FI118712B - Method of transferring data between terminal and central unit in mobile data collection system - Google Patents

Description

118712

METHOD FOR DATA TRANSFER BETWEEN A TERMINAL AND A CENTRAL UNIT IN A MOBILE DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for transferring information between a terminal and a central processing unit in a mobile data acquisition system. More specifically, the invention relates to such a method in a data acquisition system comprising a central processing unit and a plurality of terminal devices, and corresponding means and functions in the central processing unit and terminals for transmitting data over one or more mobile communications networks using multiple alternative data transmission methods and SMS) and packet data transmission (GPRS), in which the terminal is activated for data transmission to minimize power consumption for substantially short data transmission sessions.

The duration of the essential short communication session, including the activation of the communication means and functions and the sending and / or receiving of data, is typically from a few tens of seconds to a few minutes.

This kind of waste system can be applied, for example, to monitoring and collecting information on the work of mobile workers on different sites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to combine the data collection system and the mobile communication network terminal equipment to form a mobile data collection system. A mobile data collection system according to the above definition is disclosed, for example, in the Applicant's International Patent Application WO 2005081564.

• · · "f In the solution of this WO publication, the mobile unit of the mobile communication terminal in the m * ··· * network is maintained in a deep deep sleep mode and activated for data transmission for substantially short data transmission sessions by the central processing unit. This is to minimize the power consumption of the terminal * · .. *, while at the same time making the use of the terminal as simple as possible and implemented: extremely high reliability in the rigid system.

In data communication, the solution of the WO publication gives priority to transmission by SMS, e.g., y, · ', via the GSM Short Message Service (SMS). Options include, for example, · · 35 data calls in GSM networks and data transmission capabilities of advanced networks such as GPRS and UMTS.

2 118712 The GSM Short Message Service is suitable for sending and receiving small amounts of data. Using the SMS service, data can be sent in PDU messages of 160 x 7 bits = 1120 bits, and when more than that amount of data is sent, multiple messages are sent. The advantage of using this service is that there is no need to establish a connection between the sender and the recipient, since the SMS messages are waiting in the message center, where the recipient receives them as soon as they are available over the network. Text messages are usually billed a certain amount for each message. Data transmission by SMS can take advantage of low-cost transmission times or potentially advantageous contract terms. However, as a mobile data collection system, such as a job management system, expands and the amount of data to be transferred per terminal generally increases and the amount of data to be transferred at one time, the data transfer costs represent a significant portion of the system operating costs. Therefore, alternative means of data transmission should be considered.

In a GSM system data call, the data transfer rate is in the order of 6 kilobits per second, and data transmission is usually billed on the basis of the connection time. GSM-15 operators also offer a faster data switching service known as High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD). It increases the data transfer rate by bundling several simultaneous data connections. Also, the user of this service is usually billed based on the connection time.

The GPRS network and its services currently cover most of the 20 areas covered by the GSM network. In GPRS services, data transmission is packet switched, allowing packet exchange with external packet networks, such as the Internet. Data connection. . can be created from one point to another, or data can be transferred via SMS or email • · · * * *. It is essential for the user that the service is usually billed to stir- · «· * ·· | based on a limited amount of data. Prices for services may, for example, be such that transferring 25 · 1 bytes of GPRS over a GPRS network costs less than one text message, or 1120 bits of data via the GSM SMS service.

Mobile telecommunication services are constantly being developed. · · * Further development of GPRS is, for example, EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution)

operation and billing are similar to GPRS and the data transfer rate is considerably higher. Third Generation Mobile Communications Network UMTS

··· i., T! (Unrversal Mobile Telecom System) already operates alongside GMS in the largest:. *. cities. In this network, the data transfer rate continues to increase, and in particular, the connectivity delays ···] decrease.

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The object of the invention is to further improve the operation of the mobile data collection system of the invention and to make it economically as advantageous as possible.

To achieve this object, the method of the invention for transmitting data between a terminal and a central processing unit in a mobile data acquisition system comprising a central processing unit and a plurality of terminals, and respective processing means and functions for transmitting data over one or the method of activating a terminal for data transmission to minimize power consumption during substantially short data transmission sessions, characterized in that the use of alternative data transmission methods and services during data transmission sessions is controlled by the central processing unit by transmitting at least individual control data to the central processing unit.

The control is also based on ensuring the success of the data transfer.

In one embodiment of the method, the terminal is provided with a general instruction on the use of the communication methods and services during the communication session.

In another embodiment of the method, a specific instruction for a specified or a specified class 20 communication session is provided for the use of communication methods and services.

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·: ··: ·: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

7.1 w "" ··· ·> ·· The invention and certain embodiments thereof will be described in more detail below: 25 with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: ··· :: Figure 1 generally illustrates an example of a mobile data collection system according to the invention the solution can be implemented, '... Figure 2 shows in more detail an example of a mobile data collection system and possible data transmission options, and Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to the invention in general.

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:! ·. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The mobile data acquisition system of Figure 1 comprises a central processing unit 1 and terminals L1, L2, L3, ..., Ln for collecting data, for example, by reading the symbols T1, T2, ..., Tn and • · · * · * * 35 reporting their data to Central Unit 1 and further to the Data Collection and Service System * ... * System 5 (Figure 2) which utilizes said data. The data collection system may be, for example, a work management system in which the terminals used by the employees collect various information about the identifiers on the work sites and possibly combine other information with them. Reportable information may include identification of workstations, associated arrival and departure times, and information on supplies or materials upgrades or maintenance activities. Some data may need to be reported to the Central Unit immediately or with a short delay, while others may be collected at the terminal and reported at a later time. The terminal also receives, as appropriate, data from the central unit to control its operation and, in some cases, user instructions or other information.

The invention relates to the transmission of data between a terminal and a central processing unit in one or more mobile data acquisition systems having both the central processing unit and the terminals having corresponding means and functions for transferring data through a plurality of alternative data transmission services, e.g. In the preferred embodiment, the mobile communication components of the terminal are activated for data transmission to minimize power consumption for only essential low-frequency data transmission sessions, and most of the time, e.g. 98% or more, is completely inactive in deep sleep. In addition, the terminals are also controlled in the preferred embodiment by the individual control data transmitted by the central unit to the terminals, which sets, for example, the times at which the terminal must wake up the mobile communication parts during the communication session.

Figure 2 illustrates an example of data transfer methods and services with which information can be transmitted. . between the terminal Ln and the central processing unit 1. There are two partially over-the-top mobile communication networks: GSM 1 and GPRS 2. In addition, Internet 9 is available. Central unit 1 receives management, control, and other data from the database. · * ;;; 25 pins 4 and transmits data collected from the terminals to the data acquisition and service system 5.

The central unit 1 has a communication unit 6 which is directly connected to E by means of a connection E to the Internet 9 and to the mailbox 10 therein. The unit 6 further comprises: · · · · · · · and GPRS modems. As usual, the GSM network also includes a message center 8, which inter alia handles text messaging.

The terminal Ln also has a terminal 7 operating in both GSM and GPRS networks comprising the components and programs required in this application.

• There are four alternatives A, B, C and D between Ln and CPU 1. Option A establishes a direct data connection from Ln to CPU 1 via GPRS 3. 35 via GPRS network 3, the data is sent as e-mail to e-mail box 10, from where it is routed via the Internet connection E to the central unit 1. In option C, the information is sent to the 5118712 central unit 1 as a text message message center 8, from which the GSM modem of the central unit retrieves it in the usual manner (connection C1) or from which it is forwarded by e-mail to the central office mailbox 10 (connection C2). In alternative D, a direct data transmission connection is established in the GSM network from the GSM-5 modem of the terminal to the GSM modem of the central unit.

The following are examples of terminal control in a method according to the invention.

Several communication modes can be defined for the terminals, for example, INSTANT, PACKET, DAILY and WEEKLY. The central unit instructs the terminal to use the information transfer options in each mode of operation. Guidelines will be updated based on, for example, availability of data transfer options and services, changes in usage fees, and usage information such as session duration and cost information. Various instructions can be given to the terminal for using the communication modes. For example, the terminal 15 in use by the new employee whose activity is initially monitored more closely may be instructed to operate in INSTANT mode at all times. It may also be instructed to operate at specific time periods, for example during the day or week, in certain modes of operation. Another option is that the information to be read determines the mode by which it is transmitted from the terminal. Some of the information would then be immediately forwarded, some would go into PACKET buffer memory, and some would be in daily or weekly reporting 20 memory.

Thus, the purpose of the INSTANT mode of operation is that the resulting information, e.g. information read from the tea shall be transmitted without delay to the Central Unit. Therefore, the data transfer session is started, for example, 1 to 2 minutes after the data is generated. Because data is often transmitted in this mode «1 · * · 1 j, the terminal is instructed to use data transmission options, which aims to minimize both the duration and cost of data transmission sessions. For example, the instruction for the * 1 * ··· 1 terminal may be that the terminal attempts to send information by e-mail to option B for a short period of time and, if it fails, to send the data via SMS as an SMS. ! ...: option C. The purpose of this is to minimize the transmission of data by using a cheaper transmission method, and if it fails, the transmission of data and the saving of power consumption 30 are ensured by transmitting the data by another transmission method within the same session. The instruction then also takes into account the operating environment of the terminal. If the terminal is moving: -. # 1, where GPRS is mostly but not available everywhere, such is ··· · .1 · 1. the instruction will ensure that any information is transmitted during the short data transmission ···.

• · · * · [/ 35 The amount of data generated in PACKET mode is collected in an advantageous amount of data in the buffer • · 1 · · ''. When the buffer is full, a data transfer session is started and data is transmitted.

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For example, the buffer memory size may be 1024 bits corresponding to the maximum size of the SMS message. When the amount of data in the buffer memory exceeds that amount when the new data is added, the buffer is cleared before the data is added, and the data cleared therefrom is sent as a text message according to option C.

5 In the DAILY and WEEKLY modes of operation, a larger amount of data is collected either daily or weekly. Because of the greater amount of data that can be transferred at one time, the criteria for choosing this data transfer option are security, cost, and power consumption.

ίο Instructions for operating in DAILY or WEEKLY mode can be, for example: 1. Send the information at 3:00 AM by e-mail, using option B.

2A. If 1 failed data is up to 4 SMS messages, ie 4 x 1024 bits, then send the data as an SMS message during the same session, ie using option C.

2B. If 1 fails and there is more than 4 SMS messages, then end session 15 and try sending the message via email after hour, using option B.

3. If 2B does not work, establish a data connection in GPRS, use option A.

4. If 3 fails, then send the message as an SMS message during the same session, ie using option C.

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In the example above, the information is transmitted at a time of day when teaching. . the rotor offers the lowest prices and the CPU load is the lowest. Transfer costs • * · * * *, * are minimized by retrying the most economical transfer method if there is a lot of data. If less data is available, it will minimize power consumption and improve real-time through the transmission of data at a reasonable cost during the same session.

If the purpose is to receive data from the central processing unit at the same time, it may be instructed that the main unit try to establish a GPRS data connection for the session, that is, using option A, and * ... * unless after a short period of time, the terminal returns to sleep mode and resumes the session after a specified period of time over the GSM network, allowing data to be exchanged using option C. The CPU then finds that the session has not been successful over the GPRS network • t *, has sent its own data via SMS to the GSM network message center and the terminal: the device can send its own data to the central unit in the same way.

··· «. ·· *. One of the primary criteria for providing control data to terminals is the economic advantage of using data transmission options. It is again influenced by many factors. Can be • · · *; ] / 35 potential to take advantage of low-cost data transmission charges offered by operators, primarily to mobile phone users. It may also be possible to separately negotiate with one or more operators of data transmission and services used in the waste system. It is still possible that operators will develop new technological alternatives for mobile data transmission, which will also be more economical. The invention may vary within the scope of the appended claims.

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Claims (4)

A method for transmitting data between a terminal and a central unit in a mobile data acquisition system, comprising: a central unit (1) and several terminals (L1, .... Ln) and bed in the central unit and the terminals corresponding to means and functions (6,7) for transmitting data through one or more mobile communication networks (2, 3) using several alternative data transmission methods and services (A, B, C, Cl, C2, D), and in which method the terminal (Ln) is activated for data transfer for substantially short data transmission sessions to minimize power consumption, characterized in that the use of alternative data transfer methods and services during the data transfer sessions is controlled in the terminal (Ln) with individual control data transmitted by the central unit (LN) includes at least minimizing data transfer costs in addition to minimizing power consumption. 15 2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control grenades include further assurance of the progress of the data transfer. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the terminal (Ln) is given a general instruction on the use of the data transfer methods and services during the data transfer sessions. • · • * · • # Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a special instruction on the use of the data transfer methods and services is given for a data transfer session which belongs to a specific category (INSTANT, PACKET, DAILY, WEEKLY). • · • • a · • a a ·· «aaa a a a a aaa a aaa aaa aaa aaa a a a aaa a aa aaa a aa a aaa a a a aaa aaa a aaaa