Generating an indicator of the quality of data transmission

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for generating an indicator for specifying the quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitter and a connected receiver. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a data processing device for carrying out this method. The invention also relates to a receiver and a transmitter with such a data processing device. Finally, the invention also relates to a system comprising such a transmitter and receiver.

[0002] In an electrical network, such as the electrical system of a motor vehicle, a so-called bus system can be used for communication between individual network participants. Various types of bus systems are used today. These differ, for example, in the wiring of the participants and in the standardized communication protocol used for data transmission. In the automotive sector, bus types include CAN bus (Controller Area Network), LIN bus (LIN: Local Interconnect Network), Ethernet, and FlexRay, to name just a few.

[0003] For example, signals or data can be exchanged between two participants, such as vehicle control units, via a shared transmission path. Depending on the bus type, the transmission can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The data includes, for example, one or more messages that describe or indicate a state or property of the respective participant. For instance, a vehicle's door control unit can transmit the message "door open" or "door closed" as a state to the vehicle's central on-board computer. Similarly, the central on-board computer can transmit a target torque as a message to a powertrain control unit of the vehicle.

[0004] Preferably, data transmission occurs in a clocked or periodic manner in the form of a message signal. Multiple messages are sent sequentially or in a sequence. Transmission takes place with a predetermined periodicity, i.e., at predetermined time intervals. The periodicity can depend on the respective participant, particularly its position regarding security within the network. For example, if several participants are connected via a shared data line, this ensures that no two messages from different participants are transmitted simultaneously. The periodicity or cycle time is typically in the range of a few milliseconds to a few seconds. Specifically, the periodicity can be between 20 milliseconds and 1,000 milliseconds.

[0005] Internal communication within such a network can be subject to transmission errors. For example, individual messages may be lost due to network disruptions.

[0006] To detect errors in data transmission, WO 2008 / 017441 A1, for example, specifies a central control unit for redundant communication. This central control unit is connected to a drive control unit via two communication channels. The target torque is assigned via these channels, using the same message counter and a corresponding checksum. The correct transmission of the target torque can be verified by checking the consistency of the message counter and the checksum.

[0007] The disadvantage here is that additional material and installation space must be provided for the redundant communication path. This can increase manufacturing and development costs.

[0008] WO 2010 / 112 327 A1 reveals a way to provide a high level of data security in vehicle-to-vehicle communication. This involves checking whether received messages exchanged between vehicles comply with certain rules. For example, it can be verified whether the number of received data packets per unit of time is within the specified limits.

[0009] In addition to internal communication, modern vehicles also utilize external communication. For example, certain data may need to be sent to a backend, such as an external server, for processing. For this purpose, a so-called ODC (Online Data Collector) is used in the vehicle. This device can, for example, collect the message signals from the control units and prepare them for forwarding to the backend.

[0010] However, the ODC may be limited in its resources and performance, meaning that only a certain amount of data can be reliably exported, which varies from software version to software version. Furthermore, the ODC's ability to cache data may be limited, for example, if there is no wireless communication connection, such as a cellular connection, to the backend.

[0011] It is possible that the system's (ODC) load limit cannot be reliably determined in advance. This can occur, for example, when there is a large number of software versions (e.g., a new software version for each vehicle model) as well as a large number of software version variants for the individual vehicle models. There may also be capacity limits in the communication link to the backend or within the backend itself. As a result, data output or transmission may not function reliably, at least partially, or the data quality for further processing may not be sufficiently guaranteed.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an indicator for reliably and cost-effectively indicating the quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitting device and a connected receiving device, by which the quality of a data transmission over a respective data link can be checked.

[0013] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0014] The invention is based on the understanding that by cleverly utilizing the periodicity of existing signals, such as the aforementioned message signal, in a transmitting device, such as the aforementioned vehicle, a corresponding indicator can be generated particularly easily. This indicator allows the utilization of the data path to be detected and, for example, the processing of the transmitted data to be adjusted.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for generating an indicator for specifying the quality, or integrity, of a wireless data transmission between a transmitter and a receiver connected to it, particularly wirelessly. Thus, according to the invention, the transmission quality between a motor vehicle as a transmitter and a backend as a receiver is determined. The method comprises the following steps, which can be carried out, for example, by means of a data processing device: First, a processing signal is acquired, which can be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver for processing by the receiver, i.e., which has been transmitted or is to be transmitted. In this case, processing can, for example, mean evaluation, preparation, and / or temporary storage.This processing signal can be provided by a data collection unit, such as the aforementioned Online Data Collector (ODC) of the transmitting device. That is, the data collection unit can generate and transmit the processing signal. To provide the processing signal, the data collection unit can, for example, capture a respective message data record from at least one functional unit of the transmitting device. In other words, the data collection unit is designed or configured for this purpose.

[0016] The respective message data set comprises at least one message that, in particular, specifies, describes, or encodes a time-dependent current state, i.e., a property, of the respective functional unit. The message data set can thus be, for example, a part or segment of the message signal used in the transmitting device for communication between two functional units. In the automotive sector, for example, the functional units can be, for example, respective control units, such as a central processing unit and a drive control unit or a door control unit. According to the invention, the message data set comprises a data packet with at least two periodically successive or temporally sequential messages. Preferably, it can also include associated message information, such as a time and / or other relevant metadata about the message.

[0017] The message in question is therefore data that is to be transmitted wirelessly from the sending device to the receiving device via the processing signal. During transmission, under certain conditions, individual messages or a message data set can be completely or partially lost. This can happen, for example, if a communication link to the data collection unit or between the sending and receiving devices is interrupted, or if the data collection unit or the sending or receiving device has reached or exceeded its maximum processing power, i.e., its respective capacity limit.

[0018] To detect such a malfunction in data transmission, the procedure involves determining a current receiver message count based on the number of messages from the respective message data set transmitted to the receiver. The aim is to ascertain how many messages have already been transmitted or made available for transmission using a given processing signal. This means that the receiver message count can include not only the current messages in the current processing signal, but also messages from previous transmissions, for example, if several transmissions have already taken place. The receiver message count thus indicates the total number of messages that were planned for or exchanged between the sending and receiving devices within a predetermined data transmission period.The data transmission period can be limited, for example, by a start signal and a respective end signal provided by the transmitting device. These can be associated with, for example, the start or activation of the transmitting device or its deactivation.

[0019] The procedure then verifies whether the receiving device's message count matches a predefined reference message count according to a predefined verification criterion. The reference message count is determined based on a known periodicity or repetition rate of successive messages. These messages are periodically provided, i.e., sent or transmitted, by the associated functional unit, for example, via the message signal in the transmitting device at predetermined time intervals. As described earlier, this type of periodic message transmission occurs particularly in functional units that are coupled via a bus system.

[0020] Depending on the result of the check, the procedure then provides an indicator that specifies the quality of the data transmission of the processing signal. The indicator thus provides a clue as to whether a data transmission that has already taken place, is pending, or is planned between the sending and receiving devices can function correctly. Which part of the transmission path can be checked by the described procedure depends on, for example, whether the sending or receiving device performs the procedure. This will be discussed in more detail later.

[0021] The described method can be used both in trials and testing, as well as in the field, i.e., with the transmitting and receiving devices used by end users. This allows for the continuous monitoring of the quality of data collection or transmission. The indicator also ensures that the respective system, such as the receiving or transmitting device or the data collection unit, is not operated or overloaded beyond its performance limits. This prevents, for example, the impairment of certain services, such as connectivity services. Furthermore, the indicator enables more granular decisions regarding which data is still usable for further processing and which data is, for example, junk data or could lead to erroneous conclusions during processing.

[0022] The described method can, for example, be implemented as program code in an existing data processing device of the transmitting or receiving device. This offers the advantage that any transmitting or receiving device can be retrofitted with the corresponding function, so that, for example, the data transmission can be checked for content accuracy or consistency, regardless of the software version of the data collection unit.

[0023] In other words, the periodicity or cycle time can be known for each functional unit or message signal of the transmitting device. This allows, in effect, the counting of how many messages each transmitted or to-be-transmitted data record contains or should contain. Thus, the method can verify whether a message data record provided by the transmitting device or its functional unit matches a message data record received by or to be transmitted to the receiving device by comparing the aforementioned message count values. If messages or parts of the data records were lost during transmission or in preparation for transmission, this can be indicated by the indicator.

[0024] This utilizes the periodicity of data transmission in the sending device. Periodicity refers to the regularity of successive messages transmitted or expected in a message signal. This type of periodic message transmission is typical of the bus communication described earlier. That is, the messages are transmitted in the sending device in the form of bus signals, i.e., via a bus system. For example, transmission can occur via a CAN bus, a LIN bus, Ethernet, or FlexRay.

[0025] The periodicity can be compared using message counts. Each message count is a numerical value that is incremented by exactly 1 with each message. The message count can therefore be a checksum or, for example, a verification value used to validate correct data transmission.

[0026] The message count can be encoded according to a predetermined counting scheme. This prevents infinitely high message counts from accumulating at typical message transmission rates of a few milliseconds to a few microseconds, as is common in a bus system. For example, the message count can be limited to a maximum value and reset to a starting value when this maximum is reached. For instance, the counter for each message can be incremented periodically between 0 and 15 or 0 and 255, increasing by 1 for each message. Once the maximum value of 15 or 255 is reached, the counter is reset to the starting value of 0.

[0027] The result of the message count comparison can be the aforementioned indicator, a metric that indicates the consistency or completeness of the transmitted data. The indicator can be classified or categorized as, for example, negative or positive. A positive indicator might signify correct or error-free data transmission. Conversely, a negative indicator might indicate faulty or incorrect data transmission. Specifically, a positive indicator can only be issued if the check is positive, meaning the message counts match. In contrast, a negative indicator, symbolizing faulty data transmission, can only be provided if the check is negative, meaning the message counts differ.

[0028] The generated indicator can be used, for example, to trigger an error message or notification, especially if a negative indicator is provided. Based on the error message, messages included in the faulty data transmission can be retransmitted. Alternatively, this data can be marked as faulty. Additionally or alternatively, this data can also be deleted or discarded.

[0029] The invention also includes embodiments that provide additional examples.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the comparison message count is determined by the transmitting device. The comparison message count is included in the processing signal for transmission to the receiving device. That is, the comparison message count is transmitted to the receiving device as part of the processing signal.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the comparative message count is determined by the receiving device. This determination depends on a pre-known start time of a message transmission by the associated functional unit in the transmitting device and a pre-known packet size, which indicates the number of messages transmitted in the processing signal. The start of the message transmission, in this context, refers specifically to the beginning of the aforementioned data transmission period. Additionally or alternatively, it could also refer, for example, to a point in time within the data transmission period at which the first message is provided by the respective functional unit. The packet size, in this context, refers specifically to the size or scope of the respective message data record. The packet size thus specifies the maximum number of messages contained in the message data record.The packet size can be set as a default or predefined size. The start time and packet size can be transmitted from the sending device to the receiving device in the processing signal.

[0032] The two embodiments described above are particularly relevant when the method is to be carried out using the receiving device. This allows for a particularly simple method of recognizing the comparison message count value for the receiving device.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the respective message count, in particular the receiving device message count and / or the comparison message count, is calculated as a sum of a predetermined number of messages. The message count can thus be used as a checksum of the messages.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the respective message count is calculated as the average of a predetermined number of messages. This means that the respective message counts are considered, for example, over a specific period or time interval. The number of messages considered can be chosen, for example, depending on the aforementioned counting scheme. For instance, the sum can be calculated over a window or range of 16 or 256 consecutive messages. Due to the periodic sequence of the message counter, it is irrelevant where and when the process starts, as long as the sum is calculated over the range or the selected period, or the average is determined. For message counter values ​​from 0 to 15, the sum must therefore be 120, or the average 7.5, assuming no messages were lost during capture or processing.

[0035] Alternatively, it is of course possible to compare the current values ​​of the respective message counts. That is, it can be checked whether the message count that was present when the comparison signal was prepared or transmitted matches the message count that was received or prepared for transmission.

[0036] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the procedure, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0037] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a data processing device for generating an indicator for specifying the quality of a wireless data transmission between the transmitting device and the associated receiving device. The data processing device is configured to carry out or execute a method as previously described.

[0038] The data processing device can, for example, comprise a control unit or a processor unit configured to perform an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The processor unit can, for this purpose, comprise at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor unit can comprise program code configured to perform the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor unit. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor unit. A processor circuit of the processor unit can, for example, comprise at least one circuit board and / or at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0039] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a receiving device with a data processing device as previously described. The data processing device is configured to receive the processing signal from the transmitting device via wireless data transmission. Thus, both a data link or data transmission within the transmitter and along a transmission path between the transmitting and receiving devices can be tested.

[0040] The receiving device in this case could, for example, be an external data storage device. It could be, for example, a so-called backend or a so-called server, in particular a cloud server.

[0041] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a transmitter with at least one functional unit and a data processing device as previously described. The data processing device can include, or at least be associated with, a data collection unit for providing the processing signal. The data collection unit is configured to capture a respective message data record from the respective functional unit in order to provide the processing signal. The transmitter is also configured to transmit the processing signal to the receiver via wireless data transmission. This allows the data link or data transmission in the transmitter to be tested before the processing signal is sent to the receiver.

[0042] The transmitting device is preferably designed as a motor vehicle or motor vehicle. In particular, it can be a passenger car, truck, bus, or motorcycle.

[0043] The functional unit of the transmitter can be, for example, a control unit. The transmitter can comprise a variety of functional units. In a motor vehicle system, the functional unit could be, for example, a door control unit, engine control unit, drive control unit, central processing unit, or another conventional control unit used in vehicles. The functional units of the transmitter can differ from the data collection unit or the data processing device, for example, in that the functional units are designed only for internal communication or data transmission within the transmitter. In contrast, the data collection unit or the data processing device can be designed for data transmission to external systems.

[0044] The functional units used are preferably safety-relevant control units. These are control units responsible, for example, for the functional safety of the transmitting device. In a motor vehicle, these might be control units related to steering or braking, or those implementing other functions required for road approval. Safety-relevant control units must be distinguished from non-safety-relevant functional units, such as comfort features in the vehicle.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a system with a transmitter and a receiver, which are coupled to each other in a wireless communication link for data transmission. The receiver is configured as a receiver as previously described. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter is also configured as a transmitter as previously described.

[0046] This means that either the transmitting and receiving devices, or only the transmitting device or only the receiving device, can include the aforementioned data processing device. The aforementioned method for generating the indicator can therefore be carried out either using one of the two devices (transmitting and receiving device) or using both devices.

[0047] The processing signal can therefore be provided as a wireless signal, radio signal, or wireless signal. To implement wireless data transmission, the transmitting and receiving devices can be connected or coupled via a wireless communication interface. The transmitting and receiving devices can each have a corresponding communication unit. This unit allows the transmitting and receiving devices to connect wirelessly. For example, the communication connection could be via WLAN, Bluetooth, radio, or mobile network. The respective communication unit could be, for example, an antenna module or radio module.

[0048] The invention also includes further developments of the data processing device, the receiving device, the transmitting device, and the system, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the data processing device, the receiving device, the transmitting device, and the system are not described again here.

[0049] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0050] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a system in which the quality of a data transmission between a transmitting device and a receiving device can be determined by means of a data processing device; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a process flow diagram for operating the data processing device.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0052] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0053] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of System 1. System 1 comprises a motor vehicle 10 as a transmitter and a vehicle-external backend server 20 as a receiver.

[0054] The motor vehicle 10 comprises several functional units 11, which in this case constitute control units of the motor vehicle 10 for executing a predetermined vehicle function. One functional unit 11 can, for example, be a central processing unit 11a of the motor vehicle, i.e., for example, a CPU or a central on-board computer. The other two functional units 11 can, for example, be a door control unit 11b and a drive control unit 11c. The functional units 11 are interconnected in an electrical network or vehicle electrical system by means of a bus system 12. In this case, this can, for example, be a CAN bus system. The bus system 12 defines both the topology of the connection between the functional units 11 and communication according to a predetermined communication protocol for data transmission between the functional units.

[0055] In this case, the BUS system 12 can, for example, specify a known master-slave configuration of the functional units 11. The central processing unit 11a can, for example, comprise a master control unit, while the other two functional units 11 comprise so-called slave control units. The central processing unit 11a thus controls access to the common transmission path, here the respective data line for connecting the door control unit 11b and the drive control unit 11c to the central processing unit 11a.

[0056] Communication between the functional units 11 can include, for example, the transmission of messages. These messages can, for example, indicate a state or status of the respective functional unit 11. For instance, the drive control unit 11c can provide the central processing unit 11a with a message indicating the current rotational speed of a motor. The door control unit 11b can transmit a message indicating the state of the vehicle door, such as "door open" or "door closed." The respective messages of the functional units 11 are transmitted in the form of periodic message signals B1 and B2. This means that the respective messages are transmitted in the assigned message signals B1 and B2 in a clocked or periodic manner, i.e., sequentially in predetermined time cycles. In this example, message signal B1 is assigned to the door control unit 11b, and message signal B2 is assigned to the drive control unit 11c.For example, the cycle time or periodicity in which messages are transmitted using the first message signal B1 can be 1,000 milliseconds. In contrast, the periodicity between messages transmitted using message signal B2 can be 20 milliseconds.

[0057] The central processing unit 11a can capture the message signals B1 and B2 and process them further, for example, by evaluating them. The result of this evaluation can then be used by the central processing unit 11a to control the control units 11b and 11c. For example, the central processing unit 11a can specify a target speed for the motor to the drive control unit 11c.

[0058] To optimize data processing, the message signals B1, B2, or the respective messages themselves, can alternatively or additionally be processed externally to the vehicle, for example, using the backend server 20. This server can, for example, evaluate the message signals and send the evaluated data back to the vehicle 10 for control, or temporarily store them for later retrieval.

[0059] For external processing, the central processing unit 11a can, for example, combine one or more messages of the respective message signal B1, B2 into a message data record BS1 and BS2, thus preparing them for processing by the backend server 20. In this case, the message data record BS1 can, for example, contain only messages of the message signal B1, while the message data record BS2 contains only messages of the message signal B2. The number of messages that are combined in or included in a message data record BS1, BS2 can, for example, be predetermined by a specific packet size.

[0060] The central processing unit 11a can transmit the message data records BS1 and BS2 to a data collection unit 13 of the vehicle 10 for transmission to the backend server 20. The data collection unit 13 can be referred to as an online data collector. The data collection unit 13 can form an independent control unit for the other functional units 11 of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the data collection unit 13 can, for example, be included as a module of the central processing unit 11a.

[0061] The data collection unit 13 can capture the respective message data set BS1, BS2 and transmit it to the backend server 20 for processing in a processing signal V. For this purpose, the vehicle 10 and the backend server 20 can be connected to each other, for example, via a wireless communication link 30. This could, for example, be a mobile communication link. For wireless data transmission, the data collection unit 13 includes a communication unit 14, which in this case is configured, for example, as a mobile communication module. A corresponding communication unit 23, i.e., for example, a corresponding mobile communication module, is included by a data processing device 21 of the backend server 20. The communication units 14, 23 can form a communication interface for the vehicle 10 and the backend server 20.

[0062] The data processing device 21 can be used to process the processing signal V or the messages it contains. The processing can include, for example, evaluation and / or storage. For storage, the backend server 20 can, for example, perform the following actions as shown in Fig. 1 The data processing device 21, as shown, comprises a storage device, i.e., a data storage device 24. For evaluation, the data processing device 21 can, for example, include a computing unit 22, such as a microcontroller. In addition to the processing function, the data processing device 21 can also provide a function for checking the quality of the data transmission in the system 1. Thus, errors in the data transmission on a data link in the vehicle 10 and / or on a data link between the vehicle 10 and the backend server 20 can be detected. How this function can be implemented will be shown below with reference to... Fig. 2 described in more detail.

[0063] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic process flow diagram for a method for operating the data processing device 21, as previously described by way of example. The data processing device 21 can be used to execute a method for generating an indicator to specify the quality of the wireless data transmission between the vehicle 10 and the backend server 20.

[0064] In step S1 of the procedure, the processing signal V is first acquired using the data processing device 21. The processing signal V can then be evaluated using the computing unit 22, and, for example, the respective message data sets BS1 and BS2 can be isolated or determined. The procedure can then be continued in step S2.

[0065] In step S2, a current receiving device message count is determined based on the number of messages from the respective message data record BS1, BS2 transmitted to the backend server 20. This means that the processing unit 22 can, for example, read or calculate how many messages are present in the respective message data record BS1, BS2. In addition to the currently transmitted message data records BS1, BS2, previously transmitted message data records BS1, BS2 can also be taken into account. This allows the system to determine how many messages have actually been transmitted via the communication link 30, particularly within a predetermined data transmission interval of system 1. The data transmission interval could, for example, be a time interval between the start time (activation or restart) of the vehicle 10 and the current time.This can therefore specify an operating period for motor vehicle 10. The procedure then continues in step S3.

[0066] In step S3, for example, a comparison message count is determined using the processing unit 22. This comparison message count depends on the known periodicity of successive messages, which are periodically provided by the assigned functional unit 11 in the sending device using the respective message signals B1 and B2. The comparison message count thus indicates how many messages should be present in the respective transmitted message data set BS1 and BS2 and should therefore have been transmitted to the backend server 20 within the data transmission interval.

[0067] To determine the comparative message count, the data processing device 21 can, for example, record the start time of the data transmission interval and the packet size of the respective message data record BS1, BS2 from the vehicle 10. This information can be provided by the vehicle 10 in the processing signal V. This can be done once, for example, initially when transmitting the first processing signal V in the data transmission interval. Alternatively, this information can be sent with every transmission. This allows the backend server 20 to determine the cycle time or periodicity for each message signal B1, B2 in the vehicle 10. Thus, the backend server 20 can itself count how many messages should be contained in each transmitted message data record BS1, BS2. The backend server 20 can therefore implement a message counter.

[0068] A predetermined counting scheme can be specified for the message count values. For example, a value range of 0 to 15 can be specified for the message count values. As soon as the maximum value of 15 is reached, the counting process starts again from 0. Fig. 2 Step S2 shows an example of a count signal Z for a corresponding message counter. The abscissa (x-axis) represents time, while the ordinate (y-axis) represents the respective message count value. As in Fig. 2 As shown, the count signal Z can be configured as a step signal between a minimum value, for example 0, and a maximum value, for example 15, where each step corresponds to a new message, and the count value W is increased by exactly 1 with each message. As shown in Fig. 2As shown, the stages of the counting signal are symmetrical, illustrating that the messages are captured at regular time intervals when message transmission is intact.

[0069] The respective message counts can be calculated, for example, as the average or as the sum of the data size allocated for a specific number of messages. For instance, the average or sum can be calculated over a window of 16 consecutive messages. Due to the periodic sequence of the message counter, i.e., the messages themselves, it doesn't matter where or when you start, as long as you sum or calculate the average over the respective period, i.e., the predetermined number of messages. For message counter values ​​from 0 to 15, the total sum must equal 120, or the average must be 7.5, provided no messages were lost during capture or processing.

[0070] The process then continues in step S4.

[0071] In step S4, it is checked whether the receiving device's message count matches the comparison message count according to a predefined verification criterion. For example, the verification criterion can check whether the message counts differ by n% or show jumps of n% (n = number of messages). Alternatively, the matching criterion can, for example, require that the message counts match exactly, i.e., have the same value.

[0072] The verification criterion is, for example, a rule or condition that specifies whether the compared message counts are classified as matching or not matching. For instance, the verification criterion might specify a limit for a maximum difference or a maximum percentage deviation between the two message counts. Preferably, the verification criterion might indicate a match only if the message counts are exactly the same. Otherwise, the message counts are classified as not matching.

[0073] If the check is negative, meaning the conformance criterion is not met (N), this indicates unstable behavior or processing of the information. Therefore, the quality or reliability of the data processing or data transmission in System 1 cannot be guaranteed. If this is the case, the procedure continues in step S5.

[0074] In step S5, a negative indicator is generated regarding data transmission quality, indicating that the data transmission is faulty. Subsequently, for example, an error message or warning message can be sent from backend server 20 to the vehicle via communication link 30. Additionally or alternatively, the data associated with the faulty data transmission can be deleted by backend server 20.

[0075] If the check is positive, meaning the check criterion is met (Y), the process continues in step S6. In step S6, a positive indicator is generated. This indicates that the data transmission was error-free or correct. The transmitted data can therefore be used without problems for further processing by the backend server 20.

[0076] If the positive indicator has been generated, it can be assumed that all pre-aggregated or previously collected data from vehicle 10 are usable, even if individual data points or messages were lost during transmission. Furthermore, it can be assumed that, for example, all other useful signals transmitted with the processing signal V in the considered window (i.e., the message data set) are error-free. These useful signals could include, for example, additional information or metadata about the messages that were transmitted together with or as part of the processing signal.

[0077] As an alternative to the embodiments described in the figures, the motor vehicle can, for example, include the data processing device 21. Then the comparison message count value can be transmitted from the motor vehicle 10 to the backend server 20 as part of the processing signal V.

[0078] Overall, the examples demonstrate a method for generating an indicator for the data quality and data integrity of an online data collector by utilizing periodic signals in the vehicle.

Claims

1. Process for generating an indicator for providing a quality of a wireless data transmission between a transmitting device, which is designed as a motor vehicle, and a receiving device coupled therewith, which is designed as a back-end server, comprising the following steps: - capturing a processing signal (V), which is transmittable from the transmitting device to the receiving device for processing, wherein the processing signal (V) is suppliable by means of a data collection unit (13) of the transmitting device, wherein the data collection unit (13) can capture a respective message data set (BS1, BS2) from at least one functional unit (11) of the transmitting device, in order to provide the processing signal (V), wherein the respective message data set (BS1, BS2) comprises at least two periodically consecutive messages, which indicate the state of the respective functional unit, wherein the at least two messages of the at least one functional unit (11) are provided by means of bus communication with a previously known periodicity, - determining a current message count value for a receiving device, based on a count of the messages of the respective message data set (BS1, BS2) transmitted to the receiving device, - checking whether the receiving device message count value matches with a specified comparison message count value according to a specified verification criterion, wherein the comparison message count value is determined based on the previously known periodicity of each successive message, which are periodically provided by the assigned functional unit (11) in the transmitting device, and - based on the result of the checking: preparing of the indicator, which indicates the quality of the data transmission of the processing signal (V).

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein the comparison message count value is determined by means of the transmitting device and the comparison message count value is included in the processing signal (V) for transmission to the receiving device.

3. Process according to claim 1, wherein the comparison message count value is determined by means of the receiving device, and additionally, based on a previously known start time for the beginning of a message transmission by the assigned functional unit (11) in the transmitting device and a previously known packet size, which indicates the count of the transmitted messages in the processing signal (V).

4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective message count value (W) is formed as a sum of a predetermined count of messages.

5. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective message count value (W) is formed as an average of a sum of a predetermined count of messages.

6. Data processing device (21) for the generation of an indicator for providing the quality of a data transmission between a transmitting device and an assigned receiving device, wherein the data processing device (21) is designed to carry out a process according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Receiving device with a data processing device (21) according to claim 6, wherein the data processing device (21) is designed to receive the processing signal (V) by means of a wireless data transmission from the transmitting device.

8. Transmitting device with at least one functional unit (11) and one data processing device (21) according to claim 6, wherein the data processing device (21) comprises a data collection unit (13) for preparing the processing signal (V), which is designed for capturing a respective message data set (BS1, BS2) from the respective functional unit (11) for preparing the processing signal, and the transmitting device is designed for transmitting the processing signal (V) by means of a wireless data transmission to the receiving device.

9. System (1) with a sending device and a receiving device, which are coupled to each other in a wireless communications link (30) for data transmission, wherein the receiving device is designed according to claim 7 and / or the transmitting device is designed according to claim 8.