DE102013203501A1 - Data Logger for recording detected measured values in vehicle, has measurement value detecting device for detecting measurement values for predetermined parameter, and communication interface for coupling data logger - Google Patents

Abstract

The data logger (1-1) has a measurement value detecting device (4) for detecting the measurement values (2) for a predetermined parameter in or for a vehicle, and a communication interface (5) for coupling the data logger with another data logger in a data communication link. A control device (6) is provided to execute an application (7). The measurement value detecting device has a Controlled area network bus, FlexRay, Local interconnect network or Media oriented systems transport bus interface. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a data collection network with a data network; and (2) a method for recording the measurement values by a data logger.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a data logger for recording acquired measured values in a vehicle. The present invention relates to a data acquisition network with a data logger, a motor vehicle and a method for recording measured values by means of a data logger.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A data logger refers to a processor-controlled storage unit, which receives data in a certain rhythm via an interface and stores it on a storage medium. For this purpose, a data logger usually consists of a programmable microprocessor, a storage medium, at least one interface and one or more channels for connecting the data source, such as sensors. The data is recorded externally or internally via a manufacturer-specific interface. Although basically expandable to any processor-controlled memory units, the present invention and the problem underlying it is explained below with reference to a data logger.

In modern vehicle development, a variety of different systems for data acquisition are used, for example, to detect the behavior of the vehicle under predetermined environmental conditions or in given driving situations.

Data acquisition systems in the vehicle are generally equipped with their own sensors, eg. For example, position sensing sensors are installed with the data acquisition system in the vehicle. However, such systems for data acquisition can also rely on the vehicle-internal sensors. These systems have z. B. via suitable communication interfaces, which are coupled to the respective bus systems in the vehicles on which the on-board sensors transmit their data.

Systems currently used for data acquisition in vehicles usually consist of individual, independently operating data acquisition units, each of which independently collects data and stores it in an internal data memory. The data collected in this way can, after the acquisition of the data, for. B. after completion of a test drive to be transferred to a computer system to be evaluated there. As internal data storage such systems usually use SD memory cards, hard disks or the like.

In order to evaluate the acquired data, it is necessary in such systems to evaluate the data acquired by the data acquisition units individually. Often, however, there is a need to look at these data in their entirety. This is relatively expensive. In addition, this is associated with a time delay, whereby these systems are not dynamically usable. In this case, these data must be merged into one central system for their evaluation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to enable easier handling of measurement data acquired in a vehicle.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

• – Ein Datenlogger zur Aufzeichnung von erfassten Messwerten in einem Fahrzeug, mit einer Messwerterfassungseinrichtung, welche dazu ausgebildet ist, Messwerte für einen vorgegebenen Parameter in oder für ein Fahrzeug zu erfassen; mit einer Kommunikationsschnittstelle, welche dazu ausgebildet ist, den Datenlogger mit zumindest einem weiteren Datenlogger in datenkommunikative Verbindung zu koppeln; mit einer gemeinsamen Schnittstelle; mit einer Steuereinrichtung, welche dazu ausgebildet ist, die erfassten Messwerte über die Kommunikationsschnittstelle den weiteren Datenloggern weiterzuleiten und/oder über die Kommunikationsschnittstelle von weiteren Datenloggern erfasste Messwerte von diesen abzurufen, und mindestens eine Applikation auszuführen, indem der Applikation über die gemeinsame Schnittstelle die von dem Datenlogger und den weiteren Datenloggern erfassten Messwerte unabhängig davon bereitstellbar ist, welcher Datenlogger die jeweiligen Messwerte erfasst hat.
• – Ein Datenerfassungsnetzwerk in oder für ein Fahrzeug, mit mindestens einem erfindungsgemäßen Datenlogger und mit einem Datennetzwerk, welches die Datenlogger miteinander in datenkommunikativer Verbindung koppelt.
• – Ein Kraftfahrzeug, mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Datenerfassungsnetzwerk und/oder mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Datenlogger.
• – Ein Verfahren zum Aufzeichnen von Messwerten mittels eines Datenloggers, mit den Schritten: Erfassen von Messwerten für einen vorgegebenen Parameter in dem Fahrzeug; Koppeln des Datenloggers in datenkommunikativer Verbindung mit zumindest einem weiteren Datenlogger; Weiterleiten der erfassten Messwerte über die datenkommunikative Verbindung an mindestens einen weiteren Datenlogger und/oder Abrufen von mittels der weiteren Datenlogger erfassten Messwerten über die datenkommunikative Verbindung; Ausführen mindestens einer Applikation; Bereitstellen der von dem Datenlogger und der von den weiteren Datenloggern erfassten Messwerte an mindestens eine Applikation über eine gemeinsame Schnittstelle unabhängig davon, von welchem Datenlogger die jeweiligen Messwerte erfasst wurden.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• A data logger for recording acquired measured values in a vehicle, having a measured value acquisition device which is designed to record measured values for a predetermined parameter in or for a vehicle; with a communication interface, which is designed to couple the data logger with at least one other data logger in data-communicative connection; with a common interface; with a control device, which is designed to forward the acquired measured values to the further data loggers via the communication interface and / or to retrieve measured values detected by further data loggers via the communication interface, and to execute at least one application in which the application receives information from the user via the common interface Data logger and the other data loggers recorded measured values can be provided regardless of which datalogger has recorded the respective measured values.
• A data acquisition network in or for a vehicle, having at least one data logger according to the invention and having a data network which couples the data loggers together in a data-communicative connection.
• - A motor vehicle, with a data acquisition network according to the invention and / or with a data logger according to the invention.
• - A method for recording measured values by means of a data logger, comprising the steps of: acquiring measured values for a given parameter in the vehicle; Coupling the data logger in data communication with at least one other data logger; Forwarding the acquired measured values via the data-communicative connection to at least one further data logger and / or retrieval of measured values acquired by means of the further data loggers via the data-communicative connection; Executing at least one application; Providing the measured values acquired by the data logger and by the further data loggers to at least one application via a common interface, independently of which data logger the respective measured values were acquired from.

A data acquisition network for a vehicle, comprising at least one data logger according to the invention and having a data network which couples the data loggers together in a data-communicative connection.

The underlying basis of the present invention is that a subsequent merging and evaluation of measured values recorded in the vehicle, for. B. after a test drive, is less flexible and means a relatively high cost. The idea on which the present invention is based now consists in taking account of this knowledge and providing a possibility of jointly processing the acquired measured values, even if these were recorded by separate data loggers.

For this purpose, the present invention provides a novel data logger, which in addition to a measured value acquisition device also has a communication interface via which a plurality of data loggers can be interconnected.

The control device of the data logger according to the invention is designed to execute different applications for the detection and processing of the measured values. Furthermore, the control device is designed to forward the acquired measurements to the executed applications. In this case, the control device provides the applications via an interface with measured values which were acquired by the measured value acquisition device of the data logger on which the application is executed. The control device can also provide the respective application via the same interface with those measured values that were acquired by other data loggers. For this purpose, the control device only has to retrieve these measured values from the other data loggers via the communication interface.

The present invention makes it possible to work out and process measured values recorded by a multiplicity of data loggers independently of the respective data logger which has acquired the measured values. In this case, each application that is executed in the data logger according to the invention has access to the acquired measured values of all further data loggers coupled to this data logger.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

In one embodiment, the measured value acquisition device has at least one analog interface and / or at least one CAN bus and / or FlexRay and / or LIN and / or MOST bus interface. This makes it possible to use the data logger according to the invention in a variety of applications with different requirements and communication methods.

In one embodiment, the data logger has a data memory which is designed to store the measured values acquired by the data logger and to provide them to the control device. This makes it possible not only to process the acquired measured values directly in the data logger and to transmit them via the communication interface, but also to be able to read out and process the acquired measured values from the memory even after the detection.

In one embodiment, the control device is designed to synchronize, via the communication interface, the acquisition of measured values by the measured value acquisition device of the data logger with the acquisition of measured values by the measured value acquisition devices of the further data loggers. This makes it possible to synchronize a large number of data loggers and to analyze the acquired measured values on a common time basis. This enables a very detailed analysis and summary of the measured values recorded by different data loggers.

In one embodiment, the communication interface is further configured to couple the data logger to a computer network. This allows data to be exchanged between data loggers and a computer, e.g. B. is operated by a development engineer to exchange.

In one embodiment, the communication interface is implemented as an Ethernet interface, as a fiber optic interface or the like.

In a further embodiment, the communication interface has two Ethernet interfaces, two fiber interfaces or the like. This makes it possible to connect the data loggers in the form of a chain. The bandwidth of the communication interface can be so be used more efficiently than with a single network interface.

In one embodiment, the control device is designed to receive control commands for the application from a computer of the computer network and forward it to the application. As a result, a remote control of the application by a user is possible.

In one embodiment, the control device is designed to receive an application from a computer of the computer network and to execute the received application. This makes it possible to play applications as required, which are adapted to a particular measurement task.

In one embodiment, the data acquisition network has at least one computing device, which is designed to retrieve measured values acquired by the data loggers and to provide them to an application executed in the computing device. In this case, in one embodiment, the computing device itself has no measured-value acquisition device. This makes it possible, for. For example, you can use highly specialized data loggers that specialize in acquiring the measured values and perform the evaluation of the acquired measured values in a computer with a very powerful processor.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention which have not been explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENTS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawings. It shows:

1 a block diagram of a first embodiment of a data logger according to the invention;

2 a flow diagram of a method according to the invention;

3 a block diagram of an embodiment of a data acquisition network according to the invention, which has a data logger according to the invention;

4 a block diagram of another embodiment of a data logger according to the invention.

The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

In the figures of the drawing are the same, functionally identical and same-acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - each provided with the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of a data logger according to the invention. The with reference number 1-1 designated dataloggers 1-1 has a measured value detection device 4 on that with a control device 6 is coupled. The control device 6 is again with a communication interface 5 coupled and leads an application 7 out, which via an interface 8th both readings 2 via the measured value acquisition device 4 of the data logger 1-1 were recorded, as well as readings 2 via the communication interface 5 from other data loggers 1-2 - 2-n queried, can be provided

the interface 8th abstracts the data access of the application to the measured values such that, from the point of view of the application, no difference can be detected, whether the measured values 2 from the measured value acquisition device 4 of the data logger 1-1 were detected or whether via the communication interface 5 from other data loggers 1-2 - 2-n were queried.

the interface 8th can z. B. as an API of an operating system, which on the control device 6 is installed and controls the execution of the application.

In one embodiment, the control device 6 also have an interpreter, which executes the application. In such an embodiment, the application is in such a way before, which can be interpreted by the interpreter. This makes it possible to execute an application that was once created as a bytecode on controllers with different processor architectures.

Basically, on all data loggers 1-2 - 2-n an application for recording the measured values 2 executed without further interpretation.

• – Einfacher Trigger: Erkennen und Markieren von Messwerten 2, die eine bestimmte Datenfolge enthalten;
• – Komplexer Trigger: Erkennen und Markieren von Ereignissen die durch bestimmte semantisch zusammenhängende Messwertefolge einer Schnittstelle und/oder mehrerer unterschiedlicher Schnittstellen ausgezeichnet sind;
• – Signalbasierte Datenaufzeichnung: Semantische Auswertung der Messwerte 2 eines oder verschiedener Bussysteme um „Signale” wie z. B. Geschwindigkeit zu extrahieren.

The application 7 can also perform at least one of the following calculations or analyzes of the measurements:

• - Simple trigger: recognize and mark measured values 2 containing a specific sequence of data;
• - Complex trigger: recognition and marking of events which are distinguished by certain semantically coherent measured value sequence of an interface and / or several different interfaces;
• - Signal-based data recording: Semantic evaluation of the measured values 2 one or more bus systems to "signals" such. B. to extract speed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data logger is 1-1 z. B. in a vehicle 3 installed and with the FlexRay bus of the vehicle 3 coupled. The application 7 is z. B. trained to the recorded readings 2 to analyze for the occurrence of a particular signal on the bus (eg the deployment signal of the airbag) and, when the signal occurs, the values z. B. the acceleration sensors of the vehicle 3 within the next second to check for a given maximum value.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to the evaluation of the arrow display of a navigation system which is sent via a CAN bus to a combination instrument. At the same time, in such an embodiment, voice instructions of the navigation system can be transmitted on the MOST bus. In an error case z. B. in the display instrument, an arrow are shown to the left but the audio output of the navigation system turn to the right. In order to detect this event, a data logger according to the invention can evaluate MOST audio data and record CAN data.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, the application is adapted to a so-called complex trigger for monitoring the acquired measured values 2 use. A complex trigger can be made up of conditions that are not just a single metric 2 affect. Rather, a complex trigger can provide conditions for a variety of readings 2 pretend that also from different data loggers 1-1 - 1-n and of different bus systems z. B. a vehicle to be analyzed 3 come.

2 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method according to the invention.

The method according to the invention sees in a first step S1 the acquisition of the measured values 2 in the vehicle 3 in front. In a second step S2, the data logger 1-1 with additional data loggers 1-2 - 1-n coupled in a data-communicative connection. In a third step S3 is the provision of the data logger 1-1 recorded measured values 2 via the data-communicative connection to the other data loggers 1-2 - 1-n and / or retrieving readings 2 from the other data loggers 1-2 - 1-n provided via the data-communicative connection. In a fourth step S4 at least one application 7 executed. Finally, in a step S5, those of the datalogger 1-1 recorded measured values 2 and those of the other data loggers 1-2 - 1-n recorded measured values 2 via a common interface 8th to the at least one application 7 regardless of which datalogger 1-1 - 1-n the respective measured values 2 provided.

The order or numbering of the above steps S1-S5 here is not a limitation of the actual processing order for the method but is merely illustrative. Rather, the individual steps can also vary.

In another, in 2 not shown embodiment is the storage of the data logger 1-1 - 1-n recorded measured values 2 intended.

In another, in 2 not shown embodiment is the timing synchronization of the detection of measured values 2 in the datalogger 1-1 with the acquisition of measured values 2 through the other data loggers 1-2 - 1-n intended.

In another, in 2 not, illustrated embodiment of the data logger 1-1 with a computer network 10 coupled.

In another embodiment, also not shown, control commands 11 for the application 7 from a computer 12 of the computer network 10 receive and the received control commands 11 to the application 7 forwarded.

In another embodiment, also not shown, is receiving an application 7 from a computer 12 of Computer network 10 and executing the received application 7 intended.

3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a data acquisition network according to the invention 13 , The data collection network 13 in 3 here has two dataloggers 1-1 and 1-n on that through a data network 14 connected to each other. To the data network 14 is also a computing device 15 connected via the data network 14 with the data loggers 1-1 and 1-n can communicate. Furthermore, of course, even more data loggers can be provided, which with three points between the data loggers 1-1 and 1-n indicated.

In one embodiment, the computing device is 15 as a powerful calculator 15 trained, over the data network 14 the recorded readings 2 from the data loggers 1-1 and 1-n queries and about the requested measured values 2 performs different calculations.

• – Klassierung: Statistische Auswertung von in den Messwerten 2 enthaltenen Signalen (z. B. Min/Max-Werte);
• – Auswertung der Gesamtheit aller Fahrzeugsignale ohne und mit Zeitdimension (Umsetzung über einen Skriptinterpreter);
• – Flottenmanagement: Ausführung einer Applikation die über eine schnurlose Schnittstelle mit einer Recheneinrichtung außerhalb des Fahrzeugs kommuniziert um alle aufgezeichneten Fahrzeugdaten zentral zu archivieren.

The computing device 15 In one embodiment, at least one of the following calculations or analyzes of the measurements may be performed:

• - Classification: Statistical evaluation of in the measured values 2 contained signals (eg Min / Max values);
• - Evaluation of the totality of all vehicle signals without and with time dimension (implementation via a script interpreter);
• - Fleet management: Execution of an application that communicates via a cordless interface with a computing device outside the vehicle to centrally archive all recorded vehicle data.

The computing device 15 In another embodiment, it may also be a complex trigger for monitoring the acquired measurements 2 deploy.

Furthermore, the computing device 15 z. B. also have a mass storage, which is designed to measured values 2 different bus systems by different data loggers 1-1 - 1-n be recorded, store centrally. In modern motor vehicles, the z. For example, if you have CAN buses, FlexRay buses, LIN buses, and MOST buses, the data volume per hour can be more than 500 megabytes. Therefore, it is beneficial to use these readings 2 centrally save, rather than each of the data loggers 1-1 - 1-n equipped with its own complex mass storage.

4 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of a data logger according to the invention 1-1 ,

The data logger 1-1 in 4 is in a data collection network 13 (not shown separately) integrated. This data collection network 13 has two more data loggers 1-2 and 1-3 on which over a data network 14 with the datalogger 1-1 and a computing device 15 are coupled.

Finally, the data loggers 1-1 - 1-3 , the computing device 15 and the data network 14 in a vehicle 3 , here in a car 3 , installed to in this vehicle 3 To record measured values.

The data logger 1-1 in 4 differs from the datalogger 1-1 out 1 furthermore a data memory 9 which is adapted to the acquired measured values 2 or at least to save part of it.

The data logger 1-1 in 4 is over a computer network 10 with a computer 12 coupled, which the data logger 1-1 commands 11 transmitted. These commands 11 can control commands 11 for the application 7 be on the datalogger 1-1 is being executed. For example, the control commands 11 the application 7 instruct measurements to the computer 12 via which these measured values can be displayed to a user. The control commands 11 can also be used to start, stop or pause the acquisition of readings 2 through the application 7 or the datalogger 1-1 serve. The control commands 11 but also parameters for the application 7 include.

In a further embodiment, the control device 6 from the computer 12 a new application 7 receive and execute this. In this way it becomes possible to create a new application 7 to use when the datalogger 1-1 already installed in a vehicle or the like.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but modifiable in a variety of ways. In particular, the invention can be varied or modified in many ways without deviating from the gist of the invention.

The term data logger is to be understood in the description and claims as a processor-controlled memory unit, although a data logger per se, of course, represents the preferred embodiment of such a processor-controlled memory unit.

In particular, the data logger according to the invention need not exclusively have the elements designated therein. Rather, the data logger may also include other elements and functional units.

Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the protocols and standards made above, which are intended to be illustrative only.

Finally, the figures given are only for understanding and are not intended to limit the invention to that effect.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1-1-1-n

data logger

2

readings

3

vehicle

4

Data acquisition device

5

Communication Interface

6

control device

7

application

8th

interface

9

data storage

10

Computer network

11

command

12

computer

13

Collection Network

14

Data network

15

computing device

Claims (15)

Datalogger ( 1-1 - 1-n ) for recording acquired measured values ( 2 ) in a vehicle ( 3 ), with a data acquisition device ( 4 ), which is designed to receive measured values ( 2 ) for a given parameter in or for a vehicle ( 3 ) capture; with a communication interface ( 5 ), which is adapted to the data logger ( 1-1 ) with at least one additional data logger ( 1-2 - 1-n ) to couple in data-communicative connection; with a common interface ( 8th ); with a control device ( 6 ), which is designed to - the acquired measured values ( 2 ) via the communication interface ( 5 ) the other data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) and / or via the communication interface ( 5 ) of further data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) of these, - at least one application ( 7 ) by the application ( 7 ) via the common interface ( 8th ) from the datalogger ( 1-1 ) and the other data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) independently of which data logger ( 1-1 - 1-n ) the respective measured values ( 2 ). Data logger according to claim 1, characterized in that the measured value acquisition device ( 4 ) has at least one analog interface and / or at least one CAN bus and / or FlexRay and / or LIN and / or MOST bus interface. Data logger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a data memory ( 9 ), which is adapted to the data logger ( 1-1 ) measured values ( 2 ) and the control device ( 6 ). Data logger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 6 ) has a synchronization device which is designed to communicate via the communication interface ( 5 ) by the measured value acquisition device ( 4 ) measured values ( 2 ) of the data logger ( 1-1 ) with the data acquisition devices ( 4 ) of the other data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) synchronize in time. Data logger according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication interface ( 5 ) is further adapted to the data logger ( 1-1 ) with an external computer network ( 10 ) to couple. Data logger according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device ( 6 ) is designed to generate control commands ( 11 ) for the application ( 7 ) from an external computer ( 12 ) of the computer network ( 10 ) and to the application ( 7 ) forward. Data logger according to one of the preceding claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the control device ( 6 ) is adapted from an external computer ( 12 ) of the computer network ( 10 ) another application ( 7 ) and the received further application ( 7 ). Data collection network ( 13 ) in or for a vehicle ( 3 ), with at least one data logger ( 1-1 - 1-n ) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and with a data network ( 14 ), which the data logger ( 1-1 - 1-n ) coupled together in a data-communicative connection. Data acquisition network according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one computing device ( 15 ) is provided, which is adapted from the data loggers ( 1-1 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) and this one in the Computing device ( 15 ) executed application ( 7 ). Motor vehicle, with a data acquisition network ( 13 ) according to one of claims 8 or 9 and / or with a data logger ( 1-1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7. Method for recording measured values ( 2 ) by means of a data logger ( 1-1 ), comprising the steps of: acquiring (S1) measured values ( 2 ) for a given parameter in the vehicle ( 3 ); Coupling (S2) of the data logger (S2) 1-1 ) in data-communicative connection with at least one further data logger ( 1-2 - 1-n ); Forwarding (S3) the acquired measured values ( 2 ) via the data-communicative connection to at least one other data logger ( 1-2 - 1-n ) and / or retrieval by means of the further data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) via the data communication link; Execute (S4) at least one application ( 7 ); Providing (S5) the data logger ( 1-1 ) and that of the other data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) to at least one application ( 7 ) via a common interface ( 8th ) regardless of which datalogger ( 1-1 - 1-n ) the respective measured values ( 2 ) were recorded. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the data logger ( 1-1 ) measured values ( 2 ) get saved. Method according to one of the preceding procedural claims, characterized in that the data logger ( 1-1 ) measured values ( 2 ) with the other data loggers ( 1-2 - 1-n ) measured values ( 2 ) are synchronized in time. Method according to one of the preceding method-related claims, characterized in that the data logger ( 1-1 ) with a computer network ( 10 ) is coupled. Method according to claim 14, characterized by: receiving control commands ( 11 ) for the application ( 7 ) from a computer ( 12 ) of the computer network ( 10 ) and forward the received control commands ( 11 ) to the application ( 7 ); and / or receiving an application ( 7 ) from a computer ( 12 ) of the computer network ( 10 ) and executing the received application ( 7 ).

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