Adapter module for information exchange between at least two participants in a communication network and associated method, participant units of a communication network with such an adapter module, provisioning unit, communication network with such an adapter module and signal sequence

Abstract

Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) for information exchange between at least two participants of a communication network (31, 41) in the form of a bus (33, 43), wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to receive a first data record (3) from a first participant (11, 35, 45) of the communication network (31, 41) and to send a second data record (7) to a second participant (21, 37, 47) of the communication network (31, 41), wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to at least partially obtain the second data record (7) by applying a manipulation rule (5) to the first data record (3), wherein the second data set (7) consists of user data intended for the second participant (21, 37, 47), wherein the first data set (3) is contained in or foreseeable in at least one data frame, and wherein the second data set (7) is contained in or foreseeable in at least one data frame.

Description

field of technology

[0001] The present invention relates to an adapter module for exchanging information between at least two participants in a communications network, as well as a corresponding method. The present invention also relates to a first participant unit comprising a control unit and such an adapter module, a second participant unit comprising a driver module and such an adapter module, a provisioning unit, a communications network comprising such an adapter module, and a signal sequence. State of the art

[0002] Motor vehicle manufacturers, in particular, often require a manufacturer-specific control option for the electrical components installed in a motor vehicle and connected to a bus system, such as lighting, airbags, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt the drivers of the individual components to the specifications of the respective motor vehicle control unit in such a way that the control commands exchanged via the bus system between the control unit and the component driver can be correctly implemented by the component driver.

[0003] For the driver module supplier, this means that for each component, and possibly even for different variants of a component, multiple drivers must be developed, tested, maintained, and maintained to ensure that the component can be used under all the different requirements of different manufacturers. This represents a significant effort, ultimately increasing development and production costs and thus the final cost of the entire component.

[0004] DE 100 44 818 A1 relates to a method for adapting at least two bus systems. The first bus system has a gateway via which at least one second bus system can be connected. The gateway uses a data sensor to determine whether the second bus system (B2) has a different command set than the first bus system (B1) and adapts the data of the first bus system to the data of the second bus system.

[0005] DE 42 29 931 A1 relates to a method for programming a bus-capable electronic vehicle control unit in a motor vehicle.

[0006] DE 198 49 810 A1 relates to an arrangement for adapting data and / or programs between two electronic devices which have different electronic configurations.

[0007] DE 102 43 783 A1 relates to an electronic device, for example a sensor, actuator or a controller with a control section and an integrated bus interface via which the device can be connected to a data bus for communication of the device with at least one other device connected to the data bus.

[0008] US 5 323 385 A relates to a method for communication in a cooling system between communication nodes connected to a serial data bus using a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol with a message frame format including a data field.

[0009] US 2020 / 0 119 902 A1 concerns systems and methods for transporting payloads for simple PDM (Pulse Division Multiplexed) devices.

[0010] US 2002 / 0 046 313 A1 concerns a protocol adapter for on-board networks for diagnosis, analysis and monitoring.

[0011] JP 2011 248 516 A relates to an information processing device.

[0012] DE 10 2020 126 936 A1 concerns a method for transmitting data in a digital network. Summary of the invention

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the described disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide means by which the development and production costs of component drivers can be reduced.

[0014] The object is achieved by the invention according to a first aspect in that an adapter module, in particular for exchanging information between at least two participants in a communication network, in particular in the form of a bus, wherein the adapter module is set up to receive a first data set from a first participant in the communication network and to send a second data set to a second participant in the communication network, wherein the adapter module is set up to at least partially obtain the second data set by applying a manipulation rule to the first data set, wherein preferably the second data set consists of user data intended for the second participant, wherein the first data set is contained or can be provided in at least one data frame, and wherein the second data set is contained or can be provided in at least one data frame.

[0015] The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that an identical driver module can cooperate with control units that differ, in particular with regard to data organization, by decoupling the organization of the control data used by the driver module from the manufacturer-specific organization of the control data generated by the control unit.

[0016] This can be achieved according to the invention in that the proposed adapter module is provided between a first participant (such as the control unit) and a second participant (such as the driver module) of the respective communication network (such as a bus).

[0017] The intermediary adapter module allows the two participants in the communication network to each have their own specifications regarding the organization of the control data exchanged over the network. The adapter module essentially "translates" one data organization into the other.

[0018] This is because the proposed adapter module only needs to be connected upstream of the second participant, and the adapter module needs to be equipped with a manipulation rule appropriate for the given combination of the first and second participants (with the associated data organizations). Adapting the manipulation rule is easy to implement and, advantageously, requires no intervention in the first or second participants, which can remain unchanged.

[0019] The adapter module enables data exchange between otherwise incompatible participants in the communication network in a simple yet reliable and secure manner.

[0020] The provision of such an adapter module therefore primarily enables, for example, the use of an identical driver for a component of a motor vehicle across system boundaries, particularly regardless of the organization of the control data used in the different systems to control this component. This eliminates the need for complex adaptation of the driver module for use with different control units.

[0021] In particular, it is no longer necessary for vehicle manufacturers to adapt their firmware in control units (Electronic Control Units, ECUs) depending on the respective electrical component and / or component driver. Likewise, it is no longer necessary for manufacturers of electrical components installed in vehicles and / or the respective component drivers to adapt these firmware depending on the respective control unit. Both sides can use their own data organization for the control data exchanged over the communication network. Only the manipulation rule that "translates" between these two data organizations needs to be adapted in the adapter module as the "communication interface" between the two participants.

[0022] Advantageously, the proposed adapter module allows for an ECU-free implementation, whereby the control data is generated by the main controller of the motor vehicle.

[0023] With regard to relative position specifications of the adapter module, the terms "before," "after," "between," "upstream," or "interposed" are preferably understood in relation to the flow of data that is subject to manipulation by the adapter module. Therefore, if data from the first participant reaches the second participant via the adapter module (where the data is manipulated, for example, according to the manipulation rule), the adapter module is located "between" the first and second participants, "after" the first participant and "before" the second participant, and the adapter module is "upstream" of the second participant (and "downstream" of the first participant). Thus, the data can be manipulated by the adapter module.

[0024] Preferably, "payload data" refers to data that does not contain any control and / or protocol information necessary for transmitting the second data set, in particular to the second participant, preferably from the first participant to the second participant and / or from the adapter module to the second participant. Of course, the payload data may, for example, include control data, such as for a driver module of an electrical component, because such control data does not represent control information necessary for transmitting the second data set.

[0025] Preferably, a “subscriber” is understood to mean a unit which is suitable and / or configured to send data directly or indirectly via the communication network and / or to receive data directly or indirectly from the communication network.

[0026] Preferably, the adapter module is in operative connection with the communication network, in particular a line of the communication network, or can be brought into such a connection, in particular in such a way as to be able to receive and / or send data records directly or indirectly via the communication network.

[0027] For example, the adapter module may be connected or connectable to the communication network directly or indirectly in such a way that it can receive the first data set via the communication network.

[0028] For example, the adapter module may be connected or connectable to the communication network directly or indirectly such that it can send the second data set via the communication network.

[0029] It can advantageously be provided that the adapter module is configured to communicate with either the first or the second participant via the communication network and to communicate with the other participant via another communication connection, for example a direct wiring.

[0030] The first and / or second participant can advantageously be predefined or predefined in the adapter module. This allows the adapter module to "know" the participant(s) in a simple and reliable manner.

[0031] The manipulation rule can advantageously be predefined or preset in the adapter module in a fixed and / or interchangeable manner. This is a particularly simple and reliable way of providing the manipulation rule to the adapter module.

[0032] The adapter module can be implemented, for example, in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The adapter module can alternatively or additionally comprise a memory, a processor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), or any combination thereof. The adapter module can, for example, be programmable and / or programmed to execute corresponding routines (in particular those for which the adapter module is configured). In one embodiment, the adapter module can be or comprise an FPGA (field programmable gate array). For example, the adapter module can be designed to receive the first data set via a first interface and to send the second data set via a second interface.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured to convert the first data set into the second data set by means of the manipulation rule and / or to construct the second data set from the first data set, preferably to change the order of individual parts of the data set.

[0034] For example, the first and second data sets may have a different order of parts of the data they contain (such as the order of the data bytes). Using the manipulation rule, it may then be possible to rearrange the data in such a way that a second data set is obtained from the first data set (for example, by at least partially changing the order of the individual bytes).

[0035] The second data set can, for example, be obtained from the first data set, in particular at least partially, by, in particular depending on differences in the payload, where, for example, the payload can be the first data set or the payload can comprise the first data set, the data, in particular of the first data set, (i) being at least partially re-sorted (for example by at least partially changing the byte order), being replaced by further data, in particular from other sources and / or in the form of dummy data, being supplemented with further data, in particular from other sources and / or in the form of dummy data, and / or being adapted in terms of their length (for example in bits), in particular being enlarged or reduced, and / or (ii) being replaced and / or supplemented with dummy data, in particular “dummies”, with additional data expected from the second subscriber.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second data set is determined entirely from the first data set using the manipulation rule. Alternatively, the second data set is determined, for example, based on the first data set and additional information using the manipulation rule. For example, it may be provided that additional data is required in the second data set, which is filled, for example, with dummy data, and / or that data from multiple sources (preferably including at least some of the data from the first data set) are combined to form the second data set.

[0037] In one embodiment, all information from the first data set is transferred to the second data set. For example, the second data set then contains all information contained in the first data set. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second data sets can contain at least partially different information. For example, the first data set can contain current and PWM data, and the second data set can contain no current data but, for example, the PWM data.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that (i) the first and second data sets are coded differently, (ii) the first and second data sets are different representations of the same information, (iii) by means of the manipulation rule the first data set can be converted into the second data set, in particular completely or at least partially, (iv) the first data set is received as part of a data packet, in particular via the communication network, preferably directly or indirectly, is received as part of a data frame, in particular via the communication network, preferably directly or indirectly, and / or is not received via the communication network and / or (v) the second data set is sent as part of a data packet, in particular via the communication network, preferably directly or indirectly, as part of a data frame, in particular via the communication network, preferably directly or indirectly,is sent and / or is not sent over the communications network.,

[0039] Preferably, the adapter module is configured to receive the first data set accordingly and / or to send the second data set accordingly.

[0040] If a data set is sent and / or received indirectly via the communication network as part of a data packet or a data frame, this can be done, for example, in such a way that the adapter module sends and / or receives the data set via the communication network via a further means, such as an interface means, which is preferably not part of the adapter module but with which the adapter module is or can be operatively connected, wherein the means is preferably wholly or partly responsible for sending and / or receiving the data set, in particular as part of the data packet or data frame.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first data set represents the payload of the received data packet or the received data frame. Thus, the respective payload is identical to the first data set. Alternatively, the first data set can also represent only parts of the payload of the received data packet or the received data frame.

[0042] In one embodiment, the second data set represents the payload of the transmitted data packet or data frame. Thus, the respective payload is identical to the second data set. Alternatively, the second data set can also represent only parts of the payload of the transmitted data packet or data frame.

[0043] For example, the adapter module is configured to receive the first data set outside the communication network from the first participant (for example in a raw format), for example via direct or indirect wiring between the adapter module and the first participant or by software (for example by the first participant and the adapter module each being fully or partially implemented in software and preferably being able to exchange data with each other within the software).

[0044] For example, the adapter module is configured to send the second data set outside the communication network to the second participant (for example in a raw format), for example via direct or indirect wiring between the adapter module and the second participant or by software (for example by the second participant and the adapter module each being fully or partially implemented in software and preferably being able to exchange data with each other within the software).

[0045] In the present application, a “data frame” (also referred to as a “data frame”) is preferably understood to mean a protocol data unit on the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model.

[0046] In the present application, a "data packet" is preferably understood to mean a data unit, in particular a service data unit, at layer 3 of the OSI model. A data packet can advantageously be part of a data frame, in particular part of the payload of the data frame.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that (i) the communication network has or represents a bus, in particular a CAN bus, with which the adapter module is preferably operatively connected or can be connected, and / or the adapter module is configured to transmit and / or receive the data records via the communication network, in particular the bus, (ii) the first data record is contained or can be provided in at least one data frame, such as at least one UART frame and / or at least one CAN frame, in particular at least one CAN-FD frame, wherein the adapter module is preferably configured to receive the data frame with the first data record and / or to extract the first data record from the data frame, and / or (iii) wherein the second data record is contained or can be provided in at least one data frame, such as at least one UART frame and / or at least one CAN frame, in particular at least one CAN-FD frame,wherein the adapter module is preferably configured to insert the second data record into the data frame and / or to send the data frame with the second data record.,

[0048] A CAN (controller area network) bus is particularly advantageous in the automotive sector. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous if the adapter module is configured to send and / or receive data via such a CAN bus. This allows the data to be sent and received particularly efficiently. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter module can be configured to send and / or receive data via a UART interface.

[0049] The adapter module advantageously has means for receiving data via the bus and / or for sending data via the bus. For example, the adapter module has a bus controller (e.g., a CAN bus controller) and / or a bus driver (e.g., a CAN bus driver) (also referred to as a transceiver). Thus, the adapter module advantageously forms a bus node (e.g., a CAN bus node, also referred to as a CAN node). Alternatively or additionally, the adapter module can also be operatively connected to such means or can be brought into operative connection.

[0050] Since the components of a bus, and in particular of a CAN bus, are well known, they and their functionality need not be discussed in detail here. In particular, it is not necessary to explain in detail that the (CAN) bus driver retrieves coded signals from the (CAN) bus or places them on the (CAN) bus.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the adapter module can also be or can be operatively connected to a bus controller and / or a bus driver, such as a CAN bus controller and / or CAN bus driver, in particular to receive data via the bus and / or to send data via the bus. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter module can be or can be operatively connected to a UART interface, in particular to receive data via the communication network, such as the bus, and / or to send data via the communication network, such as the bus.

[0052] For example, the adapter module can be configured to receive the first data set, in particular within a data frame, via the bus and preferably to extract the first data set from the data frame. For example, the adapter module can be configured to send the second data set via the bus, in particular to provide the second data set within a data frame and to send the data frame with the second data set via the bus.

[0053] Preferably, the first and / or second data set is / are each contained or can be provided as payload data in a UART frame.

[0054] Preferably, the first and / or second data set is each contained or can be provided as payload data in a CAN frame of the data frame type. The payload data of the CAN frame is, in particular, the data assigned or assignable in the data field of the CAN frame and / or corresponds entirely or partially to the respective data set.

[0055] Preferably, a “CAN message” or “CAN message”, which is also referred to as a “CAN frame” in the present application, is a frame of the data frame type and has, in a manner known per se, an arbitration field, followed by a control field, followed by a data field with the payload data, followed by further fields.

[0056] The arbitration field preferably has, in a conventional manner, a CAN identifier that is 11 bits long in the standard frame format and 29 bits long in the extended frame format. For example, in a motor vehicle system, the control data of different components (such as devices such as LEDs or airbags) can each be assigned a separate identifier. Multiple control data items can also be combined under one CAN identifier, as long as the total data does not exceed the maximum possible length of the payload field, for example, 8 bytes or, in the case of CAN FD, a maximum of 64 bytes. The receiver can use the CAN identifier to decide whether the message is relevant to it or not.

[0057] In one embodiment, the adapter module is configured to receive the first data set, preferably directly, for example via direct wiring and / or through software, from the first participant. This means that the communication network, such as the bus, is preferably not involved in this process. The first data set can also be received in a raw format. This is particularly resource-efficient. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter module is configured to send the second data set to the second participant via the communication network. For example, the adapter module is configured to send the second data set to further means for sending the second data set to the second participant (these means can be, for example, the aforementioned components of a bus, such as a CAN bus).The second data set can also be sent in a raw format to the other resources via the adapter module.

[0058] In one embodiment, the adapter module is configured to send the second data set, preferably directly, for example via direct wiring and / or through software, to the second participant. This means that the communication network, such as the bus, is preferably not involved in this process. The second data set can also be sent in a raw format. This is particularly resource-efficient. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter module is configured to receive the first data set from the first participant via the communication network. For example, the adapter module is configured to receive the first data set from the first participant from further means for receiving the first data set from the first participant (these means can be, for example, the above-mentioned components of a bus, such as a CAN bus).The first data set can also be received in a raw format from the other resources via the adapter module.

[0059] In the above, a raw format is preferably understood to mean a data format that is different from the data format used for the transmission of the data set sent and / or received via the communication network, in particular the bus.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured to select the manipulation rule from a plurality of manipulation rules at least partially depending on (i) a result of an analysis of the first data set, (ii) the first participant and / or (iii) the second participant, in particular based on an identifier of the first and / or second participant.

[0061] This allows the adapter module to be used very advantageously in environments where the first and / or second station can change. The adapter module could also be configured to configure itself in a new environment by automatically selecting the appropriate manipulation rule.

[0062] In each of these cases, the adapter module can select the appropriate manipulation rule based on external circumstances. Therefore, the adapter module can be designed, in particular, to receive first data sets from one or more different first participants and to send second data sets to one or more different second participants. The adapter module can therefore advantageously perform data transmission between participants according to a 1:1, 1:N, N:1, or N:M transmission, where X:YX is the number of different first participants and Y is the number of different second participants.

[0063] This makes the adapter module particularly flexible and highly reliable, as it can advantageously take into account the conditions of the communication network outside the adapter module.

[0064] For example, the adapter module can be configured to analyze the first data set or parts thereof, for example by determining an identifier for a manipulation rule to be selected from a defined or definable part of the first data set and / or by analyzing the first data set or parts thereof for defined or definable characteristic features. Such a part can be, for example, the first byte of the first data set.

[0065] The first and / or second participant, in particular their respective identifier, can advantageously be fixedly predefined or predetermined in the adapter module.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured to determine the identifier of the first and / or second subscriber on the basis of information contained in the first data set and / or in a data packet or data frame comprising the first data set.

[0067] This makes the use of the adapter module, as well as the operation of the entire communications network, particularly simple and reliable. The adapter module can identify the participant(s) flexibly, automatically, and, above all, reliably.

[0068] For example, the adapter module can be configured to analyze the first data set or parts thereof to determine the respective identifier. For example, the first data set can have header information that contains the respective identifier or makes it ascertainable. Therefore, the adapter module can be specifically configured to analyze header information of the first data set to determine the respective identifier.

[0069] For example, the adapter module can be configured to analyze the data packet or data frame containing the first data set in order to determine the respective identifier. For example, the data packet or data frame can have header information that contains the respective identifier or makes it determinable. Therefore, the adapter module can be specifically configured to analyze header information of the data packet or data frame in order to determine the respective identifier.

[0070] In one embodiment, the data frame can be a CAN or UART frame received by the adapter module. The adapter module can then be configured to determine the respective identifier based on data from the CAN or UART frame (for example, based on data from the CAN or UART frame that may not relate to the first data set, but rather to the remaining CAN or UART-typical data). For example, the object identifier (with, for example, a length of 8 bits or 29 bits) of the CAN frame can be used to determine the respective identifier.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured, in particular depending on the result of the analysis of the first data set, the first participant, in particular the identifier of the first participant, and / or the second participant, in particular the identifier of the second participant, (i) to retrieve the manipulation rule from a memory, (ii) to select a specific section of a configuration file as the manipulation rule and / or (iii) to receive the manipulation rule from a remote device, such as a cloud server and / or a bus master, and / or to download it from there.

[0072] This makes the use of the adapter module, as well as the operation of the entire communications network, particularly simple and reliable. The adapter module can flexibly and automatically, and above all, reliably, select and implement the correct manipulation rule.

[0073] In particular, the adapter module can be configured to retrieve the manipulation rule from the memory from a plurality of manipulation rules and / or to select a section from a plurality of sections of the configuration file as the manipulation rule, each section representing a separate manipulation rule.

[0074] It is particularly advantageous to store the manipulation rule in a memory, since in this way the adapter module can be used with a new combination of first and second participants by exchanging the stored manipulation rule.

[0075] Especially when there are several different manipulation rules, it is particularly efficient if a configuration file contains all the manipulation rules in different sections. The adapter module then only needs to load this single configuration file. The individual sections can then be selected particularly quickly and resource-efficiently. This makes changing the combination of the first and second participants very efficient, even during operation, and with little or no waiting time.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured to determine the second subscriber on the basis of information contained in the first data set and / or in a data packet or data frame comprising the first data set.

[0077] This makes the use of the adapter module, as well as the operation of the entire communications network, particularly simple and reliable. The adapter module can flexibly, automatically, and, above all, reliably identify the second participant and thus, for example, the recipient of the second data set.

[0078] For example, the adapter module can be configured to analyze the first data set or parts thereof to determine the second participant. For example, the first data set can include header information that contains, or makes ascertainable, an identifier for the second participant. Therefore, the adapter module can be specifically configured to analyze header information of the first data set to determine the second participant.

[0079] For example, the adapter module can be configured to analyze the data packet or data frame containing the first data set to determine the second participant. For example, the data packet or data frame can contain header information that makes the second participant identifiable. Therefore, the adapter module can be specifically configured to analyze header information of the data packet or data frame to determine the second participant.

[0080] In one embodiment, the data frame can be a CAN or UART frame received by the adapter module. The adapter module can then be configured to determine the second participant based on data from the CAN or UART frame (for example, based on data from the CAN or UART frame that does not relate to the first data set, but rather to the remaining CAN or UART-typical data). For example, the object identifier (with, for example, a length of 8 bits or 29 bits) of the CAN frame can be used to determine the second participant.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured to receive a plurality of first data sets from one or more first participants and to construct the second data set based on the plurality of first data sets and the manipulation rule.

[0082] The adapter module can therefore advantageously reorganize the first data sets in a manner specified by the manipulation rule and send the resulting second data set to the second participant. For example, information from different control units can be provided to a driver in a single message. For example, the different control units can each provide different parameter values ​​to the driver. In the proposed method, the driver receives the parameter values ​​in a single message instead of several. This is particularly efficient and conserves the resources of the communication network and the entire system.

[0083] For example, eight initial data records could be received from several, in particular eight, initial participants, with each record being approximately 5 bytes long. Each initial record could represent a specific parameter value.

[0084] The second data set could then be constructed from the first eight data sets in a sequence specified by the manipulation rule, making it 40 bytes long (8 data sets of 5 bytes each). This allows data to be sent particularly efficiently from multiple first participants to a specific second participant.

[0085] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the adapter module is configured to receive a first data set from the first participant and to construct a plurality of second data sets based on the first data set and the manipulation rule and to send these second data sets to one or more second participants.

[0086] The adapter module can therefore advantageously create the second data sets based on the first data set in a manner specified by the manipulation rule and send the resulting second data sets to the second participants. For example, a control module can send information to multiple drivers with just a single message. The adapter module can then, for example, divide the first data set into several parts to determine and receive the second data sets. This is particularly efficient and conserves the resources of the communication network and the entire system.

[0087] For example, a first data set could be received from a first participant, with the data set being 40 bytes long. The first 5 bytes could represent a first parameter value of a first device, the next 5 bytes could represent a second parameter value of a second device, and so on.

[0088] A first second data set could then be constructed from the first five bytes of the first data set according to the manipulation rule. A second second data set could then be constructed from the next five bytes of the first data set according to the manipulation rule, and so on. Thus, eight second data sets could be constructed and sent from the adapter module to several, say eight, second participants (e.g., device drivers).

[0089] In one embodiment, the second data sets are all or partially different.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the first participant is or has a control unit, in particular of a motor vehicle or a part thereof, and / or the second participant is or has a driver module, in particular a driver module of at least one electrical component, in particular of a motor vehicle, for example an LED driver module or an airbag driver module.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the first and / or second data set or parts thereof are and / or comprise control data for the second participant and / or represent or represent at least one parameter value of at least one electrical component, preferably parameter values ​​of a plurality of electrical components, such as at least one brightness value of at least one LED, preferably brightness values ​​of a plurality of LEDs.

[0092] For example, the first and / or second data set can be and / or comprise control data of an electrical component, in particular of a motor vehicle, or of its driver module.

[0093] The object is achieved by the invention according to a second aspect in that a first subscriber unit, comprising a control unit, in particular of a motor vehicle, and an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention which is operatively connected to the control unit or can be brought into connection therewith, wherein preferably (i) the control unit is a first subscriber and / or (ii) the first subscriber unit is set up such that the control unit, mediated by the adapter module, sends data, in particular control data, via a communication network, in particular a bus, in particular to a second subscriber unit.

[0094] The invention is therefore based on the surprising discovery that a control unit can be used particularly advantageously as a participant in a communications network, such as, in particular, a bus system, by combining it with an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention. In this way, the control unit can select a data format for data records it sends (and receives as first data records by the adapter module) independently of the data format requirements imposed by the respective recipients of the data records. The adapter module then takes over the "translation" of the data records output by the control unit in order to subsequently transmit them as second data records over the communications network.

[0095] Advantageously, the control unit and the adapter module are designed entirely or partially as one, in particular integrated, unit.

[0096] The first subscriber unit can, for example, be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The first subscriber unit can alternatively or additionally have a memory, a processor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), or any combination thereof. The first subscriber unit can, for example, be programmable and / or programmed to execute corresponding routines (in particular those for which the first subscriber unit is configured). In one embodiment, the first subscriber unit can be or have an FPGA (field programmable gate array). For example, the first subscriber unit can be designed to send the first data set via an interface over the communication network.

[0097] Furthermore, with regard to the advantages of the second aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements regarding the first aspect of the invention above, which apply here accordingly. All options of the adapter module discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention can also advantageously be provided in the adapter module of the first subscriber unit.

[0098] The object is achieved by the invention according to a third aspect in that a second subscriber unit, comprising a driver module, in particular an LED driver module, and an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention which is operatively connected or can be brought into connection with the driver module, wherein preferably (i) the driver module is a second subscriber, (ii) the second subscriber unit is configured such that the driver module, mediated by the adapter module, receives data, in particular control data, via a communication network, in particular a bus, in particular from a first subscriber unit, (iii) the driver module is assigned or can be assigned to at least one electrical component, such as in particular at least one LED, and / or (iv) the driver module is configured to carry out a data exchange with the device.

[0099] The invention is therefore based on the surprising finding that a driver module can be used particularly advantageously as a participant in a communication network, such as in particular a bus system, by combining it with an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0100] In this way, the driver module can select a data format for the data records it receives (and sends as second data records by the adapter module), regardless of the data format requirements imposed by the respective senders of the data records. The adapter module then takes over the "translation" of the data records received as first data records over the communication network and subsequently sends them to the driver module as second data records.

[0101] Advantageously, the driver module and the adapter module are designed entirely or partially as one, in particular integrated, unit.

[0102] The second subscriber unit can, for example, be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The second subscriber unit can alternatively or additionally have a memory, a processor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), or any combination thereof. The second subscriber unit can, for example, be programmable and / or programmed to execute corresponding routines (in particular those for which the second subscriber unit is configured). In one embodiment, the second subscriber unit can be or have an FPGA (field programmable gate array). For example, the second subscriber unit can be designed to receive the second data set via an interface via the communication network.

[0103] Furthermore, with regard to the advantages of the third aspect of the invention, reference can also be made to the statements regarding the first aspect of the invention above, which apply here accordingly. All adapter module options discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention can also advantageously be provided in the adapter module of the second subscriber unit.

[0104] The object is achieved by the invention according to a fourth aspect in that a provision unit is proposed which is configured to retrieve a manipulation rule from a cloud server and / or to provide the manipulation rule to an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular to send the manipulation rule to the adapter module and / or to provide it to the adapter module for downloading.

[0105] The invention is therefore based on the surprising discovery that a communications network can be operated efficiently using a corresponding provisioning unit. This allows for particularly flexible responses to changes in the number of participants in a communications network, since the manipulation rule only needs to be changed at one central point. The adapter module can then preferably receive the manipulation rule from the provisioning unit and thus always be up to date. This can increase the security of the communications network.

[0106] The provisioning unit can, for example, be a bus master, such as a CAN bus master, or be provided by it. The provisioning unit can also be a cloud server or be executed on it.

[0107] For example, the provisioning unit can send the manipulation instruction to the adapter module via the communication network or via a separate communication channel and / or make it available to the adapter module, in particular for downloading.

[0108] The provision unit can be implemented, for example, in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. The provision unit can alternatively or additionally comprise a memory, a processor, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), or any combination thereof. The provision unit can, for example, be programmable and / or programmed to execute corresponding routines (in particular those for which the provision unit is configured). In one embodiment, the provision unit can be or comprise an FPGA (field programmable gate array). For example, the provision unit can be designed to send the manipulation rule via an interface over the communication network.

[0109] The object is achieved by the invention according to a fifth aspect in that a communication network with at least one first subscriber, in particular at least one first subscriber unit according to the second aspect of the invention, and at least one second subscriber, in particular at least one second subscriber unit according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein information can be exchanged between the at least two subscribers at least along one communication direction mediated by at least one adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention via the network, wherein preferably the network has or represents a bus to which the subscribers are directly or indirectly connected.

[0110] In one embodiment, the communication network comprises at least one adapter module.

[0111] The object is achieved by the invention according to a sixth aspect in that a signal sequence which represents a manipulation rule for use in an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention and / or for use in a provision unit according to the fourth aspect of the invention is proposed, wherein preferably the signal sequence (i) is receivable by an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention from a provision unit according to the fourth aspect of the invention, (ii) is suitable for transmission via a communication network, such as the Internet or another network, (iii) is readable by an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention and / or (iv) is retrievable from a memory.

[0112] For example, the signal sequence can be transmitted from the provisioning unit to the adapter module, in particular via the communication network or via a separate communication channel.

[0113] For example, the signal sequence is an analog and / or digital data stream, which can be transmitted via cable and / or radio.

[0114] The object is achieved by the invention according to a seventh aspect in that a method for exchanging information between at least two participants in a communication network, in particular in the form of a bus, wherein the method comprises receiving a first data set from a first participant in the communication network, in particular by means of an adapter module, and sending a second data set to a second participant in the communication network, in particular by means of the adapter module, wherein the second data set is at least partially obtained, in particular by means of the adapter module, by applying a manipulation rule to the first data set, wherein the second data set consists of user data intended for the second participant, wherein the first data set is contained in at least one data frame, and wherein the second data set is contained in at least one data frame.

[0115] Advantageously, the adapter module is an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0116] In one embodiment, the method is a computer-implemented method.

[0117] In the seventh aspect of the invention, all advantages and options described with respect to the adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously apply accordingly. Above all, all features described with respect to the first aspect of the invention can also be advantageously provided in the method, individually and in any combination. In particular, features of the method can be those features for which the adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention is configured. Reference can therefore be made to the corresponding explanations above. Short description of the drawings

[0118] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings.

[0119] Showing: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention; Fig. 2a a schematic representation of a first data set; Fig. 2b a schematic representation of the transfer of the first data set from Fig. 2a into a second data set; Fig. 2c a schematic representation of the second data set from Fig. 2b; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a first subscriber unit according to the second aspect of the invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a second subscriber unit according to the third aspect of the invention; Fig. 5a is a schematic representation of a communication network according to the fifth aspect of the invention in a first embodiment; and Fig. 5b is a schematic representation of a communication network according to the fifth aspect of the invention in a second embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0120] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an adapter module 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0121] The adapter module 1 is used for the exchange of information between at least two participants in a communication network. The communication network can be a bus, such as a CAN bus. For this purpose, the adapter module 1 can be connected to the communication network.

[0122] The adapter module 1 is configured to receive a first data set 3 from a first participant of the communication network.

[0123] In Fig. Figure 2a shows a schematic representation of an exemplary first data set 3. The exemplary first data set 3 is composed of eight bytes a...h, but it could also be more or fewer than eight bytes.

[0124] As in Fig. As schematically illustrated in Figure 2b, the adapter module 1 is configured to at least partially obtain a second data set 7 by applying a manipulation rule 5 to the first data set 3. This means that, starting from the first data set 3 and together with the manipulation rule 5, the adapter module 1 can determine the second data set 7.

[0125] In Fig. Figure 2c shows a schematic representation of an exemplary second data set 7. The exemplary second data set 7 is also composed of eight bytes a...h. The bytes of the second data set 7 that correspond to a byte of the first data set 3 are designated by the same letters. By comparing the first and second data sets 3, 7 in Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2c shows that in the second data set 7, the second and third bytes and the sixth and seventh bytes have swapped places. Thus, the byte sequence abcdefgh of the first data set 3 has become the byte sequence acbdegfh of the second data set 7.

[0126] The manipulation rule 5 could therefore be that the second data record 7 is obtained from the first data record 3 by using the first, third, second, fourth, fifth, seventh, sixth and eighth bytes of the first data record 3 for the first to eighth bytes of the second data record 7.

[0127] The second data set 7, here the byte sequence acbdegfh, is intended for a second participant in the communication network. Adapter module 1 is configured to send the second data set 7 to the second participant.

[0128] The first and / or second data sets 3, 7 can each consist of the payload data of a data frame or represent this and / or be provided for this purpose. In the case of a CAN bus, the data sets 3, 7 can therefore represent the payload data of a CAN data frame in whole or in part or be provided as such payload data, so that the first data set 3 is received within a CAN frame and / or the second data set 7 is sent within a (different) CAN frame. It is preferably possible for only one of the two data sets to actually be exchanged via the communications network and / or to actually be provided in a data frame. For example, one of the data sets, i.e. the first data set or the second data set, can also be received by the first participant or sent to the second participant outside the communications network (for example, via direct wiring or by software).

[0129] Optionally, manipulation rule 5 could be selected from several manipulation rules, for example, based on an identifier of the second participant. This identifier could, for example, be the value of the first byte a of the first data set. By determining the value of the first byte a, adapter module 1 could apply a manipulation rule specified by the sender of the first data set 3 by setting byte a accordingly.

[0130] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first subscriber unit 11 according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0131] The first subscriber unit 11 has a control unit 13 and an adapter module 15. Both are operatively connected to each other. The adapter module is an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention and could be like the one described in relation to Fig. 1 discussed adapter module 1 must be designed.

[0132] The first subscriber unit 11 is configured so that the control unit 13, mediated by the adapter module 15, transmits data via a communication network which is Fig. 3 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0133] More precisely, the adapter module 15 is configured to receive a first data set from the control unit 13 as a first participant and then to send the second data set obtained using a manipulation rule to a second participant via the communications network. The adapter module 15 does not necessarily have to receive the data (the first data set) from the control unit 13 via a network or a bus. The data could also be received in another way, for example via direct and / or individual wiring and / or through software. The adapter module 15 can, for example, provide the second data set to a bus controller with which the adapter module is operatively connected and / or which the adapter module has. The bus controller can then, for example, insert the second data set into a data frame and send it via the bus.

[0134] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a second subscriber unit 21 according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0135] The second subscriber unit 21 has a driver module 23 and an adapter module 25. Both are operatively connected to each other. The adapter module 25 is an adapter module according to the first aspect of the invention and could be like the one described in relation to Fig. 1 discussed adapter module 1 must be designed.

[0136] The second subscriber unit 21 is configured so that the driver module 23, mediated by the adapter module 25, transmits data via a communication network which is Fig. 4 is indicated by dashed lines. The driver module 23 can be configured to use this data to receive the control data of a Fig. 4 device 27, such as an LED, which is indicated by way of example by dashed lines, can be used to control the device 27.

[0137] More specifically, the adapter module 25 is configured to receive a first data set from a first participant via the communications network and then to send the second data set obtained using a manipulation rule to the driver module 23 as a second participant. The adapter module 25 does not necessarily have to send the data (the second data set) to the driver module 23 via a network or bus. The data could also be sent in other ways, such as via direct and / or individual wiring and / or through software. The adapter module 25 can receive the first data set, for example, from a bus controller with which the adapter module is operatively connected and / or which the adapter module has. The bus controller can then extract the first data set, for example, from a data frame received from the bus.

[0138] Fig. 5a shows a communication network 31 according to the fifth aspect of the invention, in which a first subscriber 35 and a second subscriber 37 are each connected directly or indirectly to a bus 33.

[0139] The first subscriber 35 is a control unit with an associated adapter module 39, and the second subscriber 37 is a driver module. Consequently, the first subscriber 35, together with the adapter module 39, may be a first subscriber unit according to the second aspect of the invention, such as the one described with reference to Fig. 3 discussed second participant unit 11.

[0140] The control unit 35 can now send a data set, in particular consisting of control data, which is received by the adapter module 39 as the first data set. Accordingly, as with respect to Fig. 1-2, a second data set can then be obtained, which is sent via the communication network 33 to the driver module 37 (for example, provided as a payload within a CAN frame). Based on this, the driver module 37 can, for example, Fig. 5a not shown) device, such as an LED.

[0141] Fig. 5b shows another communication network 41 according to the fifth aspect of the invention, in which a first subscriber 45 and a second subscriber 47 are each connected directly or indirectly to a bus 43.

[0142] The first subscriber 45 is a control unit and the second subscriber 47 is a driver module with an associated adapter module 49. The second subscriber 47 can therefore, together with the adapter module 49, be a second subscriber unit according to the third aspect of the invention, such as the one described with reference to Fig. 4 discussed second participant unit 21.

[0143] The control unit 45 can now send a data set, in particular consisting of control data, via the communication network 41 (for example, provided as a payload within a CAN frame), which is received by the adapter module 49 as the first data set. Accordingly, as described with respect to Fig. 1-2c, a second data set can then be obtained, which is then sent to the driver module 47. Based on this, the driver module 47 can, for example, generate a (in Fig. 5b not shown) device, such as an LED.

[0144] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential to the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. List of reference symbols 1 adapter module 3 First data set 5 Manipulation rule 7 Second data set 11 First participant unit 13 Control unit 15 adapter module 21 Second participant unit 23 Driver module 25 adapter module 27 Device 31 Communication network 33 buses 35 First Participant 37 Second participant 39 adapter module 41 Communication network 43 buses 45 First Participant 47 Second participant 49 adapter module a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h bytes

Claims

[1] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) for exchanging information between at least two participants in a communication network (31, 41) in the form of a bus (33, 43), wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to receive a first data set (3) from a first participant (11, 35, 45) of the communication network (31, 41) and to send a second data set (7) to a second participant (21, 37, 47) of the communication network (31, 41), wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to at least partially obtain the second data set (7) by applying a manipulation rule (5) to the first data set (3), wherein the second data set (7) consists of user data intended for the second subscriber (21, 37, 47), wherein the first data record (3) is contained or can be provided in at least one data frame, and wherein the second data record (7) is contained or can be provided in at least one data frame. [2] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to claim 1, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to convert the first data set (3) into the second data set (7) by means of the manipulation rule (5) and / or to construct the second data set (7) from the first data set (3), preferably to carry out a change in the order of individual parts of the data set. [3] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein (i) the first and second data sets (3, 7) are differently encoded, (ii) the first and second data sets (3, 7) are different representations of the same information, (iii) by means of the manipulation rule (5) the first data set (3) can be converted into the second data set (7), in particular completely or at least partially, (iv) the first data set (3) is received as part of a data packet, in particular via the communication network (31, 41), preferably directly or indirectly, is received as part of a data frame, in particular via the communication network (31, 41), preferably directly or indirectly, and / or is not received via the communication network (31, 41) and / or (v) the second data set (7) is sent as part of a data packet, in particular via the communication network (31, 41), preferably directly or indirectly, as part of a data frame,in particular is sent via the communication network (31, 41), preferably directly or indirectly, and / or is not sent via the communication network (31, 41). [4] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein (i) the communication network (31, 41) has or represents a bus (33, 43), in particular a CAN bus, with which the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is preferably operatively connected or can be brought into connection, and / or the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is designed to carry out the sending and / or receiving of the data records via the communication network (31, 41), in particular the bus (33, 43), (ii) the first data record (3) is contained or can be provided in at least one UART frame and / or at least one CAN frame, in particular at least one CAN-FD frame, and / or the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is designed to receive and / or extract the first data set (3) from the data frame, and / or (iii) wherein the second data set (7) is in at least one UART frame and / or at least one CAN frame,in particular at least one CAN-FD frame, and / or the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to insert the second data set (7) into the data frame and / or to send the data frame with the second data set (7). [5] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to select the manipulation rule (5) from a plurality of manipulation rules (5) at least partially as a function of (i) a result of an analysis of the first data set (3), (ii) of the first participant (11, 35, 45) and / or (iii) of the second participant (21, 37, 47), in particular based on an identifier of the first and / or second participant (11, 21, 35, 37, 45, 47). [6] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to claim 5, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to determine the identifier of the first and / or second subscriber (11, 21, 35, 37, 45, 47) on the basis of information contained in the first data set (3) and / or in a data packet or data frame comprising the first data set (3). [7] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured, in particular depending on the result of the analysis of the first data set (3), the first subscriber (11, 35, 45), in particular the identifier of the first subscriber (11, 35, 45), and / or the second subscriber (21, 37, 47), in particular the identifier of the second subscriber (21, 37, 47), (i) to retrieve the manipulation rule (5) from a memory, (ii) to select a specific section of a configuration file as the manipulation rule (5) and / or (iii) to receive the manipulation rule (5) from a remote device, such as a cloud server and / or a bus master, and / or to download it from there. [8] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to determine the second subscriber (21, 37, 47) on the basis of information contained in the first data set (3) and / or in a data packet or data frame comprising the first data set (3). [9] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to receive a plurality of first data sets (3) from one or more first participants (11, 35, 45) and to construct the second data set (7) based on the plurality of first data sets (3) and the manipulation rule (5). [10] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) is configured to receive a first data set (3) from the first subscriber (11, 35, 45) and to construct a plurality of second data sets (7) based on the first data set (3) and the manipulation rule (5) and to send these second data sets to one or more second subscribers (21, 37, 47). [11] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first participant (11, 35, 45) is or comprises a control unit (13), in particular of a motor vehicle or a part thereof, and / or the second participant (21, 37, 47) is or comprises a driver module (23), in particular a driver module of at least one electrical component (27), in particular of a motor vehicle, for example an LED driver module or an airbag driver module. [12] Adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second data set (3, 7) or parts thereof are and / or comprise control data for the second subscriber (21, 37, 47) and / or represent or represent at least one parameter value of at least one electrical component (27), preferably parameter values ​​of a plurality of electrical components, such as at least one brightness value of at least one LED, preferably brightness values ​​of a plurality of LEDs. [13] First subscriber unit (11), comprising a control unit (13) and an adapter module (15) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which is or can be operatively connected to the control unit (13). [14] Second subscriber unit (21), comprising a driver module (23) and an adapter module (25) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which is operatively connected or can be connected to the driver module (23). [15] Provision unit which is configured to retrieve a manipulation instruction (5) from a cloud server and / or to provide the manipulation instruction (5) to an adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in particular to send the manipulation instruction (5) to the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) and / or to provide it to the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) for downloading. [16] Communication network (31, 41) with at least one first subscriber (35, 45), in particular at least one first subscriber unit (11) according to claim 13, and at least one second subscriber (37, 47), in particular at least one second subscriber unit (21) according to claim 14, wherein information can be exchanged between the at least two subscribers at least along one communication direction mediated by at least one adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of claims 1 to 12 via the network (31, 41), wherein the network (31, 41) has or represents a bus (33, 43) to which the subscribers (35, 45, 37, 47) are connected directly or indirectly. [17] Signal sequence which represents a manipulation instruction (5) for use in an adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and / or for use in a provision unit according to claim 15, wherein preferably the signal sequence (i) is receivable by an adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of claims 1 to 12 from a provision unit according to claim 15, (ii) is suitable for transmission via a communication network (31, 41), such as the Internet or another network, (iii) is readable by an adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and / or (iv) is retrievable from a memory. [18] Method for exchanging information between at least two participants in a communication network (31, 41) in the form of a bus (33, 43), the method comprising receiving a first data set (3) from a first participant (11, 35, 45) of the communication network (31, 41), in particular by means of an adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49), and sending a second data set (7) to a second participant (21, 37, 47) of the communication network (31, 41), in particular by means of the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49), wherein the second data set (7), in particular by means of the adapter module (1, 15, 25, 39, 49), is at least partially obtained by applying a manipulation rule (5) to the first data set (3), wherein the second data set (7) consists of a manipulation rule specific to the second participant (21, 37, 47) certain user data, wherein the first data record (3) is contained in at least one data frame,and wherein the second data record (7) is contained in at least one data frame.,

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