Transmission of data blocks using an intermediate storage process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for transmitting files (D) between a stationary communication participant (12) and a mobile communication participant (14). In the process, the file (D) is divided (102) into multiple data blocks (B) which are distributed (104) to different storage devices (18) arranged in a decentralized manner according to at least one parameter relating to the mobile communication participant (14). In order to transmit the file (D), the plurality of data blocks (B) belonging to the file (D) are transmitted (106) between the mobile communication participant (14) and specified storage devices (18). Alternatively or in addition thereto, the data blocks (B) are transmitted (108) between the stationary communication participant (12) and specified storage devices (18).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Transfer of data blocks using caching

[0003] The invention relates to a method for transmitting a file between a mobile communication user and a stationary communication user, as well as to a communication system for implementing the method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0004] When transmitting data between a mobile communication subscriber and a stationary communication subscriber, the amount of data to be transmitted is, from a technical point of view, essentially limited by the available data transmission speed. In addition, to avoid overloading a mobile network, a maximum possible data volume to be transmitted is specified. If this data volume is exceeded, considerable costs usually arise. The above-mentioned restrictions become particularly relevant in the case of communication between a land-based system and a fleet consisting of a large number of vehicles. In this case, the same file often needs to be transmitted from the land-based system to the individual vehicles. Furthermore, a wide variety of types of data must be continuously transmitted from the individual vehicles to the land-based system.However, depending on the location or route of the individual vehicles, data transmission speeds can vary considerably. This leads, on the one hand, to inefficient use of the maximum available data volume. On the other hand, there is the problem that the number of vehicles and the volume of data to be transmitted are constantly increasing. To ensure reliable data transmission, resources for data transmission have been adapted to current requirements. However, this heavy load on mobile networks carries the risk of interrupted communications or significant delays in file transfer.

[0005] The object of the invention is to enable an improved transmission of files between a mobile and a stationary communication user.

[0006] This problem is solved by a method according to the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a communication system having the features of the independent system claim.

[0007] Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0008] This object is achieved by a computer program according to the features of the independent claim 14 and by a computer-readable medium according to the features of the independent claim 15.

[0009] Further advantageous developments are the subject of dependent subclaims.

[0010] The inventive method for transmitting a file between a mobile communication subscriber and a stationary communication subscriber provides for dividing the file to be transmitted into a plurality of data blocks. These plurality of data blocks are distributed among various decentralized storage devices in accordance with at least one parameter relating to the mobile communication subscriber. For the purpose of transmitting the file, the plurality of data blocks belonging to this file are transmitted between the mobile communication subscriber and predetermined storage devices. Alternatively or additionally, for the purpose of the transmitted file, the plurality of data blocks belonging to this file are transmitted between the stationary communication subscriber and predetermined storage devices. In the present context, the storage device mentioned is a data memory in the sense of information technology.In particular, the data memory is configured so that digital data can be written to it or read from it. For example, the memory device is a solid-state memory or a flash memory. In a preferred embodiment, the said memory device is part of a data processing device. This data processing device is preferably configured to store, read, write, transmit and / or manage data. The data processing device can be, for example, a computer, a microcontroller or a comparable programmable hardware component with the said memory device.

[0011] The parameter mentioned can, for example, relate to stopping points along a given route, a property such as membership in a vehicle fleet, or an operating state of the mobile communication subscriber.

[0012] In this way, the technical requirements for a communications network can be kept low. The transmission of data blocks between the stationary communications participant and the storage devices can be realized using a low data transmission speed. Furthermore, a transmission between the mobile communications participant and a storage device, as well as between the storage device and the stationary communications participant, can be decoupled from one another in terms of time. Furthermore, an appropriate choice of the parameter makes it possible to further improve the efficiency of the file transmission. In addition, an easily adaptable method can be provided.

[0013] An advantageous development provides that the plurality of data blocks of the file are distributed to predetermined ones of the said storage devices according to an attribute of this file. The said attribute of the file can be, for example, a type of content, a number of data records, a number of data records per data record type, a creator of the file, an origin of the file, a size of the file, a predetermined group of recipients, a priority or a predetermined file type. The said type of content of a file can be, for example, advertising data, media data, process data, service data, maintenance data, communication data, timetable data, vehicle data or protocol data. In this way, a versatile and inexpensively adaptable method for file transfer can be provided.By selectively distributing files based on their properties, efficient use of available storage space can be achieved. In particular, a blanket distribution of all files to be transferred across all storage devices can be avoided.

[0014] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that the plurality of data blocks are distributed among predetermined ones of the said storage devices in accordance with location information relating to the mobile communication subscriber. The said location information can be a GPS signal or information determined on the basis of sensors or IP addresses. In this way, reliable and efficient data transmission can be achieved. This makes it possible to always select the nearest storage location and thus a high transmission quality for the purpose of file transfer. Furthermore, a transfer of the file from the said storage devices to the mobile communication subscriber can be realized largely independently of an external mobile radio network by means of local communication connections.Locally varying connection quality of the external mobile network is therefore of secondary importance. Furthermore, this method enables the transmission of data blocks at a very high data transfer rate. Furthermore, roaming charges due to cross-border data transmission can be avoided.

[0015] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that the plurality of data blocks are distributed among predetermined ones of the said storage devices in accordance with an event plan relating to the mobile communication subscriber. In the present context, the said event plan is understood to be a plan in which tasks, operating states or other events relating to the mobile communication subscriber are described as a function of a schedule. Such an event plan can be, for example, a timetable, a maintenance plan or an inspection plan. Using the event plan, a simple and reliable division of the data blocks can be planned with little effort. In particular, this makes it possible to easily use advantageous locations and longer downtimes preferentially for the purpose of transmitting data blocks.In this way, transmission of data blocks during movement of the mobile communication participant can be advantageously avoided.

[0016] Furthermore, an advantageous development provides that, for the purpose of transmitting the file from the stationary communication subscriber to the mobile communication subscriber, at least one data block of the plurality of data blocks is transmitted to various of the aforementioned storage devices. In this way, a high level of operational reliability can be provided. Should, for example, a storage device fail or be inaccessible, the data block to be transmitted can still be requested and downloaded from another storage device.

[0017] In a further advantageous development, it is provided that, for the purpose of transmitting the file between the mobile communication subscriber and the stationary communication subscriber, assignment information regarding the storage locations of the data blocks is transmitted. For example, the assignment information contains a list by means of which a storage location is linked to a data block stored at that storage location. In this way, an overview of the distributed data blocks can be provided in a cost-effective manner.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment provides that, based on the assignment information, the data blocks of the file to be transmitted, downloaded by the mobile communication participant or the stationary communication participant from the various storage devices, are combined. A complex, often error-prone search for related data blocks of a file or a compilation of the data blocks based on identification parameters can simply be dispensed with.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment provides for the complete transmission of all data blocks belonging to a file to be verified based on the assignment information. This further increases operational reliability. In particular, it enables a largely error-free file transmission. Furthermore, a checksum can be easily determined using the assignment information, or one can be transmitted along with the file. This allows for a cost-effective completeness check.

[0020] A further advantageous development provides that the receipt of all data blocks belonging to a file is confirmed by transmitting an acknowledgment of receipt. This enables efficient use of limited storage space. For example, upon receipt of the acknowledgment, temporarily stored data blocks can be deleted, taking further specifications into account, thus freeing up occupied storage space. The method according to the invention can be carried out using the communication system according to the invention.

[0021] The communication system according to the invention has a mobile communication subscriber and a stationary communication subscriber. Furthermore, the communication system according to the invention has a data processing system with a plurality of decentrally arranged storage devices. The said storage devices are in particular storage devices of the type already described above in connection with the method according to the invention. The said storage devices are further connected to the stationary communication subscriber by means of a network connection. Furthermore, data blocks of a file can be transferred from the stationary communication subscriber to the mobile communication subscriber by means of the various storage devices.

[0022] This communication system enables reliable and rapid file transfer. By temporarily storing data blocks on various storage devices, the load on the network connection can be reduced. The resulting data transfer load can be evenly distributed over a specified period of time. Furthermore, data can be transferred via the network connection at a low data transfer rate.

[0023] An advantageous development of the communication system provides that the mobile communication subscriber is designed as a vehicle. In particular, the vehicle is designed as a rail-bound vehicle. Common problems with mobile data transmission, such as connection interruptions or weak data transmission rates in mobile networks, can thus be overcome simply and inexpensively. Furthermore, a reliable and cost-effective transmission of files can be made possible. Furthermore, an advantageous development of the communication system provides that the storage devices are arranged along a predetermined route of the mobile communication subscriber. For example, storage devices are arranged at stops, maintenance depots and / or a marshalling yard.This makes it possible to provide and utilize high transmission quality at the intended locations of the mobile communication subscriber. In particular, data loss or inefficient use of available data volumes, due to connection interruptions, for example, can be avoided. Furthermore, it is conceivable that storage devices are arranged at predetermined intervals along the aforementioned route.

[0024] A further advantageous development of the communication system provides that the storage devices are each part of a data processing device arranged at the location of the respective storage device. For example, a dedicated local communications network can be provided by means of the data processing device. Furthermore, a direct connection of the storage device to a data processing device enables rapid transmission of data blocks. Furthermore, this makes it possible to provide high reliability and high operational safety during the transmission of data blocks.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention provides a computer program comprising instructions that, when the computer program is executed by a data processing device, cause the communication system according to the invention to carry out the method according to the invention. The data processing device mentioned is, in particular, the data processing device already described above.

[0026] The invention further provides a computer-readable medium. This has instructions which, when executed by a data processing device, cause the communication system according to the invention to carry out the method according to the invention. The data processing device mentioned is, in particular, the data processing device already described above. The computer-readable medium can be, for example, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a USB or flash memory, or a non-physical medium, such as a data stream and / or a data carrier signal.

[0027] The properties, features and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description of the embodiments of the invention. Where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used in the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The exemplary embodiment and described variations thereof serve to explain the invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including with regard to functional features. Furthermore, all features specified in the exemplary embodiment can be considered in isolation and combined as appropriate with the features of any claim.

[0028] It shows :

[0029] FIG 1 shows a schematic illustration of a first variant of an example of a method for transmitting data blocks of a file from a land side to a vehicle;

[0030] FIG 2 is a schematic illustration of a second variant of the example of the method for transmitting data blocks of a file from the vehicle to the land side;

[0031] FIG 3 shows an embodiment of a communication system by means of which the variants of the example of the method illustrated in FIG 1 and FIG 2 can be carried out.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a first variant of an example of a method 100 for transmitting a file D between a landside 12 and a vehicle 14 in the form of a schematic flowchart. The example of the method 100 can be carried out using the communication system 10 shown in FIG. 3. The variant of the example of the method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1 relates to the transmission of a file D from the landside 12 to the vehicle 14.

[0033] In this case, the file D to be transmitted is divided 102 into several data blocks B. It is conceivable that an event plan of the vehicle 14 is taken into account during the division 102. For example, the size of a data block B can be adjusted based on a predicted length of stay at a predetermined location. The aforementioned data blocks B are then distributed 104 among various decentrally arranged storage devices 18 according to a parameter relating to the vehicle 14.

[0034] In the aforementioned distribution 104 of the data blocks B, in the present case, exemplary stopping points of the vehicle 14 along a route 22 intended for this vehicle 14 are initially used as parameters. In this way, the data blocks B to be transmitted are distributed 104 to those storage devices 18 which spatially coincide with stopping points of the vehicle 14. Alternatively or additionally, properties of the vehicle 14, such as membership in a vehicle fleet or to a customer group, or an operating state which relates, for example, to a break, ferry operation or maintenance, can be used as parameters for the aforementioned distribution 104.If, furthermore, data blocks B of a plurality of files D to be transferred are to be distributed 104, the data blocks B are distributed 104 according to an attribute of a respectively associated file D to the storage devices 18 selected according to the aforementioned parameter. In the example described here, a relevance of the file D to be transferred is used as the attribute. In this way, data blocks B of a file D which is assigned a high relevance are distributed to those storage devices 18 along the path 22 which are arranged at the beginning of this intended path 22. In contrast, data blocks B of a file D which is assigned a low relevance are distributed 104 to storage devices 18 which are arranged in the middle or later part of the path 22.In addition, in the example of the method 100 described here, the data blocks B to be transmitted are distributed 104 among the aforementioned storage devices 18 on the basis of a timetable relating to the vehicle 14. In this way, a stop duration and thus a possible transmission time between a storage device 18 and the vehicle 14 can be taken into account. If, for example, a longer stay duration of the vehicle 14 at a predetermined stop 24 is planned, a larger number of data blocks B or a larger amount of data intended for the vehicle 14 can be stored on this storage device 18. If, on the other hand, only a short stay duration at a predetermined stop 24 is planned, the number of stored data blocks B or the amount of data intended for this vehicle 14 can be kept small.Alternatively or additionally, a maintenance plan can be used for the purpose of distributing 104 the data blocks B to the aforementioned storage devices 18. Typically, the vehicle 14 stays in a maintenance depot 26 for a relatively long period of time, whereby a large number of data blocks B and / or a large amount of data can be transferred 106 from a storage device 18 arranged in the maintenance depot 26 to the vehicle 14.

[0035] For the purpose of reliable transmission of the file D, the present example of the method 100 further provides that individual data blocks B are transmitted 108 from the landside 12 to several of the different storage devices 18. In this way, it can be prevented that an opportunity to transmit 106 a data block B from a storage device 18 to the vehicle 14 is missed. If, for example, a communication connection between a storage device 18 and the vehicle 14 is terminated or interrupted before a successful transmission 106 of the data block B, the vehicle 14 has the option of downloading 106 this data block B from another storage device 18.

[0036] Furthermore, the land side 12 creates assignment information Z, by means of which the distribution 104 of the data blocks B to the various storage devices 18 is documented and which is transmitted 116 to the vehicle 14. This assignment information Z comprises information relating to the storage locations of the data blocks B. In this way, the vehicle 14 is able to assign the 106 data blocks B, initially read out randomly from various storage devices 18 by the vehicle 14, to a file D to be transmitted in a cost-effective manner. The file D to be transmitted is combined 110 in the vehicle 14 using the assignment information Z. Furthermore, in the context of the example of the method 100 described here, a checksum is transmitted 116 with the assignment information Z.This enables the vehicle 14 to verify 112 whether a complete transfer 106 of all data blocks B associated with a file D from the storage devices 18 to the vehicle 14 has taken place. As soon as the completeness has been verified 112, the vehicle 14 transmits an acknowledgment of receipt to the landside 12 to confirm 114 complete receipt of the file D. By means of such an acknowledgment of receipt 114, the landside 12 is enabled to remove data blocks B from the storage devices 18. In this way, storage space can be freed up for additional data blocks B of other files D to be transferred.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a second variant of the example of the method 100, in which a file D is transmitted from the vehicle 14 to the landside 12. In contrast to the first variant of the example of the method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1, the transmission of a file D takes place in the opposite direction.

[0038] As previously described, the file D to be transferred is first divided 102 into a plurality of data blocks B. In contrast to the previously described variant of the method 100, the plurality of data blocks B of the file D to be transferred are distributed 104 among the storage devices 18 in accordance with a location of the vehicle 14. The aforementioned distribution 104 takes place by a change in the location of the vehicle 14. As soon as the vehicle 14 approaches a storage device 18, this is transferred 106 from the vehicle 14 to the storage device 18 for the purpose of transferring at least one data block B. It is also conceivable that an event plan of the vehicle 14 is taken into account during the distribution 104, so that in addition to a spatial proximity between the vehicle 14 and the storage device 18, an intended length of stay can be taken into account during the distribution 104.

[0039] As already described in connection with FIG 1, in the case of a plurality of files D to be transmitted from the vehicle 14 to the landside 12, the distribution 104 takes place according to a relevance of the respective file D. Alternatively or additionally, further attributes of a file, such as a file type or a type of content of the file, can be taken into account in the distribution 104. Furthermore, as already described in connection with FIG 1, an event plan of the vehicle 14 can be taken into account in the division 102 of the data blocks B. For example, a timetable and a maintenance plan of the vehicle 14 can be used for the purpose of a needs-based division 102 of the file D into data blocks B. Accordingly, data blocks B can be transmitted 106 to a storage device 18 depending on an intended length of time the vehicle 14 is to stay at this storage device 18.After a data block B has been successfully transferred 106 from the vehicle 14 to a storage device 18, the vehicle 14 documents a storage location of the data block B and links it to the storage device 18. In this way, the vehicle 14 creates assignment information Z. As soon as all data blocks B of a file D to be transferred have been transferred 106 to storage devices 18, the vehicle 14 transfers this assignment information Z to the landside 12. Based on the assignment information Z, the required data blocks B are then transferred 108 between the corresponding storage devices 18 and the landside 12. As already described in connection with FIG. 1, a checksum is transferred 116 together with the assignment information Z for the purpose of verifying 112 a complete transfer of the file D to be transferred.If all data blocks B belonging to a file D are present, they are combined 110 based on the allocation information Z. In the present example, whether all data blocks B are present is verified 112 based on the transmitted checksum. After successful verification 112, the landside 12 transmits an acknowledgment of receipt 114 to the vehicle 14. After receiving this acknowledgment of receipt 114, the vehicle 14 can delete the file D to be transmitted. This makes it possible to implement efficient use of the limited available storage space.

[0040] FIG 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a communication system 10. This communication system 10 has, by way of example, the aforementioned vehicle 14. This is designed, by way of example, as a rail-bound passenger transport vehicle. FIG 3 also shows the aforementioned landside 12, which has a stationary server. The communication system 10 also has a data processing system 16. This data processing system 16 has the decentralized storage devices 18, also mentioned above. Each storage device 18 is, by way of example, part of a data processing device (not shown in detail) arranged at the same location. Furthermore, each of the aforementioned decentralized storage devices 18 is connected to the landside 12 by means of a network connection 20 for the purpose of transmitting data blocks B of a file D.In addition, the plurality of decentrally arranged storage devices 18 are configured to transmit the file D to be transmitted in the form of data blocks B between the land side 12 and the vehicle 14 106 , 108 .

[0041] Furthermore, FIG. 3 shows, by way of example, that the aforementioned storage devices 18 are arranged along a designated route 22 of the vehicle 14. The storage devices 18 are placed, for example, at stops 24 and in a maintenance depot 26. Furthermore, it is conceivable that additional storage devices 18 are distributed along the route 22 at predetermined intervals in a manner not shown in detail.

[0042] By means of the communication system 10 described by way of example in connection with FIG. 3, in particular the variants of the example of the method 100 described in connection with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be carried out.

[0043] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (100) for transmitting a file (D) between a stationary communication subscriber (12) and a mobile communication subscriber (14), in which - the file to be transferred (D) is divided into several data blocks (B) (102); - the plurality of data blocks (B) are distributed (104) to various decentrally arranged storage devices (18) in accordance with at least one parameter relating to the mobile communication subscriber (14); - for the purpose of transmitting the file (D), the plurality of data blocks (B) belonging to this file (D) are transmitted (106) between the mobile communication subscriber (14) and predetermined storage devices (18) and / or are transmitted (108) between the stationary communication subscriber (12) and predetermined storage devices (18).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of data blocks (B) of the file (D) are distributed (104) to predetermined ones of said storage devices (18) according to an attribute of this file (D).

3. Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of data blocks (B) are distributed (104) to predetermined ones of said storage devices (18) in accordance with location information relating to the mobile communication subscriber (14).

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plurality of data blocks (B) are distributed (104) to predetermined ones of said storage devices (18) in accordance with an event plan relating to the mobile communication subscriber (14).

5. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which for the purpose of transferring the file (D) from at least one data block of the plurality of data blocks (B) is transmitted (106) from the stationary communication subscriber (12) to the mobile communication subscriber (14) to various of said storage devices (18).

6. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which, for the purpose of transmitting the file (D) between the mobile communication subscriber (14) and the stationary communication subscriber (12), allocation information (Z) relating to the storage locations of the data blocks (B) is transmitted (116).

7. Method (100) according to claim 6, in which, on the basis of the allocation information (Z), the data blocks (B) of the file (D) to be transmitted downloaded (106, 108) by the mobile communication subscriber (14) or the stationary communication subscriber (12) from the various storage devices (18) are combined (110).

8. Method (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a complete transmission of all data blocks (B) belonging to a file (D) is verified (112) on the basis of the allocation information (Z).

9. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which receipt of all data blocks (B) belonging to a file (D) is confirmed by means of a transmission of an acknowledgment of receipt (114).

10. Communication system (10) for carrying out the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising - a stationary communication participant (12); - a mobile communication subscriber (14); - a data processing system (16) with a plurality of decentrally arranged storage devices (18), each of which is connected to the stationary communication device by means of a network connection (20). communication participants (12) and by means of which a file (D) can be transferred between the stationary communication participant (12) and the mobile communication participant (14).

11. Communication system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the mobile communication participant (14) is designed as a vehicle, in particular a rail-bound vehicle.

12. Communication system (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the storage devices (18) are arranged along a predetermined path (22) of the mobile communication subscriber (14).

13. Communication system (10) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the storage devices (18) are each part of a data processing device arranged at the location of the respective storage device (18).

14. A computer program which, when executed, causes the communication system (10) according to one of claims 10 to 13 to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions which cause the communication system (10) according to one of claims 10 to 13 to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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