DETECTION DEVICE FOR DETECTING A PHYSICAL QUANTITY

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of detecting a physical quantity and transmitting data representing the physical quantity over a communication network. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] The term Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the networking of physical objects via a communication network, which enables, for example, more efficient monitoring of physical objects and the exchange of information about the physical objects.

[0003] The Internet of Things is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the areas of home automation and industrial automation, where various physical variables, such as temperature or energy consumption, need to be efficiently detected. In home automation, for example, heating sensors for billing heating costs are increasingly being equipped with corresponding functionality. In industrial automation, for example, production processes are to be optimized and carried out more efficiently. Corresponding approaches in this area are usually summarized under the term Industry 4.0.

[0004] Low-cost devices are typically used to detect the physical quantity and transmit the data representing the physical quantity. Access to the communication channel is typically not controlled by complex media access control (MAC) procedures. Therefore, the data representing the physical quantity is usually transmitted in an uncoordinated manner. This can, however, lead to collisions and data loss on the communication channel.

[0005] EP 2 685 744 A1 describes detection devices in a communications network for acquiring sensor data in an industrial process. The sensors transmit their measurement data to an access point in a so-called "superframe." The superframes are divided into smaller time intervals, each of which is assigned to one of the sensors. A network manager 7-2 regulates and determines when sensors N1, N2, etc. are allowed to transmit within the superframe. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to create an efficient concept for media access control on a communication channel.

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the description, the drawings, and the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention is based on the finding that the above object can be achieved by a detection device which is assigned a network address and which is designed to receive a broadcast signal from a server entity.

[0009] The broadcast signal can include an indication of at least one free transmission time slot, wherein the detection device is configured to prevent transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device. Furthermore, the detection device can be configured to permit transmission of the data if the broadcast signal does not indicate the network address of the detection device. Furthermore, the detection device can be assigned a predetermined transmission period, on the basis of which periodic transmission of the data can occur.

[0010] This ensures that access to the communication channel by a group of detection devices can be efficiently controlled, while simultaneously enabling cost-effective implementation of the individual detection devices. Furthermore, the transmission of a confirmation signal to confirm successful reception of the data, for example, by the server entity, can be omitted, since the respective detection device can conclude successful reception of the data by displaying its network address in the broadcast signal.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a detection device for detecting a physical quantity, wherein the detection device is assigned a network address, comprising a detector for detecting the physical quantity, wherein the detector is configured to output data representing the physical quantity, and a communication interface configured to receive a broadcast signal via a communication network, wherein the broadcast signal contains an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, and wherein the communication interface is configured to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device. This provides the advantage that an efficient concept for media access control on a communication channel can be implemented.

[0012] The network address of the detection device may be an Internet Protocol (IP) address, for example an IPv4 address or an IPv6 address.

[0013] The communication interface is configured to allow the transmission of data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal does not indicate the network address of the detection device. This provides the advantage that media access control on the communication channel can be implemented more efficiently.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the detector is configured to determine a temperature, humidity, energy, power, position, speed, acceleration, angle, angular velocity, angular acceleration, rotational speed, force, torque, energy consumption, water consumption, heat consumption, or fuel consumption as a physical quantity. For this purpose, the detector can comprise a sensor for determining the physical quantity. This provides the advantage that physical quantities that are important in the field of home automation technology and industrial automation technology can be determined efficiently.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the detection device is assigned a predetermined transmission period, wherein the predetermined transmission period indicates a time difference between a further free transmission time slot and the free transmission time slot, and wherein the communication interface is configured to prevent the transmission of data in the further free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device. This provides the advantage that periodic transmission of the data can be realized.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to allow the transmission of data in the additional free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal does not indicate the network address of the detection device. This provides the advantage that the periodic transmission of data can be implemented more efficiently.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to transmit the data to a predetermined destination network address via the communication network. This provides the advantage of enabling efficient data transmission.

[0018] The predetermined destination network address may be an Internet Protocol (IP) address, such as an IPv4 address or an IPv6 address.

[0019] According to one embodiment, a predetermined identity identifier is assigned to the detection device, wherein the detector is configured to link the data to the predetermined identity identifier, and wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the data with the predetermined identity identifier. This provides the advantage that the transmitted data can be efficiently assigned to the detection device, for example, by a server entity.

[0020] The predetermined identity identifier can be permanently assigned to the detection device during its manufacture. The predetermined identity identifier can be, for example, a Media Access Control (MAC) address or an International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) number assigned to the detection device.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the predetermined identity identifier of the detection device is the network address of the detection device. This provides the advantage that the transmitted data can be efficiently assigned to the detection device, for example, by a server entity.

[0022] The network address can be assigned to the detection device, for example, by the server entity via the communication network.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the detector is configured to compare the detected physical quantity with a predetermined physical reference quantity, wherein the communication interface is configured to permit the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the detected physical quantity exceeds the predetermined physical reference quantity and if the broadcast signal does not indicate the network address of the detection device. This provides the advantage that efficient monitoring of the physical quantity by the detection device can be realized. The data is therefore only transmitted if the detected physical quantity exceeds the predetermined physical reference quantity and if the broadcast signal simultaneously does not indicate the network address of the detection device.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the detection device comprises a timer, in particular a real-time clock, for providing a time signal, wherein the time signal indicates a time difference between a current time and a predetermined reference time, and wherein the communication interface is configured to determine a start of the free transmission time slot based on the time signal. This provides the advantage that the provision of an external time signal can be dispensed with and the start of the free transmission time slot can be determined efficiently by the detection device.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to receive a time synchronization signal from a server entity via the communication network, wherein the timer is configured to modify the time signal based on the received time synchronization signal. This provides the advantage that synchronization of a plurality of timers with respect to the same reference time can be efficiently implemented.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the timer comprises a satellite navigation receiver, in particular a GPS satellite navigation receiver or a GALILEO satellite navigation receiver, wherein the satellite navigation receiver is configured to provide a time synchronization signal, and wherein the timer is configured to modify the time signal based on the provided time synchronization signal. This provides the advantage that synchronization of a plurality of timers with respect to the same reference time can be efficiently implemented.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the timer comprises a time signal receiver, in particular a DCF77 receiver, wherein the time signal receiver is configured to provide a time synchronization signal, and wherein the timer is configured to modify the time signal based on the provided time synchronization signal. This provides the advantage that synchronization of a plurality of timers with respect to the same reference time can be efficiently implemented.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the communication network comprises a plurality of subnetworks, and the communication interface is configured to transmit the data via a subnetwork of the plurality of subnetworks. This provides the advantage that the plurality of subnetworks can be designed for different applications and a more efficient transmission of data via the communication network can be realized.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the communication network is a fifth-generation (5G) or subsequent-generation communication network, with each subnetwork being a slice of the communication network. This provides the advantage that efficient data transmission can be realized via a fifth-generation (5G) or subsequent-generation communication network.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a group of detection devices, wherein each detection device is assigned a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval for transmitting data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different. This provides the advantage of enabling an efficient concept for media access control on a communication channel.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a server entity for communicating with a detection device via a communication network, wherein the detection device is assigned a network address, wherein the detection device is designed to detect a physical quantity and to output data representing the physical quantity, wherein the detection device is designed to receive a broadcast signal via the communication network, wherein the broadcast signal has an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, wherein the detection device is designed to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device, with a processor which is designed to determine the free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval and to generate the broadcast signal,The broadcast signal includes information about the free transmission time slot, the broadcast signal indicating the network address of the detection device, and a communication interface configured to transmit the broadcast signal to the detection device via the communication network. This provides the advantage of implementing an efficient concept for media access control on a communication channel.

[0032] The server entity may be configured to manage free transmission time slots and / or occupied transmission time slots of a plurality of detection devices.

[0033] The server entity may be a base station, wherein the base station is configured to communicate with the detection device via a radio communication network as the communication network. The server entity may further be a controller, wherein the controller is assigned to a backhaul network of the communication network.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the server entity comprises a timer, in particular a real-time clock, for providing a time signal, wherein the time signal indicates a time difference between a current time and a predetermined reference time. The processor is configured to generate a time synchronization signal based on the time signal, and the communication interface is configured to transmit the time synchronization signal to the detection device via the communication network. This provides the advantage that synchronization of a plurality of timers in different detection devices with respect to the same reference time can be efficiently implemented.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the communication interface is configured to receive a time slot occupancy signal from another server entity via the communication network, wherein the time slot occupancy signal indicates an occupied transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval based on the time slot occupancy signal. This provides the advantage of enabling efficient management of free transmission time slots and / or occupied transmission time slots.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to determine an occupied transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval and to generate a time slot occupancy signal for transmission to another server entity, wherein the time slot occupancy signal indicates the occupied transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval, and wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the time slot occupancy signal to the other server entity via the communication network. This provides the advantage of enabling efficient management of free transmission time slots and / or occupied transmission time slots.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a communication system comprising a group of detection devices, each detection device of the group being assigned a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval for transmitting data, and the free transmission time slots being different, and a server entity configured to communicate with each detection device of the group via a communication network. This provides the advantage of implementing an efficient concept for media access control on a communication channel.

[0038] According to one embodiment, each detection device in the group is configured to transmit the data to the server entity via the communications network. This provides the advantage that the data can be efficiently evaluated and stored by the server entity.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the communication system comprises a further group of detection devices, wherein each detection device of the further group is assigned a free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval or in a further transmission interval for transmitting data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different, and a further server entity configured to communicate with each detection device of the further group via the communication network. This provides the advantage that the free transmission time slots of the group and the free transmission time slots of the further group can be managed efficiently.

[0040] The server entity and the other server entity can communicate with each other via the communication network. The server entity and the other server entity can exchange time slot occupancy signals with each other.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the transmission interval and the further transmission interval follow one another in time. This provides the advantage that an overlap of the transmission intervals and / or a data collision can be efficiently prevented.

[0042] According to one embodiment, each detection device of the further group is configured to transmit the data to the further server entity via the communication network. This provides the advantage that the data can be efficiently evaluated and stored by the further server entity.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the free transmission time slots of the group of detection devices each have a transmission time slot duration, wherein the free transmission time slots of the further group of detection devices each have a further transmission time slot duration, and wherein the transmission time slot duration and the further transmission time slot duration are different. This achieves the advantage of being able to increase the capacity of the communication system.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the communication network is a fifth-generation (5G) or further-generation communication network, wherein the communication network comprises a subnetwork, in particular a slice, and a further subnetwork, in particular a further slice, wherein the group of detection devices and the server entity are assigned to the subnetwork, and wherein the further group of detection devices and the further server entity are assigned to the further subnetwork. This achieves the advantage that efficient transmission of data can be realized via a fifth-generation (5G) or further-generation communication network.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for detecting a physical quantity using a detection device, wherein the detection device comprises a detector and a communication interface, wherein the detection device is assigned a network address, with a detection of the physical quantity by the detector, an output of data by the detector which represents the physical quantity, a reception of a broadcast signal via a communication network by the communication interface, wherein the broadcast signal has an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, and a prevention of the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot by the communication interface if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device.This provides the advantage that an efficient concept for media access control can be implemented on one communication channel.

[0046] The method can be carried out by the detection device. Further features of the method arise directly from the functionality and / or features of the detection device.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a method for communicating with a detection device via a communication network using a server entity, wherein the server entity comprises a processor and a communication interface, wherein the detection device is assigned a network address, wherein the detection device is designed to detect a physical quantity and to output data representing the physical quantity, wherein the detection device is designed to receive a broadcast signal via the communication network, wherein the broadcast signal has an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, wherein the detection device is designed to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device,with the processor determining the free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval, the processor generating the broadcast signal, the broadcast signal containing the information about the free transmission time slot, the broadcast signal indicating the network address of the detection device, and transmitting the broadcast signal via the communication network to the detection device through the communication interface. This achieves the advantage of being able to implement an efficient concept for media access control on a communication channel.

[0048] The method can be executed by the server entity. Further characteristics of the method arise directly from the functionality and / or characteristics of the server entity.

[0049] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to a computer program with program code for executing the method for detecting a physical quantity or the method for communicating with a detection device when the program code is executed on a computer. This provides the advantage that the methods can be executed automatically.

[0050] The detection device and / or the server entity may be programmatically configured to execute the program code.

[0051] The invention can be implemented in hardware and / or software. DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0052] Further embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a detection device for detecting a physical quantity according to an embodiment; Fig. 2a schematic diagram of a group of detection devices for detecting a physical quantity according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a server entity for communicating with a detection device via a communication network according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of a method for detecting a physical quantity using a detection device according to an embodiment; Fig. 6 a schematic diagram of a method for communicating with a detection device over a communication network using a server entity according to one embodiment; Fig. 7 a schematic diagram of a detection device for detecting a physical quantity according to an embodiment; Fig. 8a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment; Fig. 9 a schematic diagram of a transmission interval with a plurality of transmission time slots according to an embodiment; Fig. 10 a schematic diagram of a plurality of transmission intervals with a plurality of transmission time slots according to one embodiment; Fig. 11 a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment; and Fig. 12 a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a detection device 100 for detecting a physical quantity according to one embodiment. A network address is assigned to the detection device 100.

[0054] The detection device 100 comprises a detector 101 for detecting the physical quantity, wherein the detector 101 is configured to output data representing the physical quantity. The detection device 100 further comprises a communication interface 103 configured to receive a broadcast signal via a communication network, wherein the broadcast signal includes an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval. The communication interface 103 is configured to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device 100.

[0055] The detection device 100 may further comprise a timer, in particular a real-time clock, for providing a time signal. The time signal indicates a time difference between a current time and a predetermined reference time. The communication interface 103 is configured to determine the start of the free transmission time slot based on the time signal.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a group 200 of detection devices 100 for detecting a physical quantity according to an embodiment.

[0057] Each detection device 100 is assigned a network address. Each detection device 100 comprises a detector 101 and a communication interface 103. Each detection device 100 is assigned a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval for transmitting data. The free transmission time slots vary.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a server entity 300 for communicating with a detection device via a communications network according to one embodiment. A network address is assigned to the detection device.

[0059] The detection device is configured to detect a physical quantity and output data representing the physical quantity. The detection device is configured to receive a broadcast signal via the communications network, wherein the broadcast signal includes an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval. The detection device is configured to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device.

[0060] The server entity 300 comprises a processor 301 configured to determine the free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval and to generate the broadcast signal, wherein the broadcast signal contains information about the free transmission time slot and indicates the network address of the detection device. The server entity 300 further comprises a communication interface 303 configured to transmit the broadcast signal to the detection device via the communication network.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 400 according to one embodiment.

[0062] The communication system 400 comprises a group 200 of detection devices 100, wherein each detection device 100 of the group 200 is assigned a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval for transmitting data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different. The communication system 400 further comprises a server entity 300 configured to communicate with each detection device 100 of the group 200 via a communication network 401.

[0063] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a method 500 for detecting a physical quantity using a detection device according to an embodiment.

[0064] The detection device comprises a detector and a communication interface. A network address is assigned to the detection device.

[0065] The method 500 comprises detecting 501 the physical quantity by the detector, outputting 503 data by the detector that represents the physical quantity, receiving 505 a broadcast signal via a communication network by the communication interface, wherein the broadcast signal includes an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, and preventing 507 the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot by the communication interface if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device.

[0066] Fig. 6shows a schematic diagram of a method 600 for communicating with a detection device over a communications network using a server entity according to one embodiment. The server entity includes a processor and a communications interface. The detection device is assigned a network address.

[0067] The detection device is configured to detect a physical quantity and output data representing the physical quantity. The detection device is configured to receive a broadcast signal via the communications network, wherein the broadcast signal includes an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval. The detection device is configured to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device.

[0068] The method 600 comprises determining 601 the free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval by the processor, generating 603 the broadcast signal by the processor, wherein the broadcast signal includes the information about the free transmission time slot, wherein the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device, and transmitting 605 the broadcast signal via the communication network to the detection device through the communication interface.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a detection device 100 for detecting a physical quantity according to one embodiment. A network address is assigned to the detection device 100.

[0070] The detection device 100 comprises a detector 101 for detecting the physical quantity, wherein the detector 101 is configured to output data representing the physical quantity. The detection device 100 further comprises a communication interface 103 configured to receive a broadcast signal via a communication network 401, wherein the broadcast signal includes an indication of at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval. The communication interface 103 is configured to prevent the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device 100.

[0071] Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 400 according to one embodiment.

[0072] The communication system 400 comprises a group 200 of detection devices 100, wherein each detection device 100 of the group 200 is assigned a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval for transmitting data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different. The communication system 400 further comprises a server entity 300 configured to communicate with each detection device 100 of the group 200 via a communication network 401.

[0073] The transmission interval X comprises two transmission time slots Z1 and Z2, wherein the transmission time slot Z1 is assigned to a first detection device 100, and the transmission time slot Z2 is assigned to an Nth detection device 100. The broadcast signal indicates the occupancy of the transmission interval X with the transmission time slots Z1 and Z2. A second detection device 100 transmitted data in a previous transmission interval X-1 and paused. Empty time slots can also be arranged between the transmission time slots Z1 and Z2.

[0074] Access to the communication channel is thus controlled based on transmission time slots, whereby the transmission time slots can be divided into different categories depending on the respective transmission time slot duration. The management of the free and / or occupied transmission time slots can be carried out by the server entity 300, to which the data from the detection devices 100 can be transmitted.

[0075] The free transmission time slots can be provided periodically by the server entity 300. For this purpose, the server entity 300 transmits a broadcast signal indicating free transmission time slots in the transmission interval or in a transmission phase. In a subsequent transmission interval, the detection devices 100 can allocate the free transmission time slots with data, which is then transmitted to the server entity 300.

[0076] The broadcast signal can further include information about detection devices 100 that occupied a transmission time slot in the previous transmission interval, for example, by means of a network address of the respective detection device 100. This indicates to the detection devices 100 that their data, which was transmitted in the previous transmission interval, was also received (acknowledgement, ACK), and that they are not permitted to transmit any data in the subsequent transmission interval. In other words, in a transmission interval, for example, the subsequent transmission interval, only those detection devices 100 whose network address is not explicitly stated in the broadcast signal and / or in a transmission time slot are permitted to transmit. This can occur, for example, when a detection device 100 is switched on.

[0077] The transmission time slots can be allocated, for example, sequentially, according to a queuing model, according to a prioritization of the detection devices 100, and / or depending on a transmission time slot category. The transmission time slots can also be allocated based on a Media Access Control (MAC) token. The MAC token can, for example, specify a time ticket or a policy for the allocation of the transmission time slots. Furthermore, a transmission time slot can be defined for the group 200 upon installation of the respective detection device 100.

[0078] Together with the data, a predetermined identity code of the detection device 100 can also be transmitted for the assignment of the data. Communication between each detection device 100 of the group 200 and the server entity 300 can be narrowband, i.e., at a very low data rate.

[0079] The communication network 401 can be a wireless communication network or a wired communication network. Communication can be carried out, for example, using an IEEE 802.11 communication standard (Wireless Local Area Network, WLAN), an IEEE 802.15.1 communication standard (Bluetooth), a DSL communication standard, or a 3GPP communication standard. In particular, communication can be carried out using a fifth-generation (5G) or subsequent mobile communications standard.

[0080] In summary, decentralized control of access to a communication channel can be realized. This results in several advantages. The communication system 400 can be implemented cost-effectively. At the same time, data collisions on the communication channel can be avoided. The communication system 400 enables a high volume data rate, which allows a large number of detection devices to be supported. A return channel can be omitted for communication via the communication network 401. Furthermore, no acknowledgement signals (ACKs) are required. One communication channel may be sufficient for transmitting data via the communication network 401. Furthermore, simple modulation, for example, amplitude modulation or phase modulation, can be used.

[0081] Fig. 9shows a schematic diagram of a transmission interval with a plurality of transmission time slots according to one embodiment.

[0082] In diagram a), the transmission time slots ZI are assigned to a group of detection devices, with each transmission time slot ZI having a transmission time slot duration. The transmission time slot duration is, for example, 30 milliseconds. The transmission time slots ZW are assigned to another group of detection devices, with each transmission time slot ZW having a further transmission time slot duration. The further transmission time slot duration is, for example, 60 milliseconds. The transmission time slot duration and the further transmission time slot duration are different. The detection devices of the group and the detection devices of the further group are assigned transmission time slots in the same transmission interval.

[0083] In diagram b), the transmission time slots ZI are assigned to a group of detection devices, wherein the transmission time slots ZI each have a transmission time slot duration.

[0084] The transmission time slot duration is, for example, 30 milliseconds. The detection devices in the group are assigned transmission time slots within the transmission interval.

[0085] The duration of the transmission time slots can therefore be the same or different. The transmission time slots can be arranged within the transmission interval. However, they can also be separated from each other in time.

[0086] The duration of the transmission time slots can be divided into different transmission time slot categories, with a first category having a duration of 30 milliseconds, for example, and a second category having a duration of 60 milliseconds. This means that the transmission time slots Z1 and Z2 can be of the same or different lengths. Different transmission time slot categories are shown as examples in diagram a). Identical transmission time slot categories are shown as examples in diagram b). The detection devices can also be permanently assigned to the transmission time slot categories.

[0087] Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a plurality of transmission intervals S with a plurality of transmission time slots Z1, Z2, ZN according to one embodiment. The transmission intervals S can repeat periodically and / or continue periodically.

[0088] The transmission time slots Z1, Z2, and ZN can be immediately adjacent to one another. Furthermore, the transmission time slots Z1, Z2, and ZN can each be separated by a guard time. The guard time can therefore be used optionally. The use of a guard time is particularly advantageous in the case of radio communication over the communications network.

[0089] Each of the detection devices can be assigned a predetermined transmission period T, wherein the predetermined transmission period T indicates a time difference between another free transmission time slot and another free transmission time slot. The free transmission time slot and the further free transmission time slot can be arranged in temporally successive transmission intervals S. The transmission intervals S can thus be available periodically with the period T.

[0090] Furthermore, an interval protection time can be provided between the respective transmission intervals S. The transmission intervals S can also be arranged aperiodically.

[0091] Fig. 11 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 400 according to one embodiment. The communication system 400 includes a plurality of groups 200 of detection devices and a plurality of server entities 300. The plurality of groups 200 of detection devices can communicate with the plurality of server entities 300 via a communication network 401.

[0092] The groups 200 each comprise detection devices. Each group 200 is assigned an associated server entity 300. The server entities 300 can synchronize with each other with respect to the free and / or occupied transmission time slots using time slot occupancy signals. In this way, further collisions during communication via the communication network 401 are avoided. Furthermore, the transmission medium is used efficiently in terms of time diversity. This further increases the system capacity. In addition, the server entities can

[0093] 300 exchange information about free and / or occupied transmission time slots using the time slot occupancy signals and assign them to each other.

[0094] Fig. 12shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 400 according to one embodiment. The communication system 400 includes a plurality of groups 200 of detection devices and a plurality of server entities 300. The plurality of groups 200 of detection devices can communicate with the plurality of server entities 300 via a communication network 401.

[0095] The communication network 401 comprises a plurality of subnetworks. Each group 200 is assigned to a respective subnetwork with a respective server entity 300. The communication network 401 can be a fifth-generation (5G) or higher-generation communication network, with each subnetwork being assigned to a slice of the communication network 401. Communication between the server entities 300 can be managed in a slice management layer, which can be located above the infrastructure layer. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0096] 100Detection device 101Detector 103Communication interface 200Group of detection devices 300Server entity 301Processor 303Communication interface 400Communication system 401Communication network 500Method for detecting a physical quantity 501Detecting 503Outputting 505Receiving 507Preventing 600Method for communicating with a detection device 601Determining 603Generating 605Transmitting

Claims

1. Detection device (100) for detecting a physical variable, wherein the detection device (100) is assigned a network address, comprising: a detector (101) for detecting the physical variable, wherein the detector (101) is designed to output data which represents the physical variable; and a communication interface (103) which is designed to receive a broadcast signal via a communication network (401), wherein the broadcast signal contains information about at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, and wherein the communication interface (103) is designed to suppress the transmission of the data in the free transmission time interval if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device (100), and that the communication interface (103) is designed to allow the transmission of the data in the free transmission time interval if the broadcast signal does not indicate the network address of the detection device (100), characterized in that the detection device is configured to deduce a successful reception of the data from an indication of its network address in the broadcast signal.

2. Detection device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the detector (101) is designed to determine a temperature, a humidity, an energy, a power, a position, a speed, an acceleration, an angle, an angular velocity, an angular acceleration, a rotational speed, a force, a torque, an energy consumption, a water consumption, a heat consumption or a fuel consumption as a physical variable.

3. Detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined transmission period duration is assigned to the detection device (100), wherein the predetermined transmission period duration indicates a temporal difference between a further free transmission time slot and the free transmission time slot, and wherein the communication interface (103) is designed to suppress the transmission of the data in the further free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device (100).

4. Detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a predetermined identity code is assigned to the detection device (100), wherein the detector (101) is designed to link the data to the predetermined identity code, and wherein the communication interface (103) is designed to transmit the data with the predetermined identity code.

5. Detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (100) comprises a timer, in particular a real-time clock, for supplying a time signal, wherein the time signal indicates a time difference between a present time point and a predetermined reference time point, and wherein the communication interface (103) is designed to determine a beginning of the free transmission time slot on the basis of the time signal.

6. Detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication network (401) comprises a plurality of subnetworks, and wherein the communication interface (103) is designed to transmit the data via a subnetwork of the plurality of subnetworks.

7. Group (200) of detection devices (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval is assigned to each detection device (100) for transmitting data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different.

8. Server entity (300) for communicating with a detection device according to any one of Claims 1-6 (100) via a communication network (401), comprising: a processor (301) which is designed to determine a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, and to generate a broadcast signal, wherein the broadcast signal contains the information about the free transmission time slot, wherein the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device (100); and a communication interface (303) which is designed to transmit the broadcast signal to the detection device (100) via the communication network (401), characterized in that the broadcast signal contains the network address of the detection device (100) upon successful reception of the data sent from the detection device.

9. Communication system (400), with: a group (200) of detection devices (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein a free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval is assigned to each detection device (100) of the group (200) for sending data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different; and a server entity (300) according to Claim 8 which is designed to communicate with each detection device (100) of the group (200) via a communication network (401).

10. Communication system (400) according to Claim 9, comprising: a further group (200) of detection devices (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein a free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval or in a further transmission interval is assigned to each detection device (100) of the further group (200) for transmitting data, and wherein the free transmission time slots are different; and a further server entity (300) according to Claim 8 which is designed to communicate with each detection device (100) of the further group (200) via the communication network (401).

11. Method (500) for detecting a physical variable using a detection device (100), wherein the detection device (100) comprises a detector (101) and a communication interface (103), wherein a network address is assigned to the detection device (100), including: detecting (501) the physical variable by the detector (101); outputting (503) data that represents the physical variable by the detector (101); receiving (505) a broadcast signal via a communication network (401) via the communication interface (103), wherein the broadcast signal includes information about at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval; and suppressing (507) the transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot via the communication interface (103) if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device (100); and that the communication interface (103) is designed to allow the transmission of the data in the free transmission time interval if the broadcast signal does not indicate the network address of the detection device (100), characterized in that the detection device deduces a successful reception of the data from an indication of its network address in the broadcast signal.

12. Method (600) for communicating with a detection device (100) according to Claim 1 via a communication network (401) using a server entity (300) according to Claim 8, wherein the server entity (300) comprises a processor (301) and a communication interface (303), wherein a network address is assigned to the detection device (100), wherein the detection device (100) is designed to detect a physical variable and to output data that represents the physical variable, wherein the detection device (100) is designed to receive a broadcast signal via the communication network (401), wherein the broadcast signal contains information about at least one free transmission time slot in a predetermined transmission interval, wherein the detection device (100) is designed to suppress transmission of the data in the free transmission time slot if the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device (100), including: determining (601) the free transmission time slot in the predetermined transmission interval by the processor (301); generating (603) the broadcast signal by the processor (301), wherein the broadcast signal contains the information about the free transmission time slot, wherein the broadcast signal indicates the network address of the detection device (100); and sending (605) the broadcast signal over the communication network (401) to the detection device (100) via the communication interface (303), characterized in that the broadcast signal contains the network address of the detection device (100) upon successful reception of the data.

13. Computer program with a program code for executing the method (500) according to Claim 11 or the method (600) according to Claim 12 when the program code is run on a computer.