DATA TRANSFER METHOD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from an information source to a mobile system in a technical installation, which comprises at least one transmission interface and at least one mobile system having at least one communication interface, wherein a communication connection is established between the at least one communication interface and the at least one transmission interface.

[0002] The mobile systems of the technical installation are, for example, autonomously driving vehicles. The mobile systems can communicate with the information source via communication links, which are established in particular between a wireless transmission interface of the stationary part of the technical installation and a wireless communication interface of the mobile system. Multiple mobile systems can also communicate with each other via communication links established between wireless communication interfaces of the mobile systems. The mobile systems are assigned tasks, for example, to transport objects.

[0003] Document DE 10 2009 043 060 A1 discloses a technical system comprising a base station and a plurality of mobile robots. Each of the mobile robots has communication means with which a communication connection to the base station can be established when the robot is within the transmission range of the base station. The robots are also capable of establishing communication connections with other robots using their communication means.

[0004] Document US 2005 / 0085222 A1 discloses a method for updating software for mobile devices, such as mobile phones. Document US 6,832,373 B2 discloses a system and method for updating and distributing information. Documents CN 101040552 B and WO2006 / 110991 A1 disclose methods and systems for controlling the asynchronous distribution and installation of software updates on terminals in a wireless network. Documents JP 3669619 B2 and US 6,687,901 B1 each disclose a method for updating software in a mobile communications system.

[0005] Document DE10 2018 220 976 A1 describes a vehicle update system and a vehicle software update procedure. In this process, a vehicle receives updates from a server via a wireless connection.

[0006] Document DE 10 2016 201 279 A1 discloses a method and device for monitoring a vehicle update. The vehicle is transferred to a safe state, and a vehicle control unit is updated depending on the vehicle's energy status.

[0007] Document US 2018 / 0373268 A1 discloses a method for managing vehicles. The vehicle receives updates on the status of charging stations.

[0008] Document US 6,832,373 B2 discloses a method for operating an electronic device. An update is received via a public network, and a portion of the device's memory is updated.

[0009] US 2017 / 0100837 A1 discloses a method for changing the battery of a mobile robot. Sensor data recorded by the robot is transferred to a memory of a first battery pack, and the first battery pack is then exchanged for a second battery pack.

[0010] US 2014 / 0247116 A1 discloses a mobile robot that, among other things, has an RFID reader. A tracking module identifies the locations at which data is being collected by the RFID reader.

[0011] US 2019 / 0283648 A1 discloses a modular auxiliary power module for a mobile autonomous robot. The auxiliary power module has an interface for communication with the robot.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of developing a method for transmitting data from an information source to a mobile system in a technical installation. In particular, it is intended to ensure that no undefined states occur during the transmission of data to the mobile system and, in particular, that no danger emanates from the mobile system.

[0013] The object is achieved by a method for transmitting data from an information source to a mobile system in a technical installation having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0014] A method for transmitting data from an information source to a mobile system in a technical installation is proposed. The technical installation comprises at least one transmission interface and at least one mobile system. The at least one transmission interface is connected to the information source. The at least one mobile system has at least one communication interface. A communication connection is established between the at least one communication interface of the mobile system and the at least one transmission interface of the technical installation.

[0015] The technical system is, in particular, an industrial application, such as a production plant. The information source from which the data is to be transferred to the mobile system is, for example, an IT system, in particular a server. For example, the information source is located within the technical system. It is also conceivable that the information source is a cloud system or a distributed cluster connected to the technical system via the Internet.

[0016] The mobile system in the technical facility is an autonomously driving vehicle in the form of a self-contained system. The mobile system is used, for example, to transport objects. In addition to the aforementioned communication interface, the mobile system has at least one computing unit. The computing unit contains software and other information that can be updated by external information sources. Furthermore, the mobile system has an electrical energy storage unit and a drive device, which includes, for example, an electric motor, a transmission, and drive wheels.

[0017] According to the invention, when data is to be transferred from the information source to the mobile system, the mobile system is first moved to a transfer zone. The data to be transferred is then transferred from the information source to the mobile system via the established communication connection, while the mobile system remains in the transfer zone. The transfer zone is a defined location within the technical system. The mobile system remains in the transfer zone at least until the data has been completely transferred and until the data has been checked for accuracy.

[0018] The method according to the invention ensures that the transmission of data from the information source to the mobile system causes significantly less interference with other communications in the technical system than with transmission methods known from the prior art. This is especially true when relatively large data packets are transmitted.

[0019] According to the invention, the mobile system is designed as an autonomously driving vehicle which has at least one computing unit, an electrical energy storage device, a drive device and a braking device.

[0020] According to the invention, before data is transmitted from the information source to the mobile system, it is checked whether an electrical energy storage device of the mobile system has a sufficient charge level and / or whether the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system is currently being charged.

[0021] According to the invention, the data is only transferred from the information source to the mobile system when the mobile system's electrical energy storage device has a sufficient charge level and / or when the mobile system's electrical energy storage device is currently being charged. This ensures that the mobile system's power supply does not fail during data transmission, which would result in incomplete data transmission.

[0022] According to the invention, before data is transmitted from the information source to the mobile system, the mobile system is fixed in the transmission zone by means of the braking device. The fixing takes place by activating the braking device of the mobile system. The activated braking device prevents movement of the mobile system. This ensures that the mobile system remains in the transmission zone during data transmission. By fixing the mobile system, people and other mobile systems in the technical system are protected from malfunctions of the mobile system during data transmission as well as in the event of faulty data transmission. This ensures that the mobile system can only be moved if it is in a known software status.

[0023] In particular, the data to be transmitted are software updates for the mobile system. The method according to the invention advantageously prevents faulty updates and undefined software statuses of the mobile system, which can be caused by undefined initial situations, disruptions during the transmission or installation of the software update, and interference from other systems. It is also conceivable that the data to be transmitted are updated data about the technical system, in particular an update of a map of the technical system and / or an update of traffic routes and / or an update of traffic regulations for the mobile systems.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data to be transmitted is transmitted from the information source via a communication connection between a stationary transmission interface of the technical system and a stationary communication interface of the mobile system. The technical system comprises at least one stationary transmission interface, and the mobile system comprises at least one stationary communication interface. Such a communication connection between stationary interfaces is relatively fast and interference-free. It must be ensured that stationary communication is available in the transmission zone of the technical system. Possible embodiments of stationary communication methods include, for example, wired communication methods, inductive communication methods, local communication methods using light, and local communication methods using radio.Location-based communication methods are available within the transmission zone in which software updates are transferable. In particular, location-based communication methods are available exclusively within the transmission zone and not outside the transmission zone.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data to be transmitted is transmitted from the information source via a communication connection between a wired transmission interface of the technical system and a wired communication interface of the mobile system. The technical system comprises at least one wired transmission interface, and the mobile system comprises at least one wired communication interface. Such a communication connection between wired interfaces is relatively fast and interference-free. A connector is provided in the transmission zone of the technical system, as well as on the mobile system.

[0026] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the data to be transmitted is transmitted from the information source via a communication connection between a wireless transmission interface of the technical installation and a wireless communication interface of the mobile system. The technical installation comprises at least one wireless transmission interface, and the mobile system comprises at least one wireless communication interface. Such a communication connection between wireless interfaces is relatively flexible. In particular, no precise positioning of the mobile system relative to a connector in the transmission zone of the technical installation is required.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, before the mobile system is moved to the transmission zone, the mobile system queries the information source via a communication connection between a wireless transmission interface of the technical system and a wireless communication interface of the mobile system as to whether any data to be transmitted is available. The mobile system preferably makes these queries at predetermined times and / or periodically. The information source answers said queries and informs the mobile system whether any data to be transmitted, for example, software updates, is available.

[0028] According to a further advantageous development of the invention, before the mobile system is moved to the transmission zone, the information source informs the mobile system via a communication connection between a wireless transmission interface and a wireless communication interface of the mobile system when data to be transmitted is present. Explicit, regular requests from the mobile system are not required in this case.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, before transmitting data from the information source to the mobile system, a check is carried out to determine whether at least one communication connection between a transmission interface of the technical system and a communication interface of the mobile system is of sufficient quality. The quality of the communication connection between a wireless transmission interface of the technical system and a wireless communication interface of the mobile system can be determined, for example, by the following measured values, as well as by combinations of these measured values: Signal strength at the input of a receiver of a communication interface, percentage of telegrams successfully received by the communication interface, bit error rate in the telegrams received by the communication interface, average delay of the telegrams, data transmission rate, jitter in the delay, current utilization of the communication interface.

[0030] According to the invention, after the data has been transferred from the information source to the mobile system, the transferred data is verified. The verification of the transferred data is performed, for example, by comparing a checksum. The fixation of the mobile system is only lifted if the transferred data is correct. This prevents a mobile system from restarting after a faulty data transfer. If the transferred data is a software update, the correct functioning of the newly installed software is preferably verified before the mobile system is enabled.

[0031] The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0032] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. The drawings only represent the subject matter of the invention schematically. They show: Figure 1 : a schematic representation of a technical system and Figure 2 : a flowchart of steps of a method for transmitting data.

[0033] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a technical system 1. The technical system 1 in this case is an industrial application, for example, a production plant. The technical system 1 comprises a wired network 10 for data exchange between multiple participants. The wired network 10 is a network structure, for example in the form of an Ethernet, to which various participants are connected, such as decentralized control elements, interfaces to factory automation systems, and more.

[0034] Among other things, the technical system 1 comprises at least one information source 9, which is embodied in the form of a digital computer or server. The information source 9 is connected to the wired network 10. The information source 9 contains, in particular, data, such as software updates, which are to be transmitted to systems of the technical system 1.

[0035] The technical system 1 comprises at least one wired transmission interface 15. The wired transmission interface 15 is connected to the wired network 10. The wired transmission interface 15 is designed in the form of a connector. The wired transmission interface 15 serves to transmit data between the wired network 10 and a system connected to the transmission interface 15. The wired transmission interface 15 is thus connected to the information source 9 via the network 10. The wired transmission interface 15 is a fixed-location transmission interface.

[0036] The technical system 1 comprises at least one wireless transmission interface 8. The wireless transmission interface 8 is connected to the wired network 10. The wireless transmission interface 8 is configured as a gateway, access point, or base station. The wireless transmission interface 8 serves to transmit data between the wired network 10 and participants in a wireless radio network. The wireless transmission interface 8 is thus connected to the information source 9 via the network 10.

[0037] The technical system 1 comprises at least one electrical energy source 6. The energy source 6 is embodied, for example, in the form of a battery. In another embodiment, the energy source 6 is a power supply unit connected to a power grid and converting a voltage from the power grid into a suitable form, for example, an alternating voltage with a different frequency, a direct voltage, or an alternating voltage with a different amplitude.

[0038] Furthermore, the technical system 1 comprises at least one supply interface 14, which is connected to the energy source 6. By means of the supply interface 14, electrical energy can be transmitted from the energy source 6 to a system connected to the supply interface 14. The supply interface 14 is designed in the form of a plug-in connector. The supply interface 14 is also a fixed-location interface.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical system 1 comprises at least one primary induction unit 16, which is connected to the energy source 6. By means of the primary induction unit 16, electrical energy can be transmitted from the energy source 6 to a system connected to the primary induction unit 16. The primary induction unit 16 is designed, for example, in the form of a coil. The primary induction unit 16 is also a stationary, but contactless, interface.

[0040] The technical system 1 comprises a plurality of mobile systems 2 for performing tasks, for example, for transporting objects. Only one mobile system 2 is shown in the illustration shown here. The mobile system 2 in the technical system 1 is, in particular, an autonomously driving vehicle in the form of a self-contained system.

[0041] The mobile system 2 has an electrical energy storage device. The mobile system 2 further has a drive device 12, which includes, for example, an electric motor, a transmission, and drive wheels. The mobile system 2 is movable by means of the drive device 12. The mobile system 2 further has a braking device 13. When the braking device 13 is activated, the mobile system 2 is immobilized. The activated braking device 13 prevents any movement of the mobile system 2.

[0042] The mobile system 2 comprises at least one wired communication interface 5. The wired communication interface 5 is designed in the form of a connector. A communication connection can be established between the wired communication interface 5 of the mobile system 2 and the wired transmission interface 15 of the technical system 1, via which communication connection data can be transmitted between the wired network 10 and the mobile system 2. The wired communication interface 5 is a fixed transmission interface. The communication connection between the wired communication interface 5 and the wired transmission interface 15 can only be established within a transmission zone or at specific points within the technical system 1.

[0043] The mobile system 2 comprises at least one wireless communication interface 7. A communication connection can be established between the wireless communication interface 7 of the mobile system 2 and the wireless transmission interface 8 of the technical system 1, via which communication connection data can be transmitted between the wired network 10 and the mobile system 2.

[0044] The mobile system 2 comprises a charging interface 4. An electrical connection can be established between the charging interface 4 of the mobile system 2 and the supply interface 14. Electrical energy can be transferred from the energy source 6 of the technical system 1 to the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system 2 via the electrical connection. The electrical energy storage device of the mobile system 2 can be charged by transferring electrical energy.

[0045] The mobile system 2 comprises a secondary induction unit 11. A contactless inductive connection can be established between the secondary induction unit 11 of the mobile system 2 and the primary induction unit 16. Electrical energy can be transferred from the energy source 6 of the technical system 1 to the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system 2 via the inductive connection. The electrical energy storage device of the mobile system 2 can be charged by transferring electrical energy.

[0046] The mobile system 2 also has at least one computing unit 20. The computing unit 20 comprises, for example, a processor and a data memory. The computing unit 20 contains software and further information. In particular, the computing unit 20 contains software for controlling the mobile system 2. The software contained in the computing unit 20 can be updated, in particular, by transmitting data from the information source 9 of the technical system 1.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of steps of a method for transmitting data from the information source 9 of the technical system 1 to the mobile system 2.

[0048] In a first start step 101, a communication connection is established between the wireless transmission interface 8 of the technical system 1 and the wireless communication interface 7 of the mobile system 2.

[0049] In a step 111, the mobile system 2 queries the information source 9 via the previously established communication connection between the wireless transmission interface 8 and the wireless communication interface 7 as to whether data to be transmitted, in particular software updates, are available.

[0050] As an alternative to the first start step 101, a communication connection is established between the wireless transmission interface 8 of the technical system 1 and the wireless communication interface 7 of the mobile system 2 in a second start step 102. In this case, step 111 is omitted.

[0051] In a step 112, the mobile system 2 is informed by the information source 9 via the previously established communication connection between the wireless transmission interface 8 and the wireless communication interface 7 that there is data to be transmitted.

[0052] In a step 113, the mobile system checks whether the data to be transmitted, in particular software updates, is relevant for mobile system 2. In doing so, mobile system 2 checks, for example, whether the data has already been transmitted to mobile system 2 at an earlier point in time, and how urgent and resource-intensive the transmission and installation of the data is in terms of time, energy, and bandwidth.

[0053] If the mobile system 2 evaluates said data as irrelevant, the mobile system 2 continues its previous task or operation in a step 121. Thus, no data transmission takes place.

[0054] If the said data is assessed as relevant by the mobile system 2, the mobile system 2, in a step 114, initially continues its previous task or operation, if necessary, briefly. The mobile system 2 is then moved to a transmission zone in the technical installation 1. If necessary, a plug connection is established between the stationary wired transmission interface 15 of the technical installation 1 and the wired communication interface 5 of the mobile system 2. If necessary, a plug connection is also established between the supply interface 14 of the technical installation 1 and the charging interface 4 of the mobile system 2. Alternatively or additionally, a contactless inductive connection is established between the stationary primary induction unit 16 of the technical installation 1 and the secondary induction unit 11 of the mobile system 2.

[0055] In a step 115, a check is made to determine whether the necessary conditions for data transmission are met. For example, a check is made to determine whether a communication connection exists between the fixed wired transmission interface 15 and the fixed wired communication interface 5 and whether the connection is of sufficient quality. Furthermore, a check is made, for example, to determine whether the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system 2 has a sufficient charge level, or whether a connection exists between the supply interface 14 and the charging interface 4, or a connection exists between the primary induction unit 16 and the secondary induction unit 11, so that charging of the electrical energy storage device is possible during data transmission.

[0056] If the required conditions for transmitting the data are not met, step 114 is repeated and a connection is established.

[0057] As an alternative to the first start step 101 and the second start step 102, a third start step 103 establishes a communication connection between the wired transmission interface 15 of the technical system 1 and the wired communication interface 5 of the mobile system 2. In this case, steps 111 to 115 are omitted.

[0058] If the necessary conditions for data transmission are met, in a step 116, the mobile system 2 is fixed in the transmission zone by means of the braking device 13. This prevents any unintentional movement of the mobile system 2. In particular, this prevents any established stationary connections, in particular plug connections, between the stationary wired transmission interface 15 and the stationary wired communication interface 5, as well as between the supply interface 14 and the charging interface 4, from being released. In the case of contactless energy transmission, this prevents the contactless energy transmission from no longer taking place, for example, due to excessive distance between the primary induction unit 16 and the secondary induction unit 11.

[0059] In a step 117, the data to be transmitted, in particular software updates, are transmitted from the information source 9 to the mobile system 2 via the existing communication connection. During the transmission of the data, the mobile system 2 remains in the transmission zone.

[0060] In a step 118, the data transmitted from information source 9 to mobile system 2 is checked. In particular, the data is checked for completeness, correctness, and, if applicable, for proper functionality of software updates. The transmitted data is verified, for example, by comparing a checksum or through automated software tests.

[0061] The result of the check performed in step 118 is evaluated in step 119. If the check was unsuccessful, i.e., if the transmitted data is incorrect, the erroneous data is deleted, and step 117 is repeated. The data is then transmitted again from information source 9 to mobile system 2.

[0062] If the check was successful, i.e. if the transmitted data is OK, the fixation of the mobile system 2 is released by means of the braking device 13 in a step 120.

[0063] In the subsequent step 121, the mobile system 2 again performs its tasks or operations.

[0064] The process ends with a final step 122. List of reference symbols

[0065] 1 technical system 2 mobile system 4 charging interface 5 wired communication interface 6 energy source 7 wireless communication interface 8 wireless transmission interface 9 information source 10 wired network 11 secondary induction unit 12 drive device 13 braking device 14 supply interface 15 wired transmission interface 16 primary induction unit 20 computing unit

Claims

1. Method for transmitting data from an information source (9) to a mobile system (2) in a technical facility (1) that comprises at least one transmission interface (8, 15) and at least one mobile system (2), which is in the form of a self-driving vehicle and has at least one arithmetic logic unit (20), an electrical energy storage device, a drive apparatus (12), a brake apparatus (13) and at least one communication interface (5, 7), a communication connection being established between the at least one communication interface (5, 7) and the at least one transmission interface (8, 15), and the mobile system (2) being moved to a transmission zone, and the data to be transmitted being transmitted from the information source (9) to the mobile system (2) by means of the communication connection while the mobile system (2) remains in the transmission zone, characterised in that before data are transmitted from the information source (9) to the mobile system (2), it is checked whether an electrical energy storage device of the mobile system (2) has sufficient charge and / or whether the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system (2) is currently being charged, and in that the data are transmitted from the information source (9) to the mobile system (2) only when the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system (2) has sufficient charge and / or when the electrical energy storage device of the mobile system (2) is currently being charged, and in that before data are transmitted from the information source (9) to the mobile system (2), the mobile system (2) is secured in the transmission zone by means of the brake apparatus (13), and in that the mobile system (2) remains in the transmission zone at least until the data have been transmitted in full and until the correctness of the data has also been checked.

2. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the data to be transmitted are software updates for the mobile system (2) and / or updated data on the technical facility (1), in particular an update of a map of the technical facility (1) and / or an update of routes and / or an update of travel rules for the mobile systems (2).

3. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the data to be transmitted from the information source (9) are transmitted by means of a communication connection between a location-bound transmission interface (8, 15) and a location-bound communication interface (5, 7) of the mobile system (2).

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the data to be transmitted from the information source (9) are transmitted by means of a communication connection between a wired transmission interface (15) and a wired communication interface (5) of the mobile system (2).

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the data to be transmitted from the information source (9) are transmitted by means of a communication connection between a wireless transmission interface (8) and a wireless communication interface (7) of the mobile system (2).

6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that before the mobile system (2) is moved to the transmission zone, the mobile system (2) asks the information source (9), by means of a communication connection between a wireless transmission interface (8) and a wireless communication interface (7) of the mobile system (2), whether there are any data to be transmitted.

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that before the mobile system (2) is moved to the transmission zone, the mobile system (2) is informed by the information source (9), by means of a communication connection between a wireless transmission interface (8) and a wireless communication interface (7) of the mobile system (2), when there are data to be transmitted.

8. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that before data are transmitted from the information source (9) to the mobile system (2), it is checked whether at least one communication connection between a transmission interface (8, 15) and a communication interface (5, 7) of the mobile system (2) is of sufficient quality.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that after the data have been transmitted from the information source (9) to the mobile system (2), the transmitted data are verified, and the mobile system (2) is released from its securing only when the transmitted data are correct.