Methods for data transmission in a vehicle's data network, bus system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling data transmission in a data network (2) of a vehicle (1), which comprises a bus system (20) with a bus (22), a plurality of control units (ECU1 - ECUm), and a central control unit (21). The method is characterized in that the data transmission in the data network (2) takes place according to a transmission protocol that uses a transmission model with time windows (30), and the method comprises the following steps, which are carried out at the central control unit (21): - Monitoring of data transmission in the data network (2) by the central control unit (21), - Determining information about data transmission, - Adjusting the time windows (30) based on the information obtained, - Generating a customized time slot table (32) with the customized time slots (30), and - Transmission of the adapted time window table (32) to all control units (ECU1 - ECUm) of the bus system (20). In addition, a bus system (20) and a vehicle (1) are described.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for data transmission in a data network of a vehicle, a bus system, a vehicle.

[0002] In the automotive industry, communication bus systems are used to exchange data between a vehicle's electronic control units (ECUs). Well-known bus systems, such as FlexRay bus systems, are based on fixed time windows used for deterministic and event-driven transmissions.

[0003] While these fixed time slots guarantee predictability, they often lead to inefficient utilization of the bus system's bandwidth.

[0004] DE 10 2011 085 764 A1 describes a method for operating a bus arrangement comprising a master and k slaves as participants, in which the master transmits a header of a query frame comprising k information fields to the slaves, wherein each m-th slave is assigned an m-th information field, wherein the m-th slave writes information into its assigned m-th information field about the amount of data to be sent from the m-th slave to the master, wherein the query frame is transmitted to the master, and wherein the master provides a time schedule for transmitting the data, which takes into account the amount of data to be sent.German patent DE 197 21 740 A1 describes a control method for media access on a serial bus with multiple participants, in which the individual participants communicate via data telegrams, each containing at least the address of the addressed participant as the destination address, the address of the sending participant as the source address, and the payload data to be transmitted from the sending participant to the addressed participant. US patent 2011 / 0 238 774 A1 describes a master device and a slave device in a network system in which multiple communication devices perform data transmissions using the same medium.DE 101 47 445 A1 describes a method for transmitting information on a bus system with at least two participants, wherein exactly one superior participant (master) and at least one subordinate participant (slave) are provided and the information is transmitted in a predefinable, closed message frame which contains synchronization information in addition to the information to be transmitted.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to provide a solution that improves data transmission in a vehicle's data network. In particular, it aims to improve communication efficiency in a vehicle's bus system.

[0006] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a method for data transmission in a vehicle's data network, which comprises a bus system with a bus, a plurality of control units, and a central control unit. The method is characterized in that data transmission in the data network occurs according to a transmission protocol that uses a transmission model with time windows, and the method comprises the following steps, which are executed at the central control unit: - Monitoring of data transmission in the data network by the central control unit, - Determining information about data transmission, - Adjusting the time windows based on the information gathered, - Generating a customized time slot table of the customized time slots, and - Transmission of the adapted time window table to all control units of the bus system.

[0008] Data transmission can also be referred to as communication, and the data network as a communication network. Data transmission preferably occurs through the transmission of data packets, which can also be called messages. The method according to the invention is used, in particular, to control data transmission within the data network. Therefore, the method according to the invention can also be referred to as a method for controlling data transmission. Controlling data transmission, in particular, involves the time-controlled coordination of data transmission.

[0009] According to the invention, the data network comprises a bus system. The bus system includes a bus, a plurality of control units, and a central control unit. The bus is defined as the bus line, which is formed, in particular, by a physical medium and connects the control units to each other and to the central control unit. Data can be sent and received via the bus between the control units and the central control unit. The data network can also comprise multiple bus systems, preferably with the multiple bus systems sharing a common central control unit. The central control unit acts as a central communication interface between the various control units and coordinates the data transmission within the bus system, which can also be referred to as bus communication. The central control unit preferably includes a gateway.

[0010] Data transmission within the data network occurs according to a transmission protocol that uses a transmission model with time windows. These time windows are also referred to as time slots. Data transmission takes place in cycles, which can also be called bus cycles. The bus cycle is divided into time windows, which can also be called time slots. The transmission model is therefore a time-controlled transmission model.

[0011] The method according to the invention comprises several steps that are carried out at the central control unit. For example, the steps can be executed by an algorithm. The algorithm can be implemented in the central control unit in the form of a program.

[0012] The procedure includes the step of monitoring data transmission in the data network by the central control unit. Monitoring data transmission specifically includes monitoring the receipt of messages to and the sending of messages from the central control unit.

[0013] Furthermore, data transmission information is determined. This determination preferably takes place, at least partially, at the central control unit. The data transmission information can relate in particular to the messages transmitted in the bus system, the transmission model of the transmission protocol used, especially the time windows, and / or the control units of the bus system. This information can be current or future.

[0014] The time windows of the transmission model are adjusted based on the information gathered. Adjusting the time windows specifically refers to setting their length, start time, and / or order. This adjustment can involve defining the length, start time, and / or order of the time windows for a bus cycle for the first time, or changing at least one of these parameters compared to the time windows of a previously used bus cycle. In the latter case, the adjustment might include, for example, lengthening or shortening at least one time window, omitting a time window, and / or changing the order of the time windows. If only information is gathered that does not require any changes to the time windows, no adjustments are made.

[0015] Adjusting the time windows refers to modifying at least one time window. Therefore, in the time window adjustment step, only a single time window or only some of the time windows can be modified. This is particularly applicable when the adjustment represents a change compared to the time windows of a previously used bus cycle. When an adjustment represents the initial setting of the time windows, preferably all time windows of the bus cycle are adjusted.

[0016] In addition, a time window table of the adjusted time windows is generated. This time window table is generated at the central control unit. If, during the adjustment step, only one or some of the time windows of the bus cycle have been adjusted, particularly modified, the time window table nevertheless includes all time windows of the bus cycle, that is, also the time window(s) that were not adjusted, particularly modified.

[0017] The time window table contains the precise allocation of time windows for a subsequent bus cycle. For example, the time window table can specify the start time of each time window and its duration within the bus cycle. Each time window can be assigned to a control unit, specifically to a message from a control unit. The time windows in the time window table are the adjusted time windows, modified based on the collected information. Therefore, the time window table is referred to as an adjusted time window table. If at least one time window is adjusted by modifying a time window from a previously executed bus cycle, the adjusted time window table is also called an updated time window table.

[0018] Particularly when adjusting the time windows by changing previously used time windows, the method according to the invention can also be described as a self-learning and / or dynamic method.

[0019] Furthermore, the adapted time window table is transmitted to all control units of the bus system. This informs each control unit when it can communicate in an upcoming bus cycle and, preferably, how long the message sent by the control unit can be. If the method only gathers information that does not require any changes to the time windows, and no adjustments to the time windows are made, the time window table from the last bus cycle can preferably be transmitted to the control units.

[0020] The method according to the invention has a number of advantages. In particular, the utilization of the bus system can be optimized using the method according to the invention. Specifically, the unused capacities of the bus system that occur when using a transmission model with static time windows can be eliminated, thereby improving the utilization of the bus system. Furthermore, deterministic predictability can be ensured by transmitting the time window table to all control units. In particular, since the control units know when and for how long they can communicate in an upcoming bus cycle, predictability of the transmission in the bus system, i.e., the bus communication, can be guaranteed. In addition, flexibility in the use of the bus system is provided. In particular, the bus system can adapt to changing communication requirements, thus remaining flexible throughout the entire operating life of the vehicle.Furthermore, latency and energy consumption can be reduced. In particular, by removing unused time slots and optimizing the use of bus capacity by shortening or lengthening time slots, latency can be reduced and energy consumption lowered.

[0021] Furthermore, real-time capability can be ensured by the method according to the invention. Real-time capability describes, in particular, its ability to guarantee deterministic and predictable data communication within a predetermined timeframe. Specifically, messages are transmitted within guaranteed time windows, making it possible to know exactly when a message arrives and is processed. By continuously providing the control units with the time windows for an upcoming bus cycle in the method according to the invention, real-time capability can be ensured, for which it is necessary that the time windows to be used are known to the control units in advance.

[0022] According to the invention, the adjustment of the time windows is carried out at least partially based on predicted information. This prediction can be based, for example, on historical data. Additionally or alternatively, prediction can be performed using artificial intelligence. For example, upon detection of a condition, the likely transmission requirement of a control unit can be predicted. For instance, upon detection of an environmental condition, such as snowfall, it can be assumed that messages from a control unit are to be expected, for example, for the vehicle wheels. Therefore, the time window for messages from the corresponding control unit can be extended.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapted time window table is transmitted to all control units of the bus system at the end of a bus cycle, particularly the current bus cycle. The current bus cycle is defined as the data transmission bus cycle currently being executed at the central control unit, i.e., the cycle in which messages are received from or sent to the control units within corresponding time windows. The time window table is created by the central control unit at the end of the bus cycle, specifically after the time windows of the bus cycle have been completed. By appending the adapted, and in particular updated, time window table to the time windows of the current bus cycle, the control units can communicate in the next or a subsequent bus cycle according to the adapted, and in particular updated, time window table.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the adapted time window table, transmitted in bus cycle x, is transmitted to the control unit for use in a bus cycle x+n (n ≥ 1). This delayed use can be communicated by the transmission of the time window table from the central control unit to the control units. By not using the updated time window table for the bus cycle immediately following the bus cycle for which the time window table was created, in particular the current bus cycle, sufficient time is provided for the control unit to adapt its communication to the updated time window table.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, adjusting the time windows involves changing the length and / or the start time of the time window within the bus cycle. Changing the length of the time window allows it to be adapted to the length of a message to be transmitted. This change is preferably made compared to a time window length and / or start time used in a previous bus cycle. The previous bus cycle can be the bus cycle with the corresponding time windows that is stored in the central control unit at the beginning of the communication in the bus system, or one that was modified in a previous bus cycle according to the inventive method. In particular, the length of the time window can be shortened or lengthened.For example, if no message has been transmitted in the current bus cycle within a time window that was used in a previous bus cycle, this time window can be adjusted by shortening its length to zero, i.e., removing it.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the information obtained, on the basis of which the adjustment of the time windows is made, relates to the data network, the length of a transmitted message, the utilization of a time window and / or requirements of a control unit.

[0027] In this approach, the requirements of the control unit can be actively reported to the central control unit for the next bus cycle, according to one embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, a transmission requirement can be detected, for example, from changes in the vehicle's operating conditions. If, for instance, the information gathering process detects that the vehicle is switching from normal mode to off-road mode, it can be deduced that the transmission requirement of, for example, the control units for the vehicle tires will be increased. The evaluation and prediction of the transmission requirements of control units can preferably be performed by artificial intelligence.

[0028] The adjustment of time windows is preferably based on a change in the determined information. If no change is detected, the relevant time window can be adopted unchanged into the time window table. However, if, for example, one or more time windows preceding the unchanged time window of the bus cycle are modified, such as shortened, the time window whose length remains unchanged can be shifted to an earlier point in the bus cycle.

[0029] According to one embodiment, adjusting the time windows involves prioritizing data from an electronic control unit (ECU). This prioritization can, in particular, prioritize messages based on real-time requirements. For example, when determining a transmission requirement from an ECU, the transmission of a message from a vehicle battery to other ECUs can be prioritized, and this ECU can be assigned a corresponding time window within the bus cycle. This ensures, for instance, that a battery charging requirement can be communicated in a timely manner.

[0030] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a bus system of a vehicle's data network with a central control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a processor unit configured to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, a central control unit of a vehicle's data network, wherein the control unit comprises a processor unit configured to carry out the method according to the invention, is also the subject of the present invention.

[0031] Advantages and features described with respect to the method according to the invention apply - insofar as applicable - accordingly to the bus system and the central control unit according to the invention and vice versa, and are described only once if necessary.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the central control unit acts as a gateway to the vehicle's data network. A gateway is defined in particular as a control unit that serves to mediate and translate data between different bus systems and / or transmission protocols. In the vehicle, the gateway is specifically responsible for exchanging messages between the various vehicle networks. The gateway receives and sends messages to and from the control units, processes them, and ensures that all data is transmitted efficiently via the bus. By using a gateway and thus implementing the method according to the invention at least partially at the gateway, the control of bus communication is centralized, enabling efficient monitoring and adjustment of the time windows. In particular, the entire bus communication can be monitored, and the time windows can be dynamically adjusted.Through the central control, especially at the gateway, all control units and their communication needs can be monitored and optimally coordinated using the method according to the invention.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle with a data network, wherein the data network is designed to carry out the method according to the invention and / or has a bus system according to the invention.

[0034] The vehicle may be a passenger car, in particular an automobile, or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck.

[0035] The invention also includes the control device for the vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to at least partially execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor circuit can comprise program code configured to execute the embodiment of the method according to the invention when carried out by the processor circuit. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor circuit. The processor circuit can, for example, be based on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0036] Advantages and features described with regard to the inventive method and the inventive bus system apply – insofar as applicable – accordingly to the inventive vehicle and vice versa, and are described only once if necessary.

[0037] The invention further relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to at least partially execute the method according to the invention. The computer program product is hereinafter also referred to as the computer program. The program code of the computer program can be in any form, in particular code suitable for controlling vehicles or vehicle components. The program code can, for example, be provided as binary code and / or as assembly code and / or as source code of a programming language (e.g., C) and / or as a program script (e.g., Python).

[0038] Advantages and features described for the inventive method, the inventive bus system and the inventive vehicle also apply – insofar as applicable – analogously to the computer program product and vice versa.

[0039] Furthermore, the invention comprises a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium comprises program code which, when executed by a computer, processor, or computational backend, causes it to execute at least a portion of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Preferably, a computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program according to the invention can be provided. The computer-readable storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium, for example, a hard drive, a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, an SD card, or an SSD, and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium, for example, RAM (random access memory). The storage medium can be arranged within the computer or computer array.The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor. Furthermore, the computer program does not have to be stored on the computer-readable storage medium to be made available to the vehicle, but can also be obtained via the internet or other external sources.

[0040] Advantages and features described for the inventive method, the inventive bus system, the inventive vehicle and the computer program also apply – insofar as applicable – analogously to the computer-readable medium and vice versa.

[0041] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0042] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic block representation of a data network of a vehicle for carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a bus cycle with fixed time windows according to the state of the art; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a bus cycle with time windows adapted according to the invention.

[0043] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0044] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a data network 2 integrated into a vehicle 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the data network 2 is formed by a bus system 20. The bus system 20 comprises a central control unit 21, which preferably represents a gateway. The bus system 20 also includes a plurality of control units, which can also be referred to as electronic control units (ECUs), ECU1 to ECUm. The ECUs ECU1 to ECUm are connected to each other and to the central control unit 21 via a bus 22.

[0046] Based on the Fig. Section 2 explains the communication of a time-controlled deterministic bus system according to the state of the art. The bus system can, for example, be a FlexRay bus system. The bus cycle B of the bus system is structured by fixed time windows Z. In each of these time windows Z, data packets or messages N are transmitted by control units ECU1-ECUm. These messages N vary in length, depending on the current transmission requirements of the respective control unit ECU1-ECUm. As can be seen from Fig. Since the result is 2, the time windows Z are often not fully utilized, leading to a waste of bandwidth. The empty space in the time windows represents the unused capacity lost during the entire bus cycle B.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic embodiment of the inventive method for controlling data transmission.

[0048] In step S1, data transmission in the data network 2 is monitored via a central control unit 21, which can act as a gateway. Specifically, the gateway can monitor received and sent messages. In step S2, which can also be executed simultaneously with or before step S1, data transmission information is determined. Specifically, the data traffic, message length 31, and the utilization of time windows 30 of a bus cycle 3 of the bus system 2 can be analyzed via the gateway 21. Additionally, in step S2, a change in the transmission requirements of the control units ECU1-ECUm can be detected. If a control unit ECU1-ECUm suddenly needs to send more data, for example, due to a new function or changed operating conditions, the additional requirement is detected and thus determined as data transmission information. In step S3, the time windows 30 are dynamically adjusted based on the determined information.This adjustment preferably occurs in real time. During the adjustment in step S3, a longer time window 30 can be assigned to an ECU1-ECUm control unit (for example, one where an additional transmission requirement has been identified) for the next bus cycle 3 than in the current bus cycle 3. This ensures that all data of a message can be transmitted by the ECU1-ECUm control unit. Furthermore, time windows that are no longer needed can be reduced or removed in step S3. In step S4, an updated time window table 32 is generated at the gateway. This time window table 32 contains the precise allocation of time windows 30 for an upcoming bus cycle 3. In step S5, the adjusted, and in particular updated, time window table 32 is transmitted to all ECU1-ECUm control units.

[0049] Based on the Fig.Section 4 describes the control of communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bus system 20 can also be referred to as a self-learning bus system. In the bus system 20, the time windows 30 are dynamically adjusted. The dynamic bus cycle 3 shows that the time windows 30 vary in length depending on the communication requirements. At the end of each bus cycle 3, an updated time window table 32 is appended according to a preferred embodiment of the method. The updated time window table 32 is transmitted to all control units ECU1 - ECUm, so that the control units ECU1 - ECUm know exactly when and for how long they can communicate for the next bus cycle 3.

[0050] The invention is described again below in other words, and this description is not to be interpreted restrictively.

[0051] In particular, the present invention solves the problem that, although fixed time slots known from the prior art guarantee predictability, they often lead to inefficient bandwidth utilization because they are fixed independently of the current communication needs and are usually not fully utilized.

[0052] The present invention enables the communication efficiency of the bus system to be improved through a self-learning method. This method dynamically adjusts the length and timing of the time slots to the actual transmission requirements, thereby achieving optimal utilization of the bus system. Preferably, the method creates a new communication base (time slot table) for each subsequent cycle, which allows all control units to accurately predict the upcoming bus cycle and its slots.

[0053] The present invention is characterized by a self-learning, dynamic adjustment of communication time slots that flexibly responds to the current load and requirements of the communication network. This dynamic adjustment enables optimal use of the bus bandwidth. The present invention implements an adaptive and learning structure that automatically reacts to changes in the network and increases efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, the present invention can perform a dynamic prioritization of messages based on real-time requirements, which further optimizes utilization.

[0055] The present invention enables a self-learning approach that allows continuous adaptation to the current network load. This significantly increases the efficiency of communication control by minimizing unused resources and ensuring better prioritization of communication requests.

[0056] The core of the self-learning bus system is the self-learning algorithm, which is implemented in a central control unit, such as the gateway. The gateway acts as a central communication interface between the various control units in the vehicle and is responsible for coordinating bus communication. - Central role of the gateway: The gateway is responsible for exchanging messages between the various vehicle networks. It receives and sends messages to and from the control units, processes them, and ensures that all data is transmitted efficiently via the bus. Integrating the self-learning algorithm into the gateway centralizes the control of bus communication, enabling efficient monitoring and adjustment of time slots. - Bus communication monitoring: The self-learning algorithm implemented in the gateway continuously monitors the use of time slots in the vehicle network. It analyzes data traffic, message length, and time slot utilization. Based on this data, the algorithm dynamically adjusts the time slots to the actual demand. This adjustment occurs in real time, ensuring the bus system operates efficiently at all times. - Detection of changes in transmission requirements: The gateway's algorithm is capable of detecting changes in the transmission requirements of the control units. If a control unit suddenly needs to send more data, for example due to a new function or altered operating conditions, the algorithm registers this additional demand. The gateway then allocates a longer time slot in the next cycle to ensure that all data can be transmitted. Similarly, unused time slots are reduced or removed. - Creation and distribution of the time slot table: At the end of each bus cycle, the gateway uses a self-learning algorithm to create an updated time slot table. This table contains the precise allocation of time slots for the upcoming cycle and is transmitted to all ECUs. This allows all ECUs to know in advance when they can communicate in the next cycle. The deterministic structure is maintained because the ECUs know the exact time slot allocation and can therefore plan their communication precisely.

[0057] The essential and preferred aspects of the invention can be summarized as follows, the summary being not to be interpreted restrictively: - Self-learning algorithm in the gateway: The algorithm, integrated into the central gateway, monitors all bus communication and dynamically adjusts the time slots. Through central control, the algorithm can monitor and optimally coordinate all control units and their communication needs. - Dynamic adjustment of time slots: Based on monitoring by the gateway, the time slots are adjusted to the current requirements of the control units. If a control unit has a higher communication demand, it receives additional time, while less active devices are allocated correspondingly less bandwidth. - Communication via the gateway: The gateway acts as a central interface through which all control units send and receive their communication data. This enables a coordinated and efficient distribution of the available bandwidth to the various control units in the vehicle network. - Creation of the time slot table: At the end of each bus cycle, the gateway generates the updated time slot table. This is transmitted to all ECUs so that they know exactly when they can transmit in the next cycle. This continuous adjustment ensures efficient and predictable bus communication.

[0058] The present invention has a number of advantages.

[0059] Dynamic adjustment of time windows leads to maximum and ideal bandwidth utilization. Unused capacity is eliminated and bus utilization is optimized.

[0060] By transmitting the time window table in advance, all control units know exactly when and for how long they can communicate. This ensures the predictability of bus communication, similar to traditional deterministic systems.

[0061] The bus system operated using the method according to the invention can adapt to changing communication requirements, thus remaining flexible throughout the entire lifespan of the vehicle.

[0062] By eliminating unused time slots and optimizing the use of bus capacity, latency times can be reduced and energy consumption lowered.

[0063] Overall, the examples show how a self-learning bus system can be provided to optimize bus utilization. REFERENCE MARK 1 vehicle 2 Data network 20 bus system 21 central control unit 22 Bus ECU1 - ECUm control units (Electronic Control Unit) 3 bus cycle 30 messages 31 Time slot table 32 time slots B Bus cycle (state of the art) N message (state of the art) Z fixed time window (state of the art)

Claims

[1] Method for controlling data transmission in a data network (2) of a vehicle (1) comprising a bus system (20) with a bus (22), a plurality of control units (ECU1 - ECUm) and a central control unit (21), wherein the data transmission in the data network (2) is carried out according to a transmission protocol which uses a transmission model with time windows (30) and the method comprises the following steps which are carried out at the central control unit (21): - Monitoring (S1) of data transmission in the data network (2) by the central control unit (21), - Determining (S2) information about data transmission, - Adjusting (S3) the time windows (30) based on the information obtained, - Generating (S4) a customized time slot table (32) with the customized time slots (30), and - Transmission (S5) of the adapted time window table (32) to all control units (ECU1 - ECUm) of the bus system (20), characterized by , that the adjustment of the time windows (30) is at least partially based on predicted information. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the adapted time window table (32) represents an updated time window table (32). [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapted time window table (32) is transmitted at the end of a bus cycle (3). [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapted time window table (32) transmitted in a bus cycle x is transmitted to the control unit (ECU1 - ECUm) for use for a bus cycle x+n (n ≥ 1). [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the time windows (30) comprises changing the length and / or the start time of the time window (30) in the bus cycle (3). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information obtained relates to the data network (2), the length of a transmitted message (N), the utilization of a time window (30) and / or requirements of a control unit (ECU1 - ECUm). [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the time windows (30) is at least partially based on a change in the information obtained. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the time windows (30) involves prioritizing data from a control unit (ECU1 - ECUm). [9] Bus system of a data network (2) of a vehicle (1), wherein the bus system (2) has a central control unit (21) and the control unit (31) has a processor device configured to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims. [10] Bus system according to claim 9, wherein the central control unit (21) is a gateway of the data network (2) of the vehicle (1). [11] Vehicle with a data network, wherein the data network (2) is designed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or has a bus system according to any one of claims 9 or 10.

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