Method and apparatus for processing data associated with electronic device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing data associated with a vehicle, the vehicle being able to exchange data at least temporarily with at least one further device via, for example, a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving first information via the communication system, for example from a management device for the vehicle, the first information can be used for at least temporarily controlling the operation and / or for configuring the vehicle; and optionally, at least temporarily using the first information.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a method.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to a method, such as a computer-implemented method, for processing data associated with a vehicle, such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the vehicle is capable of exchanging data with at least one other device, at least temporarily, via, for example, a wireless communication system. The method includes: receiving first information via the communication system, for example, from a management device for the vehicle, the first information being usable at least temporarily for controlling operation and / or configuring the vehicle; and optionally, using the first information at least temporarily. In other exemplary embodiments, this enables at least temporarily autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0004] In another exemplary implementation, the first information is specified to be usable for autonomous control and / or autonomous configuration of the vehicle's operation, wherein the method has at least one of the following elements: a) autonomously controlling the operation of the vehicle at least temporarily based on the first information; and / or b) autonomously configuring the vehicle, such as at least one component of the vehicle, at least temporarily based on the first information.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, the method includes: determining whether a data connection for the vehicle associated with the communication system, such as a data connection through the communication system to at least one other device used by the vehicle, is interfered with, for example, interrupted; and based on the determination, determining whether autonomous operation of the vehicle is at least temporarily activated; and optionally, activating autonomous operation of the vehicle; and optionally, using the first information for autonomous operation.

[0006] In another exemplary implementation, the first information is specified to have at least one of the following elements: a) a number of features of the communication system, such as a number of performance features; and / or b) historical data of at least one component of the communication system; and / or c) location information associated with network devices of the communication system, such as base stations; and / or d) additional information available from the communication system and / or at least one other device; and / or e) at least one criterion describing under what conditions the vehicle should engage in autonomous operation or the autonomous operation; and / or f) location information characterizing at least one location, for example autonomously, such as in the event of interference, such as interruption, to the data connection associated with the communication system used by the vehicle or the data connection to at least one other device via the communication system used by the vehicle.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, the method is specified to have at least one of the following elements: a) autonomously going to, for example, navigating to a location that can be given in advance, for example, represented by first information; and / or b) restoring the data connection associated with the communication system for the vehicle, or the data connection, for example, the data connection that can be used by the vehicle to communicate with at least one other device via the communication system.

[0008] In another exemplary implementation, the method is specified to have at least one of the following elements: a) using at least temporarily an additional device or said additional device, such as a SLAM—Simultaneous Localization and Mapping—device, for example, for navigation, for example, when a data connection associated with the communication system for the vehicle or said data connection, for example, is available via a data connection used by the vehicle to at least one additional device through the communication system; b) informing about interference with the data connection for the vehicle or said data connection, such as interruption of associated parameters, such as location and / or time, for example, transmitting said parameters to at least one additional device.

[0009] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method, for example a computer-implemented method, for processing data associated with management equipment for at least one vehicle, such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the at least one vehicle is capable of exchanging data with at least one other device at least temporarily via, for example, a wireless communication system, wherein the method comprises: optionally determining first information, the first information being capable of being used at least temporarily to control operation and / or to configure the at least one vehicle; and transmitting the first information to the at least one vehicle via the communication system.

[0010] In another exemplary implementation, the determination is specified to have at least one of the following elements: a) forming at least a portion of the first information, for example by means of a management device; and / or b) receiving at least a portion of the first information, for example by means of a communication system, for example from at least one component of the communication system.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the method is specified to include, for example, receiving from the at least one vehicle parameters associated with interference, such as location and / or time, to the data connection for the at least one vehicle or the data connection interruption; and optionally, sending the parameters associated with the interference to the data connection for the at least one vehicle to at least one component of the communication system.

[0012] Another exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for implementing the methods according to various embodiments.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the device may be configured for implementing the method in various aspects of a vehicle, for example, wherein the device is configured only for implementing the method in the vehicle and, for example, not for aspects of management equipment. Such a variant of the device may be assigned to a vehicle, for example, integrated into the vehicle. In another exemplary embodiment, the device may be assigned to a vehicle, but not integrated into the vehicle.

[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the device may be configured to implement aspects of a management device, for example, the method, wherein the device is configured only to implement aspects of a management device and, for example, not aspects of a vehicle. For example, such a variant of the device may be assigned to a management device, for example, integrated into a management device. In another exemplary embodiment, the device may be assigned to a management device, but not integrated into a management device.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, the device may be configured to implement the method in aspects relating not only to a vehicle but also to a management device. For example, such a variant of the device may be assigned to a vehicle and / or a management device, or integrated into the vehicle and / or management device. In another exemplary embodiment, the device may be assigned to a vehicle and / or a management device, but not integrated into the vehicle and / or management device.

[0016] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a vehicle, such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the vehicle is configured to exchange data with at least one additional device, at least temporarily, via at least one, such as a wireless communication system, and wherein the vehicle has devices according to various embodiments.

[0017] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a management device for at least one vehicle, such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the at least one vehicle is configured to exchange data with at least one other device, such as a management device, at least temporarily via at least one, such as a wireless communication system, wherein the management device has devices according to various embodiments.

[0018] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method according to various embodiments.

[0019] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer program that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods according to various embodiments.

[0020] Another exemplary implementation relates to a data carrier signal that transmits and / or characterizes a computer program according to various embodiments.

[0021] Further exemplary embodiments relate to the use of methods and / or devices and / or vehicles and / or management devices and / or computer-readable storage media and / or computer programs and / or data carriers according to various embodiments for at least one of the following elements: a) exchanging, e.g., sending and / or receiving first information; b) responding to interference, e.g., interruption, to a data connection associated with a communication system for the vehicle; c) enabling at least temporarily autonomous operation of the vehicle; d) improving the safety of the vehicle's operation; e) improving the reliability of the vehicle's operation in the event of interference, e.g., interrupted data connections; f) avoiding downtime, for example, of components of the production facility in which the vehicle is located. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Further features, applications, and advantages of the invention will derive from the following description of embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, all described or illustrated features, either alone or in any combination, form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference thereto, and regardless of their representation or indication in the specification or drawings.

[0023] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 Simplified flowcharts according to various exemplary embodiments are schematically shown; Figure 2Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 3 Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 4 Simplified flowcharts according to various exemplary embodiments are schematically shown; Figure 5 Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 6 Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 7 Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 8 Simplified flowcharts according to various exemplary embodiments are schematically shown; Figure 9 Simplified flowcharts according to various exemplary embodiments are schematically shown; Figure 10 Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 11 Simplified block diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are shown schematically; Figure 12 Simplified signaling diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are schematically shown; and Figure 13 The use of each exemplary embodiment is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0024] For exemplary implementation methods, see [link to example implementation]. Figure 1 , 2 This relates to a method for processing vehicles 1a and 1b ( Figure 2 For example, a method for data associated with an automated guided vehicle (FTS), or a computer-implemented method, wherein vehicles 1a and 1b can at least temporarily exchange data with at least one other device 2 and 5 via, for example, a wireless communication system KS, wherein the method includes: receiving 100 (…) via the communication system KS, for example, from a management device 2 for vehicles 1a and 1b. Figure 1 First information I-1, the first information can be used to at least temporarily control STRG ( Figure 2 ) for operation and / or for configuring KONFIG vehicles 1a, 1b; and optionally, at least temporarily, for the use of 102 ( Figure 1 First information I-1. In another exemplary implementation, this enables at least temporarily autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0025] In another exemplary embodiment, aspects of the method according to each embodiment can be implemented, for example, by a device 300a assigned to vehicle 1a. This is in Figure 2 The device is symbolically represented by a dashed rectangle 300a. Alternatively, another vehicle 1b may also have the corresponding device 300a.

[0026] The communication system KS is, for example, a wireless, cellular communication system based on standards such as 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G. Exemplarily, in... Figure 1 The text describes two base stations of the communication system KS, such as gNB 10a and 10b, and the core network 12.

[0027] according to Figure 2 Element 5 symbolically represents an optional SLAM—simultaneous localization and mapping—device, at least one of vehicles 1a and 1b, which may use the SLAM device at least temporarily, for example, in the presence of a data connection DV between the SLAM device 5 and the communication system KS, for example, for navigation through an environment such as a production facility. The double arrow a1 exemplarily symbolically represents the corresponding exchange of information, such as data, between components 1a, 1b, and 5 via the communication system KS.

[0028] Figure 2 The double arrow a2 in the image symbolically represents, in a comparable manner, the exchange of information, such as data, between components 2 and 12 according to various exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Figure 2 The double arrow a3 in the image symbolically represents the exchange of information, such as data, between components 2, 1a, 1b via the communication system KS according to various exemplary embodiments. This data exchange a3 can also be used, for example, to transmit first information I-1 from management device 2 to at least one vehicle 1a, 1b.

[0030] Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, Figure 2 In this case, device 300b is assigned to management device 2, through which aspects of the methods according to various embodiments can be implemented, for example, as long as these aspects are related to management device 2 (e.g., for sending first information I-1).

[0031] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 2 In the specified case, the first information I-1 can be used for the autonomous control STRG and / or autonomous configuration KONFIG of vehicles 1a and 1b, wherein the method has at least one of the following elements: a) autonomously controlling 110 at least temporarily based on the first information I-1. Figure 3a) The operation of vehicles 1a and 1b by BETR; and / or b) The autonomous configuration of vehicles 1a and 1b, at least temporarily, based on the first information I-1.

[0032] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 In the specified case, the method has the following features: determining 120 for vehicles 1a, 1b and communication system KS ( Figure 2 The associated data connection DV, for example, the data connection DV that can be used by vehicles 1a and 1b through the communication system KS with at least one other device 2 and 5, is interfered with, for example, interrupted; and based on determination 120, it is determined 122 whether the autonomous operation FB of vehicles 1a and 1b is at least temporarily activated; and optionally, the autonomous operation FB of vehicles 1a and 1b is activated 124; and optionally, the first information I-1 is used for the autonomous operation FB. Thus, for example, in the event of a data connection loss, the operation of vehicles 1a and 1b can be maintained in an autonomous operation mode, while, for example, in the event of a data connection DV, at least temporarily non-autonomous operation can be implemented, i.e., for example, the operation of vehicles 1a and 1b can be controlled by management device 2.

[0033] Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, Figure 4 In some cases, a branch can be taken from box 122 to optional box 125, which does not specify the activation of the autonomous operation FB of vehicles 1a and 1b, but rather, for example, waiting for the data connection to be restored when the vehicles are not moving.

[0034] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 5In the specified case, the first information I-1 has at least one of the following elements: a) the characteristic number KS-KZ of the communication system KS, such as the performance characteristic number; and / or b) the historical data KS-DAT-HIST of at least one component 10a, 10b, 12 of the communication system KS; and / or c) the location information KS-INF-POS associated with the network equipment of the communication system KS, such as base stations 10a, 1b; and / or d) additional information INF' available from the communication system KS and / or at least one other device 2, 5, ...; and / or e) at least one criterion KRIT, the criterion This specifies the conditions under which vehicles 1a and 1b should take autonomous operation FB or said autonomous operation FB (e.g., in the event of failure or interference of the data connection DV), and / or f) characterize the location information INF-POS-FB of at least one location A, and vehicles 1a and 1b should, for example, autonomously, go to said location, for example, in the event of interference, such as interruption, of the data connection or said data connection DV associated with the communication system used by vehicles 1a and 1b via the communication system KS to at least one other device.

[0035] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 6 In the specified case, the method has at least one of the following elements: a) autonomously going to 130, for example, navigating to a pre-given location A, for example, represented by first information I-1; and / or b) restoring the data connection or data connection DV associated with the communication system KS for vehicles 1a, 1b, for example, the data connection or data connection DV that can be used by vehicles 1a, 1b through the communication system KS with at least one other device 2, 5, ...

[0036] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 7 In the case specified, the method has at least one of the following elements: a) at least temporarily using 140 additional devices or said additional devices, such as SLAM—Simultaneous Localization and Mapping—device 5 ( Figure 2 (a) for example, when the data connection associated with the communication system KS for vehicles 1a, 1b or the data connection DV is available, for example, when the data connection used by the vehicle to at least one other device 5 via the communication system is available; (b) to inform 142 of interference with the data connection for vehicles 1a, 1b or the data connection DV, for example, interrupting the associated parameters PARAM, such as position and / or time, for example, transmitting the parameters PARAM 142a to at least one other device 2, 12.

[0037] Other exemplary embodiments, Figure 8 This relates to a method, for example a computer-implemented method, for processing data associated with a management device 2 for at least one vehicle 1a, 1b, such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein at least one vehicle 1a, 1b can exchange data at least temporarily with at least one other device 2, 5, ... via, for example a wireless communication system KS, wherein the method comprises: optionally determining 200 first information I-1, the first information being usable at least temporarily for controlling the operation of BETR and / or for configuring KONFIG at least one vehicle 1a, 1b; and transmitting 202 the first information I-1 to at least one vehicle 1a, 1b via the communication system KS. In another exemplary embodiment, this can be achieved, for example, via device 300b ( Figure 2 ) Implementation based on Figure 8 The methods cover all aspects.

[0038] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 8 In the case specified, 200 is determined to have at least one of the following elements: a) forming at least a portion of the first information I-1 of 200a locally, for example by means of management device 2, for example in management device 2; and / or b) receiving at least a portion of the first information I-1 of 200b, for example through communication system KS, for example from at least one component 10a, 10b, 12 of communication system KS.

[0039] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 9 In the specified case, the method includes: receiving, for example, parameters PARAM associated with interference, such as location and / or time, for a data connection or DV for at least one vehicle 1a, 1b from at least one vehicle 1a, 1b; and optionally, transmitting, 212, the parameters PARAM associated with the interference for the data connection DV for at least one vehicle 1a, 1b to at least one component 10a, 10b, 12 of the communication system KS.

[0040] Other exemplary embodiments, Figure 10 The invention relates to devices 300, 300a, and 300b for implementing the methods according to various embodiments.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, devices 300, 300a, and 300b may, for example, be configured to implement aspects of the method, said aspects relating, for example, to vehicles 1a and 1b, wherein, for example, device 300a is configured only to implement the method relating to vehicles 1a and 1b, and not, for example, to aspects relating to management device 2. For example, such a variant 300a of the device may be assigned to vehicles 1a and 1b (…). Figure 2For example, it can be integrated into a vehicle. In another exemplary embodiment, device 300a may be assigned to a vehicle, but not integrated into the vehicle.

[0042] In another exemplary embodiment, devices 300, 300a, and 300b may, for example, be configured to implement aspects of the method, said aspects relating, for example, to management device 2, wherein, for example, device 300b is configured only to implement aspects of management device 2, and not, for example, to vehicles 1a and 1b. For example, this variant of device 300b may be assigned to management device 2 (… Figure 2 For example, it can be integrated into management device 2. In another exemplary embodiment, device 300b may be assigned to management device 2, but not integrated into management device 2.

[0043] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 10 In such cases, devices 300, 300a, and 300b can be configured to implement the method in aspects relating not only to vehicles 1a and 1b but also to management device 2. For example, this variant of the device can be assigned to vehicles and / or management devices, or integrated into vehicles and / or management devices. In another exemplary embodiment, the device can be assigned to vehicles and / or management devices, but not integrated into them.

[0044] In other exemplary embodiments, Figure 10 In the case specified, devices 300, 300a, and 300b have: a computing device (“computer”) 302 having at least one computing core, and a storage device 304 allocated to the computing device 302 for at least temporarily storing at least one of the following elements: a) data DAT (e.g., data associated with first information I-1); b) a computer program PRG, for example for implementing the method according to each embodiment.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment, the storage device 304 has volatile memory (e.g., working memory (RAM)) 304a and / or non-volatile (NVM) memory (e.g., flash EEPROM) 304b, or a combination thereof or a combination with other unmentioned storage types.

[0046] Other exemplary embodiments, Figure 10 The invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium SM, which includes instructions PRG' that, when executed by a computer 302, cause the computer 302 to perform a method according to various embodiments.

[0047] Another exemplary implementation relates to a computer program PRG that includes instructions that, when executed by a computer 302, cause the computer 302 to perform the methods according to various embodiments.

[0048] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a data carrier signal DCS, which represents and / or transmits computer programs PRG, PRG' according to various embodiments. For example, the data carrier signal DCS can be exchanged (received and / or transmitted) via an optional data interface 306 of devices 300, 300a, 300b. Similarly, data DAT can be exchanged (transmitted and / or received) via optional data interface 306. In another exemplary embodiment, communication, such as data communication, can also be achieved via a communication system KS ( Figure 2 This can be done via optional data interface 306.

[0049] Other exemplary embodiments, Figure 2 The vehicles 1a and 1b, such as automated guided vehicles (FTS), are configured to exchange data with at least one additional device 2, 5, ... via at least one, such as a wireless communication system KS, at least temporarily, and the vehicles 1a and 1b have devices 300 and 300a according to various embodiments.

[0050] Other exemplary embodiments, Figure 2 The invention relates to a management device 2 for at least one vehicle 1a, 1b, such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the at least one vehicle 1a, 1b is configured to exchange data at least temporarily with at least one other device 2, 5, ..., such as the management device 2, via at least one, such as a wireless communication system KS, wherein the management device 2 has devices 300, 300b according to various embodiments.

[0051] Figure 11 A simplified block diagram according to various exemplary embodiments is schematically shown. Referring to arrow a4, FTS 1a moves from a first position, such as starting position P1, through the environment, such as a production unit FE having multiple production lines FL1, FL2. During movement a4, there is a data connection DV, for example, with the communication system KS via gNB 10a. Figure 2 ), enabling, for example, the use of SLAM devices 5 ( Figure 2 Navigation is possible, and / or receiving 100 first information I-1. Once FTS 1a reaches position 1a, the data connection DV ( Figure 2For example, the connection is interrupted due to the failure of gNB 10a. Therefore, based on first information I-1, FTS1a switches to autonomous operation after the failure of gNB 10a and continues its movement toward target location A, see arrow a5. For example, target location A can be pre-given by means of first information I-1, for example, representing a location known for coverage of a given wireless network at location A, for example, by another gNB 10b. Therefore, in the cases of various exemplary embodiments, after the data connection DV is interrupted at location 1a, FTS1a does not move toward target location P2 in the area of ​​the second production line FL2 as originally planned, but instead moves first toward location A by means of autonomous control based on the first information, which enables the data connection DV to be restored (and thus continues operation, for example, under the control of management device 2, and / or by means of SLAM device 5). From location A, FTS1a can then—using the restored data connection DV via gNB 10b—continue to move toward the original target P2, see arrow a6.

[0052] Figure 12 Simplified signaling diagrams according to various exemplary embodiments are schematically shown. Element E1 symbolically represents a communication system KS, such as a 5G system; element E2 symbolically represents a management device 2, which is configured, for example, as an FTS (Transport Management Vorrichtung) device; and element E3 symbolically represents FTS 1a.

[0053] Box E4 symbolically indicates, for example, determining, collecting, measurement values ​​from one or more FTS 1a, 1b and / or other devices 10a, 10b, 12… Box E5 symbolically indicates sharing information with management device E2, for example, sharing at least the information collected according to box E4, see also arrow a7. Box E6 symbolically indicates forwarding at least a portion of the information obtained from box E1—for example, in the form of first information I-1—to FTS E3, see also arrow a8. Box E7 symbolically indicates determining, for example, deriving, the operating mode for FTS E3, for example, having a fallback mode (e.g., "back-down mode," e.g., an emergency operating mode for situations with interrupted data connection DV) for autonomous control and / or configuration of FTS E3, for example, based on shared information a7, and arrow a9 symbolically indicates sending the fallback mode and / or associated information, such as control and / or configuration information, to FTS E3 via signaling, for example, in the form of first information I-1. In another exemplary implementation, blocks E6 and E7, and correspondingly transmitting blocks a8 and a9, can be combined with each other.

[0054] Box E8 symbolically represents the configuration of the fallback mode via signaling through box E2 via FTS E3. The cross-shaped LOC symbolizes the interruption of the data connection of FTS E3, and box E9 symbolizes the activation of the fallback mode via FTS E3. Box E10 symbolizes an optional wait time, such as 30 seconds (in other exemplary embodiments, a different wait time may also be selected, for example). Box E11 symbolizes the safe navigation of FTS E3 to a pre-given location A, such as associated with the fallback mode, where, for example, the speed of FTS E3—for example, relative to normal operation with an active data connection DV and, for example, control by SLAM device 5—is reduced. Box E12 symbolizes the restoration of the data connection DV (e.g., because FTS E3 has moved to an area with wireless network coverage during this period according to box E11). Box E13 symbolizes the optional notification of parameters to box E2, also see arrow a10, which, for example, characterize the location and / or time of the prior interruption LOC of the data connection.

[0055] According to box E14, management device E2 may consider the informed parameter a10, such as matching the informed interruption LOG, when planning time and / or routes for FTS 1a, 1b, and / or forward corresponding information, such as to 5G system E1, see box E15 and arrow a11. 5G system E1 may process, for example, consider data regarding the informed interruption LOC during planning, and / or enable recovery (e.g., repair gNB 10a). Figure 11 ()) Begin, see from Figure 12 Box E16. Optionally, a report can be created, see box E17, for example, with information such as the recovery of the signaling data connection DV, which is transmitted to box E2, see arrow a12. In this way, the management device E2 can, in its respect, match planning, such as path planning and / or scheduling for FTS, see box E18.

[0056] The following describes other exemplary aspects and implementations, which—in the case of further exemplary implementations—can be combined with at least one of the foregoing aspects individually or in any combination of each other.

[0057] In other exemplary embodiments, FTS 1a, 1b ( Figure 2 The device has control logic, for example, in the form of device 300, 300a. In a further exemplary embodiment, the control logic can be designed to be "lightweight," i.e., less complex or efficient, and can be designed, for example, to safely navigate based on first information in the event of a data connection DV interruption.

[0058] In another exemplary implementation, FTS 1a, 1b may utilize the communication system KS and one or more devices 2, 5, ... for example for navigation, and receive first information I-1, for example, in the presence of data connection DV.

[0059] In other exemplary implementations, FTS 1a, 1b may use the first information in fallback mode, such as autonomous operation, for example, to maintain operational capability (e.g., to move at a reduced speed) and / or to, for example, to resume normal operation with a data connection DV (e.g., to travel to location A by means of an existing data connection).

[0060] In other exemplary implementations, one or more of the following aspects may be considered for the operation of FTS 1a, 1b: 1. the reason for activating the rollback mode; and / or 2. the type of information I-1 that makes / has made available to FTS 1a, 1b; and / or 3. the actions that FTS 1a, 1b performs or should perform in rollback mode.

[0061] In another exemplary implementation, where the FTS is placed in autonomous operation, such as in fallback mode FB, or for reasons thereof, one or more of the following elements are involved: a) a failure of network devices 10a, 10b; b) a failure of cabling in the area of ​​communication system KS; c) a failure of core network 12 ( Figure 2 d) Faults in routers, etc.; e) Insufficient stability of the data connection DV, such as e1) Connection loss due to insufficient signal strength and / or signal quality; e2) Insufficient resources, such as the bandwidth of the communication system KS and / or insufficient computing time resources and / or insufficient memory resources of the cloud components and / or edge components 2, 5; f) Other faults / interference, such as temporary crashes of edge cloud and / or SLAM devices 5 and / or other components, such as software components, using the communication system KS.

[0062] In other exemplary embodiments, the first information I-1 (e.g., replacing or appending to the aspects mentioned above) may have one or more pieces of information or information types: a) performance metrics, such as one or more key performance indicators (KPIs) (e.g., specific to base stations 10a, 10b and / or location), such as spatial-temporal trajectories of signal strength (e.g., RSRP value) and / or quality (e.g., RSRQ) and / or spectral efficiency (e.g., characterized by 5Qls (5G QoS identifier)) associated with the FTS under consideration and / or other FTSs existing in the same environment; b) historical values ​​of the base station load, such as the load rate over time for time and / or frequency resources, such as physical resource blocks (PRBs); c) the location of the base station (e.g., in Cartesian and / or spherical coordinates or / or other coordinate forms, such as including the distance to the base station or the nearest point with data connection, such as network coverage); d) additional information, such as standardized or non-standardized information, from the scope of the communication system KS and / or other components 2, 5, ...

[0063] In another exemplary implementation, the vehicle, such as the FTS, may perform one or more of the functions mentioned below, for example, during autonomous operation, such as in fallback mode (FB): a) Waiting, whereby the FTS waits, for example, within a specific, predefined time interval, or stops, before taking different (alternative) measures, such as in order to restore the data connection DV. This may be the case, for example, when basic connectivity still exists but is insufficient to obtain full service (e.g., a brief fading of signal quality). The waiting time can be determined, for example, based on information from the communication system KS.

[0064] b) Safe movement to a specific location: For example, assuming that the FTS has a limited number of integrated sensors and / or control logic, and moves at a relatively low speed (relative to the operation of a DV with an existing data connection). The target location is determined, for example, based at least on first information. For example, possible target locations for restoring the data connection DV via the communication system KS are: b1) a previously visited location (e.g., along a driving path) where coverage by at least one other base station is sufficiently good (e.g., in terms of signal strength and / or signal quality and / or bandwidth and / or latency) for applications or services associated with the FTS; b2) the previous location of another terminal device of the communication system KS, such as another FTS 1b, which can establish a data connection through the communication system KS, where coverage by, for example, another base station is sufficiently good; b3) a location where a base station handover to another base station has previously occurred (which, for example, enables the establishment of a connection with the other base station); b4) any base station of the communication system KS, to which the FTS can navigate autonomously, for example, almost blindly (e.g., apart from its own local sensing devices), for example, based on its coordinates and / or relative location descriptions, such as distance and / or angle; b5) the original target location P2 ( Figure 11 (b) For example, if the original target location is relatively close to the current location of the FTS; b6) The next location considered in relation to the time for restoring the data connection DV, for example, so as to be able to notify the communication system KS (the communication system, such as a 5G system, which can then, for example, implement self-recovery) and / or to transmit the corresponding information to the management device 2 as quickly as possible.

[0065] In other exemplary implementations, the actions taken or performed by the FTS, for example, in fallback mode FB, depend on the reason why the FTS itself is placed in fallback mode FB (which may also be related to whether a basic connection still exists or whether, for example, there is no connectivity at all) and / or on the available information for the FTS in fallback mode, i.e., what the FTS has, for example, through previous reception 100 ( Figure 1 The first information I-1.

[0066] Furthermore, other factors may be considered in other exemplary embodiments: For example, the urgency of the current load factor of the fleet of multiple FTS 1a, 1b, based on the priority of the supply of materials via FTS, such as the rated supply time and / or the production process to which it belongs (which can be characterized, for example, by the current material inventory in the case of the production line to which it belongs), safety rules and / or settings (e.g. related to the functionality of FTS), and the current load factor of the fleet of multiple FTS 1a, 1b.

[0067] In another exemplary implementation, by either managing device 2 ( Figure 2 That is, in the cloud (e.g., in the cloud, e.g., in the edge cloud) or / or the local device 300, 300a of the FTS selects at least one action performed by the FTS. In other exemplary embodiments, the settings associated therewith may be tracked and / or set individually, for example, repeatedly, e.g., periodically or continuously, e.g., for at least one FTS, e.g., multiple, e.g., all FTSs.

[0068] In another exemplary implementation, information that can be used or needed by the FTS in fallback mode, such as relevant information, is either supplied directly from the 5G system KS to the FTS, for example, as long as the corresponding interface, such as API, exists, or / or the information is provided, for example, to the management device 2, which then transfers the information to the FTS (for example, together with the rules specified for fallback mode, for example, in the form of first information I-1).

[0069] In another exemplary implementation, for example when there is insufficient bandwidth / capacity due to the basic connectivity of the communication system KS under consideration (but for example, insufficient bandwidth / capacity for the remote SLAM method using SLAM device 5), at least some, for example, basic data can still be sent to the FTS, for example, to match evasion strategies for the FTS and / or to update information needed for evasion modes, such as the selection of, for example, a more reliable target location A, or a cell area such as a less heavily loaded base station 10b. This latter information can, for example, be supplied from the 5G system KS to the management device 2.

[0070] In another exemplary implementation, if, for example, an alternative connectivity exists (e.g., via another communication system (not shown)) and if the FTS can use that alternative connectivity, information comparable to the foregoing aspects can be exchanged via the FTS using that alternative connectivity.

[0071] In another exemplary implementation, some characteristic numbers, such as KPIs, such as RSPR (Signal Strength of Reference Signal), can be determined between the FTS and the base station supplying it by the FTS or its terminal equipment (e.g., UE, such as 5G UE), and therefore do not need to be exchanged with or received from the communication system KS.

[0072] In another exemplary implementation, the FTS may have a device for implementing autonomous operation, which is, for example, kept deactivated while the data connection DV is present and activated when the data connection DV is lost.

[0073] Other exemplary embodiments, Figure 13 The methods and / or devices 300, 300a, 300b and / or vehicles 1a, 1b and / or management devices 2 and / or computer-readable storage media SM and / or computer programs PRG, PRG' and / or data carrier signals DCS according to various embodiments are used 400 for at least one of the following elements: a) exchanging 401, for example, sending and / or receiving first information; b) reacting 402 to interference, such as interruption, of the data connection associated with the communication system for the vehicle; c) enabling 403 at least temporarily autonomous operation of the vehicle; d) improving 404 the safety of vehicle operation; e) improving 405 the reliability of vehicle operation in the event of interference, such as interruption of the data connection; f) avoiding 406 downtime of components of the production unit FE in which the vehicle is located.

Claims

1. A method for processing data associated with vehicles (1a, 1b), such as automated guided vehicles (FTS), or a computer-implemented method, wherein the vehicles (1a, 1b) are capable of exchanging data with at least one other device (2, 5) at least temporarily via, for example, a wireless communication system (KS), wherein the method comprises: receiving (100) first information (I-1) via the communication system (KS), for example from a management device (2) for the vehicles (1a, 1b), the first information being capable of being used at least temporarily to control (STRG) operation and / or to configure (KONFIG) the vehicles (1a, 1b); and optionally, using (102) the first information (I-1) at least temporarily.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first information (I-1) can be used for autonomous control and / or autonomous configuration of the operation of the vehicles (1a, 1b), wherein the method has at least one of the following elements: a) autonomously controlling (110) the operation (BETR) of the vehicles (1a, 1b) at least temporarily based on the first information (I-1); and / or b) autonomously configuring (112) the vehicles (1a, 1b), such as at least one component of the vehicles (1a, 1b), at least temporarily based on the first information (I-1).

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising: determining (120) whether a data connection (DV) associated with the communication system (KS) for the vehicle (1a, 1b), for example, a data connection (DV) through the communication system (KS) to at least one other device (2, 5) used by the vehicle (1a, 1b) is interfered with, for example, interrupted; and based on the determination (120), determining (122) whether autonomous operation (FB) of the vehicle (1a, 1b) is activated at least temporarily; and optionally, activating (124) the autonomous operation of the vehicle (1a, 1b); and optionally, using (126) the first information (I-1) for the autonomous operation (FB).

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first information (I-1) has at least one of the following elements: a) the number of features (KS-KZ) of the communication system (KS), such as the number of performance features; and / or b) historical data (KS-DAT-HIST) of at least one component (10a, 10b) of the communication system (KS); and / or c) location information (KS-INF-POS) associated with network devices, such as base stations, of the communication system (KS); and / or d) additional information (INF') available from the communication system (KS) and / or at least one other device (2, 5); and / or e) at least one A criterion (KRIT) specifies under what conditions the vehicles (1a, 1b) should employ autonomous operation or said autonomous operation (FB); and / or f) a location information (INF-POS-FB) characterizing at least one location (A) that the vehicles (1a, 1b) should, for example, autonomously, for example, in the event of interference, such as interruption, to the data connection or said data connection (DV) associated with the communication system (KS) used by the vehicles (1a, 1b) with at least one other device (2, 5) via the communication system (KS) or said data connection (DV).

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following elements: a) autonomously going to (130), for example navigating to a location (A) that can be given in advance, for example represented by first information (I-1); and / or b) restoring (132) the data connection or data connection (DV) associated with the communication system (KS) for the vehicle (1a, 1b), for example being able to use the data connection or data connection (DV) through the communication system (KS) to at least one other device (2, 5) via the vehicle (1a, 1b).

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following elements: a) using (140) an additional device or said additional device (5), such as a SLAM-synchronous localization and mapping device (5), for example, for navigation, for example, when the data connection (KS) associated with the communication system (KS) or said data connection (DV) for the vehicle (1a, 1b) is available, for example, through the data connection (KS) used by the vehicle (1a, 1b) to at least one additional device (2, 5) or said data connection (DV); b) informing (142) of interference with the data connection (KS) for the vehicle (1a, 1b) or said data connection (DV), such as interrupting associated parameters (PARAM), such as position and / or time, for example, transmitting (142a) said parameters (PARAM) to at least one additional device (2, 5).

7. A method, for example a computer-implemented method, for processing data associated with a management device (2) for at least one vehicle (1a, 1b), such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b) is capable of exchanging data at least temporarily with at least one other device (2, 5) via, for example, a wireless communication system (KS), wherein the method comprises: optionally determining (200) first information (I-1), the first information being capable of being used at least temporarily to control (STRG) operation and / or to configure (KONFIG) the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b); and transmitting (202) the first information (I-1) to the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b) via the communication system (KS).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the determination (200) has at least one of the following elements: a) forming (200a) at least a portion of the first information (I-1) for example by means of the management device (2); and / or b) receiving (200b) at least a portion of the first information (I-1) for example by means of the communication system (KS) from at least one component (10a, 10b, 12) of the communication system (KS).

9. The method according to at least one of claims 7 to 8, comprising: receiving (210) interference with the data connection (DV) for the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b), such as interruption-associated parameters (PARAM), such as location and / or time, from the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b); and optionally, transmitting (212) the parameters (PARAM) associated with the interference with the data connection (DV) for the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b) to at least one component (10a, 10b, 12) of the communication system (KS).

10. An apparatus (300; 300a; 300b) for carrying out the method according to at least one of the preceding claims.

11. A vehicle (1a, 1b), such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the vehicle (1a, 1b) is configured to exchange data with at least one additional device (2, 5) at least temporarily via at least one, such as a wireless communication system (KS), wherein the vehicle (1a, 1b) has the device (300; 300a) according to claim 10.

12. A management device (2) for at least one vehicle (1a, 1b), such as an automated guided vehicle (FTS), wherein the at least one vehicle (1a, 1b) is configured to exchange data at least temporarily with at least one additional device (2, 5), such as the management device (2), via at least one, such as a wireless communication system (KS), wherein the management device (2) has the device (300; 300a) according to claim 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium (SM) comprising instructions (PRG) that, when executed by a computer (202), cause the computer to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A computer program (PRG) comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer (202), cause the computer (202) to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A data carrier signal (DCS) that transmits and / or characterizes the computer program (PRG) according to claim 14.

16. A method according to at least one of claims 1 to 9 and / or an apparatus according to claim 10 (300; 300a; 300b) and / or a vehicle according to claim 11 (1a, 1b) and / or a management device (2) according to claim 12 and / or a computer-readable storage medium (SM) according to claim 13 and / or a computer program (PRG) according to claim 14 and / or a data carrier signal (DCS) according to claim 15 for use in at least one of the following elements: a) exchanging (401), for example sending and / or receiving the First information (I-1); b) Responding to interference, such as interruption, to the data connection (DV) associated with the communication system (KS) for the vehicles (1a, 1b) (402); c) Enabling (403) At least temporarily autonomous operation of the vehicles (1a, 1b); d) Improving (404) the safety of the operation of the vehicles (1a, 1b); e) Improving (404) the reliability of the operation of the vehicles in the event of interference, such as interruption of the data connection (DV); f) Avoiding (405) downtime of components of the production unit (FE) in which the vehicles are located.

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