EP2235837A2

EP2235837A2 - Method for transmitting data records

Info

Publication number: EP2235837A2
Application number: EP07857737A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kurt Hochleitner; Andreas Seiler
Original assignee: Siemens AG
Current assignee: Siemens AG
Priority date: 2007-12-18
Filing date: 2007-12-18
Publication date: 2010-10-06
Also published as: WO2009077007A2; CN101904106A; WO2009077007A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for transmitting data records (D1...n) between a central communication device (Z) and any number of terminals (X1...n). At least one data co-ordination device (E) ensuring the data transmission between the central communication device (Z) and the terminals (X1...n) is provided, said data co-ordination device receiving or forwarding data records (D1...n) transmitted over the first data transmission section (A) between the data co-ordination device (E) and the terminals (X1...n), and a second data transmission section (B) between the data co-ordination device (E) and the central communication device (Z), the first data transmission section (A) being part of a low-voltage network (PLC). According to the invention, priority steps (P1...n) are defined for the data records (D1...n) to be transmitted over the first data transmission section (A). A reference time span (T) is defined for the transmission of the data records (D1...n), and a determinable part (T1...n) of the reference time span (T), in which the first data transmission section (A) is provided for the transmission of data records (D1...n) corresponding to each priority step (P 1...n), is associated with the respective priority step (P1...n).

Description

description

Method for transmitting data records

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for transmitting data records between a central communication device and any number of terminals, wherein at least one of the data transmission between the central communication device and the terminals mediating data coordination means is provided, which on a lying between the data coordination means the terminals Data transmission section and one between the data coordination device and the central

The first data transmission section is part of a low-voltage network (PLC), according to the preamble of claim 1 and a system for carrying out the method according to the invention.

State of the art

Power line communications systems (PLC) use low-voltage networks that are available for power supply as a transmission medium for general data communication. They allow data rates of more than 2 Mbit / s and thus represent an alternative to the realization of broadband EDP networks.

A data transmission using a low-voltage network or an electrical installation network as a physical transmission medium has the advantage that it can be used on existing infrastructure and for the purpose of data transmission no additional power lines need to be relocated.

However, PLC networks are not designed for data transmission and are rather inadequate transmission media for data. The data transmitted in the form of RF signals is attenuated by consumers connected to the installation network as well as by the power lines themselves. Furthermore, data transmission via PLC networks is susceptible to failure and can only be guaranteed within a limited communication range of a few hundred meters in satisfactory quality. Compared to broadband networks, only comparatively low data transmission rates or high reaction and running times of the data to be transmitted can be realized by means of PLC networks. Also radiated RF signals of the PLC networks cause relatively high interference field strengths, which is why the frequency ranges and transmission levels permitted within PLC networks are limited by standards and guidelines. From this side too, the data transmission rate achievable in PLC networks is therefore limited.

In general, it can be said that PLC networks are characterized by high attenuation, variable impedance and unfavorable noise, as well as broadcasting and broadcasting

Compatibility issues caused reduction of each available data transfer rate. In addition, PLC networks are a multiple-terminal shared transmission medium with multiple taps, fuse boxes, and outlets, further reducing the available data transfer rate.

Above all, PLC networks are used to bridge the "load burden" of household connections and are linked to higher-level (eg broadband) communication networks. In particular, PLC networks are of interest for interrogating data from energy meters located in buildings, load switching devices or other terminals to read or to control these from a higher-level central communication device.

The data to be read from the terminals may be e.g. to deal with load profiles, meter readings, tariff data or parameter data.

But even in the opposite direction may be the need to supply the terminals with data from the central communication device, e.g. to perform updates, feature checks, or online debugging. Such to a terminal, e.g. updates supplied by an electricity meter may include, for example, an energy tariff model ordered by the respective terminal user.

As a mediator between the central communication device and the terminals, a data coordination device is used, which is usually arranged in a Verteiltransformatorstation. The data coordination device thus represents the interface of the PLC network to one or more higher-level communication networks.

Known low-voltage communication systems have not only insufficient stability but also poor flexibility with regard to the transmission of different data sets and cause multiple delays in data transmission. In many cases, commands or data records from the central communication device arrive faster in the data coordination device than they can be forwarded to the respective terminals since the first data transmission According to a standard record collection from the terminals is blocked.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose an alternative method for transmitting data records between a central communication device and any number of end consumers arranged in a low-voltage network, which has high stability against transmission disturbances and enables efficient transmission of data sets. In particular, it should be possible to prefer individual data records during their transmission on the first data transmission section or to handle their transmission at an accelerated rate.

Furthermore, it is to be made possible that the complete transmission of a first data record from a terminal to the data coordinator or vice versa does not have to be awaited until one or more further data records can be transmitted on the first data transmission section.

For example, it should be possible by means of the data coordination device to read out statistical data, such as tariff data and load profiles of an energy meter, essentially simultaneously from the terminal or the energy meter instead of one behind the other. It should also be possible to carry out a necessary online debugging, error checking or other important functions on the part of the central communication device in the terminal, while statistical data records are read out of the terminals or transmitted on the first data transmission section by default. According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a method having the features of claim 1.

A method for transmitting data records between a central communication device and any number of terminals, wherein at least one data transmission between the central communication device and the terminals mediating data coordination means is provided, which on a between the data coordination means and the terminals lying first data transmission section and a between The data coordination device and the second communication section located at the central communication device receive or forward transmitted data sets, wherein the first data transmission section located between the data coordination device and the terminal is part of a low-voltage network (PLC). According to the invention, the data sets to be transmitted on the first data transmission section Priority levels are defined, where for the transfer of Data sets is defined a reference period of time and each priority level is assigned a determinable portion of the reference period in which the first data transmission section is provided for the transmission of data sets of the respective priority level.

In other words, virtual data channels are defined in the form of priority levels in the low-voltage network between the data coordination device and the terminal, wherein a specific data transmission capacity is determined for each data channel or for each priority level, which is managed via an intelligent time management system. Depending on the importance of individual data sets, wherein the "importance" can be determined according to any desired criteria, respective data sets may be preferred over other data sets, ie, transmitted more quickly between the terminals and the data coordination device.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is made for the following method steps to be carried out before transmitting the data records on the first data transmission section located between the terminals and the data coordination device:

- Split the records into any number of data segments

- Linking each data segment to a segment identifier

- Transferring the data sets or the data segments from the terminals to the data coordinator or vice versa

Check whether the segment identifiers of successively received data segments have a prescribed order and preferably the subsequent request for missing data segments

Thus, by segmenting the records, a flexible and yet secure transmission thereof can be made possible. In particular, a usually time-consuming and error-prone readout of the data records from the terminals can be better controlled by the data coordination device.

Segmenting the data sets into data segments of smaller storage volume also allows data segments of different data sets to be transmitted alternately on the first data transfer section. In this way, a simultaneous treatment of different data possible. Although based on a single point in time, in each case only one terminal can be addressed or read in real by the data coordination device, in the case of an alternating transfer of data segments to or from different terminals, viewed over a period of time, the result is a simultaneous "processing". From this point on, it is no longer necessary to wait until a first data set between the terminal has been completely transferred by the data coordinator, in order then to be able to transfer to a second data set, but the data segments of the two data sets can alternate the first transmission section are transmitted, whereby the two data sets are virtually synchronous transferable.

For example, it may be provided that in the presence of a defined triggering event, e.g. in the event of an interruption or disruption of the transmission of a record or data segment between the first terminal and the

Data transmission means the transmission of the data set or data segment is interrupted from / to a first terminal and a transmission of one or more to that record or data segment of various other data sets or data segments is initiated.

The further data set (s) or data segment (s) to be transmitted can either be assigned to or originate from the same terminal or be intended for this, in order, for example, to be assigned to the same terminal. only read out particularly important record (s) from this terminal or to transfer to this.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, however, it is provided that the / the further data record (s) or data segment (s) to be transferred to a or are assigned to a plurality of other terminal (s) different from the first terminal or originate from or are intended for this purpose. If the data coordination device thus establishes a bad connection or an interruption of the connection to a respective terminal, time and transmission capacity will not continue to be wasted in order nevertheless to effect a data transmission with this particular terminal, but instead other terminals will be addressed, to which currently a satisfactory connection can be made.

In the case of the defined initiating event for initiating a further data record or data segment, in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the sequence of a respectively stipulated reference time span portion allocated to a priority level can also be involved. In this way, it can be stated that when the reference period component is utilized by a respective priority level or by the data segments / data segments transmitted on this priority level on the first data transmission section, transmission of further, e.g. less important records is initiated.

Also independently of an exhaustion of the reference time span component by a respective priority level or by the data sets / data segments transmitted on this priority level on the first data transmission section, it may be provided in a specific embodiment of the method according to the invention that the transmission of data sets or data segments is allowed on the first data transmission section at defined time intervals only for selected priority levels. In this case, after a defined time interval has elapsed, an automatic change of the transmission of data records or data segments of a respective priority level for the transmission of Data records or data segments of a different, different priority level. In this way, it is ensured that the data records or data segments of all priority levels are transmitted successively. By a higher temporal limit of the transmission of the records or

Data segments is carried out by means of the defined time intervals, can also be ensured that any emergency stop signals that are to be forwarded by the central communication device as quickly as possible to the terminals, not blocked by a long-lasting transmission of other data sets or data segments becomes. After the end of a respective time interval of e.g. It is thus possible to check, for 10 seconds, whether data records / data segments with a particularly high urgency or priority level are to be preferred to other standard data records / data segments transmitted for transmission on the first data transmission section.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the allocation of individual data records is responsible for a priority level or for a respective reference time span proportion of the data coordination device corresponding to the priority levels.

Although it would also be possible for the data coordination device to carry out an evaluation of the contents of the data records received from the terminals or from the central communication device and to allocate the priority levels or the reference period shares on the basis of this evaluation, then it is in the sense of rapid processing or processing ,

Forwarding the records in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provided that a deratige allocation on the basis of a priority level corresponding to the marking of the records is carried out, which already was created in the terminals or in the central communication device.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention relating to the data transmission on the second data transmission section lying between the data coordination device and the central communication device, it is provided that the following method steps are carried out before the data sets are transmitted: splitting the data sets into any desired number of data segments

- Linking each data segment to a segment identifier

- Transferring the data sets or the data segments from the data coordinator to the central communication device or from the central communication device to the data coordinator

- Check whether the segment identifiers of consecutively received data segments have a designated order.

For the data segments into which the data sets are divided, it can be e.g. to act on the same data segments, as they have already been created by the Engeräte in the manner described above. Preferably, the data segments transmitted by the terminals to the data coordination device are again combined to form complete data records, and a completely new division of these data records into data segments appropriate to the requirements or possibilities of the second data transmission section takes place.

By checking the segment identifiers of data segments transmitted at the second data transmission section with respect to their order, missing data segments can be requested immediately or at a later time. Preferably, it is provided that, in the case of a negative check or upon detection of received data segments with a segment code not corresponding to the intended sequence, a transmission of at least those data segments missing in the intended sequence is initiated. By not having to transfer entire data sets, valuable communication bandwidth can be saved or faster data transmission can take place.

Since the second data transmission section lying between the data coordination device and the central communication device is usually a radio link, which is susceptible to failure as such, a very effective data transmission between the data coordination device and the central communication device can be carried out by segmenting and checking the segment identifiers become.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that, after complete transmission from the terminal to the data coordination device or from the central communication device to the data coordination device in the data coordination device, each data record is preferably stored in a fail-safe manner and provided with a sequence identifier. This allows a fast and secure allocation of respective data sets, for example, to certain terminals. By temporarily storing the data records in the data coordination device, a corresponding data record can again be read out of the data coordination device in the case of a transmission disturbance on the second data transmission section lying between the data coordination device and the central communication device and does not need to be re-transmitted from the respective terminal on the data transmission device first transmission section (the low voltage network) are transmitted.

In the context of a memory space economization, it is provided in a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention that the central communication device performs a preferably set time feedback to the data coordinator, which has already been received on the second data transmission section data sets or data segments, said on pages the data coordination device all or part of these received data sets or data segments can be deleted.

Conversely, it is also possible that on the part of the data coordinator preferably takes place at fixed times feedback to the central communication device, which have been received on the second data transmission section data sets or data segments already received, on the part of the central

Communication device all or part of these received records or data segments can be deleted.

Claim 16 relates to a system for carrying out the above-described method according to the invention and comprises a processor-controlled data coordination device which is in data connection via a designed as a low-voltage network data transmission section with any number of terminals and via a preferably designed as a radio link first data transmission section with a central communication device , wherein on the data coordination means a program logic is installed, by means of which a method according to one of claims 1 to 15 can be carried out. In a preferred embodiment, the data coordination device is associated with a memory device on which data sets or data segments transmitted from the terminals and / or from the sides of the central communication device are buffered, wherein the

Memory device is preferably designed as a (voltage failure-proof) flash EEPROM memory card.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. Showing:

Fig.l is a schematic representation of an inventive

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a data set which is segmented according to the invention and assigned to a priority level, FIG. 3 shows a time slice according to the invention

Reference period T

Embodiment of the invention

In Fig.l a communication system according to the invention is shown, in which data sets Di ... _n between a central communication device Z and any number of terminals Xi ... _{n are} mutually transmitted.

Between the central communication device Z and the terminals Xi ... _n , a data coordination device E is provided for the data transmission, so that a first data transmission section A lying between the data coordination device E the terminals Xi ... _n and a between the data coordination device E and the central communication device Z lying second data transmission section B results. The communication between the data coordination device E and the central communication device Z on the second data transmission section B takes place, for example via radio or fiber optic cabling, while the communication between the data coordination device E and the terminals Xi ... _n on the first data transmission section A via a 230 V low-voltage network PLC, that is to say via physical lines already preinstalled for the power supply of respective households. It should be noted, however, that it is of course conceivable within the PLC network or the first data transmission section A also to provide data transmission interfaces, which work cable-free or with radio.

In the present embodiment, the central communication device Z is a server or a server network and the terminals Xi ... _n to load switching devices or energy meters, which collect statistical data on the power consumption of a household. _N particular load profiles (power values) and tariff data in the form of records Di _{... n} are collected from the terminals Xi .... Such records Di _{... n,} for example, can require a storage capacity of 5-10 kb, with an average data transmission bandwidth of approximately 3 kbit / s on the side of the first data transmission section A and the low-voltage network PLC relatively long waiting times would require wanted to transmit all records Di _{... n} in a row.

The data coordination device E is a processor-controlled system which, in addition to a transmitting / receiving unit including a modulator / demodulator for processing digital user data, is equipped with a voltage failure-proof memory device M, preferably in the form of a flash EEPROM memory card. According to the present application According to the invention, the data coordination device E is arranged in a distribution transformer station and thus forms the interface between the first data transmission section A or the PLC network and the second data transmission section B or a superordinate communication network.

In the data coordination device E, a program logic is installed which carries out the method according to the invention described below. According to FIG. 1, the data coordination device E acts as a master, while the terminals Xi ... _n act as slaves. The data coordination device E can in this case a plurality of terminals Xi _{... n} , for example, control several hundred or several thousand energy meters.

As shown schematically in Fig.l, the first data transmission section A is divided into a plurality of data transmission lines Ai ... _n, in which it is installed lines, each of the Datenkoordinationsein- direction E to one of the terminals Xi ... _n to lead. According to Fig.l are merely exemplary five terminals Xi, X2, X3, X4, X _n, together with respective associated data transmission lines Ai, A _2, A _3, A _4, A _n shown. If a data transmission on the first data transmission section A is mentioned below, it is understood that such a data transmission always takes place on the data transmission path Ai ... _n assigned to the respective terminals Xi... _N.

For the transmission of data sets D i _n on the first data transmission section A, a frequency band of 9-95 kHz is preferably used (according to EN 50065-1, a frequency band of 3-95 kHz is reserved for RUs). The first data transmission section A or the data transmission paths Ai... _N , shown in simplified form in FIG. 1, can in practice be any desired tree structure or an arbitrary number of distribution nodes and branches exhibit. Of course, the second communication section B facing the central communication device Z can also have any desired number of interfaces.

In the present field of application, in particular, a readout of the data records Di _{... n} collected in the terminals Xi ... _n or energy meters is of particular interest. For this purpose, the data sets Di ... _{n are} already fragmented on the side of the terminals Xi ... _n in each of data segments Si ... _r provided with segment identifiers Ni ... _n and transmitted in portions to the data coordination device E. In the event of a disruption or interruption of the data transmission on the first data transmission section A, the data segments Si ... _{n of} the data sets Di _{... n} that are not yet transmitted can be identified on the basis of their segment identifications Ni _{... n} and can be restored to a data connection to the data coordination device E be transmitted .

If a data record Di ... _{n was} completely transferred from the terminal Xi ... _n to the data coordination device E, this is temporarily stored in a memory device M of the data coordination device E and provided with a sequence identifier Qi ... _n . The memory device M in the present exemplary embodiment is a flash EEPROM

Memory card, preferably an SD (Secure Digital Memory Card) memory card.

The data sets Di _{... n} stored on the memory device M or the SD memory card can subsequently be forwarded via the second data transmission section B to the central communication device Z or queried by the latter as required. If data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _{n are lost} during a transmission on the second data transmission section B, these data sets Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n in a new transmission attempt so read directly from the memory device M of the data coordination device E and transmitted to the central communication device Z without again a data transfer request on the first data transmission section A and the relatively slow low-voltage network PLC to the terminals Xi ... _n must be made.

Conversely, data records Di ... _r addressed to respective terminals Xi... _N are also buffered by the central communication device Z to the data coordinator E in the memory device M of the data coordinator E, and a suitable time for further transmission of these data records Di. .. _n to the terminals Xi ... _n wait.

2 shows a schematic representation of an inventive segmented and a priority level Pi ... _n assigned data set Di, comprising four data segments S-S _4, which are each provided with a segment identifier Ni-N _4.

Although a data transmission on the first data transmission section A real can not take place simultaneously between a plurality of terminals Xi ... _n and the data coordination device E, but in each case only one data transmission path Ai ... _{n of} the first data transmission section A leading to a respective terminal Xi ... _n can be activated, according to the invention, a quasi-simultaneous transmission of different data records Di ... _{n is} simulated to allow a more flexible transmission of data sets Di _{... n} .

This is inventively achieved by releasing _n priority levels Pi ... _n are defined for the transmitting on the first data transmission section A to records Di ..., where for the transfer of data records Di ... _{n is} a reference time period T is defined as 60 minutes, for example. Each priority level Pi ... n is assigned a determinable portion Ti ... _n at this reference time period T, in which the first data transmission portion A is made available for transmission from the respective priority level Pi ... _n to corresponding data sets Di ... _n (see Fig.3).

The allocation of individual data sets Di _{... n} to respectively defined priority levels Pi ... _n is preferably carried out by the Datenkoordi- tionseinrichtung E itself, with such a

Allocation, for example, based on a priority levels Pi ... _n corresponding marking of the data sets Di ... _n takes place, which has already been created in the terminals Xi ... _n or in the central communication device Z.

A more or less large quantum of time in the form of a reference time periods moiety Ti ... _n is _n for each priority level Pi ... so provided. Within this reference time span component Ti... _N , as many data sets Di ... _{n as} are assigned to these priority levels Pi... _N are transmitted on the first data transmission section A. While records Di ... _n of a respective priority levels Pi ... _n are transmitted on the first data transmission section A, there are more records to be transferred Di ... _n a different priorities Pi ... _n tätsstufe in a waiting loop until the Reference period portion Ti ... _{n of} the former priority stage Pi ... _{n has} expired.

Since the data records D i _{n are} divided into data segments S i _n in the course of the method according to the invention, it is possible to

Data segments Si ... _n different data sets Di ... _n alternately in any order on the first data transmission section A to transfer. Thus, for example, if a defined initiating event is present, the transmission of a data set Di ... _n or data segment Si ... _n to / from a first terminal Xi is interrupted and a transmission of one or more to that dataset Di ... _n or data segment Si ... _{n of} various others

Datasets Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _{n are} introduced (where, however, the already transmitted records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _{n of} the first terminal Xi stored on the storage device M of the data coordination device E. stay.

The further data sets Di _{... n} to be transmitted or data segments Si ... _n can also be data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n , which differ from one or more to the first terminal Xi further terminal (s) X2 ... n come or are addressed to this.

In any case, it is now possible (as viewed over the period of a reference time period T) to transmit data sets Di ... _n from or to a plurality of terminals Xi ... _n simultaneously on the first data transmission section A.

So it is no longer necessary to wait for a complete readout of data stored on the first terminal Xi first set of data Di by the data coordination device E to read a second data sets D ₂ of a second terminal Xi or to be transferred to the first data transmission section A. In contrast, the first data Di can only partially and to an n-th data segment Si _n ... are transmitted to the data coordination device E and then a transfer to any number of data segments Si ... _n of the first in the second terminal X2 stored second Record D _{2 are} initiated. If such a change in the data transmission between the Datenkoordati- onseinrichtung E and several terminals Xi ... _n in short Time intervals, for example, made a few hundred milliseconds or a few seconds, resulting in a sense a simultaneous communication of the data coordination device E with a plurality of terminals Xi ... _n .

This makes it possible in the event of an interruption or failure of the transmission of a data record Di _n ... or data segment Si ... _n, the transmission of the data set Di ... _n between the first terminal and the data Xi or data segment coordination device E Si ... _n from / to the first terminal Xi to terminate and a transfer of one or more to that record Di _{... n} or data segment Si ... _n various other records Di ... _n or data segments Si .. . _n initiate. Depending on the existing known data transmission lines Ai _{... n} of the first Datenübertragungsab- section A data transmission qualities or even depending on the on the side of the terminal Xi ... so _n stored amounts of data may be scheduled in accordance with the part of the data coordination device E and a data transfer from / to selected terminals Xi ... _{n be} initiated.

Obviously, a plurality of a single terminal can Xi ... _n derived or to said terminal Xi ... _n adres ^¬ catalyzed records Di ... _n are transmitted "simultaneously" on the first data transmission section A in the manner described. In this way, For example, it is possible to transmit load profile data and tariff register data stored on a terminal X 1... _n substantially synchronously to the data coordination device E.

Instead of data transmission errors can be used as triggering event for making a communication exchange of data coordination device E, however, to other terminals Xi ... _n and the drain of a respective set, a priority level Pi ... _n allocated reference periods moiety Ti _{... n} may be provided. So can be about exhausting the Assigned reference period share Ti ... _n by a respective priority level Pi ... _n or by the transmitted at this priority level Pi ... _n data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n a transmission of further, eg less important records records Di ... _n and data segments Si ... _n be initiated.

In a preferred embodiment variant of the method according to the invention, however, it is also independent of an exhaustion of respective reference time span components Ti... _N by a respective priority stage Pi ... _n or by the priority on this priority stage Pi ... _n on the first Data transmission section A transferred records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n provided that after expiry of a defined time interval of, for example, 10 seconds, an automatic change of the transmission of data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n one respective priority level Pi ... _n for the transmission of data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n a different, further priority level Pi ... _n takes place.

In other words, the transmission of data sets Di _{... n} or data segments Si ... _n on the first data transmission section A is permitted at defined time intervals only for selected priority levels Pi ... _n , so that it is ensured that the data sets Di .. _n or data segments Si ... _n all priority levels Pi ... _n processed or transmitted on the first data transmission section A.

This also leads to the fact that transit times, by which those time periods are understood, which are respectively necessary for the transmission of a complete data record Di ... _n ), become predictable on the first data transmission section A. Even with the current transmission of a very large first data set Di, it can be ensured by the described rotating activation of the priority levels Pi ... _n , that also another data set D ₂ ... _n can be transmitted relatively quickly.

After the end of a respectively provided time interval of, for example, 10 seconds, it is thus checked whether data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n with a particularly high urgency or priority level Pi ... _n other standard transmitted data records Di .. _n or data segments Si ... _n are to be preferred for transmission on the first data transmission section A.

Of course, any number of priority levels Pi ... _{n can be defined} with arbitrarily large reference periods Ti _{... n} , wherein during the operation of the Datenkoordi- nationseinrichtung E as required also at any time additional priority levels Pi ... _{n in} addition to the already existing Priority levels Pi ... _n can be defined. It is also possible to remove or quit already defined priority levels Pi ... _n (forever or for a defined period of time). The priority levels pi ... _n are therefore freely parameterizable in every respect.

According to FIG. 3, about 12 different priority levels P i... _{N are} defined, wherein a division of the reference period T can be carried out, for example, by specifying a percentage (eg 20%) or in a unit of time (eg 12 min per hour). The priority levels pi ... _n do not necessarily have to form a hierarchy or be of different sizes, but may also be equal in terms of their reference-time period components Ti ... _n (with twelve equally important priority stages pi ... 12 and a reference period of time T of 1 h would thus result in a reference time period Ti ... _n of 5 minutes per priority level Pi ... 12) - After expiry of a reference time period T, the transmission of the priority levels Pi ... _n associated data records Di ... _n in the respectively provided, controlled by the data coordinator E sequence continued. If the circumstance arises that at individual priority levels Pi ... _n there are no data records to be transmitted Di ... _n available or they are not needed, so can the per se for the not required records Di _{... n} reserved reference periods - Shares Ti _{... n} for the transmission of records Di _{... n} other priority levels Pi ... _{n be} used. Here, it is possible that those priority levels Pi _{... n,} which were of such "missed" the benefit of other priority levels Pi ... n consumed reference periods Shares Ti ... _n be credited and data coordinator E a later preferred transmission of data sets Di ... _{n of} the initially omitted priority levels Pi ... _n caused.

In a data transfer lying on the dinationseinrichtung Datenkoor- between the E and the central communication device Z second data transfer section B concerned development of the method according to the invention it is provided that prior to transmitting the data sets Di _{... n} the following method steps are carried out:

- Divide the records Di ... _n in any number of data segments Si ... _n

- Linking each data segment Si ... _n with a segment identifier Ni _{... n} - transferring the records Di ... _n or the data segments Si ... _n from the data coordinator E to the central communication device Z or from the central communication device Z to the data coordination device E. Check whether the segment identifications Ni _{... n of} consecutively received data segments Si... _{N have} an intended sequence.

These data segments Si, _n , into which the data sets Di ... _{n are} divided, may be the same data segments Si, _n , as already described in the manner described above by the devices Xi ... n. _{n were} created. Preferably, ... _n of the terminals are applied to the Xi Datenkoordina- tion device E transmitted data segments Si ... _n, however again to complete data sets Di _{... n} assembled and there is a completely new, the requirements of the second (eg as a radio link trained) data transmission section B appropriate division of these data sets Di ... _n in data segments Si ... _n .

By checking the segment identifications Ni _{... n} of data segments Si ... _n transmitted at the second data transmission section B with respect to their sequence, missing data segments Si ... _{n can be sent} immediately or at a later time by the data coordination device E or by the central communication device Z be requested.

In the case of a negative check or if data segments Si ... _{n are detected} with a segment identifier Ni _{... N} not corresponding to the intended sequence, transmission of at least those data segments Si... _N missing in the intended sequence is initiated.

To save space, done by the central

Communication device Z a preferably at fixed times taking place feedback to the data coordinator E, which have been received on the second data transmission section B data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n already received, on the side of the data coordinate tion device E all or part of these received records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n can be deleted.

Vice versa is preferably carried out on the part of the Datenkoor- dinationseinrichtung E eg at fixed times transmitted feedback to the central communication device Z, which have been received on the second data transmission section B data records Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n already received, wherein on the part of the central communication device Z all or a part of these received data sets Di ... _n or data segments Si ... _n can be deleted.

In order to identify data sets Di ... _n or data segments Si... _N which have already been transmitted, that is to be deleted, the segment identifiers Ni... _N and / or the sequence identifiers Qi... _N and / or

Directory information and / or dates.

While data segments Si ... _{n of} different data sets Di ... _n are transmitted alternately on the first data transmission section A, individual data sets Di ... _n are preferably transmitted one after the other on the second data transmission section B or all data segments Si. .. _n a first data set Di transmitted, followed by a transfer of all data segments Si ... _n a second data set D _2, etc. Such successive transmission of records Di ... _n on the second data transmission section B allows easier disposition of the data sets Di _{... n} on the part of the central communication device Z, especially since it can communicate with several Datenko- ordinationseinrichtungen E simultaneously.

Claims

claims

1. A method for transmitting data records (Di _{... n} ) between a central communication device (Z) and any number of terminals (Xi ... _n ), wherein at least one of the data transmission between the central communication device (Z) and the terminals (Xi ... _n ) mediating data coordination device (E) is provided, which on a between the data coordination device (E) the terminals (Xi ... _n ) lying first data transmission section (A) and between the data coordination device (E) and the the second data transmission section (B) receives transmitted data sets (Di ... _n ), wherein the first data transmission section (A) is part of a low-voltage network (PLC), characterized in that for the on the first data transfer portion (A) records to be transferred (Di ... _n) levels of priority (P i ... _n) are defined, where f r the transfer of data records (Di ... _{n) is} a reference period of time (T) is defined and each priority level (Pi ... _{n) is} a specifiable proportion (Ti _{... n)} at the reference time period (T) is allocated, in which the first data transmission section (A) is made available for transmission from the respective priority level (Pi _{... n} ) to corresponding data sets (Di _{... n} ).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that prior to transmitting the data sets (Di ... _n ) on the lying between the terminals (Xi ... _n ) and the Datenko- ordinationseinrichtung (E) first data transmission section (A) following method steps be performed:

- dividing the data sets (Di _{... n} ) into any number of data segments (Si _{... n} )

- linking each data segment (Si ... _n ) with a segment identifier (Ni _{... n} ) - Transferring the data records (Di ... _n ) or the data segments

(Si ... _n ) from the terminals (Xi ... _n ) to the Datenkoordina ^¬ tion device (E) or vice versa

- Check if the segment identifiers (Ni ... _n) are successively received data segments (Di ... _n) have provided Rei ^¬ henfolge and, preferably, selected from recovering FEH ^¬ calendar data segments (Di ... _n)

3. The method according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that data segments (Si ... _n ) of different data sets (Di ... _n ) are transmitted alternately on the first data transmission section (A).

4. The method according to claim 3, dadurchgekenn - characterized in that in the presence of a defined tripping ^¬ send event the transmission of a data set (Di ... _n ) or data segment (Si ... _n ) from / to a first terminal (Xi) interrupted and a transfer of one or more to that data record (Di ... _n ) or data segment (Si ... _n ) of various other data sets (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... _n ) ^{eingelei ¬} tet becomes.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the / the further (s) to be transmitted (s) record (s) (Di ... _n ) or data segment (s) (Si ... _n ) one or more of first terminal (Xi) different other terminal (s) (X2 ... n) are assigned.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the defined triggering event is an interruption or disturbance of the transmission of a data record (Di ... _n ) or data segment (Si ... _n ) between the first Terminal (Xi) and the data coordination ^¬ device (E) acts.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that it is at the defined triggering event to the expiration of a respective set, a priority level (Pi ... _n ) assigned reference period share (T _x ... _n ) ,

8. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the transmission of data sets ^¬ (Di ... _n) and data segments (Si ... _n) on the first data transfer portion (A) at defined time intervals for selected Priority levels (Pi ... _n ) is allowed, wherein after expiration of a defined time interval ^{vorzugswei ¬} se an automatic change of the transmission of data sets (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... _n ) of a priority level (Pi .. _n .. . _n ) for transmitting data records (Di ... _n ) or Datenseg ^¬ ments (Si ... n) of a further priority level (Pi ... _n ) takes place.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an allocation of the Datensät- ze (Di ... _n ) to respective priority levels (Pi ... _n ) by the data coordinator (E) is made.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the allocation of the data sets (Di ... _n) to respective levels of priority (P i ... _n) on the basis of the Priori ^¬ tätsstufen (Pi ... _n) corresponding to identification of the data sets (D ), which has already been created in the terminals (X) or in the central communication facility (Z).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that prior to transmitting the records (Di ... _n ) on the between the data coordination device (E) and the central communication device (Z) lying second data transmission section (B), the following method steps are performed:

- Dividing the data sets (Di ... _n ) into any number of data segments (Si ... _n ) - Linking each data segment (Si ... _n ) with a segment identifier (Ni _{... n} )

- Transferring the data records (Di ... _n ) or the data segments

(Si ... n) from the data coordination device (E) to the central communication device (Z) or from the central communication device (Z) to the data coordination device (E)

- having an intended Rei ^¬ henfolge Check if the segment identifiers (Ni _{... n)} are successively received data segments (Si ... _n).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that in a negative check or when detecting data segments received (Si ... _n ) with a Segmentken- tion (Ni ... _n ) not according to the intended order, a transmission at least that in the provided sequence missing data segments (Si ... _n ) is caused.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each record (Di ... _n ) after complete transmission from the terminal (Xi ... _n ) to the data coordination device (E) or from the central communication device (Z) is buffered to the data coordinator (E) in the data coordinator (E) and provided with a sequence identifier (Qi ... _n ).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that on the part of the central communication device (Z) preferably takes place at fixed times feedback to the data coordinate Onseinrichtung (E) takes place, which on the second data transmission section (B) transmitted data sets (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... _n ) have already been received, wherein on the part of the data coordination device (E) all or part of this received data records (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... n) can be deleted.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, d a d u r c h e c e n e c e s in that a preferably to be determined by the Datenkoordi- tionseinrichtung (E)

Time-based feedback to the central communication device (Z) takes place, which data sets (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... _n ) transmitted via the second data transmission section (B) have already been received, wherein on the side of the central communication device ( Z) all or part of these received data records (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... n) can be deleted.

16. System comprising a processor-controlled Datenkoordati- onseinrichtung (E), which via a low-voltage network

(PLC) formed second data transmission section (B) with an arbitrary number of terminals (Xi ... _n ) and via a preferably designed as a radio link first data transmission section (A) with a central communication device (Z) in data connection, wherein on the

Data coordination device (E) a program logic is installed, by means of which a method according to any one of claims 1 to 15 is feasible.

17. System according to claim 16, characterized in that the data coordination device (E) is associated with a memory device (M) on which from the side of the terminals (Xi ... _n ) and / or from the side of the central communication device (Z) transmitted data sets (Di ... _n ) or data segments (Si ... _n ) are cached, where the memory device (M) is preferably designed as a flash EEPROM memory card.