle system after the first rollout.
[0033] When changes are required on an airborne communication network system, such as after its initial deployment due to software updates or new versions within the switched network 200, it may be necessary to add a new data stream from the transmitting device to the receiving device to carry data for the receiving device. The new data stream may have several requirements, including the source (transmitting) device, the destination (receiving) device, and the transmission rate. In this case, an existing container data stream that meets the requirements of the new data stream is searched among multiple container data streams. Then, at the source (transmitting) device, the injector replaces at least a portion of the selected container data stream with the new data stream. In other words, at least a portion of the data initially carried by the container data stream is replaced by the data from the required new data stream.
[0034] Figure 2 The method for sending data through the switched network 200 and the corresponding method for receiving data according to the embodiments described below are illustrated.
[0035] In the configuration (setup) phase S0, for example before the client deployment of the airborne system and / or before the first rollout of the switched network 200, multiple communications are established within the switched network 200.
[0036] The initial communications established within the switched network 200 include regular communication RGSi (regular data stream) and container communication RSSj (container data stream), where i and j are indices. After configuration, the switched network 200 can route the configured regular communication RGSi and the configured container communication RSSi.
[0037] During operation, when the airborne system is running, a regular data stream RGS1 is sent within the switched network 200 (step S1).
[0038] Furthermore, for each container data stream RSSj already established from the sending (source) device to the receiving (destination) device, the generator of the sending device generates the container data stream RSSj in step S2, and sends it to the receiving device via the switching network 200 in step S3. This generator may include a random data generator that generates random data to create the container data streams. Alternatively, it may generate other types of data (analysis, diagnostics, security, and / or logs, etc.), which are optional for the operation of the switching network 200 and can be replaced.
[0039] In step S4, the receiving device receives a regular data stream RGSi and a container data stream RSSj. The receiving device processes (uses) each of the regular data streams received. Random data in the container data stream is discarded or ignored by the receiving device. Alternatively, if the container data stream includes other types of data (analysis data, diagnostic data, security data, and / or log data, etc.), the data carried by the container data stream RSSj is used for the corresponding purpose (analysis, diagnostics, computer security (e.g., a hacker's honeypot), data logs, etc.).
[0040] exist Figure 1 In the example, the following first regular communication RGS1 is established (set up) within network 200:
[0041] - Regular communication from device 101a to device 101c, which includes a data stream RGS1 with a data burst (e.g., 400kb) every 10ms;
[0042] - Conventional communication from device 101b to device 101c, which includes a constant data stream RGS2 of 1 MB / s;
[0043] - High-priority routine communication from device 101a to device 101b, which consists of a data stream of 100 bytes every 10ms (RGS3).
[0044] In addition, two container data streams were added to the system:
[0045] - A container data stream RSS1 from transmitting device 101a to receiving device 101b, which includes a data burst every 5ms;
[0046] - A container data stream RSS2 from transmitting device 101a to receiving device 101b, comprising a constant data stream of 500kb / s.
[0047] When the airborne communication network system is running, regular data streams RGS1, RGS2, and RGS3, and container data streams RSS1 and RSS2 are routed by a pre-configured switch 103 and sent through the switched network 200.
[0048] Then, during the lifespan of the airborne communication network system, it may be necessary to modify the system and add new data streams (NDS) to the switched network 200. Changes to the system may be caused by software updates (or the implementation of new software versions) in the switched network 200. Figure 2 Step S5 in the text indicates a software update.
[0049] New Data Streaming (NDS) has certain requirements or characteristics. In implementation, the requirements for New Data Streaming (NDS) include the source (transmitting) device, the destination (receiving) device, and the transmission rate.
[0050] In step S6, an element of the airborne communication network system, such as the supervisory control unit 104, searches and selects a container data stream from among multiple container data streams RSSj existing within the switched network 200 that can meet the requirements of the new data stream. The supervisory control unit 104 may have a table or database storing information about all communications (i.e., all data streams) established in the system. For example, a suitable container data stream is searched in a database storing information about all container data streams established in the network 200. Alternatively, the search and selection may be performed by one or more devices 101a, 101b… of the network 200. The selected container data stream has the required sending and receiving means, and the transmission rate of the container data stream may include the transmission rate of the new data stream.
[0051] For example, due to software update S5, a new data stream of useful data from transmitting device 101a to receiving device 101b needs to be added to the switched network 200, including a data burst every 100ms. In this case, a container data stream RSS1 from transmitting device 101a to receiving device 101b, including a burst every 5ms, is selected, and a portion of the container data stream RSS1 is replaced with the new data stream (a burst every 100ms).
[0052] Then, in step S7, the transmitting and receiving devices associated with the selected container data stream (transmitting device 101a and receiving device 101b associated with RSS1 in the example given above) are notified to add a new data stream NDS to the selected container data stream. The transmission rate of the new data stream NDS is provided to these devices.
[0053] In step S8, since a new data stream NDS needs to be added from the transmitting device 101a to the receiving device 101b to carry useful data for the receiving device 101b, the injector of the transmitting device 101a replaces at least a portion of the selected container data stream RSS1 with the data of the new data stream NDS. Thus, the new data stream NDS is transmitted from the transmitting device 101a to the receiving device 101b via the container data stream RSS1.
[0054] In step S9, without requiring any adjustments within network 200, the selected data stream RSS1, including the new data stream NDS, is sent from the transmitting device 101a (here via switch 103) to the receiving device 101b.
[0055] In step S10, receiving device 101b receives the transmitted container data stream RSS1, including the new data stream NDS, and the regular data stream ( Figure 1 (RG3 in the original text). In step S11, the extractor of the receiving device 101b extracts the new data stream NDS from the received container data stream RSS1. The remaining data (random data) of the container data stream RSS1 is ignored or discarded. Alternatively, if the container data stream includes remaining data for other optional purposes (analysis, diagnostics, security, logging, etc.), the receiving device uses the remaining data for the corresponding purpose.
[0056] This disclosure allows the switched network 200 to be updated after its initial rollout during its lifetime without requiring adjustments to the network 200. No reconfiguration of the network's switches is necessary.
[0057] Implementations of the transmitting device (e.g., transmitting device 101a) in Figure 3 The device has been illustrated and will now be described. For the sake of brevity, only the elements of the device relevant to this disclosure will be described.
[0058] The transmitting device 101a includes units for performing the steps of the aforementioned method for transmitting data. According to an embodiment, the transmitting device 101a includes a network interface 120 that interfaces with the switched network 200, one or more sources 121 of conventional data streams, a container data stream generator 122, an injector 123, and a processing unit or processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the transmitting device 101a.
[0059] Generator 122 is responsible for generating one or more container data streams and transmitting them through the switched network 200. In one embodiment, the generator includes a random data generator that generates random data to create the container data streams. In other embodiments, generator 122 generates data for other (optional) purposes, such as analysis, diagnostics, security, logging, etc., which may be ignored (deleted or replaced) later during the lifespan of the network 200. Generator 122 can generate multiple additional container data streams with different transmission rates for the same receiving device. It can also generate multiple additional container data streams for different receiving devices.
[0060] Injector 123 is responsible for replacing at least a portion of the container data stream from transmitter 101a to a given receiver with a new data stream of useful data for the receiving device. Furthermore, when generator 122 generates multiple container data streams with different transmission rates to the same receiver, the injector is responsible for selecting one of the container data streams with different transmission rates, the transmission rate of which may include the transmission rate of the new data stream.
[0061] The transmitting device 101a has hardware and software to implement its functions. In this embodiment, the generator 122 and the injector 123 are software components that run on the processing unit.
[0062] Implementations of the receiving device (e.g., receiving device 101b) in Figure 3 The device has been illustrated and will now be described. For the sake of brevity, only the elements of the device relevant to this disclosure will be described.
[0063] The receiving device 101b includes means for performing the steps of the aforementioned method for receiving data. In an embodiment, the receiving device 101b includes a network interface 130 that interfaces with the switched network 200, an extractor 131, and a processing unit or processor (not shown) for controlling the operation of the receiving device 101b.
[0064] Receiving device 101b receives service flow data, including one or more regular data streams RGSi and possibly one or more container data streams RSSj, through network interface 130. Figure 1 In the example, a regular data stream RGS3 and two container data streams RSS1 and RSS2 are received through network interface 130. Extractor 131 is responsible for extracting the container data streams (e.g., ...) from the data traffic streams received from network interface 130. Figure 1 (RSS1 and RSS2 in the received container data stream). Furthermore, when a new data stream has been added to the received container data stream, extractor 131 is responsible for extracting the new data stream and forwarding it within the receiving device for further processing. Data in the received container data stream RSSj is ignored or discarded by extractor 131 (without further processing or use). Alternatively, it can be sent to a processor to implement specific (optional) functions (analysis, diagnostics, security, logging, etc.), as explained above.
[0065] The receiving device 101b sends the received regular data stream RGS1 and the extracted new data stream NDS to the processing unit for further processing or use.
[0066] Optionally, the receiving device 101b has an analyzer 132 for analyzing the received container data stream, particularly for analyzing the received container data stream during testing (evaluation).
Claims
1. A method for transmitting data via a switched network (200) in an airborne communication network system, the method comprising the following steps performed at a transmitting device (101a): Test data to be transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device (101b) via the switching network to test the functionality of the switching network is determined, the test data having one or more transmission requirements, wherein... The sending device includes a generator (122) for generating multiple container data streams; Select one of the plurality of container data streams that meets the sending requirements of the test data; The injector (123) in the transmitting device replaces at least a portion of the selected container data stream with the test data to form a container data stream to be transmitted to the receiving device (101b).
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method includes further including a regular data stream into a data service stream transmitted from the transmitting device (101a) to the receiving device (101b).
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In order to create each of the multiple container data streams, the generator (122) generates at least one type of data from the group including random data, data for analysis, data for computer security, data for diagnosis, and data for logs.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When a software update is performed within the switched network (200), at least a portion of the selected container data stream is replaced with the test data, and the software update requires adding the test data from the sending device to the receiving device.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The generator (122) generates multiple additional container data streams for different receiving devices.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The transmission requirements include the transmitting device, the receiving device, and the transmission rate.
7. A transmitting device (101a) for use in an airborne communication network system, the transmitting device comprising a unit for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. A method for receiving data by a receiving device (101b) through a switched network (200) in an airborne communication network system, the data being transmitted by a transmitting device (101a) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising the following steps performed by the receiving device (101b): Receive container data streams from the transmitting device via the switching network (200); After the test data is added from the transmitting device (101a) to the receiving device (101b), the extractor (131) in the receiving device (101b) extracts (S11) the test data from the received container data stream.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The test data received from the container data stream is either discarded or used for at least one of the group of functions implemented by the receiving device (101b), including analysis functions, diagnostic functions, computer security functions, and logging functions.
10. A receiving device (101b) for use in an airborne communication network system, the receiving device comprising units for performing the steps of the method according to claim 8 or 9.
11. An airborne communication network system comprising one or more transmitting devices according to claim 7, one or more receiving devices according to claim 10, a transmission line for transmitting a data stream, and one or more switches for routing the data stream.
12. A vehicle comprising the airborne communication network system according to claim 11.