Generation of indicators for indicating quality of data transmission

Abstract

The invention relates to the generation of an indicator for indicating the quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitting device, for example a motor vehicle (10), and a receiving device coupled thereto, for example a back-end server (20). In this case, a processing signal (V) is acquired, which can comprise one or more messages that can indicate a state of a respective functional unit (11) of the transmitting device (10). In this case, messages are provided by the respective functional unit (11) with a predetermined cycle or rule. A receiving device message count value indicative of the number of messages transmitted to the receiving device (20) is then determined. Checking whether the message count value of the receiving equipment is consistent with a preset comparison message count value obtained according to a known period in advance or not; and providing an index for data transmission quality according to the inspection result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for generating an indicator which indicates the quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitting device and a receiving device coupled thereto. The invention also relates to a data processing device for carrying out a corresponding method. The invention also relates to a receiving device and a transmitting device having such a data processing device. Finally, the invention also relates to a system having such a transmitting device and such a receiving device. Background Art

[0002] In electrical networks known, for example, from the onboard electrical systems of motor vehicles, so-called bus systems can be used, for example, for communication between the individual participants of the network. Currently, different types or kinds of bus systems are used. They differ, for example, in the way the participants are connected and in the corresponding standardized communication protocols used, for example, for data transmission. In the automotive sector, known bus types include, in particular, and to name just a few, the CAN bus (Controller Area Network), the LIN bus (Local Interconnect Network), Ethernet or Flexray.

[0003] For example, signals or data can be exchanged between two participants, such as control units of a motor vehicle, via a common transmission path. Depending on the bus type, this transmission can be carried out in particular unidirectionally or bidirectionally. For example, the data includes one or more messages which describe or indicate the status or properties of the respective participants. Thus, for example, a door controller of a vehicle can transmit the message "door open" or "door closed" as a status to a central onboard computer of the vehicle. Correspondingly, for example, the central onboard computer can transmit a setpoint torque as a message to a powertrain control unit of the motor vehicle.

[0004] Preferably, data transmission is performed in a clockwise or periodic manner in the form of message signals. In this case, a plurality of messages are sent one after the other or in succession in time. This transmission is performed in a predetermined cycle, i.e. in a predetermined time interval. The cycle may depend on the respective participant, in particular the participant's position of importance for network security. If a plurality of participants are connected to one another, for example, via a common data line, it can be ensured that no two messages are transmitted simultaneously by different participants. The cycle or loop time is usually, for example, in the range of a few milliseconds to a few seconds. In particular, the cycle may be, for example, between 20 milliseconds and 1000 milliseconds.

[0005] Transmission errors may occur in the internal communication in such a network, that is, individual messages may be lost, for example, due to a network fault.

[0006] In order to detect errors in data transmission, a central control unit for redundant communication is known from WO 2008 / 017441 A1, for example. Here, the central control unit is connected to the drive control unit via two communication paths. The setpoint torque is distributed by the central control unit in a manner that associates identical message counters and corresponding checksums. The correct transmission of the setpoint torque can be checked based on the consistency of the message counters and the synchronization of the checksums.

[0007] A disadvantage here is that additional material and installation space must be provided for the redundant communication paths, which can increase the production and development costs.

[0008] WO 2010 / 112 327A1 discloses a possibility of providing a high degree of data security in vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Here, received messages exchanged between vehicles are checked to see whether they comply with certain rules. For this purpose, for example, it can be checked whether the number of received data packets per time unit complies with the rules.

[0009] In addition to internal communication, external communication is also used, for example, in modern vehicles. For example, it may happen that certain data should be exported or forwarded to a backend (i.e., a server outside the vehicle, for example) for processing. For this purpose, so-called ODCs (Online Data Collectors) are used in vehicles, for example. ODCs can, for example, collect message signals from control units and, for example, prepare them for forwarding to a backend.

[0010] However, ODC may be limited in its resources and performance, so that only data quantities that differ, for example, due to software versions, can be safely exported. In addition, if, for example, there is just no wireless communication connection to the back end (such as, for example, a mobile radio connection), the ability of ODC to temporarily store data may be limited.

[0011] It may happen that the limit load of the "ODC" system in the vehicle cannot be reliably determined in advance. This may occur, for example, if there are a large number of software versions (e.g. a new software version for each vehicle model) and a large number of variants of the software version for the individual vehicle models. Load limits may also exist in the communication connection / communication link to the backend or in the backend itself. As a result, it may happen that the data export or data transmission does not work stably at least in part or that the data quality for further processing is not sufficiently ensured. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an indicator for reliably and cost-effectively indicating the quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitting device and a receiving device coupled thereto, by means of which indicator the quality of the data transmission via the corresponding data path can be checked.

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0014] The invention is based on the recognition that by cleverly utilizing the cycles of signals (such as the above-mentioned message signals) already present in a transmitting device (such as the above-mentioned vehicle), corresponding indicators can be generated particularly easily, by means of which the load of the data path can be detected and, for example, the processing of the transmitted data can be adapted.

[0015] According to one aspect, the invention provides a method for generating an indicator for indicating the quality, for example the quality or integrity, of a wireless data transmission that takes place between a transmitting device and a receiving device that is coupled thereto, in particular wirelessly. Thus, for example, the quality of the transmission from a motor vehicle as a transmitting device to a rear end as a receiving device can be determined. The method comprises the following steps, which can be performed, for example, by means of a data processing device:

[0016] First, a processing signal is acquired, which can be transmitted from the sending device to the receiving device for processing by the receiving device, i.e., has been transmitted or should be transmitted, for example. In the present case, processing can, for example, mean evaluation, arrangement and / or temporary storage. Here, the processing signal can be provided with the help of a data collection unit, such as, for example, the online data collector (ODC) described at the beginning of the sending device. In other words, the data collection unit can generate and transmit the processing signal. In order to provide the processing signal, the data collection unit can, for example, acquire the corresponding message data set of at least one functional unit of the sending device. In other words, the data collection unit is designed or arranged for this purpose.

[0017] The corresponding message data set comprises at least one message, which in particular indicates, i.e. describes or encodes a time-dependent current state, i.e., a characteristic, of the corresponding functional unit. Thus, the message data set can be, for example, a part or a fragment of a message signal used in a transmitting device for communication between two functional units. For example, in the field of vehicles, the functional units can be, for example, corresponding control units, such as, for example, a central processing unit and a drive control unit or a door control unit. Preferably, the message data set comprises a data packet having at least two messages that follow one another periodically or in time. Preferably, associated message information, such as a clock time and / or other relevant meta information about the message can also be included.

[0018] Thus, the corresponding message is data that is to be transmitted wirelessly from the transmitting device to the receiving device by means of a processing signal. Under certain conditions, individual messages or message data groups may be completely or partially lost during transmission. This may occur, for example, if the communication connection to the data collection unit or between the transmitting device and the receiving device is interrupted or if the data collection unit or the transmitting device or the receiving device reaches or exceeds the maximum computing power, i.e., its respective load limit.

[0019] In order to identify such a malfunction in data transmission, it is provided in the present method that the current receiving device message count value is determined based on the number of messages of the corresponding message data group transmitted to the receiving device. That is, it involves determining how many messages have been transmitted or how many messages have been provided for transmission by means of the corresponding processing signal. That is to say, if multiple transmissions have been performed, in addition to the current message in the current processing signal, the receiving device message count value may also include or simultaneously count the previously transmitted messages. Thus, the receiving device message count value indicates the total number of messages that are planned for exchange or have been exchanged between the sending device and the receiving device within a predetermined data transmission time period. For example, the data transmission time period can be defined by a start signal and a corresponding end signal provided by the sending device. The start signal and the end signal can be associated with the start or activation of the sending device or its deactivation, for example.

[0020] In the method, it is then checked whether the receiving device message count value and the predefined comparison message count value agree / match according to a predefined check criterion. The comparison message count value is derived from a previously known period or repetition rate of the respective successive messages, which are provided, in particular sent or transmitted, periodically, i.e. at predetermined time intervals, by the associated functional unit, for example, by means of message signals in the transmitting device. As mentioned at the outset, this type of periodic message transmission occurs in particular in functional units that are coupled by means of a bus system.

[0021] In the method, an indicator is then provided based on the check result, which indicates the quality of the data transmission of the processed signal. The indicator thus indicates whether the data transmission that has taken place, is still to take place or is planned between the transmitting device and the receiving device is functioning correctly. The method described can be used to check which part of the transmission path depends, for example, on whether the transmitting device or the receiving device performs the method. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0022] Here, the described method can be used not only for experiments or tests, but also for field applications, i.e. in transmitting devices and receiving devices used by end users. In general, the quality of data collection or data transmission can be continuously monitored or monitored thereby. In addition, it can be ensured by the indicator that the corresponding system (i.e., for example, a receiving device or a transmitting device or a data collection unit) will not be operated or loaded in a manner exceeding the corresponding limit power. Thus, for example, damage to specific services, such as, for example, connection services, can be avoided. In addition, with the aid of the indicator, for example, it can also be decided more finely which data can still be used for further processing, and which data are, for example, junk data or, for example, may lead to erroneous conclusions during processing.

[0023] For example, the described method can be implemented as a program code in an existing data processing device of a transmitting device or a receiving device. This has the advantage that any transmitting device or receiving device can be equipped with a corresponding function, so that, for example, the content of the data transmission can be checked for compatibility or consistency regardless of the software version of the data collection unit.

[0024] In other words, the period or cycle time can be known for each message signal or each functional unit of the sending device. It can thus be said that how many messages should be contained or present in each transmitted data group or each data group to be transmitted can be counted simultaneously. Thus, the method can be used to check whether the message data group provided by the sending device or its functional unit is consistent with the message data group received by the receiving device or to be transmitted to the receiving device, by comparing the above-mentioned message count values. If a message or a part of a data group is lost during transmission or preparation for transmission, this can be indicated by an indicator.

[0025] For this purpose, the cycle of data transmission in the transmitting device is used. This cycle refers to the regularity of the messages that are transmitted or expected in the message signal and that are respectively one after another. This type of periodic message transmission is a typical type of bus communication described at the beginning. In other words, the messages can be transmitted in the transmitting device in the form of bus signals, i.e. by means of the bus system. For example, the transmission can be carried out by means of a CAN bus or a LIN bus or Ethernet or Flexray.

[0026] The periods can be made comparable by means of a message counter value. In this case, the corresponding message counter value is a value which increases with each message, for example, by exactly 1. Thus, the message counter value can be a check value or, for example, a checksum, by means of which the correctness of the data transmission can be verified.

[0027] For example, the corresponding message count value can be encoded according to a predetermined counting scheme. It can thus be avoided that, at common message transmission rates of a few milliseconds to a few microseconds, which are common in bus systems, infinite message count values ​​are reached. For example, the corresponding message count value can be limited to a maximum value and reset to a starting value again when the maximum value is reached. For example, the counter can be incremented periodically between 0 and 15 or 0 and 255 for each message, wherein the counter is respectively incremented by 1 for each message. If the maximum value of 15 or 255 is reached, the counter is reset to the starting value 0.

[0028] The comparison result of the message count values ​​can be the above-mentioned indicator, i.e. a characteristic value indicating the consistency or integrity of the transmitted data. For example, the indicator can be classified or categorized as negative or positive. For example, a positive indicator can mean that the data transmission is correct or error-free. Conversely, a negative indicator can, for example, mean that the data transmission is faulty or incorrect. In particular, a positive indicator can be output, for example, only when the check result is positive, i.e. the message count values ​​match. In contrast, a negative indicator symbolizing an erroneous data transmission can be provided, for example, only when the check result is negative, i.e. the message count values ​​deviate from each other.

[0029] The generated indicator can be used, for example, to trigger an error report or an error prompt, in particular when a negative indicator is provided. Based on the error report, for example, a message included in the erroneous data transmission can be transmitted again. Alternatively, for example, these data can be marked as erroneous. Additionally or alternatively, for example, these data can also be deleted or discarded.

[0030] The present invention also includes embodiments that provide additional examples.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the comparison message count value is determined by means of the transmitting device. Here, the comparison message count value is included in a processing signal for transmission to the receiving device. That is, the comparison message count value is transmitted to the receiving device as part of the processing signal.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the comparison message count value is determined by means of a receiving device. Here, it is determined based on a pre-known starting time at which the transmission of the message starts in the sending device by means of an associated functional unit and a pre-known data packet size indicating the number of transmitted messages in the processing signal. In the present case, the start of the message transmission refers in particular to the start of the above-mentioned transmission time period. Additionally or alternatively, it can also refer to the moment when the first message is provided by the corresponding functional unit in the data transmission time period. In the present case, the data packet size refers in particular to the size or range of the corresponding message data group. Thus, the data packet size presets the maximum number of messages contained in the message data group. For example, the data packet size can be specified or preset as a standard size. The starting time and the data packet size can be transmitted from the sending device to the receiving device in the processing signal, for example.

[0033] If the method is to be carried out with the aid of a receiving device, the two embodiments described above are particularly important. Thus, a particularly simple approach to identifying comparative message count values ​​for the receiving device can be achieved.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the corresponding message count value, ie, in particular the receiving device message count value and / or the comparison message count value, is formed as the sum of a predetermined number of messages. Thus, the message count value can be used as a checksum for the message.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the corresponding message count value is formed as an average value of the sum of the predetermined message quantities. That is to say, for example, the corresponding message count value is examined at a specific cycle time or a specific time interval.

[0036] The number of messages to be considered can be selected, for example, according to the counting scheme described above. For example, the sum can be calculated in a window or region of 16 or 256 messages that follow one another. Since the sequence of the message counter is periodic, it does not matter where or when it starts, as long as the sum or average value is calculated in the region or over the selected cycle time. Thus, in the case of a message counter value of 0 to 15, the sum must be 120 or the average value must be 7.5, as long as no messages are lost during acquisition or processing.

[0037] Alternatively, it can be provided that the current values ​​of the corresponding message count values ​​are compared with each other. That is to say, it can be checked whether the existing message count value that has been prepared for transmission as a comparison signal or has been transmitted is consistent with the message count value that has been received or is ready to be sent.

[0038] For application cases or application scenarios which may occur in the method and are not explicitly described here, provision may be made for outputting an error message and / or a request for inputting user feedback and / or for adjusting standard settings and / or predetermined initial states according to the method.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a data processing device for generating an indicator indicating the quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitting device and an associated receiving device. In this case, the data processing device is designed to execute or implement the method described above.

[0040] The data processing device can, for example, have a control device or a processor device, which is configured to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or at least one DSP (digital signal processor). In addition, the processor device can have a program code, which is configured to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor circuit of the processor device can, for example, have at least one circuit board and / or at least one SoC (system on chip).

[0041] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a receiving device having a data processing device as described above. In this case, the data processing device is designed to receive and process signals from a sending device by means of wireless data transmission. This makes it possible to check not only the data path or data transmission in the sender, but also the transmission path between the sending device and the receiving device.

[0042] In the present case, the receiving device can be, for example, a data storage device outside the vehicle, which can be, for example, a so-called backend or a so-called server, in particular a cloud server.

[0043] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a transmitting device having at least one functional unit and a data processing device as described above. The data processing device may include a data collection unit for providing a processing signal, or at least be associated with the data collection unit. The data collection unit is designed to acquire a corresponding message data set of a corresponding functional unit to provide processing information. In addition, the transmitting device is designed to transmit the processing signal to the receiving device by means of wireless data transmission. Therefore, the data path or data transmission in the transmitter can be checked before the processing signal is sent to the receiving device.

[0044] Preferably, the sending device is designed as a motor vehicle or automobile. It can be a car or a truck, or a bus or a motorcycle.

[0045] The functional unit of the transmitting device may be, for example, a control unit. The transmitting device may include a plurality of functional units. In a system vehicle, the functional unit may be, for example, a door control unit or a motor control unit or a drive control unit or a central computing unit or other conventional control units used in the vehicle field. The functional unit of the transmitting device may differ from a data collection unit or a data processing device, for example, in that the functional unit is only designed for communication or data transmission inside the transmitter. In contrast, a data collection unit or a data processing device may be designed for data transmission outside the vehicle.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the functional units are, for example, only safety-relevant control units. This refers to, for example, control units that are responsible for the functional safety of the transmitting device. In a motor vehicle, this can be, for example, control units related to steering or braking or control units for implementing other functions required for traffic authorization. Safety-relevant control units should be distinguished from non-safety-relevant functional units, i.e., for example, comfort loads in the vehicle.

[0047] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a system having a transmitting device and a receiving device, which are coupled to each other via a wireless communication connection for transmitting data. Here, the receiving device is designed as the receiving device described above. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitting device is also designed as the transmitting device described above.

[0048] That is, either the sending device and the receiving device, or only the sending device or only the receiving device may include the above-mentioned data processing device. Thus, the above-mentioned method for generating an indicator may be performed under the condition of using one of the two devices (sending device and receiving device), or may be performed under the condition of using both devices.

[0049] Thus, the processing signal can be provided as a wireless signal, a radio signal or a wireless signal. In order to realize wireless data transmission, the sending device and the receiving device can be connected or coupled by means of a wireless communication interface. In this case, the sending device and the receiving device can each have a corresponding communication unit. The sending device and the receiving device can be connected to each other by means of a wireless communication connection by means of the communication unit. For example, the communication connection can be a connection by means of WLAN, Bluetooth, radio, in particular mobile radio. Thus, the corresponding communication unit can be, for example, an antenna module or a radio module.

[0050] The present invention also includes improvements of data processing devices, receiving devices, transmitting devices and systems, which have the features already described in conjunction with the improvements of the method according to the present invention. For this reason, the corresponding improvements of data processing devices, receiving devices, transmitting devices and systems are not described again here.

[0051] The present invention also includes the combination of features of the individual embodiments described. Therefore, the present invention also includes the following implementations, which respectively have a combination of features of a plurality of the described embodiments, as long as these embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system is shown, in which the quality of a data transmission between a transmitting device and a receiving device can be determined by means of a data processing device; and

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for operating a data processing device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are the individual features of the present invention that can be viewed independently of each other, and these features also improve the present invention independently of each other. Therefore, the present disclosure should also include feature combinations that are different from the feature combinations of the illustrated embodiments. In addition, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features in the already described features of the present invention.

[0056] In the figures, the same reference numerals respectively denote elements with the same function.

[0057] Figure 1 The system 1 is shown in a schematic diagram. The system 1 comprises a motor vehicle 10 as a transmitting device and a backend server 20 external to the vehicle as a receiving device.

[0058] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of functional units 11, which in the present case form a control unit of the motor vehicle 10 for implementing predetermined vehicle functions. The functional unit 11 may be, for example, a central computing unit 11a of the motor vehicle, i.e., for example, a CPU or a central onboard computer. The remaining two functional units 11 may be, for example, a door control unit 11b and a drive control unit 11c. The functional units 11 are connected to one another in an electrical network or in an onboard electrical system by means of a bus system 12. In the present case, the bus system may be, for example, a bus system of the CAN bus type. The bus system 12 not only prescribes the connection topology between the functional units 11, but also prescribes communication according to a predetermined communication protocol for data transmission between the functional units.

[0059] In the present case, the bus system 12 can for example prescribe a master-slave configuration of the functional units 11, which is known per se. In this case, the central processing unit 11a can for example comprise a master controller, while the other two functional units 11 can comprise so-called slave controllers. The central processing unit 11a thus controls access to a common transmission path, here the corresponding data lines for connecting the door control unit 11b and the drive control unit 11c to the central processing unit 11a.

[0060] The communication between the functional units 11 may include, for example, the transmission of messages. For example, the message may indicate the state or condition of the corresponding functional unit 11. For example, the drive control unit 11c may provide the actual motor speed as a message to the central computing unit 11a. The door control unit 11b may transmit, for example, the state of the door (such as, for example, "door open" or "door closed") as a message. Here, the corresponding messages of the functional units 11 are transmitted in the form of periodic message signals B1, B2. That is, the corresponding messages are sent in the associated message signals B1, B2 in a beat or periodic manner (i.e., in a predetermined time cycle). In the present case, the message signal B1 is associated with, for example, the door control unit 11b. The message signal B2 is associated with, for example, the drive control unit 11c. The cycle time or period of the message transmission by means of the first message signal B1 may be, for example, 1000 milliseconds. In contrast, the period between the messages transmitted in the message signal B2 may be 20 milliseconds.

[0061] The central processing unit 11a can receive the message signals B1, B2 and further process them, for example, i.e., evaluate them. For example, the central processing unit 11a can use the evaluation results to control the control units 11b, 11c. For example, the central processing unit 11a can preset a theoretical speed for the motor for the drive control unit 11c.

[0062] To optimize data processing, alternatively or additionally, the message signals B1, B2 or the corresponding messages can be further processed outside the vehicle, for example by means of a backend server 20. The backend server can, for example, evaluate the message signals and after evaluation send them back to the motor vehicle 10 for control or store them temporarily, for example for later retrieval.

[0063] For external processing, the central computing unit 11a can also collect one or more messages of the corresponding message signals B1, B2 in message data groups BS1 and BS2, and thus prepare them for processing by the backend server 20. In the present case, the message data group BS1 can, for example, only include messages of the message signal B1, and the message data group BS2 can only include messages of the message signal B2. The number of messages collected in the message data groups BS1, BS2 or contained in the message data groups can be preset, for example, by a predetermined data packet size.

[0064] The central processing unit 11a can transmit the message data sets BS1, BS2 to the data collection unit 13 of the motor vehicle 10 for sending to the backend server 20. The data collection unit 13 can be referred to as a so-called online data collector. The data collection unit 13 can form an independent control unit relative to the remaining functional units 11 of the motor vehicle 10. Alternatively, the data collection unit 13 can be included in the central processing unit 11a as a module, for example.

[0065] The data collection unit 13 can acquire the corresponding message data groups BS1, BS2 and transmit them in a processing signal V to the backend server 20 for processing. For this purpose, the motor vehicle 10 and the backend server 20 can be connected to each other, for example, by a wireless or wired communication connection 30. For example, the communication connection can be a mobile radio connection. For wireless data transmission, the data collection unit 13 includes a communication unit 14, which in the present case is designed as a mobile radio module, for example. A corresponding communication unit 23, i.e., a corresponding mobile radio module, is included in the data processing device 21 of the backend server 20. The communication units 14, 23 can form a communication interface for the motor vehicle 10 and the backend server 20.

[0066] The data processing device 21 can be used to process the signal V or the messages contained therein. For example, the processing can include evaluation and / or storage. For storage, such as Figure 1 As shown, the backend server 20 may include, for example, a storage device (i.e., a data memory 24). For evaluation, the data processing device 21 may include, for example, a computing unit 22 (such as, for example, a microcontroller). In addition to the processing functions, the data processing device 21 may also provide a function for checking the quality or quality of the data transmission in the system 1. Thus, errors in the data transmission on the data path in the motor vehicle 10 and / or on the data path between the motor vehicle 10 and the backend server 20 may be detected. Figure 2 Describe in detail how to implement this functionality.

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic method flow chart for operating a method of data processing device 21 as described above by way of example is shown. In this case, a method for generating an indicator indicating the quality of wireless data transmission between motor vehicle 10 and backend server 20 can be executed by means of data processing device 21 .

[0068] In step S1 of the method, a processing signal V is first acquired by means of the data processing device 21. The processing signal V can be evaluated by means of the computing unit 22 and, for example, the corresponding message data sets BS1, BS2 can be separated or determined. The method can then be continued in step S2.

[0069] In step S2, the current receiving device message count value is determined based on the number of messages of the corresponding message data groups BS1, BS2 that are transmitted to the backend server 20. That is, the calculation unit 22 can, for example, read or calculate how many messages are present in the corresponding message data groups BS1, BS2. In this case, in addition to the currently transmitted message data groups BS1, BS2, the message data groups BS1, BS2 that were transmitted previously (in terms of time) can also be taken into account. It can therefore be determined how many messages have actually been transmitted via the communication connection 30, more precisely, how many messages have been transmitted in particular within a predetermined data transmission interval of the system 1. The data transmission interval can, for example, be the time interval between the start time (activation or restart) of the motor vehicle 10 and the current time. As a result, the data transmission time can indicate the operating time period of the motor vehicle 10. Subsequently, the method is continued in step S3.

[0070] In step S3, a comparative message count value is determined, for example, by means of the calculation unit 22. The comparative message count value is derived from a previously known period of successive messages, which are periodically provided in the transmitting device by the associated functional unit 11 by means of corresponding message signals B1, B2. The comparative message count value can therefore indicate how many messages should be present in the corresponding transmitted message data set BS1, BS2 and therefore how many messages should be transmitted to the backend server 20 within the data transmission interval.

[0071] In order to determine the comparative message count value, the data processing device 21 can obtain, for example, the start time of the data transmission interval and the data packet size of the corresponding message data group BS1, BS2 from the motor vehicle 10. For example, these can be provided by the motor vehicle 10 in the processing signal V. This can be done once, for example, at the beginning when the first processing signal V is transmitted in the data transmission interval. Alternatively, this information can be sent together with each transmission. As a result, the back-end server 20 can determine the cycle time or period for each message signal B1, B2 in the motor vehicle 10. As a result, the back-end server 20 itself can count together: how many messages should be included in the corresponding transmitted message data group BS1, BS2. As a result, the back-end server 20 can form a message counter.

[0072] In the present case, a predetermined counting scheme can be preset for the message count value. For example, a value range of 0 to 15 can be preset for the message count value. Once the maximum value of 15 is reached, the counting process starts again from 0. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , a count signal Z for a corresponding message counter is shown in step S2. Here, the time is shown on the abscissa (x-axis), while the corresponding message count value is shown on the ordinate (y-axis). Figure 2As shown, the counting signal Z can be designed as a step signal between a minimum value (e.g., 0) and a maximum value (e.g., 15), wherein each step corresponds to a new message, and the counting value W increases by 1 with each message. Figure 2 As shown, the steps of the count signal are symmetrical, which means that when the message is completely transmitted, the message is obtained at regular time intervals.

[0073] The corresponding message count value can be formed, for example, as an average value or a sum of the data size specified for a certain number of messages. For example, the average value or the sum can be calculated over a window of 16 messages that follow one another. Due to the periodic sequence of the message counters (i.e. the messages), it does not matter where or when to start, as long as the sum or the average value is calculated over the corresponding period, i.e. over a predetermined number of messages. In the case of message counter values ​​of 0 to 15, the sum must be 120 in total or the average value must be 7.5, as long as no messages are lost during acquisition or processing.

[0074] The method then continues in step S4 .

[0075] In step S4, it is checked whether the message count value of the receiving device and the comparison message count value are consistent according to a preset check criterion. For example, it can be checked according to the check criterion whether the message count values ​​have a difference of n% or a step of n% (n=number of messages) from each other. Alternatively, the consistency criterion can include, for example, the following condition: these message count values ​​should be exactly consistent, i.e. have the same value.

[0076] Thus, the check criterion is, for example, a rule or condition by which it is predetermined whether the compared message count values ​​are to be classified as consistent or inconsistent. For example, the check criterion can predetermine a limit for the maximum difference or the maximum percentage deviation of two message count values. Preferably, the check criterion can, for example, indicate consistency only when the message count values ​​have exactly the same value. Otherwise, the message count values ​​are classified as inconsistent.

[0077] If the check result is negative, i.e. the consistency criterion is not met ("No"), this is an indicator of unstable behavior or unstable processing of the information. As a result, the quality of the data processing or data transmission in the system 1 cannot be ensured. If this is the case, the method is continued in step S5.

[0078] In step S5, a negative indicator is then generated, which indicates an erroneous data transmission in terms of the data transmission quality. An error report or warning can then be provided to the motor vehicle, for example, from the backend server 20 via the communication connection 30. Additionally or alternatively, data belonging to the erroneous data transmission can be deleted from the backend server 20.

[0079] On the contrary, if the check result is positive, i.e. the check criterion is met ("yes"), the method is continued in step S6. A positive index is generated in step S6. This index shows that the data transmission is error-free or performed correctly. Thus, the transmitted data can undoubtedly be used for further processing by the back-end server 20.

[0080] If a positive indicator is generated, it can be assumed that all pre-aggregated or previously collected data from the motor vehicle 10 are available even if individual data or messages are lost on the transmission path. It can also be assumed, for example, that all other useful signals that have been transmitted with the processing signal V in the considered window (i.e., the message data set) are also error-free. The useful signal can be, for example, meta-information or additional information about the message that has been transmitted together with or as part of the processing signal.

[0081] As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment depicted in the figure, the motor vehicle may include a data processing device 21 , for example. The comparison message count value may then be transmitted in particular from the motor vehicle 10 as part of the processing signal V to the backend server 20 .

[0082] In general, embodiments illustrate methods for generating data quality and data integrity indicators for online data collectors utilizing periodic signals in a vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for generating an indicator for indicating the quality of wireless data transmission between a transmitting device and a receiving device coupled to the transmitting device, the method comprising the following steps: - acquiring a processing signal (V), which can be transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device for processing, wherein the processing signal (V) can be provided by means of a data collection unit (13) of the transmitting device, and in order to provide the processing signal (V), the data collection unit (13) can acquire a corresponding message data set (BS1, BS2) of at least one functional unit (11) of the transmitting device, the corresponding message data set (BS1, BS2) comprising at least one message indicating the state of the corresponding functional unit, - determining a current receiving device message count value based on the number of messages of the corresponding message data group (BS1, BS2) transmitted to the receiving device, - checking whether the message count value of the receiving device is consistent with a preset comparative message count value according to a preset check criterion, wherein the comparative message count value is obtained based on a previously known period of messages that are periodically provided by an associated functional unit (11) in the sending device and that are respectively successive to each other, and - Based on the inspection result, an indicator is provided indicating the quality of the data transmission of the processing signal (V).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The comparative message count value is determined by means of the transmitting device and is included in a processing signal (V) for transmission to the receiving device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The comparative message count value is determined by means of a receiving device, in particular, the comparative message count value is additionally determined based on a previously known start time of message transmission by an associated functional unit (11) in the sending device and a previously known data packet size, the data packet size indicating the number of messages transmitted in the processing signal (V).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The corresponding message count value (W) is formed as the sum of the predetermined number of messages.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The corresponding message count value (W) is formed as an average value of the sum of the predetermined message quantities.

6. A data processing device (21) for generating an indicator for indicating the quality of data transmission between a sending device and an associated receiving device, wherein: The data processing device (21) is designed to carry out the method according to any of the preceding claims.

7. A receiving device having a data processing device (21) according to claim 6, wherein: The data processing device (21) is designed to receive a processed signal (V) from a transmitting device by means of wireless data transmission.

8. A transmitting device having at least one functional unit (11) and a data processing device (21) according to claim 6, wherein: The data processing device (21) comprises a data collection unit (13) for providing a processing signal (V), wherein the data collection unit is designed to obtain corresponding message data groups (BS1, BS2) of corresponding functional units (11) to provide processing information (V), and the sending device is designed to transmit the processing signal (V) to the receiving device by means of wireless data transmission.

9. A system (1) comprising a transmitting device and a receiving device, the transmitting device and the receiving device being coupled to each other via a wireless communication connection (30) for transmitting data, wherein: The receiving device is designed as a receiving device according to claim 7 and / or the transmitting device is designed as a transmitting device according to claim 8.

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