Method for operating a control system and control system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a control system (10) of a vehicle (50), the control system comprising at least two controllers (11), the controllers (11) being in communication connection via a network (12) for data transmission at least temporarily, data transmission in the network (12) taking place according to a polling scheduling method, whereby all controllers (11) are assigned temporally successive transmission slots (13) for transmitting data, at least one controller (11) being configured at least temporarily as a server controller (11.1), at least one controller (11) being configured at least temporarily as a client controller (11.2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to a method for a control system for operating a vehicle, a control system for a vehicle, a vehicle, a computer program product, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In modern vehicles, a large amount of data is detected, transmitted, and further processed. Data detected at one location is often required by multiple vehicle systems or applications simultaneously in a correlated manner, and may be further processed or simply displayed to the user. This data can be not only parameters detected by sensors (such as tire pressure or GPS location), but also user-specific input parameters (such as selected display layout or vehicle speed displayed in km / h or mph).

[0003] For example, if tire pressure is detected by a sensor, specifically a tire pressure sensor, the vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system is interested in that tire pressure. The system compares the tire pressure to a reference value and identifies any deviations relevant to safety. Additionally, other vehicle systems (such as the vehicle's HMI (Human-Machine-Interface)) may also be interested in tire pressure, displaying it to the vehicle's user on a monitor.

[0004] Data distribution within a vehicle is typically based on service-oriented communication. This means that a single vehicle system provides its data as part of a so-called service to a potential recipient (other vehicle systems), and the recipient can subscribe to one or more services as needed.

[0005] In this regard, one feasible approach is to transmit service item messages (Dienstangebotsnachricht) from a controller (server controller, which monitors or operates at least one vehicle system, such as a tire pressure monitoring device and / or location detection device) to at least one or more other controllers (client controllers). The subject of the service item message is which services can be provided from the server controller to the client controller. Now, the client controller, in particular at least one vehicle system operating through the client controller, can also subscribe to at least one service provided through the server controller, specifically by transmitting a corresponding response to the server controller (subscription confirmation). Therefore, the server controller transmits data related to the subscribed service (e.g., vehicle tire pressure, GPS location, etc.) to the client controller, or to the relevant vehicle system operating through the client controller, at least for a limited time period. Based on this approach, it is guaranteed that data is transmitted only when needed and only to the location where the data is needed, thereby reducing the overall data traffic within the vehicle.

[0006] In-vehicle communication between two or more controllers typically occurs via a network, particularly Ethernet. In this context, a so-called switch is used, which forms a central communication node within the network and ensures that data transmitted by one network participant (e.g., service item messages) is correctly delivered to other participants. This also enables multiple network participants to transmit simultaneously. A problem in this regard is that switches are relatively expensive hardware components. Therefore, it is desirable to keep the number of switches as small as possible, or even eliminate switches altogether. However, eliminating switches means that simultaneous transmission by multiple network participants (controllers) is no longer possible, and a data transmission method similar to a data bus must be applied, where network participants are allowed to transmit alternately within their respective transmission time slots in a specified order (round-robin scheduling or a round-robin method).

[0007] Here, a limited amount of data can be transmitted in each transmission slot. This limited data amount, combined with the network's basic data transmission rate (e.g., 10 Mbit / s, 100 Mbit / s), specifies the maximum duration of the transmission slot. However, a transmission slot does not necessarily have to be used by a network participant. If there is no data to transmit, the transmission proceeds to the next transmission slot of the next network participant after the shortest duration. Accordingly, since the duration of a network participant's transmission slot is variable, the time between two transmission slots for a participant can sometimes vary significantly. This can result in only a single service being available at the server controller in a delayed manner, and potentially with delays. However, if services are not prepared or provided in a timely manner, this can result in a single vehicle system or server controller actively searching for services within the network as part of a search message. In other words, a search message is transmitted into the network by a client controller or multiple server controllers, particularly via multicast, indicating that a specific service or multiple specific services are required on the client controller, particularly on at least one vehicle system running on the client controller. The transmission of search messages over the network may lead to higher network load, which in turn may affect the fast and timely transmission of service items.

[0008] Another challenge in service-oriented communication over a network lies in handling the responses received during the transmission of service item messages. For example, at least one service may be subscribed to by a large number of client controllers or vehicle systems running on these client controllers, and consequently, a large number of messages may be sent to the server controller, which is the sender of the service item messages, and these messages must then be processed at the server controller. This can lead to resource bottlenecks at the server controller, where the processing of individual responses may be delayed, or the responses may even be lost entirely. Therefore, this can result in the required data being delayed or even not being transmitted to the recipient, particularly the client controller.

[0009] Failure to provide the necessary data to the client controller, particularly at least one vehicle system running on it, in a timely manner can lead to fault indications, functional malfunctions, or individual vehicle system failures. This can impede safety-related vehicle systems. Fault indications and / or vehicle functional limitations can also significantly reduce vehicle usability. Therefore, relevant vehicle data, once detected or generated, should be distributed throughout the vehicle as simply, effectively, reliably, and promptly as possible to facilitate the smooth operation of all vehicle system functions. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for a control system for operating a vehicle, a control system, a vehicle, a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium, and a data-bearing signal, by which reliable, secure, and / or improved data transmission between multiple controllers of the vehicle can be achieved.

[0011] The above objectives are achieved by a method for a control system for operating a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention, a control system for a vehicle according to a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle according to a third aspect of the invention, a computer program product according to a fourth aspect of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium according to a fifth aspect of the invention, and a data-bearing signal according to a sixth aspect of the invention. Other features and details of the invention are obtained from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings. Herein, the features and details described in conjunction with the method according to the invention also apply to the vehicle according to the invention and / or the computer program product according to the invention and / or the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention and / or the data-bearing signal according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosures of various aspects of the invention are always mutually referenced or can be mutually referenced.

[0012] According to the present invention, a method for a control system for operating a vehicle is proposed. The control system includes at least two controllers, wherein the at least two controllers are at least briefly in a particularly bidirectional communication connection via a network for data transmission, and transmit data in the network according to a polling scheduling method, thereby allocating temporally sequential transmission time slots to all controllers for data transmission. At least one controller is configured at least briefly as a server controller, and at least one controller is configured at least briefly as a client controller. The method includes: - Specifically, by using the server controller, identify the service items on the server controller, which include at least one service available on the server controller. - Specifically, the transmission time information is determined through the server controller, whereby the transmission time information characterizes the earliest and / or latest start time of the server controller's next transmission time slot. - Specifically, load information is determined through the server controller, where the load information represents the current load on the server controller. - Specifically, through the server controller, service items are allocated to one or more service item messages based on transmission time and load information, where each service item message represents at least one service available on the server controller. - In particular, the server controller transmits one or more service items messages from the server controller to at least one client server during at least one transmission time slot configured for the server controller, preferably, each service item message is transmitted in a separate transmission time slot.

[0013] In other words, a method is proposed for a control system for operating a vehicle, wherein the control system comprises at least two controllers. These controllers are in a particularly bidirectional communication connection, at least briefly, via a network for data transmission, particularly Ethernet. Data transmission is performed in the network using a polling scheduling method, thereby allocating temporally sequential transmission slots to all controllers for data transmission. The polling scheduling method is performed periodically, so that after the end of one cycle (in which transmission slots are provided for each network participant), a new cycle begins, in which the order of transmission slots for the corresponding network participants remains unchanged.

[0014] At least one controller of the control system is configured, particularly for at least a short period, as a server controller or operating as a server controller, and at least one controller of the control system is configured, particularly for at least a short period, as a client controller or operating as a client controller. Here, a server controller should be understood as a controller that provides at least one service in the network, at least for a short period, or can provide at least a short period of service. Furthermore, a client controller should be understood as a controller that requests or subscribes to at least one service in the network, at least for a short period of time. Within the scope of the invention, it can be specified that at least one controller is configured, particularly for at least a short period of time, not only to function as a server controller, but also, particularly for at least a short period of time, as a client controller. In other words, it can be specified that at least one controller can be not only a service provider in the network, but also a service requester. Thus, the method according to the invention can be used for multiple controllers of the control system, wherein, particularly the corresponding method relates to the operation of the associated controller acting as a server controller.

[0015] This method specifies the identification of service items on a server controller, wherein each service item includes at least one service that the server controller can provide. Specifically, a service may include providing data and / or information as its object / subject. In this regard, it is guaranteed that only services that are actually available in the network are provided through the server controller. Thus, for example, it can be specified that a single vehicle system is available only after a long period of vehicle operation, or only at a defined time. Therefore, the check on the availability of services on the server controller performed when preparing to transmit service item messages helps prevent errors and further allows for minimizing the parameters of the service items and, consequently, the parameters of the (multiple) service item messages generated based on the service items.

[0016] Furthermore, it is stipulated that transmission time information be determined, wherein the transmission time information characterizes the earliest and / or latest start time of the server controller's next transmission slot. In other words, it determines the earliest or latest time when the server controller will again have the possibility of transmitting data in the network (e.g., transmitting at least one service item message). For this purpose, for example, it can be stipulated that the end time of the last transmission slot is combined with the shortest and longest period durations in a polling scheduling method to determine the earliest or latest start time of the server controller's next transmission slot. Therefore, this characterizes the earliest or latest time when the service item will be available to other network participants, particularly client controllers.

[0017] Within the scope of this invention, the start and end times of transmission time slots can be specified to be stored by at least one controller, particularly a server controller or a client controller. Therefore, the time history of transmission time slots available to the controller can be accessed. Additionally or alternatively, at least one controller, particularly a server controller, can store at what time a service item message was transmitted and which services were included in the service item message. Therefore, the time history of services provided through the server controller can be easily accessed. In particular, it can be easily determined at what time a service was last provided in the network. Additionally or alternatively, at least one controller, particularly a server controller, can store at what time a subscription confirmation was received and which client controller subscribed to which service or services via subscription confirmation. Therefore, the time history of services subscribed at the server controller can be accessed.

[0018] Furthermore, it is stipulated that load information be determined, wherein the load information characterizes the server controller, specifically the current load. Here, the server controller load should be understood as the server controller load in terms of its storage and / or computing capabilities.

[0019] Furthermore, the method specifies that, based on the determined transmission time information and the determined load information, service items are allocated to one or more service item messages, wherein each service item message represents at least one service available on the server controller. Thus, based on the transmission time information and load information, the available services included in the service item are either provided in the network as part of a single service item message, or provided in a grouped manner and as part of multiple service item messages. Preferably, each service item message is transmitted to the remaining network participants (client controllers) in a separate transmission time slot, i.e., staggered in time.

[0020] For example, if the load information indicates that a large portion of the server controller resources are occupied, the number of services provided as part of a service item message can be reduced. If fewer services are provided in the service item message, the number of reservation confirmations (confirmations of reservations for one or more services in the service item message) transmitted from the client controller in the network to the server controller as responses to the service item message also decreases. This ensures that responses arriving at the server controller can be processed in terms of quantity, both practically and in a predictable timeframe.

[0021] Furthermore, if the determination of transmission time information indicates that the next possible transmission of a service item message is in the relatively distant future, the number of services provided as part of the service item message can be increased or maximized to ensure that all services are provided to other network participants (client controllers) as quickly as possible and, consequently, in a timely manner as expected. In making this assessment, one can start from the latest possible transmission time, corresponding to a pessimistic assumption, or from the earliest possible transmission time, corresponding to an optimistic assumption. For example, one can also use an intermediate value between the earliest and latest possible times.

[0022] The advantage of the method according to the invention is that, in terms of service item message transmission in the network, it assesses and considers not only the network topology and the resulting transmission latency, but also the available resources of the server controller acting as the service item message sender, so as to achieve the most reliable, secure, and efficient data transmission possible in the network. Furthermore, the proposed method allows for optimal network operation within the scope of polling scheduling methods, thereby reducing the overall number of switches in the vehicle or even eliminating the need for switches altogether.

[0023] Within the scope of this invention, a vehicle system can be not only a service provider but also a service consumer (service subscriber). At least one vehicle system can be at least partially designed as a software application and preferably runs on at least one controller. Multiple vehicle systems can run on at least one controller, each of which can provide at least one service and / or request or subscribe to at least one service. Therefore, in particular, receiving a service item at only one client controller can trigger multiple subscription confirmations.

[0024] It can be stipulated that, in response to receiving a service item message, at least one booking confirmation is transmitted from the client controller to the server controller that transmitted the service item message. The booking confirmation form indicates that the client controller, and in particular at least one vehicle system running on the client controller, has booked at least one service from the service item message.

[0025] It can be specified that at least one service item message includes at least one server controller identifier, wherein the server controller identifier represents a specific server controller. Thus, in a simple manner, the client controller can transmit the booking confirmation to the correct server controller. Additionally or alternatively, it can be specified that at least one booking confirmation and / or at least one search message includes a client controller identifier, wherein the client controller identifier represents a specific client controller. Thus, in a simple manner, in response to a booking confirmation or search message, the server controller can transmit data corresponding to the booked and / or searched service to the correct client controller.

[0026] Within the scope of this invention, it can be specified that at least a single step of the method is repeatedly performed. In particular, it can be specified that the method is performed periodically during the operation of a control system, especially with respect to at least one controller. The single steps of the method may be performed at least partially simultaneously. Additionally or alternatively, it can be specified that at least a single step of the method is implemented by a computer; in particular, the method is a computer-implemented method.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be specified that at least one service item message is transmitted via multicast across the network. In other words, service item messages are transmitted simultaneously or nearly simultaneously from the server controller to the client controllers available in the network. The advantage of this approach is that services from the server controller are provided to the client controllers simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. This ensures that services are made available as quickly as possible in all client controllers. Additionally, service expiration times can be uniformly and thus more easily determined in the client controllers.

[0028] At least one service may have at least one of the following as an object: - Provide at least one vehicle parameter. - Provide at least one environmental parameter. - Provide at least one user parameter, - Provide at least one user setting.

[0029] Here, vehicle parameters should be understood as parameters characterizing the vehicle's state. Specifically, vehicle parameters can be at least one of the following: - Vehicle tire pressure, - Vehicle location, especially GPS location. - Vehicle speed, - The acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle. - The maintenance status of at least one component of the vehicle. - The fuel level in the vehicle's fuel tank. - The state of charge of at least one energy storage device in the vehicle, particularly the battery. - Vehicle fuel level, - Number of occupants in the vehicle - The open state of at least one door cover of the vehicle, particularly a door or fuel tank cap, and / or at least one window. - The seatbelt status of at least one vehicle occupant. - The steering angle of at least the steering wheel and / or at least one wheel of the vehicle. - The location of at least one pedal of the vehicle, particularly the accelerator pedal or brake pedal.

[0030] Here, environmental parameters should be understood as parameters characterizing the vehicle's environment. Specifically, environmental parameters can be at least one of the following: - Ambient temperature, - Ambient air humidity, - Environmental pressure, - Ambient brightness, - Information about the vehicle's surface, especially the road surface. - Distance information to at least one vehicle traveling in front or behind. - Blind spot information for at least one partially adjacent vehicle. - Especially through vehicle detection, road or lane direction, - At least one, particularly a location and / or outline feature of an obstacle detected by a vehicle.

[0031] Here, user parameters should be understood as parameters that characterize the vehicle user. Specifically, user parameters can be at least one of the following: - The user's vital functions. - User fatigue state, - User's weight, - User's height.

[0032] Here, user settings should be understood as parameters that characterize the user's settings on the vehicle, specifically the user's specific choices regarding various setting options on the vehicle. In particular, user settings can be at least one of the following: - Suspension settings, especially in Sport or Comfort modes. - Unit settings, especially speed unit settings, preferably km / h or mph. - Seat settings - Steering wheel position, - Interior space temperature, - The status of at least one seat heating device in the vehicle. - The position or state of at least one rearview mirror of the vehicle.

[0033] This invention is not limited to the above-mentioned vehicle parameters, environmental parameters, user parameters and / or user settings.

[0034] Within the scope of this invention, it is advantageous to determine that the services on the server controller include at least one of the following: - Determine the current availability of at least one service. - Determine the future availability of the service at a future moment, where the future moment represents the—specifically, the anticipated—start time of the next transmission time slot configured for the server controller. - If the service is available now and in the future, include the service in the service project.

[0035] In other words, it can first be determined whether the service is currently available. Furthermore, it can be stipulated that the service will remain available in the future. Specifically, for this purpose, it can be stipulated, for example, that a particular vehicle system (as the provider of the service) is known to be cut off in the future, particularly at a known time. For example, if that time is before a future time, the service will no longer be available, because otherwise, booking the service through the client controller, particularly at least one vehicle system of the client controller, could lead to errors. Therefore, it can be stipulated that the service is included in the service list and thus provided in the network only if it is not only currently available but also will be available in the future.

[0036] The future time can be determined as the expected start time of the next transmission slot of the server controller. Therefore, the future time can be consistent with or determined based on the transmission time information. Furthermore, a buffer time can be additionally considered when determining the future time. This ensures that the relevant service will be available for at least a finite period after the start of the next transmission slot. Therefore, in particular, the future time can be defined by adding a buffer time to the expected start time of the next transmission slot of the server controller.

[0037] Within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable that at least one of the following may additionally be included: - Determine the last transmission time of at least one service available on the server controller, wherein the last transmission time represents the time when the service was last transmitted to at least one client controller and, in particular, subscribed to by at least one client controller. - Query the validity period of a service and calculate the remaining time until the service expires on the client controller that subscribed to the service. - When assigning a service item to one or more service item messages, take into account the remaining time, and / or, in terms of the time of transmission of service item messages, give priority to at least one service item message based on the remaining time.

[0038] In other words, regarding at least one service, it can be determined when the service was last provided in the network, and in particular, when the service was subscribed by at least one client controller, and especially at least one vehicle system running on the client controller. Furthermore, it can be specified that, regarding this service, the service's time to live (validity period) can be queried. In particular, the validity period can be provided directly through the service or by at least one vehicle system acting as the service provider. Within the scope of the invention, a service item can be defined as including at least one validity period of the services covered by the service item. The validity period should be understood as the duration for which reliable data transmission through the service can be ensured from the time the service is provided in the client controller. Thus, the expiration time can be calculated based on the validity period and the last transmission time, where the expiration time characterizes the expiration of the service's validity period in the client controller that subscribed to the service. For example, the expiration of the service's validity period in the client controller may cause the client controller to believe that data transmission within the scope of the service is no longer possible. Accordingly, this may trigger a functional failure or fault indication. Therefore, it is desirable that the service be re-provided in the client controller and can be subscribed by the client controller before reaching the expiration time to ensure continuous or on-demand data provision.

[0039] When assigning service items to one or more service messages, the calculated expiration time can be considered. In particular, the remaining time can be compared to at least one remaining time limit. If the remaining time is less than or equal to the remaining time limit, preferably, the related service can be isolated in a single service item message, and / or combined with a relatively small number of services, particularly a maximum of ten, five, three, or one service, in a single service item message. This facilitates the rapid processing of possible booking confirmations as a response to the service item message, and allows for the rapid provision of data to the relevant client controller. Additionally or alternatively, service item messages containing related services can be given time priority based on the remaining time. Specifically, it can be specified that when the remaining time is less than or equal to the remaining time limit, service item messages with related services are given higher priority in terms of their time transmission, and thus are transmitted earlier than other service item messages. This facilitates the re-offering and booking of services as quickly as possible and before the expiration date in the client controller. Consequently, communication connection interruptions or error and fault prompts can be better avoided.

[0040] Within the scope of this invention, it may be specified that at least one of the following may additionally be included: - Determine the booking forecast for at least one service available on the server controller, where the booking forecast characterizes the expected number of potential booking confirmations for that service on the server controller. - The load forecast is determined based on the booking forecast, where the load forecast represents the additional load on the server controller caused by the quantity of bookings confirmed according to the booking forecast. - When assigning service items to one or more service item messages, take the load forecast into account, and / or, in terms of the time-based transmission of service item messages, give priority to at least one service item message based on the load forecast.

[0041] In other words, it can be specified that a booking forecast is determined for services covered by at least one service item. This booking forecast indicates how many booking confirmations are expected in the server controller in response to a service sent as part of a service item message. For this purpose, for example, it can be assessed how many participants are active in the network. Activity can be determined, for example, by assessing whether network participants regularly use their transmission slots to transmit data or allow transmission slots to expire. This can, in turn, be determined based on the period of a polling scheduling method. Additionally or alternatively, it can be assessed how many client controllers, particularly vehicle systems, have booked the service in the past in response to the provision of the service in the network. In other words, it can be assessed how many booking confirmations the server controller received on average when the service was provided in the network.

[0042] Load forecasts can be determined based on booking forecasts. Load forecasts characterize the additional load on the server controller due to processing a certain number of booking confirmations according to the booking forecasts. This additional load may involve the load on the server controller's memory and / or computing power.

[0043] When allocating service items to one or more service item messages, load forecasting can be considered. Specifically, it can be stipulated that when a service is expected to cause high additional load on the server controller, the service is isolated in a single service item message, and / or combined with a relatively small number of services, particularly a maximum of ten, five, three, or one service, in a single service item message. This ensures that the maximum load on the server controller is not exceeded, and that all reservation confirmations received as responses to the sent service item messages are processed correctly without partial loss. This, in turn, achieves reliable and secure data communication in the network, and consequently contributes to the trouble-free operation of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, service item messages containing related services can be given time priority based on load forecasting. For this purpose, for example, load forecasting can be compared with load information. If the load resulting from combining load information and load forecasting exceeds the maximum load on the server controller, the sending of the service item message can, for example, be postponed until the current load on the server controller decreases. On the other hand, when the current load on the server controller is low, services with high load forecasts can be given time priority to be provided as quickly as possible.

[0044] Within the scope of this invention, the determination of the reservation forecast may include at least the following: - Evaluate at least one search message received at the server controller, wherein the search message indicates that at least one client controller, particularly at least one vehicle system running on the client controller, has searched for at least one service.

[0045] Within the scope of this assessment, it can be determined, for example, whether the service involved in the search message is currently available from the server controller or whether it is part of a service item. If so, it can be assumed that at least the client controller that transmitted the search message will subscribe to the service after the service item message is sent. In this regard, assessing the (multiple) search messages received through the server controller can contribute to improving booking predictions.

[0046] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the determination of transmission time information includes at least one of the following: - Determine the network data transmission rate, determine the number of participants in the network, and calculate the earliest and / or latest start time of the server controller's next transmission slot based on the data transmission rate and / or the number of participants.

[0047] Preferably, the data transmission rate can be determined based on the network type, for example, 10 Mbit / s Ethernet or 100 Mbit / s Ethernet. The number of participants in the network can be determined, for example, by reading the IP addresses within the network from the server controller. Alternatively, the number of participants can be directly queried in the network driver. Alternatively, the number of participants can be determined by evaluating the cycle time of the polling scheduling method. In this regard, at least the maximum or minimum number of participants can be determined based on the known minimum and maximum duration of the transmission slot for each cycle. Combined with the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted within a transmission slot (which is known to all network participants), the maximum duration of the transmission slot can be determined from the network's data transmission rate. Furthermore, the minimum duration of the transmission slot in the polling scheduling method is known, which is equivalent to the relevant network participants relinquishing their transmission possibility. Therefore, given the number of participants and the premise that each participant is allowed to send once in a cycle, the earliest start time of the server controller's next transmission slot can be determined based on the shortest duration of the transmission slot and the number of participants, and the latest start time of the server controller's next transmission slot can be determined based on the longest duration of the transmission slot and the number of participants.

[0048] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the present invention includes at least the following: - Determine the transmission time prediction associated with at least one service item message, wherein the transmission time prediction characterizes the round-trip time / cycle time (Round-Trip-Zeit) of the service item message.

[0049] Round-trip time should be understood as the time elapsed from the sending of a service item message until the reservation confirmation issued from the client controller in response to that service item message reaches the server controller. Based on this round-trip time, the amount of time allowed for the server controller between the sending of the service item message and the receipt of the corresponding response can be estimated. For example, transmission time prediction can be determined by evaluating historical data. For instance, average values ​​related to previous transmissions of service item messages can be determined. Service item messages can be given time priority based on round-trip time. In particular, it can be specified that if the transmission time prediction indicates a relatively long transmission time, efforts should be made to transmit the service item message as early as possible.

[0050] It can also be envisioned that the determination of load information includes at least one of the following: - Determine the load on at least one working memory / main memory of the server controller. - Determine the load on at least one computing unit of the server controller, specifically at least one processor. - Determine the load on at least one non-volatile data storage device of the server controller.

[0051] In addition, the following can be considered: - Determine the predicted data volume for a service item and take that prediction into account when assigning the service item to one or more service item messages.

[0052] Preferably, the data volume prediction can characterize the cumulative data volume of service item messages encompassing the entire service item. Specifically, the data volume prediction can be compared to the maximum data volume that can be transmitted in a single transmission slot. The data volume prediction can be considered when assigning a service item to one or more service item messages. In particular, if the data volume prediction exceeds the maximum data volume, the service item can be assigned to multiple service item messages.

[0053] Optionally, within the scope of this invention, it is feasible to additionally include at least one of the following: - Compare the number of services covered by the service item with the limit, and if the number of services covered by the service item exceeds the limit, distribute the service item into multiple service item messages.

[0054] In other words, if the number of services to be provided exceeds the limit, multiple service item messages can be set from the outset. Preferably, the limit can be defined based on the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted within a single transmission slot.

[0055] Within the scope of this invention, it can be specified that the network is designed without switches. In other words, it can be specified that the network does not include switches. Additionally or alternatively, within the scope of this invention, it can be specified that the network is designed as Ethernet, particularly 10 Mbit / s Ethernet, wherein preferably, communication in the network is performed in a Multi-Drop mode (PLCA mode, Physical Layer Collision Avoidance-Modus).

[0056] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a vehicle control system according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising at least two controllers, wherein these controllers are in a particularly bidirectional communication connection at least briefly via a network for data transmission, at least one controller is configured as a server controller or operates as a server controller at least briefly, and at least one controller is configured as a client controller or operates as a client controller at least briefly, and the control system operates according to the first aspect of the invention, particularly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0057] Here, at least one controller may include means for data processing. Preferably, the means for data processing may include at least one working memory and / or at least one computing unit, particularly at least one processor and / or at least one particularly non-volatile data memory. The means for data processing of at least one controller may be configured to perform the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0058] Thus, the same advantages are obtained in terms of the control system according to the invention as those already described with reference to the method according to the invention.

[0059] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a vehicle according to the invention according to a third aspect of the invention. This vehicle includes at least one control system according to a second aspect of the invention, particularly according to claim 11.

[0060] Thus, the same advantages as those already described with reference to the method and / or control system according to the invention are obtained in the vehicle according to the invention.

[0061] Within the scope of this invention, it is preferably specified that the vehicle is designed as an automobile, particularly a passenger car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the vehicle is designed as a commercial vehicle, particularly for agricultural use, especially a tractor or combine harvester. The vehicle may also be designed as construction machinery, particularly an excavator or wheel loader.

[0062] Furthermore, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a computer program product according to a fourth aspect of the invention. This computer program product includes commands that cause a control system according to a second aspect of the invention, particularly at least one controller of the control system, to perform the method according to a first aspect of the invention, particularly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

[0063] Thus, the same advantages are obtained in the computer program product according to the invention as those described with reference to the method and / or control system and / or vehicle according to the invention.

[0064] Furthermore, the above-mentioned objective is achieved by a computer-readable storage medium according to the fifth aspect of the invention, wherein a computer program product according to the fourth aspect of the invention, particularly according to claim 13, is stored on the computer-readable storage medium.

[0065] Thus, the same advantages as those already described with reference to the method and / or control system and / or vehicle and / or computer program product according to the invention are obtained in terms of the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention.

[0066] Furthermore, the above objective is achieved by a data-bearing signal according to the sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the data-bearing signal transmits a computer program product according to the fourth aspect of the invention, particularly according to claim 13.

[0067] Thus, the same advantages as those described with reference to the method and / or control system and / or vehicle and / or computer program product and / or computer-readable storage medium according to the invention are obtained in terms of data carrying signals according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which various embodiments of the invention are described individually with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, the features mentioned in the claims and the specification can be considered essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the method is shown. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the control system is shown. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the round-robin scheduling method is shown. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of service-oriented communication is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the vehicle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0069] In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a method 100 for a control system 10 for operating a vehicle 50 is shown. The control system includes at least two controllers 11, wherein the controllers 11 are at least briefly in a communication connection via a network 12 for data transmission, and perform data transmission in the network 12 according to a polling scheduling method, thereby assigning time-sequential transmission slots 13 to all controllers 11 for data transmission. At least one controller 11 is configured at least briefly as a server controller 11.1, and at least one controller 11 is configured at least briefly as a client controller 11.2. The method 100 includes: - Identify the services provided by server 110 on server controller 11.1, including at least one service available on server controller 11.1. - Determine the transmission time information 120, wherein the transmission time information represents the earliest and / or latest start time of the next transmission time slot 13 of the server controller 11.1. - Determine the load information for 130, where the load information represents the current load of server controller 11.1. - Based on transmission time information and load information, service items 140 are assigned to one or more service item messages 17, wherein each service item message 17 represents at least one service available on server controller 11.1. - During at least one transmission slot 13 configured for server controller 11.1, service item messages 17 are transmitted 150 from server controller 11.1 to at least one client controller 11.2. In particular, each service item message 17 is transmitted in a separate transmission slot 13.

[0071] also, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a control system 10 for a vehicle 50 is shown. The control system 10 includes at least two controllers 11, wherein the controllers 11 are in communication connection via a network 12, wherein at least one controller 11 is configured as a server controller 11.1 and at least one controller 11 is configured as a client controller 11.2.

[0072] The controller 11 includes means for data processing, which in turn includes a working memory 14, a computing unit 15, and additionally a data memory 16. The means for data processing, particularly at least with respect to the server controller 11.1, is configured to perform the method 100 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0073] Data transmission in network 12 is performed using a round-robin scheduling method, which... Figure 3 The diagram is schematically shown. It can be seen that all controllers 11 are assigned sequentially time-sequential transmission slots 13 for transmitting data in the network 12. Outside of their respective transmission slots 13, no data transmission occurs for the corresponding controller 11. A cycle is defined as the passage of all transmission slots 13. After the last transmission slot 13 of a cycle ends, the next cycle begins again with the transmission slot 13 that also began with the previous cycle. Thus, the duration of the cycle (cycle length Z) is determined by the cumulative duration of the individual transmission slots 13. The corresponding duration of the transmission slots 13 can vary with the cycle. In particular, the duration depends on whether the controller 11 transmits data within its assigned transmission slot 13, and if so, on the amount of data transmitted.

[0074] Figure 4A schematic diagram of service-oriented communication between server controller 11.1 and client controller 11.2 in network 12 is shown. It can be seen that server controller 11.1 repeatedly, particularly periodically, transmits service item messages 17 to client controller 11.2 via network 12. In response to the received service item messages 17, a reservation confirmation 18 is transmitted from client controller 11.2 to server controller 11.1, thereby subscribing to at least one service provided by server controller 11.1, and in particular at least one vehicle system running on client controller 11.2. Therefore, server controller 11.1 transmits data related to the corresponding subscribed service (e.g., tire pressure of vehicle 50, GPS location, etc.) to client controller 11.2 or the relevant vehicle system running on client controller 11.2, at least for a limited time period. Therefore, reservation confirmation 18 must be processed by server controller 11.1 to establish or maintain a corresponding data connection with client controller 11.2.

[0075] For clarity, Figure 4 Only one client controller 11.2 is shown in the diagram. However, service item messages 17 can also be transmitted simultaneously or nearly simultaneously, particularly via multicast, to multiple client controllers 11.2 in network 12. Therefore, this can trigger a correspondingly larger number of subscription confirmations 18.

[0076] also, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 50 is shown, wherein the vehicle 50 includes at least one control system 10 according to a second aspect of the invention. Here, the vehicle 50 is designed as an automobile.

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] 10 Control System

[0079] 11 Controller

[0080] 11.1 Server Controller

[0081] 11.2 Client Controller

[0082] 12 Network

[0083] 13 Transmission Time Slots

[0084] 14 Working Memory

[0085] 15 Computing Units / Processors

[0086] 16 Data Storage

[0087] 17 Service Item Messages

[0088] 18 Booking Confirmation

[0089] 50 vehicles

[0090] 100 methods

[0091] 110 confirmed

[0092] 120 confirmed

[0093] 130 Confirmed

[0094] 140 allocation

[0095] 150 transmissions

[0096] T time

[0097] Z-period length

Claims

1. A method (100) for a control system (10) for operating a vehicle (50), the control system comprising at least two controllers (11) being in a communication connection at least briefly via a network (12) for data transmission, transmitting data in the network (12) according to a polling scheduling method, thereby assigning time-sequential transmission slots (13) to all controllers (11) for transmitting data, at least one controller (11) being configured at least briefly as a server controller (11.1), and at least one controller (11) being configured at least briefly as a client controller (11.2), the method (100) comprising: - Identify (110) the service items on the server controller (11.1), the service items including at least one service available on the server controller (11.1), - Determine (120) transmission time information, wherein the transmission time information characterizes the earliest and / or latest start time of the next transmission slot (13) of the server controller (11.1), - Determine (130) load information, wherein the load information characterizes the current load of the server controller (11.1), - Based on transmission time information and load information, service items are assigned (140) to one or more service item messages (17), wherein each service item message represents at least one service available on the server controller (11.1). - During at least one transmission slot (13) configured for the server controller, service item messages (17) are transmitted (150) from the server controller (11.1) to at least one client controller (11.2), with each service item message being transmitted in a separate transmission slot (13).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one service has at least one of the following as its object: - Provide at least one vehicle parameter. - Provide at least one environmental parameter. - Provide at least one user parameter.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determination (110) of service items on the server controller (11.1) includes at least one of the following: - Determine the current availability of at least one service. - Determine the future availability of at least one service at a future time, wherein the future time represents the expected start time of the next transmission slot (13) configured for the server controller (11.1). - If the service is available now and in the future, include the service in the service project.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, include: - Determine the last transmission time of at least one service available on the server controller (11.1), the last transmission time representing the time when the service was last transmitted to at least one client controller (11.2) and subscribed by at least one client controller (11.2). - Query the validity period of the service and calculate the remaining time until the service expires on the client controller (11.2) that subscribed to the service. - When assigning a service item (140) to one or more service item messages (17), the remaining time is taken into account, and / or at least one service item message (17) is given priority based on the remaining time in terms of the transmission of the service item message (17) in terms of the time.

5. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least including: - Determine the booking forecast for at least one service available on the server controller (11.1), wherein the booking forecast characterizes the number of client controllers (11.2) that may potentially book said service. - The load forecast is determined based on the booking forecast, wherein the load forecast represents the additional load on the server controller (11.1) due to the processing of a certain number of booking confirmations (18) according to the booking forecast. - When assigning service items (140) to one or more service item messages (17), load forecasting is taken into account, and / or at least one service item message (17) is given priority based on load forecasting in terms of the time of transmission of service item messages (17).

6. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determination of transmission time information (120) includes at least one of the following: - Determine the data transmission rate of the network (12), determine the number of participants in the network (12), and calculate the earliest and / or latest start time of the next transmission slot of the server controller (11.1) based on the data rate and the number of participants.

7. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least including: - Determine the transmission time prediction associated with at least one service item message (17), wherein the transmission time prediction characterizes the round-trip time of the service item message (17).

8. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Determining load information (130) includes at least one of the following: - Determine the load on at least one working memory (14) of the server controller (11.1), - Determine the load of at least one computing unit (15) of the server controller (11.1), - Determine the load of at least one non-volatile data storage (16) of the server controller (11.1).

9. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Additional land includes: - Determine the data volume forecast for the service item, taking the data volume forecast into account when assigning the service item (140) to one or more service item messages.

10. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Network (12) is designed as an Ethernet network, which is a 10 Mbit / s Ethernet network, for communication in network (12) in a multipoint mode.

11. A control system (10) for a vehicle (50), the control system comprising at least two controllers (11), wherein, The controller (11) is in a bidirectional communication connection at least briefly via a network (12) for data transmission, at least one controller (11) is configured as a server controller (11.1), at least one controller (11) is configured as a client controller (11.2), and the control system (10) operates according to the method (100) according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. A vehicle (50) comprising at least one control system (10) according to claim 11.

13. A computer program product comprising commands that cause the control system (10) according to claim 11 to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer-readable storage medium on which commands are stored, the commands causing a control system (10) according to claim 11 to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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