WO2000060546A1

WO2000060546A1 - Device and method especially for the mobile data collection

Info

Publication number: WO2000060546A1
Application number: PCT/DE2000/000863
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Lang; Knut Adams
Original assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 1999-04-01
Filing date: 2000-03-20
Publication date: 2000-10-12
Also published as: DE19915097A1; EP1163645A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (MC) and to a method especially for the mobile data collection with at least one input interface (S1..S4) for supplying input data (I1..I4), especially data of a motor vehicle (F1..Fn), a machine etc. Said device is provided with a signal processing unit (16) that can be coupled with the input interface (S1..S4) and that is used to process the signals of the input data (I1..I4) supplied via the input interface(s) (I1..I4). It is further provided with an output interface (SA) for supplying output data (17) of the signal processing unit (16) to the transceiver device (5) for transmitting the output data (17) to a central unit (15). The aim of the invention is to provide a simplified means for the automated and systematic collection of data for the collection of process data, for issuing an alarm signal etc. To this end, the signal processing unit (16) is provided with means (A, L, D) for recording and evaluating determined input data (I1..I4) at determined times.

Description

description

Device and method for in particular mobile data acquisition

The invention relates to a device for in particular mobile data acquisition with at least one input interface for supplying input signals, in particular operating data of a vehicle, a machine, etc., with a signal processing device that can be coupled to the input interface for signal processing of the input signals supplied via the input interface.

The invention further relates to a method for in particular mobile data acquisition of input signals supplied via at least one input interface, in particular of operating data of a vehicle, a machine, etc. , in which the input interface is coupled to a signal processing device for signal processing of the input signals supplied via the input interface.

Such a device is used, for example, in vehicles, for example passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction machinery, agricultural machines, etc. Systematic operating data acquisition and monitoring of the vehicles is often desirable.

Such a device is known from GB 2,194,119 AI. The data acquisition device contains input sensors that record the status or certain security conditions. In addition, a signal processing device is provided that creates a status report that contains the identity and location of the data acquisition device and the respective operating data. A dialing device and a radio telephone are connected to the data acquisition device and transmit the status report to a remote station. The invention is based on the object of specifying a device and a method for, in particular, mobile data acquisition, which enables automated and systematic data acquisition and transmission of process data, alarm messages etc. in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by a device for in particular mobile data acquisition with at least one input interface for supplying input signals, in particular operating data of a vehicle, a machine, etc., with a signal processing device that can be coupled to the input interface for signal processing of the input signals supplied via the input interface (s) and for recording predeterminable data of the input signals at predefinable times and with an output interface for feeding output data of the signal processing device derived from the input signals in the signal processing device according to predefinable rules to a signal processing device for processing the output data to a transceiver unit which can be coupled to the device automatic and / or initiated transmission of the output data to a central office and / or to a predetermined recipient.

This object is achieved by a method for in particular mobile data acquisition of input signals supplied via at least one input interface, in particular operating data of a vehicle, a machine, etc., in which the input interface is coupled to a signal processing device for signal processing of the input signals supplied via the input interface, in which predefinable data of the input signals are recorded by the signal processing device at predeterminable times and output data are derived from the input signals in the signal processing device according to predefinable rules, which are sent to a signal processing device couplable transceiver unit can be forwarded automatically and / or on request to a central office and / or to a predetermined addressee.

The invention is based on the finding that systematic data acquisition can take place through the use of a mobile data acquisition device, in particular in the area of complex construction machines, construction vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles etc., which leads overall to higher availability of the respective vehicles etc. For this purpose, the input signals required for evaluation and diagnosis are fed to the data acquisition device via the input interface. In the signal processing device of the data acquisition device, these input data of the input signals are evaluated either during operation of the respective vehicle or even when the vehicle is at a standstill according to predetermined rules that are stored in the signal processing device and either automatically or on request, for example, to a control center via the transceiver unit a specific addressee or to the

Headquarters forwarded. The control center responsible, for example, for a specific fleet of vehicles hereby contains a comprehensive overview of the respective machine conditions and the measured values of the vehicles, as a result of which, for example, technical malfunctions relating to operational safety and availability of the respective vehicle can be recognized at an early stage. In addition, the respective service intervals can be optimized individually for each vehicle. The rules required for evaluating the respective input data are stored in the signal processing device and can each be individually adapted to the respective vehicle etc. and the respective individual operating conditions.

A simple and inexpensive way to project the data acquisition device can be achieved in that the device has at least one writable Has memory for storing an operating system of the device and / or the predefinable rules, the memory data intended for the memory being able to be loaded remotely via the transceiver unit.

Effective data processing by the signal processing device regardless of the respective data format of the input signals can be achieved in that the device has a data converter arranged between the input interface and the signal processing device, which is used to equalize the input signals supplied and to provide a uniform data format for the input interface (s). fed input signals is used.

An additional preparation of the input data with regard to the specific addresses can take place in such a way that the device has an address assignment unit which is provided between the data converter and the input interface (s) and which is provided for converting the source-specific addresses of the input signals to the address format of the data converter is.

Data recording and analysis similar to an oscilloscope can be made possible in that the signal processing device has a data analysis unit which is provided for recording selected input signals at predeterminable times, the recording rules being specified from the control center for short-term observation of information derived from the input signals. An energy-saving operation of the device, which is' of crucial importance in mobile use, can be achieved in that the device is installed in a motor-operated mobile vehicle and has a connecting device for connection to the supply voltage of the vehicle, that the device has means for Detection of at least a first operating state "generator of the supply voltage source in operation" and a second operating state "generator of the supply voltage source not in" Operation ", with the work of the data analysis unit being interrupted in the second operating state. Alarm monitoring and long-term data acquisition may continue to run.

User-friendly monitoring and targeted diagnosis based on the input signals that can be processed by the mobile data acquisition device, in particular in the sense of long-term evaluation, can be carried out in such a way that the signal processing device has a data processing unit for recording information data that can be derived from the input signals according to predefinable rules, and that the device has one has first memory for storing the rules of the data processing unit.

The power management of the data acquisition device is further improved in that the first memory has two memory areas, a first memory area the rules for the operating state “generator of the supply voltage source in operation” and a second memory area the rules for the operating state “generator of the supply voltage source not in operation ".

An alarm function of the data acquisition device can be generated in that the signal processing device has an alarm unit for monitoring information data that can be derived from the input signals according to predefinable alarm rules, and that the device has a second memory for storing the rules of the alarm unit.

Observation of the alarms in each case, for example for statistical evaluations, can be ensured in such a way that the device has an alarm archive for entering alarms that have occurred.

An observation of the inputs collected in the data acquisition device and which can also be queried via an online connection. Output signals and the information that can be derived therefrom are ensured in that the signal processing device has an observation unit for direct observation of input signals and / or of information data that can be derived from the input signals.

An additional intervention in the sense of operation and observation is achieved in that the observation unit as an operation and observation unit also for the direct operation of operating states coupled to the device

Vehicle has control signals that can be fed in via the input / output interface (s).

The possible uses of the data acquisition device and the processing of the input data can be enlarged or expanded further by the device being connectable to a GPS receiver.

Data acquisition can also be realized with multiple use of components in a particularly advantageous and cost-saving manner in that the device is integrated or coupled with a car radio receiver and / or in a car radio receiver / mobile phone device combination.

The invention is described and explained in more detail below on the basis of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures.

Show it:

1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an overall system for mobile data acquisition,

2 shows a representation of the rough structure of the data acquisition device, 3 shows a basic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a data acquisition device,

4 shows an overview of exemplary project planning data of a data acquisition device,

5 shows an example of a mask for setting rules of a data analysis unit.

1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an overall system for mobile data acquisition. The data acquisition system comprises vehicles FL.Fn of a vehicle fleet. The vehicles FL.Fn are each equipped with a data acquisition device MC, the data acquisition device MC and the interaction with other components of the respective vehicle FL.Fn being shown only on the basis of the vehicle Fl. The data acquisition device MC has input interfaces S1..S4, via which input signals II..14 from data sources Ql..Q4 are supplied. The first interface S1 is provided, for example, for processing input signals of a communication bus, as is used in vehicles as a so-called CAN bus (CAN = Controller Area Network). Operating data for engine temperature, water temperature, oil pressure, oil temperature, battery voltage etc. are transmitted via such a data bus. The second interface S2 is designed, for example, as a serial interface, for example for connecting a keyboard, etc., while the third interface S3 is provided, for example as a so-called "on board 1/0" interface, for example for connecting sensors, sensors, etc. The fourth interface S4 is used for the optional connection of a GPS module (GPS = Global Positioning System). The data acquisition device MC has an output interface SA which is connected to a transceiver unit 5, for example a GSM module (GSM = Global System for Mobile Communication) is coupled. The GSM module 5 is connected to a transceiver antenna 6. The driving Stuff Fl can establish a bidirectional data connection between the antenna 6 of the data acquisition device MC and an antenna 11 of a base station 10a .. 10 via a radio interface 9. The base stations 10a. 10n of a GSM mobile radio network N are connected to a network operator 13 of the mobile radio network N. The operator 13 of the mobile radio network N has a connection 14 to a control center 15. Alternatively or in addition, a further data connection as a mobile data connection 16 is possible via a further base station 17 between a receiver E and the operator 13 as a mobile data connection 12. A computer 20 with data processing device 22, monitor 21 and keyboard 23 is used, for example, as a human-machine interface for communication between central unit 15 and data acquisition device MC.

1 shows the embedding of the data acquisition device MC within a system for monitoring and diagnosing vehicles FL.Fn. Instead of the vehicles FL.Fn shown in FIG. 1, other mobile as well as stationary vehicles and machines, for example construction vehicles, cranes, containers, rail vehicles, etc., can also be integrated within such a system. As will be explained in detail in connection with FIG. 3, the data acquisition device MC records certain input signals I1..I4 over a longer period of time. For example, signals relating to the operational safety of the vehicle Fl. Fn, such as water temperature, oil temperature, cooling temperature of a refrigerated vehicle, etc., can be recorded at specific times in accordance with the rules stored in the data acquisition device MC. The signals recorded in this way can then be transmitted to the control center 15 and / or the receiver E via the output interface either at the request of the control center 15 or at the request of another receiver E via the output interface SA and the associated radio transceiver 5. In this way, an effective fault diagnosis can be carried out, for example, in the event of a fault in the vehicle FL.Fn. There is also the possibility ability to also record certain input signals I1..I4 in the data acquisition device MC over a short period of time, for example started or stopped by trigger events, and thus to obtain current machine and vehicle states based on a very current display and corresponding maintenance or repair measures etc. to initiate. The recording of signals over a short period of time can also take place, for example, in the form of a direct dialog connection between the control center 15 and the data acquisition device MC via an online connection in the form of the air interface 9. The rules in the data acquisition device MC can be designed in such a way that an automatic alarm message can also occur when certain disturbance events occur, for example limit value violations. On the basis of the location data supplied via the GPS data source Q4, the data acquisition device MC can also transmit location data to the control center. On the one hand, this results in theft monitoring and, on the other hand, a clear fleet management of the vehicles of a vehicle fleet FL.Fn to be recorded from the control center 15 can take place. In addition, a voice connection between the driver of the vehicle F1 and the central unit 15 is also possible via the radio link 9 between the central unit 15 and the vehicle F1, without a separate radio transceiver being required for this. In the event of an error, for example, a notebook etc. can also be connected on site via the interface S2, and the recorded signals can thus be evaluated on site for an error determination. An optimal representation of the information transmitted from the data acquisition device MC to the control center 15 is made possible in that a software package is installed in the computer device 22, which is based, for example, on the operating and monitoring system from Siemens WinCC or on operating systems such as Windows . This also optimizes administration, for example of incoming alarm messages. From the head office, special can also Information for the FL.Fn vehicles, for example traffic radio, data and / or order data, etc., can be transmitted on a vehicle-specific or fleet-specific basis. The rules in the data acquisition device MC for the acquisition and transmission of input signal data la..4a to the control center are stored in the data acquisition device MC in such a way that the rules can be downloaded from the control center 15 to the data acquisition device MC via the air interface 9.

FIG. 2 shows an overview of the rough structure of a data acquisition device, this structure also being explained in more detail in connection with the more detailed illustration of the principle of FIG. 3.

2 shows a basic illustration for the data acquisition and data processing of a data acquisition device MC. As has already been explained in principle in connection with FIG. 1, the data acquisition device MC has input interfaces S1..S4. The first interface S1 is designed, for example, as a CAN interface (CAN = Controller Area Network). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the second interface S2 is designed as a serial interface, for example for connecting a keyboard, while the third interface S3 is designed as a so-called onboard input-output interface, for example for connecting sensors, sensors, etc. The fourth interface S4 is used to connect the data of a GPS module (GPS = Global Positioning System). The input signals I1..I4 supplied via the interfaces S1..S4 are forwarded to a signal processing device 1 via an address assignment unit AZ and a data converter EA. The signal processing device 1 has an output interface SA, via which the output signals 18 are forwarded to a communication driver KT, for example a GSM driver. The signal processing device 16 contains means A, L, D, M for recording and moni Toring of predefinable input signals II..14 at predefinable times. The means L, A, D, M consist in particular of a data analysis unit D which is provided for recording selected input signals I1..I4 at predeterminable times, the specification of the recording rules from the control center for short-term monitoring of the input signals la. .4a derivable information takes place. The corresponding rules are stored in a data analyzer rule interpreter DR. A connection D1 enables the rules stored in the memory DR to be downloaded via the output interface SA. The data signals d determined using the data analysis unit D are recorded using the recording device DA and a data buffer DP. The data processing unit L is constructed in a similar manner. The data processing unit L also contains a memory LR for storing the rules for recording the input signals 1 to be processed using the data processing unit L. In addition, a preprocessing unit LV, a data recording unit LA and a data buffer LP are provided. Further processing units of the signal processing device 16 are the alarm unit A for monitoring information data which can be derived from the input signals la..4a according to predefinable alarm rules. The alarm unit A consists of a memory AR for storing the alarm monitoring rules. The alarms are monitored by evaluating the alarm signals a supplied to the alarm unit, which are forwarded to an alarm monitoring unit AÜ and an alarm archive AA.

The mode of operation of the mobile data acquisition device shown in FIG. 2 is to be explained in more detail below on the basis of the respective function blocks. The address allocation unit AZ is formed from address allocation tables, which are the conversion between source-specific addresses and the

Make the input image of the EA data converter. Depending on the source, depending on the type of input signals I1..I4 the address assignment tables of the address assignment unit AZ are also structured differently. However, they all have in common the specification of format (bit, byte, word ...), address in the respective input / output image of the data converter EA, bit offset for bit types and length, if applicable. For space-saving addressing, the EA data converter is separated into data format areas in which the data received from the various sources is entered as an input image. The tasks of the data converter EA are the equalization between the asynchronous delivery of the data by the

Sources and the evaluation by the downstream signal processing device 1. Another task is that the data converter EA provides the data with a uniform interface regardless of the source with a uniform data format. Central element of the

Long-term data acquisition and data monitoring form the data analysis unit D, which is also referred to below as a data analyzer. The data analysis unit D works in a similar way to an oscilloscope, ie individually selected signals are recorded at defined times. The recording can be started or stopped using the DR recording rules. In contrast to the data processing unit L, the data analysis unit D is used for short-term monitoring of current events. The corresponding rules DR for this short-time monitoring are therefore selected so that the recording of the data signals with the aid of the recording unit DA takes place only in an operating state "generator of the supply voltage source of the vehicle in operation" or "ignition ON". This ensures that the battery voltage of the vehicle in which the data acquisition device MC is arranged will not be unnecessarily loaded. With the help of the data connection D1 it is shown that the rules of the data analysis unit D are transferred from a control center to the data acquisition device MC at runtime. An example mask for setting the recording rules of the data analysis unit D is shown in FIG. 5, for example. The functionality of the data processing unit L essentially corresponds to the functionality of the data analysis unit D. In contrast to. Data analysis unit D is used by data processing unit L to record data over a longer period of time in accordance with the specified rules LR. Such rules can be, for example: averaging, maximum value formation, minimum value formation. The rules LR can be stored by a central in a corresponding parameter / configuration area. In the case of the data processing unit L, too, two control areas are provided, namely one for the normal and one for the so-called power-safe operating state. The power safe operating state identifies the operating state "generator of the supply voltage source not in operation", which generally corresponds to the operating state motor OFF. The data preprocessing unit LV is used for preprocessing (summation, min. / Max. Value formation) of the events sampled in the corresponding recording grid.

The alarm notification system A essentially consists of two parts: the alarm archive AA and the alarm monitoring AÜ. The alarm system A monitors signals from the input image of the data converter EA and generates alarm messages. The alarm monitoring AÜ checks the input image for events requiring notification in accordance with the alarm monitoring rules AR. If an alarm situation is detected, a corresponding alarm message is entered in the alarm archive AA. The alarm monitoring rules AR determine when an alarm must be marked as coming or going. An alarm message can be forwarded, for example, via the GSM driver and a radio transmitter unit coupled to it as a so-called SMS message (SMS = Short Message Service) to the head office or to a predetermined recipient (see FIG. 1). Acknowledgment of the alarms that have occurred is also monitored via the alarm signaling system. ", _. _» ,, _ ,, O 00/60546

14 Another element of the signal processing device 16 is the so-called data monitoring unit M, which enables values to be observed online via a control center.

The output interface SA is designed as a so-called data request interface and forms a neutral interface between the functionalities of the data acquisition device MC and the communication driver for the so-called operating station, for example for the corresponding operating and monitoring system of a control center. The communication driver KT manages the downstream communication medium, for example a WinCC operator control and monitoring system, and converts the addressing specific to the respective operator control and monitoring system to the output interface SA.

4 shows an overview of exemplary configuration data of a data acquisition device. The configuration database DB contains the configuration data required for the entire system. The databases DB1, DB2, .. required for the individual components are generated from this database. The first database DB1 contains the configuration data required for the data acquisition unit. The databases Ql..Qn of the data sources set the behavior of the data sources. The alarm system A defines the rules for alarm monitoring. The databases LR1, LR2 define the recording rules for the data processing unit L (cf. FIG. 3). Furthermore, in the case of the database (not shown in FIG. 4), a classification unit K can be provided, which defines classification rules of a classification unit K. The task of the classification unit K is to evaluate a signal over a longer period of time. The state of the signal is assigned to configurable classes. For example, a signal can be divided into 10 classes. For example, if the signal has a value range of 0 ... 999 and 10 equally large classes are configured, each class contains a value range of 100. The first class represents the Range from 0 ... 99, the second from 100 ... 199 etc. The result is then: signal for 140 s in class 1, for 20 s in class 2 etc. The second database DB2, which is managed at the headquarters is concerned, the alarm archive AA and a symbol management which serves symbol management required in connection with the data analysis unit D, the data processing unit L, the classification unit K and the data monitoring unit M.

The project planning database DB can be created in a simple manner, for example in the form of Excel tables or with a graphic project planning tool. At least certain parts of the configuration database DB can contain data that can be reloaded from the central office and can thus be adapted to new monitoring models etc.

5 shows an exemplary input mask for creating rules of a data analysis unit. The input mask M contains a first input field EF1 for specifying the input signals to be recorded as well as a second input field

EF2 for specifying the respective recording rules. The signals to be recorded in each case are specified in the first input field EF1: oil pressure, speed, water temperature and, in addition, the time grid for recording the signals. The second input field EF2 is used to specify the respective recording rules, for example, a recording is required for the speed if the value is greater than 50.

In summary, the invention thus relates to a device MC and a method for in particular mobile data acquisition with at least one input interface S1..S4 for supplying input data I1..I4, in particular data of a vehicle FL.Fn, a machine etc., with one with the Input interface parts S1..S4 that can be coupled to signal processing device 16 for signal processing of the data supplied via the input interface S1..S4 and with an output gear interface SA for supplying output data 17 of the signal processing device 16 to a transmission device 5 for transmitting the output data 17 to a control center 15. Automated and systematic data acquisition for process data acquisition, alarm reporting etc. can be achieved in a simple manner by the signal processing apparatus 16 having means A, L, D for recording and evaluating predeterminable input data I1..I4 at predeterminable times.

Claims

claims

1. Device (MC) for in particular mobile data acquisition with at least one input interface (S1..S4) for supplying input signals (I1..I4), in particular operating data of a vehicle (FL.Fn), a machine etc. with a signal processing device (1) which can be coupled to the input interface (SL.Sn) for signal processing of the input signals (I1..S4) supplied via the input interface (s) (S1..S4) and for recording specifiable signals

Data of the input signals (I1..I4) at predeterminable times and with an output interface (SA) for feeding in derived from the input signals (I1..I4) in the signal processing device (1) according to predefinable rules (LR, AR, DR) Output data (17) from the signal processing device (1) to a transceiver (5) for automatic and / or on request transmission of the output data (18) to a control center (15) and / or to a predetermined receiver (E).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (MC) has at least one writable memory (AR, DR,, LR) for storing an operating system of the device (MC) and / or the predefinable rules (LR, AR, DR) These can be loaded remotely via the transceiver unit (5).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the device (MC) has a between the input interface (Sl, S2, S3, S4) and signal processing device (1) arranged data converter (EA) which is used for equalization of the input signals ( I1..I4) and to provide a uniform data format for the input signals (II..14) supplied via the input interface (s) (S1..S4).

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the device (MC) between the data converter (EA) and input interface (s) (S1..S4) provided address assignment unit (AZ) for implementation the source-specific addresses of the input signals (I1..I4) to the address format of the data converter (EA) is provided.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the signal processing device (16) has a data analysis unit (D) which is provided for recording selected input signals (I1..I4) at predeterminable times, the specification of recording rules from from the center (15) for short-term observation of information that can be derived from the input signals.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the device (MC) in a motor (3) operated mobile vehicle (FL.Fn) is installed and a connecting device for connection to the supply voltage of the vehicle (FL.Fn ) has that the device (MC) has means for detecting at least a first operating state "generator of the supply voltage source (B) in operation" and a second operating state "generator of the supply voltage source not in operation", in the second operating state an interruption of work the data analysis unit (D).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the signal processing device (16) has a data processing unit (L) for recording information data derived from the input signals according to predetermined rules, that the device (MC) has a first memory (LR ) for storing the rules of the data processing unit (L).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first memory (LR) has two memory areas, a first memory area the rules for the operating state "generator of the supply voltage source in operation" and a second memory area the rules for the operating state "generator of the supply voltage source not in operation" contains.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the signal processing device (16) is an alarm unit

(A) for monitoring information data that can be derived from the input signals (II..14) according to predefinable alarm rules, that the device (MC) has a second memory

(AR) for storing the rules of the alarm unit (A).

10. The device according to one of claims 1 to 9, that the device (MC) has an alarm archive (AA) for entering alarms that have occurred.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the signal processing device (1) has an observation unit (DM) for direct observation of input signals (la..4a) and / or from the input signals (I1..I4) derivable information data.

12. The device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the center has an operating and monitoring system, which also for the direct operation of operating states with the device coupled vehicle (FL.Fn) via control signals (II..14) is provided.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, that the device (MC) can be coupled to a GPS receiver.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, that the device (MC) is integrated in a car radio receiver and / or in a car radio receiver / mobile phone combination.

15. Method for, in particular, mobile data acquisition of input signals (I1..I4) supplied via at least one input interface (SL.Sn), in particular of operating data of a vehicle (FL.Fn), a machine, etc., in which the input interface (SL .Sn) is coupled to a signal processing device (1) for signal processing of the input signals (S1..S4) supplied via the input interface (S1..S4), in which predefinable data of the input signals (S1..S4) can be predefined Points of time recorded by the signal processing device (1) and output data (18) derived from the input signals (S1..S4) in the signal processing device (1) according to predefinable rules, which are automatically sent to and / or sent to a transceiver unit (5) Request to a center (15) and / or to a predetermined addressee (E) are forwarded.