Communication structure for transmitting information

Abstract

Communication structure with a first and second data collector (7, 8) to which the consumption data determined by consumption measuring devices (11 to 13, 14, 15) are transmitted, and a communication unit (1) connectable to a central computing unit (10) for transmitting information between the respective data collector (7, 8) and the central computing unit (10), wherein the communication unit (1) comprises the following: a data interface (2) by means of which the information in the form of data can be transferred, wherein the data of the first data collector (7) in the first data format can be transferred via the data interface (2) using a first communication protocol, as well as a data distribution unit (4) which is configured to carry out the transmission of the data of the second data collector (8) in a second data format which is different from the first data format by means of a second communication protocol, characterized in that Transmission means are provided which enable wireless or wired transmission between communication unit (1) and data collector (7, 8), the data interface (2) is a web, cloud and / or file server, the data interface (2) includes a file system (3) for storing the data in a first data format, a data bridge (5) is arranged between the file system (3) and the data distribution unit (4), wherein the data bridge (5) is configured to import data of the second data format into the file system (3) as data of the first data format and / or to export data of the first data format from the file system (3) as data of the second data format.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication structure for transmitting information according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for transmitting information between several measuring units and a central computing device. Technological background

[0002] Smart meters, also known as intelligent consumption meters, are utility meters installed in the supply network, for example, for energy, electricity, gas, and water. They display the actual consumption to the respective customer and are integrated into a communication network. Smart meters offer the advantage of eliminating the need for manual meter readings and enabling suppliers to bill more frequently based on actual consumption. These shorter reading intervals, in turn, allow for a more precise alignment of end-customer tariffs with fluctuations in wholesale electricity prices. Furthermore, they enable significantly better utilization of the supply network.

[0003] Smart meters are typically assigned to individual apartments or buildings. The measurement and consumption data they collect can be read in a variety of ways. For example, data can be read via the power grid (power line). Alternatively, data can be transmitted wirelessly in the form of data packets or telegrams, for example, in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) frequency band. These frequency bands have the advantage that operators only require a general license from the frequency management authority.

[0004] The collection of measurement data via radio is carried out either by stationary or mobile data collection devices, or data collectors, to which the consumption data determined by the meters are transmitted. The data collectors concentrate the data (data concentrators) or store it and then send it to a higher-level central unit (head end), such as a central computer or an IT infrastructure within the utility company's control center, where it is further processed, for example, for billing purposes. Data transmission between the data collector and the central unit is generally a so-called long-range communication or tertiary communication, which uses a specific communication protocol and a corresponding data format for data transmission. Printed state of the art

[0005] A communication structure according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 2010 / 0188263 A1. To read data from locally located meters, a data collection system consisting of a plurality of permanently installed data collectors (CCUs) is used. These CCUs collect the data from the meters of a local area using different transmission protocols via short-range radio or transmission lines and forward it to a central data center via a wide area network (WAN). Each data collector has a network interface that supports a variety of transmission protocols.

[0006] US patent 2014 / 0344269 A1 discloses a semantic naming model for data from network-enabled sensors, which are generated in very large quantities during the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT). The model involves embedding a semantic name that encompasses specific properties of the sensor data (such as time, position, type, and value) and linking it to other descriptive metadata of the sensor data. The sensors are nodes in a communication network that includes a gateway. The sensor data can be queried by a server via the gateway using a variety of transmission protocols.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2014 102 007 B4 discloses a method for transmitting data in which terminal devices transmit data to a data collector via remote data transmission. The data collector, in turn, transmits the data to a communication unit of a central computing facility via remote data transmission. A central data storage device is provided for this purpose, on which the data collector can store the messages. For example, the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is used as the transmission protocol between the data collector and the computing facility, with the messages being stored on an FTP server or a cloud server. This method has the disadvantage that other data collectors using a different communication protocol can only transmit data to the computing facility by taking additional measures.For example, as an additional measure, an extra communication unit can be installed to implement the other communication protocol, which consequently has its own data storage and control system. These measures are only feasible with considerable time and expense, meaning that such a connection can only be implemented with corresponding disadvantages. Furthermore, additional communication units necessitate additional time-consuming and costly maintenance and installation work. Object of the present invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a communication structure which enables the transmission of information via various communication protocols in a simple, secure and cost-effective manner. Solution to the task

[0009] The aforementioned problem is solved by the entire teaching of claim 1 and the dependent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The communication structure comprises a first and second data collector and a communication unit that can be connected to a central computing unit, enabling the transfer of information between each data collector and the central computing unit. The communication unit includes a data interface through which the information is transmitted in the form of data. This data interface features a file system or data storage for storing the data in a first data format, and the information transfer between the data collector and the central computing unit in this first data format is carried out using a first communication protocol.

[0011] According to the invention, the communication structure comprises a data distribution unit that serves to transmit data in a second data format, which differs from the first data format, using a second communication protocol. Furthermore, a data bridge is arranged between the file system and the data distribution unit. This bridge can import data of the second data format into the file system as data of the first data format and / or export data of the first data format from the file system as data of the second data format, i.e., it can convert the data formats and transfer them between the file system and the data distribution unit. This offers the advantage that the communication unit can, for example, receive data from multiple data collectors via multiple communication protocols, convert this data, and optionally forward it to the central computing unit via a single communication protocol.This allows different data collectors with different communication protocols to be connected to the communication unit. In contrast, a higher-level central computing facility only requires one interface for receiving the data; that is, it only needs to support one communication protocol. This significantly simplifies information transfer. Advantageously, this allows, for example, data collectors to be upgraded gradually, enabling older data collectors, which may still communicate using an older protocol, to transmit information to the central computing facility. The central computing facility does not need to support the older communication protocol itself.

[0012] Preferably, an MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport) protocol is used as the second communication protocol. This includes both TCP / IP-based and non-TCP / IP-based MQTT specifications (such as MQTT-SN). Accordingly, the data distribution unit can preferably be an MQTT broker, which is responsible for distributing and assigning the data and preferably operates according to the publish / subscribe method. Using the MQTT protocol together with another protocol can significantly increase the security of the information transmission.

[0013] The data interface can conveniently be a web server, cloud server, or file server. Preferably, it is an FTP server that provides a file system, or at least a part of a file system, i.e., for example, a data storage device (e.g., a hard drive) with file organization. Using such a file server also allows for access control, for example, by the file server itself or through a permission request in the file system.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data collector and the central computing unit each comprise only one interface and one communication protocol for data transmission. This significantly simplifies the design of the data collector and / or the central computing unit. Furthermore, the transmission of information within the entire communication system can be essentially standardized with regard to transmission method and transmission standard.

[0015] Furthermore, transmission means are provided that enable wireless and / or wired transmission between the communication unit and the data collector and / or between the communication unit and the central computing unit. For example, the transmission means can be a transmitting and receiving device or a line connection (e.g., powerline).

[0016] The transmission of data between the communication unit and the data collector and / or central computing facility preferably takes place via a secure data channel, in particular via an end-to-end encrypted data channel.

[0017] Advantageously, the data distribution unit can require authentication from a client, such as the data collector, to transmit the information. This authentication can be achieved, for example, by using a valid username / password combination, which the data collector must use or transmit when establishing a connection with the communication unit in order to transfer the data. This significantly improves the security of the data transmission and data integrity.

[0018] Preferably, the data bridge is designed as a software solution that adapts the communication parameters of the first and second communication protocols. This allows the data bridge to be easily implemented or retrofitted into existing systems, for example, through a firmware update or similar means.

[0019] Furthermore, the communication unit can be configured to convert the first communication protocol and / or the second communication protocol and / or other communication protocols into a communication protocol that offers higher security than the original communication protocol. Additionally, data in the first data format and / or the second data format can also be converted into a data format that offers higher security than the original data format. This further enhances security. For example, data transmitted using the FT protocol can be converted into an SSH (Secure Shell) data format and transmitted using the SSH protocol.

[0020] It is advantageous to provide at least one additional data interface designed to transmit data using a third communication protocol. This allows information transmission to be extended to other communication protocols, making the communication unit even more flexible.

[0021] Depending on its specific configuration, the communication unit can be set up to optionally support a multiple communication protocols. The ability to select between different communication protocols makes connecting external devices, such as data loggers, even more flexible. Furthermore, additional communication protocols (e.g., a fourth and fifth communication protocol) can be provided.

[0022] The communication unit can expediently be a functional unit of the central computing system. For example, the communication unit can be connected to or integrated into the central computing system via hardware and / or software.

[0023] Preferably, the information consists of consumption data recorded by a consumption meter, which is transmitted, for example, from the consumption meter to the central processing unit via the data logger. The consumption meters can be, for example, smart meters for recording electricity, water, gas, and / or heat consumption. In a further subsidiary aspect, the present invention claims a method for transmitting information between several measuring units, in particular consumption meters for recording electricity, water, gas, and / or heat consumption, and a central processing unit. In this method, the information is transmitted from the measuring unit to the central processing unit and / or from the central processing unit to the measuring unit in the form of data.The information is transmitted between the measuring unit and the central computing unit via a communication structure according to the invention, which includes a data distribution unit configured to transmit data in a second data format, different from the first, using a second communication protocol. Furthermore, a data bridge is arranged between the file system and the data distribution unit, which serves to import data in the second data format into the file system as data in the first data format and / or to export data of the first data format from the file system as data of the second data format. Description of the invention using exemplary embodiments

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing figures. These show: Fig. 1 a simplified, schematic representation of a generic communication system according to the state of the art; Fig. 2 a simplified, schematic representation of a first embodiment of a communication system with a communication structure according to the invention, as well as Fig. 3 a simplified, schematic representation of a further embodiment of a communication system with a communication structure according to the invention.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 depicts a communication system according to the state of the art, in which information is transmitted between a central computing unit 100 and several data collectors 101, 102, 103 via various communication protocols. Between the data collectors 101, 102, 103 and the central computing unit 100, corresponding data interfaces 104, 105, 106 are arranged, each comprising a file system 104a, 105a, 106a and a control unit 104b, 105b, 106b. The communication system in Fig. One of the disadvantages of option 1 is that significant hardware and software resources are required to implement the different communication protocols of the respective data collectors 101, 102, and 103. Furthermore, the central computing unit 100 must support all communication protocols used and adapt the corresponding communication parameters of the communication protocols, i.e., have suitable interfaces to ensure successful information transfer.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a communication system in which information is transmitted between a central computing unit 10 and several measuring units or consumption meters 11-15. For example, the consumption meters 11-15 can be water, electricity, gas, or heat meters. The current meter readings of the consumption meters 11-15 are transmitted to the computing unit 10 in the form of data or consumption data via a communication structure according to the invention. This communication structure comprises a communication unit 1 and several data collectors 7, 8 or data concentrators for concentrating and / or (temporarily) storing the data. Data transmission between the consumption meters 11-15 and the data collectors 7, 8 can optionally take place wirelessly (e.g., via radio) or via a wired connection (e.g., via powerline).

[0027] Communication unit 1 includes a data interface 2, which is configured, for example, as an FTP server (FTP file server). The first communication protocol for information transfer between the data collector 7 and the data interface 2 is an FTP protocol. Furthermore, the FTP server is associated with a file system 3, which serves as infrastructure and data storage / temporary storage. The data from the data collector 7 can thus be transferred from the data collector 7 to the data interface 2 in an initial data format, i.e., in this case, an FTP file format, and subsequently stored in the file system 3.

[0028] Data transmission between communication unit 1 and central computing unit 10 takes place via a data distribution unit 4, which is designed in Fig. 2 is configured as an MQTT broker (MQTT distributor). The data from the data collector 8 can be easily transmitted to the data distribution unit 4 in a second data format, i.e., as messages or telemetry data in MQTT data format, via the second communication protocol, a so-called MQTT protocol. This data can then be transmitted from the data distribution unit 4 to the central computing unit 10 or first imported into the file system 3 for storage. For data import, the communication unit 1 includes a data bridge 5 located between data interface 2 and the data distribution unit 4. The data can be imported from the data distribution unit 4 into the file system 3 via the data bridge 5. The data bridge 5 includes a conversion unit 6, which is configured as an MQTT client. The conversion unit 6 converts the data from the second data format, i.e.,of the MQTT data format, to data of the first data format, and transfers this to the file system 3.

[0029] Furthermore, the data from file system 3 can be transferred or exported to data distribution unit 4 via data bridge 5, so that the data from file system 3 can also be transferred to the central computing unit 10 via data distribution unit 4 using the second communication protocol. The conversion unit 6 can convert the data in file system 3, which is in the first data format (FTP file format), into data in the second data format (MQTT data format) and transfer it to data distribution unit 4, i.e., export it.

[0030] The central task of the data distribution unit 4 is to distribute or assign the data or messages so that, for example, the messages sent by the data collector 8 also reach the corresponding receiving units, such as the central computing unit 10. Advantageously, the data distribution unit 4 can include an authentication function for this purpose, for example, by only accepting subscribers or publishers who use a valid password / username combination for transmission or when establishing a connection to the data distribution unit 4.

[0031] The two communication protocols, e.g., MQTT and FTP, are thus coupled via the data bridge 5. This data bridge 5 can, for example, be designed as a software solution located between the data distribution unit 4 (MQTT broker) and the data storage unit 3 (FTP file server). The import and export function of the conversion unit 6 (MQTT client) enables bidirectional communication between FTP and MQTT. This allows any number of data collectors 7, 8 to be connected, regardless of whether they communicate via MQTT or FTP.

[0032] The subject matter of the present invention can, in principle, also be extended to other communication protocols. According to a preferred embodiment, a third communication protocol can be provided. This is a communication protocol that offers a higher level of security than the first and / or second communication protocols, such as SFTP (Simple File Transfer Protocol) or SSH (Secure Shell). Advantageously, the communication unit is configured to convert, for example, the first and / or the second communication protocol into such a secure communication protocol. For example, a [missing information] such as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that an additional data interface 9 is provided, which enables data transmission using the third communication protocol.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, besides the aforementioned communication protocols (FTP, MQTT, SFTP, SSH), other communication protocols and associated data formats can also be used. For example, these could include WebDAV, SCP, HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, POP3, IMAP, NTP, SMB / CIFS, and NFS. Furthermore, other application layer communication protocols (OSI layers 5-7) can also be used. Advantageously, other structural units, such as a mobile data collector 16 for drive-by or walk-by data acquisition or an analysis tool 17, for example, for characterizing the connection / transmission, can also be connected via the communication unit 1.

[0034] The disclosure explicitly includes combinations of individual features (sub-combinations) as well as possible combinations of individual features of different forms not shown in the drawings. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 communication unit 2 Data interface 3 Filesystem 4 Data distribution unit 5 Data bridge 6 conversion unit 7 Data Collectors 8 data collectors 9 Data interface 10 central computing facility 11-15 Consumption meter 16 mobile reading devices 17 Analysis tool 100 central computing facilities 101-103 Data Collectors 104-106 Data interface 104a-106a Filesystem 104b-106b Control Unit

Claims

[1] Communication structure comprising a first and second data collector (7, 8) to which the consumption data determined by consumption measuring devices (11 to 13, 14, 15) are transmitted, and a communication unit (1) connectable to a central computing unit (10) for transmitting information between the respective data collector (7, 8) and the central computing unit (10), wherein the communication unit (1) comprises the following: a data interface (2) by means of which the information in the form of data can be transferred, wherein the data of the first data collector (7) in the first data format can be transferred via the data interface (2) using a first communication protocol, as well as a data distribution unit (4) which is configured to carry out the transmission of the data from the second data collector (8) in a second data format which is different from the first data format, by means of a second communication protocol,characterized by , that Transmission means are provided which enable wireless or wired transmission between communication unit (1) and data collector (7, 8), the data interface (2) is a web, cloud and / or file server, the data interface (2) includes a file system (3) for storing the data in a first data format, a data bridge (5) is arranged between the file system (3) and the data distribution unit (4), wherein the data bridge (5) is configured to import data of the second data format into the file system (3) as data of the first data format and / or to export data of the first data format from the file system (3) as data of the second data format. [2] Communication structure according to claim 1, characterized by, that the data distribution unit (4) is an MQTT broker and the second communication protocol is an MQTT protocol. [3] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the data collector (7, 8) and the central computing facility (10) merely comprise an interface and a communication protocol for the transmission of the data. [4] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that transmission means are provided which enable wireless and / or wired transmission between communication unit (1) and central computing unit (10). [5] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the transmission of data between communication unit (1) and data collector (7, 8) and / or central computing unit (10) takes place via a secure data channel. [6] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the data distribution unit (4) requires authentication for the transmission of the information, such that the data collector (7, 8) must use a valid username / password combination when establishing the connection. [7] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the data bridge (5) is designed as a software solution which adapts the communication parameters of the first and second communication protocols. [8] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the communication unit (1) is configured to convert the first communication protocol and / or the second communication protocol into a communication protocol which has a higher level of security than the first or the second communication protocol. [9] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one additional data interface (9) is provided which is equipped to carry out the transmission of the data using a third communication protocol. [10] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the communication unit (1) is configured to optionally support a plurality of communication protocols. [11] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the communication unit (1) is a functional unit of the central computing facility (10). [12] Communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the information is consumption data recorded by a consumption meter (11-15), which is transmitted from the consumption meter (11-15) to the data collector (7, 8). [13] Method for transmitting information between several measuring units, in particular consumption measuring devices (11-15), and a central computing device (10), wherein the information is transferred from the measuring unit to the central computing unit (10) and / or from the central computing unit (10) to the measuring unit in the form of data, characterized by , that the transmission of information between measuring unit and central computing unit (10) takes place via a communication structure according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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