Procedure for configuring a Quality of Service network in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for configuring a Quality of Service network (2) in a vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: - Providing (101) configuration information (4) for all participants (3) of the Quality of Service network (2), wherein the configuration information (4) describes at least one characteristic of each participant (3) and at least one characteristic of data streams between the participants (3), - Initiating (102) a start operation of the participants (3), whereby the participants (3) are started using the provided configuration information (4), - Determining (103) the respective resource expenditure of the data streams based on the provided configuration information (4) of the participants (3), - Configuring (104) the Quality of Service network (2), whereby, as part of the configuration, an allocation of available computing resources of the vehicle (1) to the respective data streams is carried out based on the determined resource expenditures. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program, a device and a storage medium for this purpose.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for configuring a Quality of Service network in a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program, a device, and a storage medium for this purpose. State of the art

[0002] Dynamic network protocols such as the Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP) and IEEE 802.1Q play a central role in modern network architectures by ensuring efficient and reliable data transmission.

[0003] SRP is a protocol used in Audio-Video Bridging (AVB) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) to reserve network resources for time-critical data streams. It ensures that data streams such as audio and video are transmitted with guaranteed bandwidth and minimal latency, which is crucial in professional audio and video networks and the automotive industry.

[0004] IEEE 802.1Q, also known as the VLAN tagging protocol, allows the creation and management of virtual local area networks (VLANs) within a physical network. By using VLAN tags, network administrators can logically segment traffic, increase network security, and improve bandwidth utilization efficiency.

[0005] The integration and optimization of these protocols is of increasing importance as the demand for higher network performance and reliability grows.

[0006] The required start times of various applications in a vehicle range from milliseconds to seconds. For example, a limit of two seconds might be defined for switching the reversing camera display to the screen, and approximately 800 milliseconds for typical audio availability requirements.

[0007] Vehicles typically implement specific solutions to meet these requirements. For example, applications for early audio and video are used during startup, only to be replaced by other applications once the startup process is complete. However, with the dynamic architecture described in 802.1Q, SRP, these requirements are very difficult or even impossible to meet. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a method with the features of claim 1, a computer program with the features of claim 8, a device with the features of claim 9, and a computer-readable storage medium with the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program, the device, and the computer-readable storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa, so that a reciprocal reference is always possible with regard to the disclosure of the invention.

[0009] The invention relates in particular to a method for configuring a Quality of Service network in a vehicle, comprising the following steps, wherein the steps can be repeated and / or performed sequentially.

[0010] A Quality of Service (QoS) network is, in particular, a network that implements mechanisms and techniques to ensure quality and reliability in data transmission. QoS specifically refers to the ability to prioritize different data streams, utilize bandwidth efficiently, and guarantee a certain level of performance for specific applications and services. This can be achieved by classifying and tagging data packets to identify and differentiate between various data streams. This can be accomplished using technologies such as Differentiated Services Code Point (DSCP) or IEEE 802.1p. Furthermore, traffic shaping can regulate data flow to prevent congestion and utilize bandwidth efficiently. Policing can ensure that data streams remain within defined parameters and that excess traffic is dropped or rerouted. Additionally, queuing can be implemented.In this process, packets are preferably placed in different queues based on their priority. QoS mechanisms use techniques such as Weighted Fair Queuing (WFQ) or Priority Queuing (PQ) to ensure that higher-priority data is handled preferentially. Furthermore, prioritization and scheduling can be applied. This determines the order and speed at which packets are sent from the queues. Higher-priority packets are preferably forwarded faster to ensure low latency and minimal jitter. Mechanisms such as the Resource Reservation Protocol (RSVP) allow applications to reserve specific network resources in advance to guarantee bandwidth and low latency.

[0011] As a first step, configuration information is preferably provided for all participants in the Quality of Service (QoS) network. This configuration information describes at least one characteristic of each participant and / or at least one characteristic of data streams between participants. The configuration information is, in particular, static and fixed before or for the startup of the participants. A "participant" can also be referred to and understood as a "unit" or "element" and can, in particular, be a hardware unit of the vehicle, such as a display, a head unit, a switch / bridge / router, a camera, or an amplifier. The configuration information includes, for example, at least one of the following elements: - a multicast MAC address of each participant, - a VLAN identifier of each participant, - a size of data frames (English: "frame") of a respective data stream (English: "stream"), - an interval between data frames of a given data stream, - a priority of each data stream, - an accumulated latency of a given data stream.

[0012] Furthermore, the following elements may be included: - a credit based shaper (CBS), - Asynchronous Traffic Shaping (ATS), - Time-Aware Shaping (TAS), - one bandwidth per port of each participant.

[0013] In a further step, a startup process for the participants is preferably initiated, whereby the participants are started using the provided configuration information. This startup process can also be described as booting up the participants. For example, the startup process could involve powering on a camera or a display. This startup process is carried out using the provided configuration information, which advantageously allows the startup process to be performed quickly.

[0014] In a further step, the resource requirements of each data stream are preferably determined based on the configuration information provided by the participants. This resource requirement could be, for example, the required computing power or bandwidth. This can be done using elements of the provided configuration information such as the size of the data frames in each data stream, the interval between data frames in the respective data stream, and the accumulated latency of the respective data stream.

[0015] In a further step, the Quality of Service network is preferably configured, whereby, as part of the configuration process, available computing resources of the vehicle are allocated to the respective data streams based on the determined resource requirements.

[0016] The method according to the invention thus offers the advantage that a Quality of Service (QoS) network in a vehicle can be configured quickly and efficiently and subsequently dynamically adapted. By statically providing the configuration information before the network starts, the participants can be initialized quickly. Determining the resource requirements of the data streams based on the provided configuration information enables a dynamic adaptation of the vehicle's available computing resources to the specific requirements of each data stream. This allows for efficient resource utilization and high network performance, particularly for time-critical applications such as AVB-based audio transmission.

[0017] Furthermore, the procedure may include the following step: - Queries of the provided configuration information by a software-defined networking application (SDN),

[0018] The software-defined network application can then determine the respective resource requirements and configure the Quality of Service (QoS) network. Software-defined networks (SDN) specifically separate the control plane from the data plane in a network, enabling centralized and programmable network management. A software-defined network application can leverage this separation to control and optimize various network functions, such as load balancing, security policies, or data traffic management. This allows for more efficient resource utilization, as the software-defined network application can directly use the provided configuration information to determine the resource requirements of data streams and configure the QoS network accordingly.This allows, in particular, a faster adaptation of the network to changing requirements or a changing network structure.

[0019] Advantageously, the invention may provide that new multicast MAC addresses of the respective participants are determined during the configuration process and that the method further comprises the following step: - Comparing the multicast MAC addresses in the configuration information with the specified new multicast MAC addresses.

[0020] This prevents collisions between the multicast MAC addresses in the configuration information and the newly assigned multicast MAC addresses. This ensures optimal routing of data streams. Assigning new multicast MAC addresses, for example, offers flexibility in adapting the QoS network to changing requirements or a new QoS network structure, and can increase data transmission efficiency.

[0021] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if, during configuration, new VLAN identifiers of the respective participants are determined and the method further comprises the following step: - Comparing VLAN identifiers from the configuration information with the specified new VLAN identifiers.

[0022] This ensures that participants are assigned to the correct VLAN networks and conflicts are avoided. The dynamic adjustment of VLAN identifiers enables, in particular, flexible network management and optimal resource utilization.

[0023] Furthermore, it may be possible that new data flows between the participants are defined during the configuration process, and that the procedure further includes the following step: - Comparing data streams of configuration information with the specified new data streams.

[0024] In this way, the QoS network can dynamically adapt to new requirements or a new QoS network structure. Comparisons enable the resource allocation to be adjusted to changing data flows, thereby increasing network efficiency and improving performance. This allows the vehicle to react to changing conditions and ensure optimal data transfer.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, it may be provided that the respective resource expenditure of the data streams is a bandwidth required for the respective data stream and that the configuration comprises the following steps: - Define a bandwidth area reserved for audio video bridging data streams and / or time-sensitive networking data streams; for example, 75% of the bandwidth could be allocated to these data streams. - Checking the bandwidth currently required by the data streams, - Limiting the data streams to the Audio Video Bridging data streams and / or the Time-Sensitive Networking data streams if a result of the check indicates that the bandwidth currently required by the data streams is above the defined range.

[0026] This allows remaining data streams—that is, data streams that are not Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and / or Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) data streams—to remain inactive or be deactivated. In this way, the resource consumption for AVB and TSN data streams can be limited by a defined bandwidth threshold. This ensures more efficient management of available computing resources in the vehicle, as critical data streams are prioritized. A transmission limit for these data streams thus prevents resource shortages and, for example, ensures the quality of audio-video transmission.

[0027] It is possible that the method according to the invention is used in a vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, a motor vehicle and / or passenger vehicle and / or autonomous vehicle. The vehicle can have vehicle equipment, for example, for providing an autonomous driving function and / or a driver assistance system. The vehicle equipment can be designed to control the vehicle at least partially automatically and / or accelerate and / or brake and / or steer.

[0028] The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0029] The invention also relates to a data processing device configured to execute the method according to the invention. The device can, for example, be a computer that executes the computer program according to the invention. The computer can have at least one processor for executing the computer program. Alternatively, a non-volatile data storage device can be provided in which the computer program is stored and from which the computer program can be read by the processor for execution.

[0030] The invention may also relate to a computer-readable storage medium which contains the computer program according to the invention and / or includes instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to the invention. The storage medium is, for example, designed as a data storage device such as a hard drive and / or non-volatile memory and / or a memory card. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0031] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the disclosed method steps can be computer-implemented and / or carried out automatically.

[0032] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0033] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic visualization of a method, a vehicle, a device, a storage medium and a computer program according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a Quality of Service network according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a method 100, a vehicle 1 with several participants 3, a device 10, a storage medium 15 and a computer program 20 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows in particular an embodiment of a method 100 for configuring a Quality of Service network 2 in a vehicle 1. In a first step 101, configuration information 4 is provided for all participants 3 of the Quality of Service network 2, wherein the configuration information 4 describes at least one characteristic of each participant 3 and / or at least one characteristic of data streams between the participants 3. In a second step 102, a start process of the participants 3 is initiated, wherein the participants 3 are started using the provided configuration information 4. In a third step 103, the respective resource expenditure of the data streams is determined based on the provided configuration information 4 of the participants 3.In a fourth step 104, the Quality of Service network 2 is configured, whereby, as part of the configuration, available computing resources of the vehicle 1 are assigned to the respective data streams based on the determined resource requirements.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a Quality of Service network 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. This network comprises a plurality of networked participants 3. Initially, configuration information 4 is transmitted to the participants 3. The participants 3 are a display 31, a head unit 32, two switches 33, a grand master 34, a camera 35, an amplifier 36, and a vehicle functionality 37, such as a climate control system.

[0037] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, one or more data streams are statically configured for all participants 3 at the start time. This avoids long start times. Short start times are sometimes legally mandated, for example, regarding the activation time of a reversing camera in a vehicle. As soon as a software-defined networking application (SDN) is started, it can query the resources already in use, i.e., in particular, the bandwidth currently required by the data streams. Thus, according to exemplary embodiments, a transition from a static configuration to a dynamic configuration is possible.

[0038] The elements used for this purpose, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are, for example: - a VLAN identifier, - a data stream identifier, - a credit based shaper (CBS), - Asynchronous Traffic Shaping (ATS), - Time-Aware Shaping (TAS), - one bandwidth per port, - a multicast MAC address, - Joined stream.

[0039] The required resources are preferably known to all participants 3 at the start time and the resources to be used can be distributed after the start via Stream Reservation Protocol (SRP), such as “talker_advertise”, “join” and “listener ready”.

[0040] The static configuration, i.e., configuration information 4, preferably includes the following elements: - a multicast MAC address of each participant 3, - a VLAN identifier of each participant 3, - a size of data frames (English: "frame") of a respective data stream (English: "stream"), - an interval between data frames of a given data stream, - a priority of each data stream, - an accumulated latency of a given data stream.

[0041] A software-defined network application, specifically responsible for software-defined networking, preferably queries this configuration information 4 actively from all participants 3 of the Quality of Service network 2 after startup. Following this step, the entire network 2 can be dynamically configured.

[0042] Preferably, a list of data streams is created using a command like the following pseudo-code: "get_stream_list()". Then, preferably, a parameter list is queried for each active data stream using a command like the following pseudo-code: "get_stream_parameter(streamid, parameter_list)". This allows all used resources to be uniquely assigned to the data streams.

[0043] The following elements are optional: - a credit based shaper (CBS), - Asynchronous Traffic Shaping (ATS), - Time-Aware Shaping (TAS), - Joined streams

[0044] When a switch is involved as participant 3, all elements per port are particularly relevant. For a "talker" or "listener", the respective port is particularly relevant.

[0045] Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) defines, for example, up to seven hops in an Audio Video Bridging (AVB) TSN network. A "hop" in a TSN network refers specifically to the transmission of data packets from one network device, or participant 3, to the next in a multi-stage network path. With a purely dynamic approach, it can take a relatively long time to establish a data stream. However, if, according to embodiments of the invention, all participants 3 allow a static configuration via the configuration information 4 and can subsequently be dynamically configured, it is also possible to achieve very short start times of the Quality of Service network 2.

[0046] The resources used are known, for example, in the respective switches and endpoints and can be included in subsequent dynamic configurations.

[0047] The following describes an example application of the method according to the exemplary embodiments, namely a parking assistance system. Consider a vehicle equipped with a parking assistance system. This system uses, for example, AVB mechanisms to distribute AVTP Audio Format (AAF, IEEE 1722-2016) via audio data streams. In the prior art, for example, all data streams and bandwidths used are statically configured per port. This configuration is not changed, especially during runtime. In a vehicle with a static configuration, audio is available after approximately 500 milliseconds. If the implementation is changed to a purely dynamic configuration, preferably IEEE compliant, these start times with an audio experience are no longer achievable. A vehicle with SRP will, in particular, take several seconds. This is not applicable to a vehicle, for example.

[0048] In the Multicast Address Allocation Protocol (MAAP), a dynamic address list of multicast MAC addresses is preferably established between the participants 3. In a static configuration, this area is permanently configured and cannot be changed. With a static configuration, this part is omitted, and the startup time is, for example, shorter. In a vehicle 1, this part must preferably be statically defined and can only be reinitialized after the QoS network 2 has fully booted up, if necessary. According to embodiments of the invention, the statically defined multicast MAC addresses are compared with the dynamic multicast MAC addresses after the participants 3 have booted up to prevent collisions.

[0049] According to a multiple VLAN registration protocol, used VLANs can be dynamically negotiated. This can also take time. As with MAAP, this part can be omitted in a static configuration. According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the statically defined VLANs, or VLAN identifiers, of participant 3 are preferably compared with the dynamic VLANs, or VLAN identifiers, or newly used VLANs, or VLAN identifiers, after participant 3 has started up, to prevent collisions.

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the statically defined data streams are further compared with the dynamic data streams, or newly used data streams, after startup to prevent collisions. Particular attention must also be paid to bandwidth utilization. For example, a maximum of 75 percent of the available bandwidth, or the bus bandwidth, can be allocated for AVB and / or TSN traffic, i.e., for AVB and / or TSN data streams, and 25 percent for "best effort," i.e., for remaining functionalities.

[0051] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, a stream reservation protocol (SRP) can be used.

[0052] The bandwidth used can also be calculated, for example, by taking into account the following elements of the data streams: - Stream Reservation (SR) Class, - SR priority, - SR VLAN identifier.

[0053] The Stream Reservation Class (SR) is a classification of data streams in AVB / TSN networks that defines specific QoS requirements and priorities. There are various SR classes, each representing different priorities and network resource requirements. Class A has the highest priority and is reserved for data streams requiring very low latency and jitter, such as professional audio applications. The frame interval for Class A is, for example, 125 microseconds. Class B has a slightly lower priority than Class A and is intended for applications that are also time-critical but have less stringent requirements, such as video transmissions. The frame interval for Class B is, for example, 250 microseconds. Class C and subsequent classes have even lower priorities and are intended for less time-critical applications.

[0054] The SRP protocol implements several state machines, some of which can be quite complex, such as the applicant state machine. In a static configuration, as currently used in vehicles, such state machines can be omitted, and the startup process, for example, is significantly shorter. The transition from a static to a dynamic configuration can also be a new state of the state machine according to the SRP protocol.

[0055] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature

[0000] IEEE 802.1 Q

[0004] AVTP Audio Format (AAF, IEEE 1722-2016

[0047]

Claims

[1] Method (100) for configuring a Quality of Service network (2) in a vehicle (1), comprising the following steps: - Providing (101) configuration information (4) for all participants (3) of the Quality of Service network (2), wherein the configuration information (4) describes at least one characteristic of each participant (3) and / or at least one characteristic of data streams between the participants (3), - Initiating (102) a start operation of the participants (3), whereby the participants (3) are started using the provided configuration information (4), - Determining (103) the respective resource expenditure of the data streams based on the provided configuration information (4) of the participants (3), - Configuring (104) the Quality of Service network (2), whereby, as part of the configuration, an allocation of available computing resources of the vehicle (1) to the respective data streams is carried out based on the determined resource expenditures. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the configuration information (4) includes at least one of the following elements: - a multicast MAC address of each participant (3), - a VLAN identifier of each participant (3), - a size of data frames within a given data stream, - an interval between data frames of a given data stream, - a priority of each data stream, - an accumulated latency of a given data stream. [3] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the procedure (100) further comprises the following step: - Queries of the provided configuration information (4) by a software-defined network application, the software-defined network application then performs the determination (103) of the respective resource expenditure and the configuration (104) of the Quality of Service network (2). [4] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that as part of the configuration (104) new multicast MAC addresses of the respective participants (3) are determined and the procedure (100) further includes the following step: - Comparing the multicast MAC addresses of the configuration information (4) with the determined new multicast MAC addresses. [5] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that as part of the configuration (104) new VLAN identifiers of the respective participants (3) are determined and the procedure (100) further includes the following step: - Comparing VLAN identifiers from the configuration information (4) with the determined new VLAN identifiers. [6] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that as part of the configuration (104) new data streams between the participants (3) are determined and the procedure (100) further includes the following step: - Comparing configuration information data streams (4) with the identified new data streams. [7] Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the respective resource expenditure of the data streams is a bandwidth required for the respective data stream and that the configuration (104) includes the following steps: - Defining a bandwidth area reserved for audio video bridging data streams and / or time-sensitive networking data streams, - Checking the bandwidth currently required by the data streams, - Limiting the data streams to the Audio Video Bridging data streams and / or the Time-Sensitive Networking data streams if a result of the check indicates that the bandwidth currently required by the data streams is above the defined range. [8] Computer program (20) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (20) is executed by a computer (10), cause it to execute the method (100) according to any of the preceding claims. [9] Device (10) for data processing which is configured to carry out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [10] Computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (10), cause it to perform the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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