Operation of a bus network, in particular reconfiguration in case of failure

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for operating a bus network (1), the bus network comprising a bus controller (2) and a plurality of bus operating devices (3 to 8) interconnected via network lines (9), wherein: the bus controller transmits a request signal (22) to the bus operating devices; the bus operating devices transmit, via the network lines, corresponding device data associated with a bus operating device at a specified location (23 to 28) to the bus controller in a specified transmission sequence (14); the bus controller receives the device data and, according to its position in the transmission sequence, assigns each segment of device data received to one of the bus operating devices. According to the invention, the bus controller sends an identification data request signal to the bus operating devices for transmitting individual identification data in the bus operating devices; the bus operating devices transmit their corresponding individual identification data to the bus controller according to a specified transmission sequence; the bus controller receives the identification data, assigns each segment of identification data to a specific bus operating device according to its position in the specified transmission sequence, and stores each segment of identification data together with the specific location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a bus network, the bus network including a bus control device and multiple bus operation devices interconnected via network lines of the bus network. The bus network operates according to a daisy-chain method, wherein the bus control device transmits an interrogation signal to the bus operation devices via the network lines, the bus operation devices receive the interrogation signal and sequentially transmit corresponding device data related to the bus operation device to the bus control device at predefined positions in a predefined transmission sequence via the network lines, the bus control device receives the device data and, according to the position in the transmission sequence, assigns the received device data to a corresponding one of the bus operation devices. This invention also relates to computer program products and computer-readable data carriers. Finally, the present invention also relates to a bus control device for a bus network, wherein, in addition to the bus control device, the bus network also includes multiple bus operation devices interconnected using network lines of the bus network, wherein the bus network operates according to a daisy-chain method, wherein the bus control device is designed to: transmit an interrogation signal to the bus operation devices via the network lines; receive device data related to the bus operation devices, wherein the corresponding device data is successively transmitted by the bus operation devices to the bus control device via the network lines at a predefined position in a predefined transmission sequence in response to the interrogation signal, and, according to the position in the transmission sequence, allocate the corresponding received device data to a corresponding one of the bus operation devices. Background Technology

[0002] In principle, the general method, the bus control device used in the method, the computer program product, and the computer-readable data carrier are widely known in the prior art, and therefore their separate recorded evidence is not required. The bus network is used to connect and operate bus-operating devices, which are connected via network lines, to a bus control device, for example, through data (specifically device data) transmitted from the bus-operating devices to the bus control device, and control commands transmitted from the bus control device to one or more bus-operating devices. Bus-operating devices can be, for example, sensors, actuators, or combinations thereof. Therefore, device data can include, for example, recorded values ​​from sensors, the operating states of the bus-operating devices, or combinations thereof.

[0003] Bus-operated devices are typically connected to bus control devices via network lines and can exchange data via these lines. Therefore, network lines are particularly used for communication between bus control devices and bus-operated devices. However, network lines can also be used to supply power to bus-operated devices. For example, network lines can be in the form of two-wire lines. Depending on requirements, network lines can, of course, have more than two separate lines. Bus networks can operate based on bus protocols such as the Distributed System Interface (DSI). Such protocols are disclosed, for example, by the DSI3 bus standard published on February 16, 2011.

[0004] In the daisy-chain method, as disclosed, for example, by the DSI3 bus standard of February 16, 2011, bus operating devices are typically cascaded to a bus control device via network lines. Therefore, it is important that the bus operating devices respond to interrogation signals from the bus control device without attempting to transmit their device data via the network lines at overlapping times. To this end, the daisy-chain method specifies that, in response to interrogation signals from the bus control device, the bus operating devices transmit their respective device data at corresponding allocated positions within a predefined transmission sequence. Positions in the transmission sequence are assigned to the respective bus operating devices. This means that a corresponding time window for transmitting device data is available for transmission and is allocated individually to the respective bus operating device. For example, the transmission sequence can be defined during the initialization or configuration of the bus network. Typically, the transmission sequence remains substantially unchanged during normal operation of the bus network.

[0005] The bus control device can allocate device data to the corresponding bus operating device based on the transmission sequence of the device data and the allocation position within the transmission sequence that is individually assigned to the corresponding bus operating device. The device data can then be made available for further processing. Processing can be performed at least partially within the bus control device, or it can be specified that the device data be transmitted to a higher-level controller for further processing. Depending on the position allocation in the transmission sequence, in the latter case, it can certainly be specified that the device data be transmitted to the higher-level controller in a manner similar to that allocated to the corresponding bus operating device.

[0006] For example, the increasing use of sensors and actuators in the field of motor vehicles has led to the application of bus networks in motor vehicles. Sensors, actuators, and / or the like can be designed as bus-operated devices that are connected to bus control devices via network lines.

[0007] Especially if the vehicle has driver assistance and / or can be at least partially autonomously guided, a high degree of reliability must be achieved in the normal operation of the bus network, particularly in communication. However, it has been shown that communication can be disrupted in the prior art if a fault occurs, such as an interruption in the network lines, a defect or malfunction of one or more bus control devices, etc. This is detrimental to the bus operating devices, which are at least partially responsible for the safety of systems such as motor vehicles. Particularly disadvantageous is the failure of the bus operating device and its subsequent cessation of response in the transmission sequence. The transmission position following the bus operating device can then be displaced from the perspective of the bus control device without its notice. Furthermore, this can lead to at least a partial failure of the bus network. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention aims to improve the reliability of normal operation of bus networks.

[0009] The solutions proposed in this invention include methods, computer program products, computer-readable data carriers, and bus control devices according to the independent claims.

[0010] Advantageous improvements are derived from the features of the dependent claims.

[0011] Regarding the general method, this invention specifically proposes that the bus control device transmits an identification data query signal to transmit individually identified data readablely stored in the bus operation device to the bus operation device. The bus operation device receives the identification data query signal and transmits its corresponding individually identified data to the bus control device according to a predefined transmission sequence. The bus control device receives the individually identified data, allocates the corresponding identification data to the corresponding bus operation device according to the position in the predefined transmission sequence, and stores the corresponding identification data together with the corresponding position allocated to the corresponding identification data.

[0012] Regarding the computer program product, the present invention specifically proposes that the computer program product has a program code means, which is specifically stored in a computer-readable medium so that when the computer program product is executed on a computer unit of a bus control device of a bus network, it at least partially performs the method for operating the bus network according to the present invention.

[0013] Regarding computer-readable data carriers, the present invention specifically proposes that the computer-readable data carrier has program code instructions that, when executed by a computer unit, cause the computer unit to perform at least partially the method for operating a bus network according to the present invention.

[0014] For general-purpose bus control devices, this invention specifically proposes that the bus control device is also designed to: transmit identification data interrogation signals for transmitting individually identified data readablely stored in the bus operating device to the bus operating device; receive corresponding individually identified data transmitted by the bus operating device to the bus control device according to a predefined transmission sequence in response to the identification data interrogation signals; allocate the corresponding identification data to the corresponding bus operating device according to the position in the predefined transmission sequence; and store the corresponding identification data together with the corresponding position allocated to the corresponding identification data.

[0015] This invention is particularly based on the idea of ​​storing numerical pairs, each pair including at least identification data and the current position in the transmission sequence. For this purpose, the bus control device can have a storage unit in which numerical pairs can be stored. In principle, the numerical pairs can also be stored at least partially in an external storage unit communicatively connected to the bus control device. Therefore, the bus control device or a higher-level controller can determine which bus operating devices are enabled. This data can also be used to further process device data transmitted to the bus control device in response to an interrogation signal. Thus, as part of a daisy-chain method, the corresponding bus operating device can be identified. This is particularly useful if one of the bus operating devices is repaired or replaced, and there are changes in functionality after the repair or replacement, especially regarding device data. This allows for an overall improvement in the reliability of the bus network.

[0016] The identification data query signal is a query signal that can be transmitted by the bus control device. It is a specific query signal that differs from other query signals from the bus control device. The bus operating device is familiar with the identification data query signal. It can be specified that the corresponding identification data is stored in the storage unit of the corresponding bus operating device. Once the corresponding bus operating device receives the identification data query signal via the network line, it can be specified to read the identification data from the corresponding storage unit of the corresponding bus operating device and transmit the identification data at a predefined position in the transmission sequence from the bus operating device to the bus control device.

[0017] For communication via network lines, both the bus control device and the bus operation device have appropriate transceiver units that can be used to achieve communication via network lines. Furthermore, both the bus control device and the bus operation device can be specified to have corresponding power supply units, which can be used to supply power from the bus control device to the bus operation device via the network lines.

[0018] According to an improved approach, after transmitting an interrogation signal, the bus control device compares the number of locations where it receives device data with a predefined number of bus operating devices to determine the functionality of the bus network. The predefined number of bus operating devices can be determined, for example, during bus network initialization. However, it can also be specified that a predefined number of bus operating devices be permanently set on the bus control device. Specifications for the upper-level controller can also be provided. For example, the predefined number of bus operating devices corresponds to the number of bus operating devices connected to the network lines. If the bus network functionality is not interfered with, the number of locations corresponds to the predefined number of bus operating devices. The predefined number of bus operating devices is the number of bus operating devices communicatively connected to the bus control device via network lines. This allows the bus control device to determine that available bus operating devices have indeed transmitted their device data to the bus control device. This improves the reliability of normal bus network operation.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that when the number of positions is less than a predefined number, the bus control device transmits an identification data query signal. This allows the bus control device to determine which bus operating devices are operating normally based on the number of positions that the bus control device receives identification data in response to the identification data query signal. Additionally, it can determine if there is a network line fault, such as an interruption. For example, if the network line is interrupted, the bus operating devices that follow the interruption will no longer be able to communicate with the bus control device. Therefore, this can also be determined. If the bus control device determines that the number of positions does not correspond to the predefined number, it can, for example, send a message to the higher-level controller. It can also be specified that the bus control device stops or reduces the normal operation of the bus network.

[0020] Furthermore, an improvement is proposed to adjust the transmission sequence based on individual identification data received by the bus control device from the bus operating device. This improvement is particularly relevant when the number of positions is less than a predefined number. This allows, for example, the removal of deactivated or faulty bus operating devices from the transmission sequence, thereby maintaining normal operation according to the daisy-chain method even in such cases. Therefore, the reliability of normal operation of the bus network can be further improved.

[0021] It is also proposed that the bus control device assigns a position in the transmission sequence to the bus operating device based on individually identified data received from the bus operating device. Specifically, this can be a reallocation or reconfiguration. The position in the transmission sequence can be assigned according to a standardized initialization method used for operation according to the daisy-chain method.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bus control device determine at least one fault location, where the fault location is a position in the transmission sequence at which the assigned bus control device does not receive device data. In this case, the bus control device can assume a malfunction or failure. For example, the bus operating device assigned to this position may be disabled or malfunctioning, and therefore unable to transmit device data. However, it is also possible that the network line has a fault, such as an interruption or short circuit. In this case, the bus control device can, for example, repeatedly transmit interrogation signals. However, it is also possible that the bus control device sends a fault message to the higher-level controller, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, a bus control device is proposed to determine identification data associated with at least one associated bus operating device based on stored identification data and locations stored in an assigned manner. This allows for the identification of bus operating devices that have not transmitted any device data to the bus control device in response to an interrogation signal. Therefore, the bus control device can identify the bus operating device based on the identification data assigned to and stored at that location. The bus control device can send a corresponding message containing the corresponding identification data associated with the affected bus operating device, particularly to a higher-level controller, for example, to facilitate repair, maintenance, or replacement of the bus operating device at the location causing the fault.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bus control device activates a fault diagnosis routine based on at least one fault location or at least one bus operating device associated with identification data. This allows for the automatic, at least partially, inspection and, if necessary, correction of the operational readiness or malfunction of bus operating devices. In particular, it can also identify the corresponding bus operating devices whose operation is interfered with. Therefore, the reliability of normal operation of the bus network can be further improved.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bus control device send a fault message based on at least one fault location or at least one bus operating device associated with identification data, wherein the identification data is related to the associated bus operating device. For example, the fault message can be sent as a signal to a higher-level controller. However, it is also possible to specify that the bus control device transmits auditory, visual, or tactile signal outputs to operators, users, or service personnel of the bus network.

[0026] According to an improved approach, a bus control device determines the operational status of a network line by comparing the number of locations where it receives device data with a predefined number of bus operating devices. This improvement has the advantage of limiting potential faults or malfunctions. For example, fault detection in the network line can depend on the fact that no device data is transmitted back in response to an interrogation signal from a location in the transmission sequence. It can be assumed that faults are unlikely in the case of multiple bus operating devices following each other in the transmission sequence. This can further improve the maintainability of the bus network.

[0027] Regarding bus control devices, it is further proposed that the bus control device include a power supply unit for supplying electrical energy to at least one of the bus control devices via network lines for normal operation. This means that the bus operation device can be particularly compact and cost-effective. At the same time, reliability can be improved. The power supply unit may include, for example, an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, the power supply unit may also have a power supply connector for connecting to an electrical energy source. The power supply connector can, for example, be designed for connecting to the energy supply network or electrical system of a motor vehicle.

[0028] Furthermore, a bus control device is proposed designed to identify faults during normal operation of the bus network and reconfigure the transmission sequence accordingly. According to this improvement, the bus control device can therefore react to faults during normal bus network operation and attempt to maintain partial normal operation by reconfiguring or re-configuring the transmission sequence. By reconfiguring the transmission sequence, available bus operating devices can be reinserted into the daisy-chain method, enabling them to be used to maintain bus network operation. Simultaneously, the bus control device can be specified to send corresponding messages, for example, to a higher-level controller.

[0029] The advantages and effects specified for the method according to the invention are equally applicable to the bus control device according to the invention (if applicable), as well as to the computer program product and computer-readable data carrier according to the invention, and vice versa. Therefore, in particular, method features can also be described as apparatus features, and vice versa.

[0030] Other features of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations of features referenced in the foregoing description, as well as those referenced in the following description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding indicated combinations, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is also intended to be considered to include and disclose embodiments not explicitly shown and explained in the drawings but arising from and generated from the explained embodiments by individual combinations of features. Therefore, embodiments and combinations of features that do not possess all the features of the originally formulated independent claims should also be considered disclosed. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that exceed or differ from the combinations of features listed in the reverse references to the claims should be considered disclosed, particularly by the embodiments described above.

[0031] For application scenarios or situations that may lead to this method but are not explicitly described herein, the method may specify requests for outputting error messages and / or inputting user feedback and / or setting default settings and / or pre-determining initial states. Attached Figure Description

[0032] In the attached diagram:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic circuit diagram of a bus network is shown, comprising a bus control device and multiple bus operating devices interconnected via network lines of the bus network, wherein the bus network operates according to a daisy-chain method.

[0034] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a sequence of signals representing device data from a bus-operated device, which transmits data in response to an interrogation signal.

[0035] Figure 3 It shows something similar to Figure 2 The illustrative signal indicates that one of the bus-operated devices is not transmitting device data due to a fault.

[0036] Figure 4 It shows something similar to Figure 2 The illustrative signal indicates that the network line between two successively arranged bus-operated devices has been interrupted, and

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a sequence of methods for operating a bus network is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a bus network 1 with network line 9 is shown, wherein bus control device 2 and bus operation devices 3 to 8 are connected to the network line 9, wherein in Figure 1Only bus operating devices 3 to 5 are shown. Bus operating devices 3 to 8 are connected in series to bus control device 2 via network line 9. Bus control device 2 and bus operating devices 3 to 8 are also included in bus network 1.

[0039] Regarding the connection to network line 9, bus operating devices 3 to 8 are essentially the same in the present case. They are further configured such that network line 9 is looped through bus operating devices 3 to 8. Each of bus operating devices 3 to 8 has its own power supply unit 11, operating device control unit 13, controllable power supply 12, and line resistor RS. Bus operating devices 3 to 8 are essentially connected in series with each other and connected to bus control device 2. In the present case, bus network 1 operates according to a daisy-chain method.

[0040] In the present case, each of the bus operating devices 3 to 8 includes a corresponding sensor, which is included in the corresponding operating device control unit 13. The sensors are not further shown and do not need to be identical in the present case. The sensors can be used to record, for example, temperature, humidity, light, etc. It can also be specified that the sensor is a camera, especially an infrared camera, a lidar, an ultrasonic sensor, and / or the like. However, in principle, the bus operating devices 3 to 8 may also have one or more actuators that can be controlled by means of control commands from the bus control device 2.

[0041] The bus control device 2 also has a power supply unit 10, which supplies not only electrical energy for the normal operation of the bus control device 2, but also electrical energy for operating the bus operation devices 3 to 8, so that the power supply unit 10 can supply power to the bus network 1 substantially completely under the current conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, the bus control device 2 has a control unit 41, which is designed to operate the bus network 1 according to a daisy-chain method. The operating device control unit 13 records sensor values ​​with its sensors and makes these sensor values ​​available as device data in a retrievable form.

[0043] Figure 2 The method of retrieving device data from bus operating devices 3 to 8 via network line 9 is now illustrated schematically. First, during normal, undisturbed operation, bus control device 2 transmits an interrogation signal 22 to bus operating devices 3 to 8 via network line 9. In this initial sequence of methods (not further described), positions 23 to 28 in transmission sequence 14 are previously assigned by bus control device 2 to bus operating devices 3 to 8. Bus operating devices 3 to 8 receive the interrogation signal 22 and, via network line 9, sequentially transmit their corresponding device data to bus control device 2 at the positions 23 to 28 previously assigned to each of them in the predefined transmission sequence 14. Figure 2 Positions 23 to 28 in the transmission sequence 14 in response to interrogation signal 22 are shown. Therefore, bus operating device 3 transmits its device data at position 23, bus operating device 4 transmits its device data at position 24, bus operating device 5 transmits its device data at position 25, bus operating device 6 transmits its device data at position 26, bus operating device 7 transmits its device data at position 27, and bus operating device 8 transmits its data at position 28. Positions 23 to 28 are consecutive in chronological order.

[0044] Figure 3 It shows something similar to Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a signal sequence; however, in this diagram, bus-operated device 5 is defective and does not transmit any device data. This is in... Figure 3 The fact that X is contained at position 25 is shown in the diagram. Therefore, position 25 is omitted in the transmission sequence. This will cause the position of the following response signal to shift. Therefore, due to its interrogation signal 22, the corresponding device data from only five of the bus operating devices 3 to 8 (specifically at positions 23, 24, and 26 to 28) arrives at the bus control device 2. This may cause a signal processing failure in the bus control device 2, which at least interferes with, if not completely interferes with, further operation of the bus network 1.

[0045] Figure 4 With similar Figure 2 The schematic signal diagram illustrates another scenario where there is a fault regarding network line 9 between bus operating devices 5 and 6, which in this case is an interruption. From Figure 4 It can be seen that, in response to the interrogation signal 22, bus control device 2 only receives device data from bus operation devices 6 to 8 at positions 26 to 28. Due to the interruption of network line 9, device data related to bus operation devices 3 to 5 at positions 23 to 25 cannot be transmitted to bus control device 2. This may also cause significant interference in the normal operation of bus network 1.

[0046] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart illustrates how appropriate control of bus control device 2 can be used to reduce or eliminate [the problem of] ... Figure 3 and Figure 4The problem explained. The process begins at step 15, in which the vehicle is started. In the subsequent step 16, bus control device 2 initializes bus network 1, as explained, for example, in the DSI3 bus standard of February 16, 2011. Here, an identification data query signal is transmitted to bus operation devices 3 to 8, which is used to transmit individual identification data stored in a readable manner in bus operation devices 3 to 8. Bus operation devices 3 to 8 receive the identification data query signal from bus control device 2. Bus operation devices 3 to 8 transmit their corresponding individual identification data to bus control device 2 according to a predefined transmission sequence 14. Bus control device 2 receives the individual identification data and assigns them to the corresponding bus operation devices 3 to 8 according to the corresponding positions in the predefined transmission sequence 14.

[0047] In the subsequent step 18, it is checked whether identification data for bus operation devices 3 to 8 exists. In step 17, it is determined that identification data for a specific bus operation device among bus operation devices 3 to 8 does not exist, while in step 19, it is determined that identification data for a specific bus operation device among bus operation devices 3 to 8 exists.

[0048] Then, in step 20, it is checked whether the initialization (i.e., specifically the position allocation for bus operation devices 3 to 8) was successful. If the allocation is successful, the method proceeds to step 21, where the stored identification data is compared with the identification data received during initialization. If the corresponding identification data are the same, the method continues and ends at step 30, and normal operation of bus network 1 begins or continues. On the other hand, if there is a discrepancy between the stored identification data and the identification data received through initialization, a storage operation is initiated in step 29, where the corresponding received identification data is allocated to positions 23 to 28 and stored in the storage unit of control unit 41, which in this case is formed in bus control device 2. Then, the method similarly continues to step 30.

[0049] If initialization fails in step 20, the method proceeds to step 31. Step 31 checks whether the stored identification data available in bus control device 2 is available and consistent. If this check is negative, the method proceeds to step 32.

[0050] Step 32 checks whether initialization, particularly addressing, can be successfully performed for all bus-operated devices 3 to 8. If the check is negative, the method proceeds to step 33. Step 33 outputs a message indicating an addressing error in bus network 1. The method then proceeds to step 34. Step 34 checks whether the error occurred due to debouncing time. If the result of this check is negative, the method proceeds to step 16. However, if the result of the check in step 34 is positive, a message is issued in step 35 and transmitted by bus-operated device 2 to a higher-level controller (not shown further).

[0051] On the other hand, if the check result in step 32 is positive, the method proceeds to step 40. In step 40, the first faulty bus operating devices 3 to 8 are identified and reported. From step 40, the method then proceeds to step 34, as previously described.

[0052] If the check in step 31 is positive, the identification data assigned to the corresponding locations 23 to 28 in the storage unit is compared with the identification data received due to the identification data interrogation signal from bus operation device 2. This is performed in step 36, and the method continues to step 37. In step 37, unavailable or faulty bus operation devices 3 to 8 are then identified. The method then continues to step 40, as previously described.

[0053] As can be seen from the preceding method sequence, bus control device 2 can be used to determine whether bus operating devices are no longer participating in or can no longer participate in the normal operation of bus network 1. If so, it determines which bus operating devices are no longer participating in or can no longer participate in the normal operation of bus network 1. Then, bus control device 2 can automatically reconfigure bus network 1. Positions 22 to 28 can be reassigned to available bus operating devices 3 to 8, reducing the number of positions due to unavailable bus operating devices 3 to 8. Therefore, bus network 1 can utilize the still available bus operating devices to maintain its normal operation.

[0054] The exemplary embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating a bus network (1), the bus network (1) comprising a bus control device (2) and a plurality of bus operating devices (3 to 8), which are coupled to one another by means of network lines (9) of the bus network (1), wherein, The bus network (1) operates according to a daisy-chain method, wherein the bus control device (2) transmits an interrogation signal (22) to the bus operating devices (3 to 8) via the network line (9), the bus operating devices (3 to 8) receive the interrogation signal (22), and successively transmit corresponding device data related to the bus operating devices (3 to 8) to the bus control device (2) at predefined positions (23 to 28) in a predefined transmission sequence (14) via the network line (9), the bus control device (2) receives the device data, and according to the position (23 to 28) in the transmission sequence (14), assigns the corresponding received device data to one of the bus operating devices (3 to 8). The bus control device (2) transmits an identification data query signal to transmit individually identifiable data readablely stored in the bus operation device (3 to 8) to the bus operation device (3 to 8). The bus operation device (3 to 8) receives the identification data query signal and transmits the corresponding individually identifiable data of the bus operation device (3 to 8) to the bus control device (2) according to the predefined transmission sequence (14). The bus control device (2) receives the individually identifiable data, allocates the corresponding identification data to the corresponding bus operation device (3 to 8) according to the position (23 to 28) in the predefined transmission sequence (14), and stores the corresponding identification data together with the corresponding position (23 to 28) allocated to the corresponding identification data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After transmitting the interrogation signal, the bus control device (2) compares the number of locations where the bus control device (2) receives the device data with the predefined number of bus operation devices (3 to 8) in order to determine the function of the bus network (1).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When the number of locations is less than the predefined number, the bus control device (2) transmits the identification data query signal.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The transmission sequence is adjusted based on the individual identification data received by the bus control device (2) from the bus operation device (3 to 8).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The bus control device (2) assigns a position in the transmission sequence to the bus operating device (3 to 8) based on the individual identification data received from the bus operating device (3 to 8).

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, Its features are, The bus control device (2) determines at least one fault location, wherein the fault location is a location in the transmission sequence where the assigned bus control device (2) does not receive device data.

7. The method according to claim 6, Its features are, The bus control device (2) determines the identification data associated with at least one associated bus operating device (3 to 8) based on the stored identification data and the location stored in an assigned manner.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, Its features are, The bus control device (2) activates a fault diagnosis routine based on the at least one fault location or the at least one bus operation device (3 to 8) associated with the identification data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, Its features are, The bus control device (2) outputs a fault message based on the at least one fault location or the at least one bus operation device (3 to 8) associated with the identification data.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, Its features are, The bus control device (2) determines the operating status of the network line (9) by comparing the number of locations where the bus control device (2) receives the device data with the predefined number of bus operation devices (3 to 8).

11. A computer program product having program code means, the program code means being specifically stored in a computer-readable medium so that, when the computer program product is executed on a computer unit of a bus control device (2) of the bus network (1), it at least partially performs the method for operating the bus network (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A computer-readable data carrier having program code instructions that, when executed by a computer unit, cause the computer unit to perform at least partially the method for operating a bus network (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

13. A bus control device (2) for a bus network (1), wherein, In addition to the bus control device (2), the bus network (1) also includes a plurality of bus operating devices (3 to 8), which are interconnected using network lines (9) of the bus network (1). The bus network (1) operates according to a daisy-chain method. The bus control device (2) is designed to: transmit an interrogation signal to the bus operating devices (3 to 8) via the network lines; receive corresponding device data associated with the bus operating devices (3 to 8), which are subsequently transmitted by the bus operating devices (3 to 8) to the bus control device (2) via the network lines (9) at predefined positions in a predefined transmission sequence in response to the interrogation signal; and assign the corresponding received device data to a corresponding one of the bus operating devices (3 to 8) according to the position in the transmission sequence. The bus control device (2) is characterized in that it is further designed to transmit an identification data query signal for transmitting individual identification data readablely stored in the bus operation device (3 to 8) to the bus operation device (3 to 8); receiving corresponding individual identification data transmitted by the bus operation device (3 to 8) to the bus control device (2) in response to the identification data query signal according to the predefined transmission sequence; allocating the corresponding identification data to the corresponding bus operation device (3 to 8) according to the position in the predefined transmission sequence; and storing the corresponding identification data together with the corresponding position allocated to the corresponding identification data.

14. The bus control device according to claim 13, characterized in that... Energy supply unit (10) for supplying electrical energy to at least one of the bus operation devices (3 to 8) via the network line (9) for normal operation.

15. The bus control device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The bus control device (2) is designed to identify faults in the normal operation of the bus network (1) and reconfigure the transmission sequence based on the faults.

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