Method, apparatus, computer program and computer-readable storage medium for the analysis of a mechatronic system

Abstract

Method for analyzing a mechatronic system, wherein the mechatronic system has one or more functions, the functions comprising one or more hardware and / or software functions, and in the method - a first network (20) in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) arranged in the hierarchy levels is provided, wherein the nodes (201-206) are each representative of one of the functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the functions represented by the nodes (201-206), wherein the top hierarchy level has a single node (201) as the initial node, - a node of the tree graph of the first network (20) is specified as the first trigger node, - Software network data is provided that is representative of the software functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, - depending on the first trigger node and the software network data, a second network (30) in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes (301, 302, 303, 304, 305) arranged in the hierarchy levels is determined, wherein the nodes (301-305) are each representative of one of the software functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the software functions represented by the nodes (301-305), wherein the top hierarchy level has a single node (301) as the initial node, and - depending on the first network of action (20) and the second network of action (30), the mechatronic system is analyzed, wherein an analysis of the mechatronic system includes that - the first network (20) is extended by the second network (30) such that the first trigger node of the first network (20) corresponds to the initial node of the second network (30), and - the mechatronic system is analyzed depending on the extended first network of action (40), wherein the mechatronic system has one or more diagnostic functions that are representative of one or more software functions for diagnosing the mechatronic system, in which - a node of the tree graph of the extended first network (40) is specified as the second trigger node, - one of the diagnostic functions is specified and assigned to the second trigger node, - Diagnostic network data is provided that is representative of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, - depending on the second trigger node and the diagnostic network data, a third network (50) is determined in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes (501, 502, 503, 504, 505) arranged in the hierarchy levels, wherein the nodes (501-505) are each representative of one of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the diagnostic functions represented by the nodes (501-505), wherein the top hierarchy level has a single node (501) as the initial node, such that the second trigger node of the extended first network (40) corresponds to the initial node of the third network (50), and - depending on the extended first network (40) and the third network (50) the mechatronic system is analyzed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for analyzing a mechatronic system. The invention further relates to a device for analyzing a mechatronic system. The invention further relates to a computer program and a computer-readable storage medium for analyzing a mechatronic system.

[0002] Due to the ever-increasing complexity of mechatronic systems, targeted maintenance and repair of these systems is becoming increasingly difficult.

[0003] DE 41 24 542 C2 relates to a fault diagnosis device for determining the cause of a fault in a tested device, comprising a detection device that detects parameters of the tested device and a storage device.

[0004] DE 10 2017 213 764 A1 relates to a device for the reliability analysis of a mechatronic system consisting of several system components. The device is configured to perform a method with the following features: Input channels and output channels of the system components are specified; input errors are introduced into the input channels, while output errors influenced by the input errors are detected at the output channels; based on the input errors and the output errors, model functions are determined which define error propagation within the system components.

[0005] DE 101 33 375 A1 relates to a method for creating a Bayes network for mapping and diagnosing a technical system based on a system description, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0006] DE 195 23 483 A1 relates to a computer-aided fault diagnosis device, which is particularly suitable for a motor vehicle and includes a diagnostic process provision stage in which a knowledge base with a structural model, a functional model and a fault model is stored, as well as a diagnostic execution stage.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is to contribute to the simple and efficient analysis of mechatronic systems.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention is characterized by a method for analyzing a mechatronic system having one or more functions, wherein the functions comprise one or more hardware and / or software functions.

[0010] According to the first aspect, an initial functional network is provided in the form of a tree graph with multiple hierarchy levels and nodes arranged within those levels. Each node represents one of the functions of the mechatronic system and is linked to one another via one or more logical operators, so that the tree graph represents dependencies between the functions represented by the nodes. The top hierarchy level has a single node as the initial node. A node from the tree graph of the first functional network is specified as the first trigger node. Software functional network data, representative of the software functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, is provided. Based on the first trigger node and the software functional network data, a second functional network is determined in the form of a tree graph with multiple hierarchy levels and nodes arranged within those levels.The nodes each represent one of the software functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, so that the tree graph represents dependencies between the software functions represented by the nodes. The top level of the hierarchy has a single node as the initial node. The mechatronic system is analyzed based on the first and second functional networks.

[0011] The first and / or second network of effects represents, in particular, function trees. Function trees, similar to fault trees, are tree graphs that describe functions or faults and their dependencies, and are of great importance for the analysis of a mechatronic system. This makes it possible to adapt methods for creating, processing, and / or displaying fault trees, as used in fault tree analysis (FTA), to the functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies.

[0012] The method described in the first aspect allows for the automated and complete capture of the initial functional network. This is advantageous compared to manually capturing the dependencies between the functions of the mechatronic system. Manual capture, for example, involves searching through functional documentation by a user and manually creating the initial functional network based on user input. The method described in the first aspect improves error prevention and reduces the time required compared to manual capture. Furthermore, it enables a simplified and efficient representation of the relationships between the functions of the mechatronic system and / or their interactions, thus contributing to the analysis of the mechatronic system.In particular, this makes it possible to automatically represent the software functions and their dependencies in a simplified and efficient manner in the form of the second network of effects.

[0013] The mechatronic system is, in particular, a complex mechatronic system, such as a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a single- or multi-track motor vehicle (e.g., car, truck, van, motorcycle). This results in several advantages explicitly described in this document, as well as several others that are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. A particularly significant advantage can arise when applying the method to a highly or fully automated vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle can be an aircraft or a watercraft, and the method is applied analogously to aircraft and watercraft, respectively.

[0014] The functional scope of mechatronic systems includes, for example, functions such as "wheel speed" and / or "target torque" or similar. These functional scopes can be performed by one or more mechatronic components of the mechatronic system.

[0015] The software functions include, for example, functions such as "target torque setting" or similar. These software functions can be representative of control and / or regulation algorithms or the like.

[0016] Each connection between the first and / or second network represents a dependency between the functions represented by the corresponding nodes. For example, one connection represents the fact that a first function depends on a second and a third function. Another connection represents the fact that the second function depends on a fourth or a fifth function.

[0017] The hierarchy levels serve to organize the nodes, so that the corresponding tree graph, starting from its initial node and extending to the nodes of the lowest hierarchy level, encompasses all functions or software functions of the mechatronic system represented by the corresponding nodes that exhibit dependencies on other functions or software functions. The nodes of the lowest hierarchy level represent functions or software functions of a "smallest unit" that do not depend on any other functions or software functions.

[0018] The nodes can be linked using any logical operators.

[0019] For example, the first trigger node is defined based on an initial user input. This first trigger node represents a function whose dependencies on other functions, particularly those of the second network, are not yet included in the first network. Specifically, the first trigger node can also be referred to as the entry point. The second network is thus representative of the dependencies of the software functions originating from the function represented by the first trigger node. It is also possible, for instance, to define multiple nodes of the tree graph of the first network as multiple first trigger nodes. In this case, a corresponding second network is determined for each first trigger node and used to analyze the mechatronic system.

[0020] The software network data comprises the results of a signal flow and / or function analysis. This analysis is designed to generate the software network data based on one or more machine-readable functional documents, such as source code. Source code is, in particular, text written in a programming language, for example, C, C++, and / or C#, of a computer program. This makes it possible to automatically determine the second network based on the results of the signal flow and / or function analysis and thus analyze the mechatronic system. In the case of a vehicle with one or more electronic control units (ECUs) or an ECU cluster, the results of the signal flow and / or function analysis are representative of an automatically generated description of the software functions of the one or more ECUs or the ECU cluster.

[0021] The first network and / or the second network can be stored for further processing, preferably in a graph structure, for example in a Neo4J format.

[0022] The analysis of the mechatronic system includes, for example, determining predefined relationships between the functions of the mechatronic system. For instance, it makes it possible to determine whether a function at a first hierarchy level requires one or more functions at a second hierarchy level for its execution, where the first hierarchy level is superior to the second. Furthermore, the analysis of the mechatronic system is advantageous in a development phase of the mechatronic system, such as when developing robust functions and their dependencies. Additionally, the analysis of the mechatronic system includes identifying critical dependencies between functions, such as when several functions contributing to the safety of the mechatronic system depend on the same functions, and / or when redundant dependencies exist.In such a case, it may be necessary to recognize through analysis that these functions should / must depend on different functions, for example also within the framework of a legally prescribed requirement.

[0023] The first network is extended by the second network such that the first trigger node of the first network corresponds to the initial node of the second network. The mechatronic system is then analyzed based on the extended first network.

[0024] This makes it possible to extend the first network to include the results of the signal flow and / or functional analysis represented by the software network data. This allows the first network to represent all functions of the mechatronic system, as well as their dependencies.

[0025] The mechatronic system has one or more diagnostic functions. These diagnostic functions are representative of one or more software functions for diagnosing the mechatronic system. A node in the tree graph of the extended first action network is designated as the second trigger node. One of the diagnostic functions is specified and assigned to this second trigger node.

[0026] Diagnostic network data, representative of the mechatronic system's diagnostic functions and their dependencies, is provided. Based on the second trigger node and the diagnostic network data, a third network is determined in the form of a tree graph with multiple hierarchy levels and nodes arranged within those levels. Each node represents one of the mechatronic system's diagnostic functions and is linked to one another via one or more logical operators, so the tree graph represents dependencies between the diagnostic functions represented by the nodes. The top hierarchy level has a single node as its initial node. The second trigger node of the extended first network corresponds to the initial node of the third network. The mechatronic system is then analyzed based on the extended first network and the third network.

[0027] The third network of effects represents, in particular, another function tree. This additional function tree is a tree graph that describes diagnostic functions and their dependencies, and is of great importance for the analysis of a mechatronic system.

[0028] This makes it possible to represent the relationships between the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and / or their effects on each other in a simplified and efficient manner, thus contributing to the analysis of the mechatronic system. In particular, this makes it possible to automatically represent the diagnostic functions and their dependencies in a simplified and efficient way in the form of the third functional network. Furthermore, this enables a consistency check of the third functional network and / or an evaluation of the relationships between the diagnostic functions.

[0029] The diagnostic function assigned to the trigger node is intended to diagnose the function represented by the trigger node.

[0030] The diagnostic functions serve to identify fault states of the mechatronic system's functions. Each diagnostic function is designed to determine at least one output value for one or more input values. This output value is representative of any deviation of that output value from a predefined target value. The output value can be, for example, at least one Health Indicator (HI) and / or at least one (conventional) fault memory of the vehicle. An HI refers to fault memory descriptions, particularly in conjunction with environmental conditions, and indicates the presence (or absence) of a fault and can display a fault severity. For example, the specification and assignment of the diagnostic function to the second trigger node depend on a third user input.

[0031] For example, the second trigger node is determined based on a fourth user input.

[0032] Each link in the third network represents a dependency between the diagnostic functions represented by the corresponding nodes. For example, one link represents the fact that a first diagnostic function depends on a second and a third diagnostic function. Another link represents the fact that the second diagnostic function depends on a fourth or a fifth diagnostic function.

[0033] The hierarchy levels serve to order the nodes, so that the tree graph of the third network, starting from its initial node and extending to the nodes of the lowest hierarchy level, encompasses all diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system represented by the corresponding nodes, which exhibit dependencies on other diagnostic functions. The nodes of the lowest hierarchy level are representative of diagnostic functions of a "smallest unit," which do not depend on other diagnostic functions.

[0034] The nodes can be linked using any logical operators.

[0035] For example, it is also possible to define several nodes of the tree graph of the extended first action network as several second trigger nodes. In this case, several diagnostic functions are defined for each of the several second trigger nodes, and a corresponding third action network is determined and used for the analysis of the mechatronic system.

[0036] The third network or multiple third networks can be stored for further processing, preferably in a graph structure, for example in a Neo4J format.

[0037] The diagnostic network data comprises the results of signal flow and / or functional analysis. The signal flow and / or functional analysis is designed to generate the diagnostic network data based on one or more machine-readable functional documents, such as source code. This makes it possible to automatically determine the third network based on the results of the signal flow and / or functional analysis and thus analyze the mechatronic system.

[0038] The analysis of the mechatronic system includes, for example, identifying a subset and / or intersection of several third-party networks. Depending on the subset and / or intersection, redundant and / or common dependencies between the several predefined diagnostic functions can be determined. Furthermore, the analysis of the mechatronic system is advantageous in a development phase of the mechatronic system, such as when developing robust diagnostic functions and their dependencies.

[0039] According to an optional configuration of the first aspect, hardware network data is provided. This hardware network data is representative of the hardware functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies. The first network is determined based on this hardware network data.

[0040] This makes it possible to provide the first network of functions in such a way that it is representative of the hardware functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies.

[0041] For example, the hardware network data includes a variety of data, such as documentation data for the mechatronic system or similar information. The first network can be determined automatically and / or manually, depending on the hardware network data and a second user input. This second user input is provided, for example, by a development engineer or similar.

[0042] According to a further optional embodiment of the first aspect, the first trigger node is representative of an interface between a hardware function and a software function of the mechatronic system.

[0043] This makes it possible, starting from the first network representing the hardware functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, to determine the second network in such a way that it represents the software functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies.

[0044] For example, the function represented by the trigger node is the "target torque specification" for an electric drive of the mechatronic system, provided by the corresponding control algorithm, which comprises several software functions of the mechatronic system. The second network of functions is thus representative of the dependencies (and / or the operation) of the several software functions.

[0045] According to another optional embodiment, the one or more logical operators comprise one or more logical operators of Boolean logic.

[0046] This makes it possible to represent the connections between the nodes of the respective networks simply and efficiently.

[0047] The nodes can be linked using one or more of the following logical operators: “AND” and / or “OR” and / or “NOT” and / or “EITHER-OR” (exclusive-OR) and / or “NOT-AND” and / or “NOT-OR”.

[0048] According to another optional configuration, the one or more logical operators include "AND" and / or "OR" connections.

[0049] This makes it possible to represent the connections between the nodes of the respective networks simply and efficiently.

[0050] According to a second aspect, the invention is characterized by a device for analyzing a mechatronic system. The device is configured to perform the method for analyzing a mechatronic system according to the first aspect.

[0051] According to a third aspect, the invention is characterized by a computer program, wherein the computer program comprises instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method for analyzing a mechatronic system according to the first aspect.

[0052] According to a fourth aspect, the invention is characterized by a computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to the third aspect is stored.

[0053] Optional variations of the first aspect may also be present in the other aspects and have corresponding effects.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawings.

[0055] They show: Fig. 1. A flowchart of a program for analyzing a mechatronic system, Fig. 2 an exemplary visualization of a first network of effects, Fig. 3 an exemplary visualization of a second network of effects, Fig. 4. A first exemplary visualization of an extended first network of effects, Fig. 5 a second exemplary visualization of the extended first network of effects, and Fig. 6 an exemplary visualization of several third networks.

[0056] Elements of the same construction or function are marked with the same reference symbols across all figures.

[0057] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a program for analyzing a mechatronic system that has one or more functions, the functions comprising one or more hardware and / or software functions.

[0058] The program can be executed, in particular, by a device. For this purpose, the device includes, in particular, a processing unit, a program and data memory, and, for example, one or more communication interfaces. The program and data memory and / or the processing unit and / or the communication interfaces can be implemented in a single unit and / or distributed across multiple units.

[0059] The device can also be described as a device for analyzing a mechatronic system.

[0060] The program for this purpose is stored in particular on the device's program and data memory.

[0061] The program is started in step S101, in which variables can be initialized if necessary.

[0062] In an optional step S103, hardware network data is provided. This hardware network data is representative of the hardware functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies.

[0063] In step S105, an initial network 20 is provided in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 arranged within these hierarchy levels. Nodes 201-206 each represent one of the functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the functions represented by nodes 201-206. The top hierarchy level has a single node 201 as its initial node.

[0064] Optionally, in step S105, the first network 20 is determined depending on the hardware network data.

[0065] The one or more logical operators include one or more logical operators of Boolean logic, in particular "AND" and / or "OR" operations.

[0066] In step S107, a node of the tree graph of the first network is specified as the first trigger node.

[0067] Optionally, in step S107, the first trigger node is representative of an interface between a hardware function and a software function of the mechatronic system.

[0068] In step S109, software network data is provided that is representative of the software functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies.

[0069] In step S111, depending on the first trigger node and the software network data, a second network 30 is determined in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305 arranged in the hierarchy levels. Nodes 301-305 each represent one of the software functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, so that the tree graph represents dependencies between the software functions represented by nodes 301-305. The top hierarchy level has a single node 301 as its initial node.

[0070] In step S113, the mechatronic system is analyzed depending on the first network 20 and the second network 30.

[0071] Optionally, in step S113, the first functional network 20 is extended by the second functional network 30, such that the first trigger node of the first functional network 20 corresponds to the initial node of the second functional network 30. The mechatronic system is then analyzed based on the extended first functional network 40.

[0072] The extended first network 40 is stored for further processing, preferably in a graph structure, for example in a Neo4J format.

[0073] In an optional step S115, a node of the tree graph of the extended first network 40 is specified as the second trigger node.

[0074] For example, several nodes 206, 208 of the tree graph of the extended first action network 40 are specified as several second trigger nodes.

[0075] In an optional step S117, the mechatronic system has one or more diagnostic functions 271, 272. These one or more diagnostic functions 271, 272 are representative of one or more software functions for diagnosing the mechatronic system. One of the diagnostic functions 271, 272 is specified and assigned to the second trigger node.

[0076] For example, several diagnostic functions 271, 272 are specified and assigned to the several second trigger nodes.

[0077] In an optional step S119, diagnostic network data is provided that is representative of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies.

[0078] In an optional step S121, depending on the second trigger node and the diagnostic network data, a third network 50 is determined in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 arranged in the hierarchy levels. Nodes 501-505 each represent one of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, so that the tree graph represents dependencies between the diagnostic functions represented by nodes 501-505. The top hierarchy level has a single node 501 as its initial node. The second trigger node of the extended first network 40 corresponds to the initial node of the third network 50.

[0079] For example, depending on the multiple second trigger nodes, several third action networks 50, 51 are determined, each of which has a single node 501, 506 as the initial node 501, 506.

[0080] In an optional step S123, the mechatronic system is analyzed depending on the extended first network 40 and the third network 50.

[0081] For example, the mechatronic system is analyzed depending on the extended first network 40 and the several third networks 50, 51.

[0082] In step S125, the program is terminated and can be restarted in step S101 if necessary.

[0083] The Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary visualization of a first functional network 20 in the form of a tree graph with three hierarchy levels. The first hierarchy level has a single node 201 as the initial node. The second hierarchy level has nodes 202, 203, and 204. The third hierarchy level has nodes 205 and 206. Nodes 201-206 each represent one of the functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via two logical operators, so that the tree graph represents dependencies between the functions represented by nodes 201-206. The link 251 represents the fact that the function represented by node 201 requires, in order for it to function, the function represented by node 202 "AND" the function represented by node 203 "AND" the function represented by node 204.Link 252 is representative of the fact that the function represented by node 203, in order for it to work, requires the function represented by node 205 “OR” the function represented by node 206.

[0084] For example, node 206 of the tree graph of the first network 20 can be specified as the first trigger node.

[0085] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary visualization of a second network 30 in the form of a tree graph with three hierarchy levels. The first hierarchy level has a single node 301 as the initial node. The second hierarchy level has nodes 302 and 303. The third hierarchy level has nodes 304 and 305. Nodes 301-305 each represent one of the software functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via two logical operators, so that the tree graph represents dependencies between the software functions represented by nodes 301-305. The link 351 represents the fact that the software function represented by node 301 requires the software function represented by node 302 "AND" the software function represented by node 303 in order for it to function.Link 352 is representative of the fact that the software function represented by node 302 requires the software function represented by node 304 "AND" the software function represented by node 305 in order for it to work.

[0086] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a first exemplary visualization of an extended first action network 40 in the form of a tree graph with five hierarchy levels. The extended first action network 40 is provided in such a way that the first action network 20 is defined according to the Fig. 2 around the second network 30 according to the Fig. 3 is extended in such a way that the first trigger node 206 of the first network 20 according to the Fig. 2 the initial node 301 of the second network 30 according to the Fig. 3 corresponds. Nodes 201-206 correspond to nodes 201-206 according to the Fig. 2 and are arranged in the corresponding hierarchy levels. Nodes 207-210 correspond to nodes 302-305 according to the Fig. 3 and are located at the fourth and fifth hierarchy levels. Nodes 201-210 are linked via four logical operators. The links 251, 252 correspond to the links 251, 252 according to the Fig. 2. Connections 253 and 254 correspond to connections 351 and 352 according to the Fig. 3.

[0087] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a second exemplary visualization of the extended first network 40. The extended first network 40 has the same properties as the extended network of the first exemplary visualization according to the Fig. 4. The diagnostic functions 271, 272, are assigned to nodes 206, 208.

[0088] The Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary visualization of several third networks 50, 51 in the form of a tree graph with three hierarchy levels each.

[0089] The first hierarchy level of the third functional network 50 has a single node 501 as its initial node. The second hierarchy level has nodes 502 and 503. The third hierarchy level has nodes 504, 505, 509, and 510. Nodes 501-510 each represent one of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via three logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the diagnostic functions represented by nodes 501-510. The link 551 represents the fact that the diagnostic function represented by node 501 requires the diagnostic function represented by node 502 "AND" the diagnostic function represented by node 503 in order for it to function.Link 552 is representative of the fact that the diagnostic function represented by node 502 requires the diagnostic function represented by node 504 "AND" the diagnostic function represented by node 505 in order to function. Link 554 is representative of the fact that the diagnostic function represented by node 503 requires the diagnostic function represented by node 509 "AND" the diagnostic function represented by node 510 in order to function.

[0090] The first hierarchy level of the third network 51 has a single node 506 as its initial node. The second hierarchy level has nodes 507 and 508. The third hierarchy level has nodes 509 and 510. Nodes 506-510 each represent one of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via two logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the diagnostic functions represented by nodes 506-510. The link 553 represents the fact that the diagnostic function represented by node 506 requires the diagnostic function represented by node 507 "OR" the diagnostic function represented by node 508 in order for it to function.Link 554 is representative of the fact that the diagnostic function represented by node 507 requires the diagnostic function represented by node 509 "AND" the diagnostic function represented by node 510 in order for it to work.

[0091] Furthermore, the exemplary visualization of the multiple third action networks 50, 51 shows a subset 60 which is contained in each of the multiple third action networks 50, 51. The subset 60 comprises the nodes 509, 510 and the link 554.

[0092] For example, the mechatronic system can be analyzed depending on the subset 60.

[0093] The depicted networks 20, 30, 40, 50, 51 according to the Fig.Figures 2 to 6 are, for the sake of clarity, highly simplified illustrations of functional networks used to analyze the mechatronic system. In practice, these networks can comprise a large number of nodes and connections. The representation of functional networks 20-51 is limited to selected nodes and connections to clearly illustrate the relationships and mechanisms.

Claims

[1] Method for analyzing a mechatronic system, wherein the mechatronic system has one or more functions, the functions comprising one or more hardware and / or software functions, and wherein the method - a first network (20) in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes (201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206) arranged in the hierarchy levels is provided, wherein the nodes (201-206) are each representative of one of the functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the functions represented by the nodes (201-206), wherein the top hierarchy level has a single node (201) as the initial node, - a node of the tree graph of the first network (20) is specified as the first trigger node, - Software network data is provided that is representative of the software functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, - depending on the first trigger node and the software network data, a second network (30) in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes (301, 302, 303, 304, 305) arranged in the hierarchy levels is determined, wherein the nodes (301-305) are each representative of one of the software functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the software functions represented by the nodes (301-305), wherein the top hierarchy level has a single node (301) as the initial node, and - depending on the first network of action (20) and the second network of action (30), the mechatronic system is analyzed, wherein an analysis of the mechatronic system includes that - the first network (20) is extended by the second network (30) such that the first trigger node of the first network (20) corresponds to the initial node of the second network (30), and - the mechatronic system is analyzed depending on the extended first network of action (40), wherein the mechatronic system has one or more diagnostic functions that are representative of one or more software functions for diagnosing the mechatronic system, in which - a node of the tree graph of the extended first action network (40) is specified as the second trigger node, - one of the diagnostic functions is specified and assigned to the second trigger node, - Diagnostic network data is provided that is representative of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, - depending on the second trigger node and the diagnostic network data, a third network (50) is determined in the form of a tree graph with several hierarchy levels and nodes (501, 502, 503, 504, 505) arranged in the hierarchy levels, wherein the nodes (501-505) are each representative of one of the diagnostic functions of the mechatronic system and are linked to each other via one or more logical operators, such that the tree graph represents dependencies between the diagnostic functions represented by the nodes (501-505), wherein the top hierarchy level has a single node (501) as the initial node, such that the second trigger node of the extended first network (40) corresponds to the initial node of the third network (50), and - depending on the extended first network (40) and the third network (50) the mechatronic system is analyzed. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein - Hardware network data is provided that is representative of the hardware functions of the mechatronic system and their dependencies, and - the first network (20) is determined depending on the hardware network data. [3] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first trigger node is representative of an interface between a hardware function and a software function of the mechatronic system. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more logical operators comprise one or more logical operators of Boolean logic. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more logical operators comprise “AND” and / or “OR” operations. [6] Device designed to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [7] Computer program, wherein the computer program comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [8] Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 7 is stored.

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