Method for coupling and interfacing sensors and communication networks

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication network (102) for a vehicle (100), wherein the communication network includes a control device (108), a network switch (104), and at least one sensor (106). The control device (108) sends at least one service provision message (112) to the control interface of the network switch (104) for configuring the sensor (106). The network switch (104) outputs the service provision message (112) at a sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) to which the service provision message (112) is assigned. The sensor (106) issues at least one service search request (110) to the sensor interface of the network switch (104), receives the service provision message (112) from the sensor interface (530), and uses the service provision message (112) to teach configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus or method for coupling sensors and control devices for a vehicle via a network switch. The subject of this invention is also a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, many sensors in vehicles are directly installed by the automaker at the band-end of the assembly line. In most cases, multiple sensors of the same type / structure (e.g., multiple radars) are installed, and these sensors, due to differences in their location and / or functional parameters, must be individually taught through a coding process at the assembly line end. These sensors are typically directly connected to the same control unit via separate connectors. Sensors can always be clearly identified and thus coded / taught (anlernen) through wiring on the control unit or through pin coding on the sensor's connecting cables. This teaching is mostly intervened only through pin coding on the cables or by a tester, which requests the control unit to inform / teach the connected sensor its coding. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this backdrop, a method for coupling and linking sensors and communication networks is proposed through the scheme presented herein, and a corresponding computer program is ultimately provided. Advantageous extensions and improvements to the apparatus described herein are possible due to the measures proposed in this application.

[0004] In a communication network for a vehicle, sensors can be advantageously configured using sensors, control devices, and a predetermined communication process between network switches connecting the sensors and control devices.

[0005] A method for coupling sensors and control devices for a vehicle via a network switch includes the following steps: Send at least one service search request to the sensor interface of the network switch; Receive service provision messages from the sensor interface of the network switch, where the service provision message indicates that the control device provides the message to the control interface of the network switch in order to configure the sensor; Teaching sensor configuration using service-provided messages; and Subscription messages confirming the configuration are provided to the sensor interface of the network switch.

[0006] The steps of the coupling method can be performed using appropriate devices for the sensor.

[0007] The vehicle can be a passenger vehicle, such as a passenger car, or a freight vehicle. The vehicle may have a communication network, which includes at least one control device and at least one sensor, which are connected via or can be connected via a network switch.

[0008] Typically, multiple identical or different types of sensors can be integrated into a communication network. Sensors can be those commonly installed in vehicles, such as environmental sensors, acceleration sensors, or speed sensors, to name just a few examples. If a sensor is not yet configured or is misconfigured, a control device can be used to configure it. After such configuration, the sensor can operate, for example, in sensor mode, in which it can detect physical variables and provide sensor signals representing those variables. The sensor can be designed to issue one or more service search requests. These service search requests can prompt the control device to send a service provision message, which the sensor can use to teach itself the configuration set for it. For this purpose, the service provision message can include appropriate configuration data for configuring the sensor. Thus, for example, a sensor that is not yet configured can initiate its own configuration by issuing a service search request. After this teaching, the sensor can be ready, for example, to operate in sensor mode. Subscribing to messages can notify the control device that the configuration has been successfully performed and the sensor is therefore ready.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the method includes a checking step. Here, the sensor can check whether a sensor configuration exists. If it is identified that the configuration does not exist, the issuing step can be performed. For example, the checking step can be performed after the sensor is put into operation. If it is identified here that no configuration has been performed, configuration can be initiated immediately.

[0010] Conversely, if a configuration is identified as existing, a loading step can be performed, in which the configuration can be loaded. This allows the sensor to be, for example, placed in sensor mode. Optionally, at least one service search request can be issued in the issuing step. This prompts the control device to send a service provision message, as already described. This enables the sensor to check whether the loaded configuration corresponds to the configuration set for the sensor by the control device.

[0011] Therefore, the step of receiving a service provision message can be performed after the step of issuing a service search request. If the existing configuration corresponds to the configuration defined by the service provision message, the step of providing a subscription message acknowledging the configuration can be performed. Otherwise, the step of teaching the sensor configuration can be performed using the service provision message. In this way, the existing configuration of the sensor can be replaced by a new configuration currently set for the sensor by the control device.

[0012] If the sensor has different configuration options, multiple service search requests assigned to those different configuration options can be issued during the issuance step. This prompts the control device to send service provisioning messages tailored to all these different configuration options. Advantageously, a network switch can be used to allow service provisioning messages tailored to that sensor within the service provisioning messages sent by the control device to pass through the sensor interface, while filtering out other service provisioning messages.

[0013] A corresponding method for coupling sensors for a vehicle to a control device via a network switch includes the following steps: The control device sends at least one service provision message to the control interface of the network switch, wherein the service provision message represents a message for configuring the sensor; and The service provision message is output at the sensor interface of the network switch that is assigned the service provision message.

[0014] The steps for the coupling method can be performed using network switches and control devices.

[0015] The control device can be, for example, a control unit commonly found in the automotive industry. The control device may include at least one device for performing the sending step and other devices for performing other steps if necessary. A network switch can also be called a switch. A network switch can be implemented as a single unit or in multiple units; for example, it may therefore include multiple switches. A network switch may include at least one device for performing the output step and other devices for performing other steps if necessary. The network switch may be designed to forward service provisioning messages sent by the control device to the sensor. Here, the network switch may have a filtering function that ensures only service provisioning messages specific to that sensor are forwarded to that sensor. On the other hand, other service provisioning messages not specific to that sensor can be filtered out.

[0016] The step of sending a service provision message can be executed in response to the commissioning of control equipment. This allows for the initiation of sensor configuration during commissioning, or for checking whether existing configurations are up-to-date.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the step of sending a service provision message may be performed in response to a read service search request. In this way, for example, a new sensor integrated into the communication network can be configured.

[0018] This method may include the step of transmitting a subscription message confirming sensor configuration from the sensor interface back to the control interface of the network switch. This notifies the control device of the successful sensor configuration.

[0019] In the output step, a service provisioning message can be used to select a sensor interface from multiple sensor interfaces. This is suitable when the communication network includes multiple sensors. In this case, it is important to provide each sensor with only the service provisioning message specific to that sensor. For example, the sensor interface can be selected based on a so-called frame that filters the service provisioning message. If the frame is not filtered out at the sensor interface, the service provisioning message can be output through that sensor interface. Conversely, if the frame is filtered out, the service provisioning message can be prevented from being output through that sensor interface. Here, each sensor interface can be assigned its own filtering rules, which can differ from the filtering rules of other sensor interfaces. According to one embodiment, the method includes the step of setting appropriate filtering rules, or filtering criteria, at the sensor interfaces of the network switch. In the case of an Ethernet network, this can be done through so-called Ethernet switch port configuration.

[0020] Here, during the transmission step, multiple service provisioning messages assigned to different sensor variants can be sent. Using a network switch ensures that the different service provisioning messages are delivered to the assigned sensors.

[0021] A corresponding communication network for a vehicle includes a control device, a network switch, and at least one sensor. The control device is designed to send at least one service provision message to a control interface of the network switch, wherein the service provision message represents a message for configuring a sensor. The network switch is designed to transmit the service provision message from the control interface to at least one sensor interface of the network switch assigned to the service provision message, and output it on the sensor interface assigned to the service provision message. The sensor is designed to issue at least one service search request to the sensor interface of the network switch, receive the service provision message from the sensor interface, use the service provision message to teach the sensor's configuration, and provide a subscription message acknowledging the configuration to the sensor interface of the network switch.

[0022] Sensors can be designed to sense physical variables and provide sensor signals representing those physical variables after the configuration has been taught. Control devices and / or alternatively, other control devices within a communication network can be designed to receive the sensor signals and use them to control vehicle functions. Thus, for example, a control device can be dedicated to configuring the one or more sensors, while other control devices are used for the normal sensor operation of the one or more sensors.

[0023] The communication network can be implemented as an Ethernet network. Therefore, known communication protocols can be used. The described scheme can thus be used to teach Ethernet sensors, for example, through so-called Some / IP communication (Scalable Service-Oriented Middleware over IP) and appropriate switch configurations of network switches.

[0024] The methods mentioned can be implemented, for example, in software, hardware, or a hybrid of software and hardware.

[0025] Sensors, network switches, and / or control devices may have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one storage unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface for reading electrical signals or outputting electrical signals to an actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit may be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, etc., and the storage unit may be flash memory, EEPROM, or magnetic storage. The communication interface may be designed for wirelessly and / or wiredly reading or outputting data, wherein a communication interface capable of reading or outputting wired data may, for example, read the data from a corresponding data transmission line or output the data to a corresponding data transmission line in an electrical or optical manner.

[0026] Another advantage is a computer program product or computer program having program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium, such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory or optical memory, and especially for performing, implementing and / or manipulating the steps of a method according to one of the above embodiments when the program product or program is run on a computer or device. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Embodiments of the proposed solution are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in more detail in the following description. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle having a communication network according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart is shown for a method of coupling a sensor for a vehicle according to one embodiment; Figure 3 A flowchart is shown for a method of coupling a sensor for a vehicle according to one embodiment; Figure 4 A block diagram of a communication network according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A block diagram of a communication network according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A block diagram of a communication network according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A sequence diagram of teaching a sensor for a vehicle is shown according to one embodiment; Figure 8 A block diagram of a communication network according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 9 A sequence diagram of teaching a sensor for a vehicle is shown according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description of advantageous embodiments of the invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for elements shown in different figures and having similar functions, wherein repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 having a communication network 102 according to one embodiment is shown. The vehicle 100 is, for example, a passenger car, and the communication network 102 is a network for connecting the electronic components of the vehicle 100. The communication network 102 includes at least one network switch 104 through which components of the communication network 102 are coupled to each other. According to this embodiment, a sensor 106 and a control device 108 are coupled to each other via the network switch 104. Here, the sensor 106 is connected to a sensor interface, for example, in the form of a port, and the control device 108 is connected to a control interface, for example, connected to the network switch 104 in the form of another port. Electrical signals can be transmitted via the network switch 104, for example, in the form of data packets. By way of example only, the communication network 102 is implemented as an Ethernet network. The sensor 106 is implemented as configurable. By way of example only, the measurement range of the sensor 106 can be set by configuring the sensor 106. For example, if the sensor 106 is first coupled to the communication network 102, the sensor 106 needs to be initially configured or reconfigured.

[0030] According to this embodiment, sensor 106 is designed to, for example, issue a service search request 110 to control device 108 via network switch 104 after being put into operation. Service search request 110 indicates configuration options for sensor 106. If sensor 106 includes further configuration options, sensor 106 is designed, according to one embodiment, to issue further service search requests assigned to said further configuration options.

[0031] Control device 108 is designed to send a service provision message 112 to network switch 104. Service provision message 112 is suitable for configuring a sensor, such as sensor 106, connected to network switch 104. If control device 108 sends service provision message 112 in response to receiving service search request 110, the service provision message 112 is suitable for configuring the sensor according to the configuration options displayed by service search request 110.

[0032] Network switch 104 is designed to output service provision message 112 only to one or more predetermined sensor interfaces. For example, network switch 104 is designed to select one or more sensor interfaces using information contained in service provision message 112 and selection rules (also called filtering rules or filtering criteria) stored in network switch 104. According to this embodiment, network switch 104 is designed to forward service provision message 112 only to sensor 106. To this end, according to one embodiment, network switch 104 includes sensor interfaces with adjustable filtering rules.

[0033] Sensor 106 is designed to receive service provisioning message 112 and use the service provisioning message 112 to teach a configuration pre-given by the service provisioning message 112. After configuration, sensor 106 is designed to provide a subscription message 114 acknowledging the configuration to control device 108 via network switch 104.

[0034] The control device 108 is optionally designed to send an acknowledgment message 116 to the sensor 106 via the network switch 104 in response to receiving a subscription message 114.

[0035] After the sensor 106 is successfully configured, the sensor is adapted for sensor operation, that is, it can detect physical variables and provide sensor signals 118 representing those physical variables.

[0036] For example, control device 108 is designed to provide control signal 120, using sensor signal 118 and control rules, for controlling the functions of vehicle component 122, such as the functions of drive unit or auxiliary system of vehicle 100.

[0037] According to one embodiment, control device 108 is used only for configuring sensor 106 and, if necessary, additional sensors. Optional additional control device 124 is connected to network switch 104 via a separate control interface. In this case, the additional control device 124, instead of control device 106, is designed to provide control signal 120 to vehicle component 122 when sensor signal 118 is used.

[0038] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method 200 for coupling sensors for a vehicle, according to one embodiment, is shown. For example, method 200 is performed to configure... Figure 1 The sensor shown. Here, method 200 can be performed with a device that uses the sensor.

[0039] In step 201, the sensor issues at least one service search request. In step 203, the sensor receives a service provision message. In step 205, the sensor teaches the configuration using the service provision message. In step 207, the sensor provides a subscription message confirming the configuration.

[0040] Optionally, the method includes step 209, in which the sensor checks whether a configuration already exists. If step 209 determines that no configuration exists, then step 201, which issues a service search request, is executed. Conversely, if step 209 determines that a configuration exists, then in step 211, the configuration is loaded based on the existing configuration.

[0041] Optionally, step 201, which involves issuing a service search request, is then performed to prompt the control device to send a current service provision message. This allows verification that the current configuration is still up-to-date. For this purpose, the current service provision message is received in step 203. If the sensor's existing configuration corresponds to the current service provision message, a confirmation subscription message is provided in step 207. Conversely, if the sensor's existing configuration does not correspond to the current service provision message, step 205 is performed to teach the current configuration using the current service provision message. This can optionally be confirmed in step 207 via a corresponding subscription message.

[0042] If the sensor includes multiple different configuration options, multiple different service search requests are issued in step 201, or step 201 is repeated in a manner corresponding to the number of these different configuration options so that a corresponding service search request is issued for each of these configuration options.

[0043] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 300 for coupling sensors for a vehicle, according to one embodiment, is shown. For example, method 300 is performed to configure via a network switch when using a control device. Figure 1 The sensor shown. Method 300 can be performed using a device that employs a control device and a network switch. Method 300 can be combined with reference to... Figure 2 The described coupling method is executed.

[0044] In step 301, the control device sends at least one service provision message. In step 303, the service provision message is received by the network switch via a control interface connected to the control device and output at the sensor interface of the network switch assigned to the service provision message. Here, the sensor is connected to the sensor interface. In step 303, according to one embodiment, the sensor interface is selected using service provision messages from multiple sensor interfaces of the network switch. For this purpose, for example, the frame of the service provision message is filtered at each sensor interface. If the service provision message is filtered out at a sensor interface, it will not be output at that sensor interface. If the service provision message is not filtered out at a sensor interface, it will be output at that sensor interface. The filtering rules applicable to the filtering for each sensor interface can be predetermined in the network switch or set in the setup step.

[0045] Step 301, which sends a service provision message, is performed, for example, after the control device has been put into operation or in response to a service search request read, for example, in step 305.

[0046] The network switch is optionally designed to receive the subscription message at the sensor interface in step 307 and forward it back to the control interface. The control device is designed to receive the subscription message in step 309 and optionally issue an acknowledgment message in step 311, which is then forwarded to the sensor by the network switch in step 313.

[0047] If multiple sensors existing in different sensor variants are to be configured, multiple service provisioning messages assigned to different sensor variants are sent in step 301, or step 301 is repeated corresponding to the number of different sensor variants so that a corresponding service provisioning message is sent for each of them.

[0048] Figure 4 A block diagram of a communication network 102 according to one embodiment is shown. This can be used as a reference. Figure 1 An embodiment of the described communication network.

[0049] The communication network 102 includes a network switch 104, a control device 108, a first sensor 106, a second sensor 406, and a third sensor 407. The number of sensors 106, 406, and 407 is selected only as an example. The network switch 104 is implemented as an Ethernet switch, and the control device 108 is implemented as a control unit. The network switch 104 has a control interface via which the control device 108 is connected. The control interface is also referred to as port 4. The network switch 104 also has: a first sensor interface, such as port 1, through which the first sensor 106 is connected to the network switch 104; a second sensor interface, such as port 2, through which the second sensor 406 is connected to the network switch 104; and a third sensor interface, such as port 3, through which the third sensor 407 is connected to the network switch 104.

[0050] Sensors 106, 406, and 407 connected via Ethernet are increasingly used in modern systems. These "Ethernet sensors" are not necessarily required to be directly connected to the control unit, here control device 108; these Ethernet sensors can also be connected to the control device 108 via an Ethernet switch, here network switch 104, in a manner determined by the Ethernet bus topology. In this case, sensors 106, 406, and 407 cannot be identified and taught via pin encoding or via the connection terminals of the control device 108.

[0051] Alternatively, the teaching of one, more or all of the sensors 106, 406, 407 connected to the control device 108 via the network switch 104 is carried out via the network switch 104.

[0052] Advantageously, the sensors 106, 406, 407 connected to the control device 108 via network switch 104 can be taught without pin coding or other identification measures via HW measures. Sensors 106, 406, 407 are taught simply by establishing successful communication with the control device 108. Sensors 106, 406, 407 learn their own configuration, such as their position and / or encoding, via specific messages, which, according to this embodiment, are sent by the specific control device 108 in the network according to the Some / IP communication standard at startup or upon request and / or when needed. Therefore, no tester intervention is required. Any control unit in the network can perform this function, provided it is accessiblely incorporated into the communication network 102; the control unit is not necessarily required to subsequently communicate with the one or more sensors 106, 406, 407. If sensors 106, 406, and 407 need to be replaced, for example in a workshop, sensors 106, 406, and 407 can be simply replaced, and then taught. Another advantage is that missing or incorrectly connected sensors 106, 406, and 407 can be immediately identified, because this information is always present in the control unit performing the teaching, i.e., control device 108 in this case.

[0053] Figure 5 A block diagram of a communication network 102 according to one embodiment is shown. This can be used as a reference. Figure 1 An embodiment of the described communication network.

[0054] The communication network 102 includes a sensor 106, a network switch 104, and a control device 108. The network switch 104 has a sensor interface 530, such as port 1, through which the network switch 104 communicates with the sensor 106. Furthermore, the network switch 104 has a control interface 532, such as port 0, through which the network switch 104 communicates with the control device 108. The network switch 104 is implemented as a switch, and the control device 108 is implemented as a control unit.

[0055] The communication principle with sensor 106 includes: a service search request 110, also represented as Find Service "Var_1"; a service offer message 112, also represented as Offer Service "Var_1"; a subscription message 114, also represented as Subscribe Service "Var_1"; and a confirmation message 116, also represented as Subscribe Ack. For Service "Var_1". The transmission of messages 110, 112, 114, and 116 is performed, for example, according to the Some / IP communication protocol.

[0056] According to one embodiment, communication between sensor 106 and a teaching control device 108 is performed in a service discovery manner using the Some / IP standard, wherein the control device 108 is a control unit that performs teaching and registration of sensor 106 and possibly other sensors.

[0057] The following is for reference. Figure 5 This is to illustrate communication with only one sensor 106 to be taught.

[0058] In the case of the Some / IP communication standard, communication is established using Service Discovery (SD). Here, control device 108 acts as a server and sensor 106 acts as a client. Upon startup, the client cyclically sends "Find Service" multicast messages (MultiCast-Nachrichten), such as service search request 110, to the network to search for a specific service, which control device 108 provides according to this embodiment. Control device 108, acting as a server, also sends "Offer Service" multicast messages (such as service offer message 112) to the network at least three times upon startup to publicize its service offer to other network participants, and subsequently sends them as a response to "Find Service" messages (such as service search request 110) when needed. If sensor 106 receives an "Offer-Service" message (such as service offer message 112), sensor 106 can use this message to learn and immediately subscribe to this service. The control device 108 is acknowledged to subscribe using a "Subscribe Acknowledge" message, specifically acknowledgment message 116. Through this subscription, the control device 108 knows that the now-taught sensor 106 is connected and active in the communication network 102.

[0059] Figure 6 A block diagram of a communication network according to one embodiment is shown. This can be used as a reference. Figure 4 An embodiment of the described communication network.

[0060] The communication network 102 includes a first sensor 106, a second sensor 406, a third sensor 407, a network switch 104, and a control device 108. The network switch 104, in addition to a first sensor interface 530 (e.g., port 1) for connecting the first sensor 106, also has a second sensor interface 630 (e.g., port 2) for connecting the second sensor 406, and a third sensor interface 631 (e.g., port 3) for connecting the third sensor 407. The network switch 104 is implemented as a switch, and the control device 108 is implemented as a control unit.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the communication principle with multiple sensors 106, 406, and 407 includes: a first service search request 110, also represented as Find Service “Var_1”; a second service search request 610, also represented as Find Service “Var_2”; and a third service search request 611, also represented as Find Service “Var_3”. These three service search requests 110, 610, and 611 are issued by all three sensors 106, 406, and 407, enabling the control device 108 to receive these three service search requests 110, 610, and 611 from all sensors 106, 406, and 407.

[0062] The communication principle also includes: a first service provision message 112, also represented as Offer Service "Var_1" (providing service "Var_1"); a second service provision message 612, also represented as Offer Service "Var_2" (providing service "Var_2"); and a third service provision message 613, also represented as Offer Service "Var_3" (providing service "Var_3"). These three service provision messages 112, 612, and 613 are sent from control device 108 to all sensors 106, 406, and 407. According to one embodiment, these sensor interfaces 530, 630, and 631 are designed to filter the data frames of service provision messages 112, 612, and 613. Different service provision messages 112, 612, and 613 have different data frames. Therefore, each service provision message 112, 612, and 613 can be identified by its specific data frame. Different service provisioning messages 112, 612, and 613 can lead to different configurations for sensors 106, 406, and 407, respectively. Therefore, the first sensor 106 can be taught a first configuration using the first service provisioning message 112, the second sensor 406 can be taught a second configuration using the second service provisioning message 612, and the third sensor 407 can be taught a third configuration using the third service provisioning message 613. Through the interface configuration of sensor interfaces 530, 630, and 631, the service provisioning messages 112, 612, and 613 set for each sensor 106, 406, and 407 can be selected based on their specific data frames. According to this embodiment, the corresponding selection rules are stored in the sensor interfaces 530, 630, and 631 in the form of filtering rules. According to this embodiment, the first sensor interface 530 is designed to filter data frames to allow only the first service provisioning message 112 to pass through and block other service provisioning messages 612, 613; the second sensor interface 630 is designed to filter data frames to allow only the second service provisioning message 612 to pass through and block other service provisioning messages 112, 613; and the third sensor interface 631 is designed to filter data frames to allow only the third service provisioning message 613 to pass through and block other service provisioning messages 112, 612.

[0063] The communication principle also includes: a first subscription message 114 provided by the first sensor 106, which is also represented as Subscribe Service "Var_1"; a second subscription message 614 provided by the second sensor 406, which is also represented as Subscribe Service "Var_2"; and a third subscription message 615 provided by the third sensor 407, which is also represented as Subscribe Service "Var_3". The control device 108 receives subscription messages 114, 614, and 615 from sensors 106, 406, and 407.

[0064] The communication principle also includes: a first confirmation message 116, also represented as Subscribe Ack Service “Var_1”; a second confirmation message 616, also represented as Subscribe Ack Service “Var_2”; and a third confirmation message 617, also represented as Subscribe Ack Service “Var_3”. These three confirmation messages 116, 616, and 617 are all sent by the control device 108. The first sensor 106 receives the first confirmation message 116, the second sensor 406 receives the second confirmation message 616, and the third sensor 407 receives the third confirmation message 617.

[0065] The following is a reference appendix. Figure 6 Describes communication with multiple sensors 106, 406, and 407.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the control device 108, which is in the form of a teaching control unit, issues an "Offer Service" message for each sensor variant, here referred to as service offer messages 112, 612, and 613. Sensors 106, 406, and 407, which are not yet taught, also issue "Find Service" messages for each possible variant, here referred to as service search requests 110, 610, and 611. That is, the control device 108 provides three Some / IP services for these three sensors 106, 406, and 407, i.e., issuing three "Offer Service" messages from the control device 108 and three "Find Service" messages from each sensor 106, 406, and 407.

[0067] Each sensor 106, 406, 407 identifies its variant by which "offer service" it sees in the network. For each sensor 106, 406, 407 to learn its variant, it must obtain exactly one valid "offer service" from control device 108. To ensure this, at network switch 104, packet filters connected to the corresponding sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631 of sensors 106, 406, 407 are configured such that the corresponding sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631 always allow only specific "offer services" to pass through in the direction of sensors 106, 406, 407. Thus, the port filter configuration, i.e., the configuration of sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631 in network switch 104, determines how sensors 106, 406, 407 should be encoded. Sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631 are implemented here as Ethernet switch ports. The codes for sensors 106, 406, and 407 are indirectly determined through Ethernet switch port configuration.

[0068] According to one embodiment, if sensors 106, 406, and 407 have been successfully taught, they remember their variant settings, i.e., their configuration. The next time the sensor software is started, these variants are known and the corresponding functions are set for operation. Sensors 106, 406, and 407 continue to send all known "look up service" messages, and control device 108 also sends "provide service" messages, allowing all sensors 106, 406, and 407 to register with control device 108 by subscribing to the corresponding services. Thus, control device 108 always knows which sensors 106, 406, and 407 are connected and actively participating in the network, or if sensors 106, 406, and 407 are missing or incorrectly connected, this can be identified on the control unit side. Each of sensors 106, 406, and 407 can also determine whether its connection method differs from the taught method (via unexpected "provide service" messages). This is very useful in troubleshooting on the shop floor or during production.

[0069] In order not to interfere with other communication channels in the communication network 102, a separate VLAN (virtual LAN) is created for the teaching mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0070] When selecting network switch 104 as a switch, it's also important to note that network switch 104 can work with extended port filter attributes. For example, network switch 104 has the functionality to create filtering criteria for the first 96 bytes (or more) of Ethernet frames so that Some / IP "provide service" messages, i.e., service provision messages 112, 612, 613, can be filtered at sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631. Modern switches already support this functionality.

[0071] This method is applicable, for example, to autonomous driving, where a large number of sensors 106, 406, 407 are connected via a network switch 104 in the form of an Ethernet switch. Thus, the training of these sensors 106, 406, 407 can be performed on the assembly line without significant technical challenges.

[0072] Figure 7 A sequence diagram for teaching sensors for a vehicle is shown according to one embodiment. In this way, the software of the sensors, as part of a communication network, can be taught, as described with reference to the preceding figures.

[0073] After starting step 700, step 209 checks whether the configuration already exists, i.e., whether the variant has been learned. The variant is also represented by a configuration option. If this is not the case, then in step 201, all service search requests that can be issued by the sensor are issued, i.e., for example, a reference request is issued. Figure 6 The described search service message. If no service provision message is subsequently received in step 203, step 201 is re-executed. On the other hand, if a service provision message is received in step 203, that is, if the check of the received service provision message is positive, the sensor is taught using the service provision message in step 205, and the registration of the service provided by the service provision message is confirmed in step 207.

[0074] The method is restarted in step 702.

[0075] If it is identified in step 209 that a configuration already exists, i.e., a variant has been learned, then in step 211, the configuration or variant corresponding to the existing configuration is loaded. Subsequently, in step 201, all service search requests that can be issued by the sensor are issued, i.e., for example, reference requests are issued. Figure 6The description of the service provision message is as follows. If no service provision message is subsequently received in step 203, step 201 is re-executed. On the other hand, if a service provision message is received in step 203, that is, if the check of the received service provision message is positive, the sensor confirms the registration of the service provided by the service provision message in step 207. In step 704, the sensor is ready to operate.

[0076] Figure 8 A block diagram of a communication network 102 according to one embodiment is shown. This can be used as a reference. Figure 6 An embodiment of the described communication network, wherein at least one other sensor 806 is connected to the network switch 104 via at least one other sensor interface 830.

[0077] According to one embodiment, sensors 106, 406, 407, and 806 include software that tests, in an unlearned state, which variant of the respective sensor 106, 406, 407, and 806 can use to establish successful communication, as indicated by the following reference. Figure 9 The sequence diagram shown illustrates this. Successful communication is characterized, for example, by receiving a service provision message.

[0078] According to one embodiment, sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631, and 830 are configured as ports for specific communication with determined MAC / IP addresses and VLANs. Thus, each of sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631, and 830 only allows specific service provisioning messages to pass through, which are identified by the respective sensor interface 530, 630, 631, or 830, for example, based on the frame (also denoted as Frame) contained within the service provisioning message. All other service provisioning messages are filtered out by the sensor interface 530, 630, 631, or 830.

[0079] According to one embodiment, sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631, and 830 (also referred to as ports) are configured on a network switch 104, also referred to as an Ethernet switch, such that only a specific type of communication is allowed for each sensor interface 530, 630, 631, and 830: communication with a participant via a specific VLAN (virtual LAN), the participant being one of sensors 106, 406, 407, and 806, which has a specific Ethernet MAC address and IP address.

[0080] The software of one of sensors 106, 406, 407, and 806 knows all possible variations that can be selected by that sensor through encoding. In the unlearned state of the respective sensors 106, 406, 407, and 806, the software attempts to establish communication with the control device 108 in the form of a control unit, using each known variation in turn. If communication with the control device 108 is completed, the variation to be selected is identified, and the corresponding sensor 106, 406, 407, and 806 teaches the variation, and the encoding of the variation is thus completed. The encoding of sensors 106, 406, 407, and 806 is therefore indirectly determined via Ethernet switch port configuration, i.e., the configuration of sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631, and 830. To configure sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631, and 830, appropriate filtering rules are set at each of the sensor interfaces 530, 630, 631, and 830. This can be done all at once, for example, before or during the commissioning of the communication network 102, or when the communication network 102 changes, such as when integrating one or more additional sensors. According to one embodiment, the filtering rules are adapted to the data format of the service provisioning messages. For example, the filtering rules are applicable to filtering information contained in a predetermined frame of a service provisioning message that explicitly determines which sensor a particular service provisioning message is configured for. Therefore, the filtering rules can predefine which service provisioning messages are allowed to pass through and reach which sensors, and which service provisioning messages are not allowed to pass through and reach which sensors.

[0081] Figure 9 A sequence diagram of teaching sensors for a vehicle is shown according to one embodiment. Here, the software of the sensors, which are part of a communication network, can be taught as described with reference to the preceding figures.

[0082] After starting step 700, step 209 checks whether the configuration already exists, i.e., whether the variant has been learned.

[0083] If it is identified in step 209 that the configuration already exists, i.e., the variant has been learned, then the variant is loaded in step 211, i.e., the variant is started.

[0084] On the other hand, if a variant that has not yet been learned is identified in step 209, the first possible variant is selected in step 901, and a service search request assigned to that variant is issued in step 201 by initiating appropriate communication. If no service provision message is subsequently received in step 203, i.e., no communication is established, steps 901 and 201 are re-executed for the next possible variant. On the other hand, if a service provision message is received in step 203, i.e., if communication has been established, then in step 205, the sensor is taught the current variant for which communication has been established. In step 702, the method restarts.

Claims

1. A method (200) for coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104), wherein the method comprises the following steps: Multiple service search requests (110; 610, 611) are issued (201) from the sensor (106) to the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) for different configuration options assigned to the sensor (106); Receive (203) a service provision message (112) from the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104), wherein the service provision message (112) represents a message provided by the control device (108) to the control interface (532) of the network switch (104) for configuring the sensor (106); The configuration of the sensor (106) is taught (205) using the service provision message (112); and The sensor (106) provides (207) a subscription message (116) acknowledging the configuration to the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104).

2. The method (200) for coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104) according to claim 1, the method having a step (209) of checking whether a configuration exists, wherein if the configuration is identified as not existing in the checking step (209), the issuing step (201) is performed.

3. The method (200) for coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104) according to claim 2, the method having a step of loading a configuration (211) and a step of issuing at least one service search request (110) (201), wherein if the existence of the configuration is identified in the checking step (209), the loading step (211) and the issuing step (201) are performed.

4. The method (200) of coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) with a control device (108) via a network switch (104) according to claim 3, wherein, The step (203) of receiving the service provision message (112) is performed after the step (201) of issuing, wherein if the configuration corresponds to the service provision message (112), the step (207) of providing a subscription message (116) acknowledging the configuration is performed, and if the configuration does not correspond to the service provision message (112), the step (205) of teaching the configuration of the sensor (106) using the service provision message (112) is performed.

5. A method (300) for coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104), wherein the method includes the following steps: Multiple service search requests (110; 610, 611) are issued (201) from the sensor (106) to the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) for different configuration options assigned to the sensor (106); The control device (108) sends (301) at least one service provision message (112) to the control interface (532) of the network switch (104), wherein the service provision message (112) represents a message for configuring the sensor (106); and The service provision message (112) is output (303) at the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) that is assigned to the service provision message (112).

6. The method (300) of coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104) according to claim 5, wherein a sending step (301) is performed in response to the commissioning of the control device (108) or in response to a read (305) service search request (110).

7. The method (300) of coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104) of claim 5, the method comprising: The step (307) is to transmit a subscription message (116) confirming the configuration of the sensor (106) from the sensor interface (530) back to the control interface (532) of the network switch (104).

8. The method (300) for coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, In the output step (303), the sensor interface (530) is selected from a plurality of sensor interfaces (530; 630, 631) using the service provision message (112).

9. The method (300) for coupling a sensor (106) for a vehicle (100) to a control device (108) via a network switch (104) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, In step (301), multiple service provision messages (112; 612, 613) assigned to different sensor variants are sent.

10. A communication network system (102) for a vehicle (100), wherein the communication network system includes a control device (108), a network switch (104), and at least one sensor (106), characterized in that, The control device (108) is designed to send at least one service provision message (112) to the control interface (532) of the network switch (104), wherein the service provision message (112) represents a message for configuring the sensor (106); The network switch (104) is designed to transmit the service provision message (112) from the control interface (532) to the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) assigned to the service provision message (112); and The sensor (106) is designed to send multiple service search requests (110; 610, 611) to the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) for different configuration options assigned to the sensor (106), receive the service provision message (112) from the sensor interface (530), use the service provision message (112) to teach the configuration of the sensor (106), and provide a subscription message (116) to the sensor interface (530) of the network switch (104) to confirm the configuration.

11. The communication network system (102) according to claim 10, wherein, The sensor (106) is designed to sense physical variables after being taught and to provide sensor signals (118) representing the physical variables, and the communication network system includes other control devices (124) designed to receive the sensor signals (118) and use the sensor signals (118) to control vehicle functions of the vehicle (100).

12. The communication network system (102) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the communication network is implemented as an Ethernet network.

13. A computer program product comprising a computer program configured to perform the steps of the method (200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when run on a computing unit.

14. A machine-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being configured to perform the steps of the method (200; 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when run on a computing unit.

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