Central communication unit of a motor vehicle

Translation of description of equivalent WO 2015104095 A1

0001Central communication unit of a motor vehicle

0002The present invention relates to a central communication unit of a

0003Motor vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a central

0004Communication unit of a motor vehicle having a plurality of connection modules to establish a wireless data connection between the motor vehicle and at least one outside of the motor vehicle located transmitting / receiving device. In conventional motor vehicles, the communication between the so-called on-board components in the motor vehicle with communication partners outside of the motor vehicle by means of a communication unit TCB (Telematic

0005Communication Box) realized. Meanwhile, there are in motor vehicles, a plurality of devices or on-board components that require a data connection in use, such as an Internet radio, navigation system with

0006Internet connection, information systems for loading messages, etc., and rescue systems that automatically make an emergency call in an accident. For each on-board component, a separate communication unit is needed. This causes considerable manufacturing costs and the number of

0007Communication units is due to the small space available in a

0008limited motor vehicle, so that any number of communication units can not be provided, and many on-board components can be provided with a wireless connection is not arbitrary.

0009Therefore, a central communication unit ATM was (Advanced

0010Telecommunication modules) developed. This central communication unit includes a plurality of connection modules, which can establish a wireless connection according to a specific wireless standard, respectively. This includes, for example, cellular systems (3G, 4G), as well as local radio-based networks (IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16). Thereby, the central communication unit to establish a radio link with different standards and possibly even several parallel establish radio communications on different radio channels. With the central communication module can thus a data connection are established and maintained, even when different types of wireless networks to

0011different positions of the vehicle are during a drive available, the data connection is maintained simultaneously or sequentially over different radio channels with different radio standards. This may automatically the optimum radio channel between the

0012Motor vehicle and located a outside the motor vehicle

0013be the communication partner selected. The central communication module distributes the available data rate of the radio links or the radio channels to the individual on-board components.

0014In simple central communication units only one, running on an on-board component application or application can each access the data link between the central communication unit and the external communication partner. There are also central communication units in which multiple applications or applications can communicate via the central communication unit quasi-simultaneously. Here, the data are forwarded without using a prioritization mechanism, for example, according to the FIFO principle (First-In-First-Out), said, to data packets

0015Messages and / or is applied to the entire data connection of the respective application.

0016In the conventional solution with several separate communication units can all on-board components to which a communication unit is assigned, receive separately a radio link. The manufacturing and

0017However, data transfer costs for a plurality of communication units are considerable. The number of the communication units is limited by the limited installation space. In addition to the plurality of

0018simple form of communication units relative, so that each

0019Communication unit at least one radio link or a connection via a radio channel for a particular wireless standard (eg WLAN, GSM,

00203G / UMTS, 4G / LTE) can produce. When being developed solution by means of a central

0021Communication unit has the advantage that the wireless connection is automatically switched to the best and / or cheapest available wireless network, so that an optimal data connection. but want more

0022use applications simultaneously a data connection, then there is a

0023Problem that the individual applications can block each other.

0024In particular, applications that want to transfer a large amount of data, applications that want to transfer only a small amount of data, affecting so strong that the applications with low data volume practically does not work. This is especially critical if the applications are important applications with a small amount of data for the vehicle driver, such as the transmission of traffic messages or the dismissal of an emergency call. If these are affected by downloading music or a movie, then that is significantly detrimental to the vehicle driver. The invention is therefore based on the object, a central

0025to enhance communication unit of a motor vehicle such that multiple applications on one or more radio channels with external simultaneously

0026can communicate communication partners efficiently and securely.

0027The object is achieved by the independent claims. Advantageous refinements are specified in the respective dependent claims.

0028includes an inventive central communication unit of a motor vehicle

0029a plurality of connecting modules to establish a wireless data connection between the motor vehicle and at least one outside of the motor vehicle located transmitting / receiving device,

0030a connection manager module for controlling the connection modules to a suitable data connection between the motor vehicle and the at least provide a transmitting / receiving device,

0031a data network to connect multiple devices within the motor vehicle, wherein a plurality of executable applications on the devices each have a can take data connection via the central communication unit for transmitting / receiving device.

0032The central communication unit is characterized by a

0033Communication organization module that is designed such that the available external interconnection capacity between the central communication unit and the at least actively distributed a transmitting / receiving device according to predetermined criteria to the individual active data connections of applications.

0034The available external interconnection capacities are the

0035Interconnection capacity of the individual radio channels, with the

0036Link capacity of a radio channel basically results from the bandwidth or data rate of the radio channel. Other parameters such as the error rate or the latency can be included in the determination of the link capacity of each radio channel. A radio channel is a radio link of one or more vehicles through a particular frequency of a radio system with a transmitting / receiving device located outside the motor vehicle, that is, the connection capacity of the radio channel is divided to the plurality of motor vehicles. The division is based on the time-division multiplex method. The distribution of the external connection capacities can also be done by assigning specific radio channels to specific data connections (frequency division multiplexing).

0037It is also possible to divide the external connection capacity to carry out with a combined time and frequency division multiplexing. By providing the communication module organization, it is possible that two or more applications use in each case one data connection via the central communication unit at the same time, the

0038Communication organization module according to predetermined criteria, especially their need for link capacity and / or a priority of the data connection, the connection capacity distributed or assigns.

0039In a preferred embodiment, the central communication unit to a connection register in which the data connections are registered with their current properties or parameters.

0040In connection registers are next to a Identifikationsbezeichner for

0041Data connection in particular one or more of the following parameters of the data connection, or the radio channel stored:

0042- Assignment of a radio channel to the respective data connection, that is entry of an identification identifier for the radio channel;

0043- The data connection associated bandwidth or data rate of the radio channel, ie the amount of data rate, the data connection of the entire data rate of each radio channel used;

0044- Current bandwidth or data rate of the radio channel; - Current error rate of the radio channel;

0045- Current latency of the radio channel;

0046- Data transfer costs of the radio channel.

0047Using the connection register is or a data connection through the communication module organization, one or more radio channels are allocated, ie a logical connection is one or a plurality of physical links allocated.

0048In connection tab the same radio channels different

0049be associated with data connections.

0050By providing the connection register in the central

0051Communication unit, the individual data connections

0052Communication module organization known, so that the individual Data connections can be monitored specifically by the communication module organization, so this the changes

0053Interconnection capacity of the radio channels can react during the data transmission. The information about the connection capacity is about

0054Connection Module Manager provided, said the corresponding

0055Information (bandwidth or data rate, error rate, latency,

0056Data transmission costs) of each radio channel in the link register periodically updated. Preferably, the central communication unit has an application profile tab, where the requirements and parameters of the applications are registered and which in addition to a Identifikationsbezeichner for this application includes one or more of the following parameters:

0057- Assignment of a data connection to the particular application; - Current bandwidth or data rate that is available to the application and granted her;

0058- Application class, with applications in several categories, such as emergency (Class 1), traffic information (class 2), calls VoIP and streaming (Class 3), and FTP applications and web pages (class 4) are divided; - Priority for a data connection over a certain radio channel;

0059- Minimum data rate at which transmits the application via a data link;

0060- Maximum data rate at which transmits the application via a data link;

0061- Maximum error rate of the data connection;

0062- Maximum latency the data connection. By the provision of the application profile register in the central

0063Communication unit, the individual applications, the data on each one transmitted data connection, known in the communications organization module, so that the data transmissions of the individual applications of the

0064Communication organization module can be specifically monitored.

0065With the help of comparisons of stored in the application profile registry parameters with the parameters of the connection register, the

0066identify communication organization module before or during data transmission if the available link capacity of the data connection for the needs of the application is sufficient and decide during a data transfer, whether and how to changed

0067Interconnection capacity responds.

0068In motor vehicles is between two different types of application, static applications that can not adapt their bandwidth requirements, and dynamic applications that can adapt their bandwidth requirements, differentiated. In order for the communication organization module can recognize which type of application (static or dynamic) is present an application, the application profile register preferably has an entry for the minimum data rate and an entry to the maximum data rate, which transmits an application on. A static application submitted in a request for a data connection for both items the same value or, alternatively, a single value that is entered in both entries, while a dynamic application two

0069different values ​​transmitted representing the minimum and the maximum data rate of the application and which are registered accordingly. Using these messages, the communication organization module can thus distinguish between dynamic and static applications Applications. Through this distinction the communication module organization can adapt its response to a change in the interconnection capacity to the respective possibilities of the respective application.

0070With the communications module the organization QoS (Quality of Service) can monitor the data connections of the individual dynamic applications and, if necessary, be actively engaged by a particular data link or a dynamic application more and one or more other data connections or dynamic applications less

0071Link capacity is assigned.

0072The communication module may organization in the Transmission of

0073intervention data connection and the respective dynamic application notify the maximum achievable and the available link capacity of the data connections of one or more and the dynamic application can adapt the application modes based on this information. For example, a dynamic application, the resolution or codec when transmitting

0074Change video streams or video files to bring the connection capacity required in accordance with the available connection capacity.

0075A dynamic application may be requested by the Communications organization module to an increase or a reduction of data capacity, to a complete abolition of a particular data link. The communication module organization can fully cancel a particular data link to a dynamic or static application and / or the corresponding applications send a request to terminate the communication, so that they give up their respective data connection. The latter, by a message corresponding to the application to the

0076Communication organization module be confirmed.

0077The liberated by repealing or by closing the communication link capacity can be allocated by the communication organization module one or more other data connections or applications. Both of these registers may alternatively be merged into a register within the central communication unit.

0078Since a m between the radio channels and the data connections to many relationship exists, the association between the two can also by another register, for example, by an assignment register, happen. The plurality of connection modules are designed for the production of radio links or connections via radio channels in radio systems according to different standards. These standards are particularly WiFi, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G / UMTS, HSPA, 4G / LTE, ETSI ITS G5. simultaneously or sequentially with the connection modules can be radio links with different

0079Standards are operated. The radio connections are controlled according to predetermined criteria, which are in particular the availability of radio channels, the bandwidth, the available data rate, cost, latency and error rate. the motor vehicle is in a public Wi-Fi network without

0080Restriction of access to high-bandwidth, then this wireless network is preferably used. Since such wireless networks are confined locally, the system automatically switches after leaving this network on a different radio channel, which is also by the same or another standard

0081may be formed. This is automatically controlled by the connecting module manager so that at any time there is the optimum radio connection between vehicle and external communication partners.

0082In an inventive method for controlling the communication between a plurality of applications that are executed on a data associated with network devices of a motor vehicle, with at least one outside of the

0083Motor vehicle located transmitting / receiving device by means of a central communication unit, the multiple applications can each have a

0084Data connection via the central communications unit to the transmitting / receiving means to communicate, and an available external link capacity between the central communication unit and the at least one transmitting / receiving device by means of a

0085Communication module active organization according to predetermined criteria distributed to the individual active data connections of applications.

0086Preferably, the communication organization module monitors the data flow of the individual data connections from and to the individual applications. The monitoring can be done, for example, by detecting data packets by the headers of the data packets to be read, or by detecting the amount of data, which are transmitted on certain ports, each associated with a data connection.

0087Wants an application of a device of the motor vehicle to a data connection, then it will send a request to the

0088Communication organization module, which are received with predetermined parameters of the desired data connection. These parameters are used for the specific Data Connection in above-described application profile Register

0089registered parameters, such as the Identifikationsbezeichner the

0090Application, application class, the priority of the data link, the minimum or maximum data rate, maximum error rate, maximum latency, etc., wherein static applications is the minimum equal to the maximum data rate.

0091If the central communication unit has a connection tab, the communication module can organization using the information recorded in this

0092determine parameters if the available external

0093Interconnection capacity for the data connection of the application are sufficient to answer the question of the application accordingly and provide a data connection, if they are sufficient for the application. In the latter case, the central communication unit transmits the call registers a

0094Identifikationsbezeichner for the data connection, which it shall transmit simultaneously to the application.

0095If the central communication unit includes an application profile register, transmits the communication organization module in this the parameters received from the application at the request for later use.

0096Preferably, in this method, a central communication unit is used, as explained above.

0097The invention is illustrated by way of example with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: schematically a central communication unit according to the present invention with multiple devices of a motor vehicle and a plurality of radio channels for communication partners, a process for registering a data connection in a

0098Flowchart schematically assignments several radio channels to several

0099Data connections, and these several applications (Fig. 3A), wherein the assignments are shown by arrow compounds, together with a representation of an associated

0100Connection register (Fig. 3B) and an associated

0101Application profile register (Fig. 3C), a method for managing the data connections in an

0102Flow chart, wherein a connection register, and a

0103Application profile Register prev are walls and a process section (block) comprising B1 individual steps of the method and individual steps of a process section (block) a B2

0104Method for managing the data connections in a flow chart, wherein a connection register, and a

0105Application profile registers exist and the process section B1 of Figure 4 can be replaced by the procedure in Section B2 of FIG. 5

0106An automobile 1 has a central communication unit 2 (ZKE) (FIG. 1). The central communication unit 2 comprises a plurality of connection modules 3 (VM). Each connection module 3 is connected to an antenna 4 with which

0107can send and receive radio signals.

0108Each connection module 3 may establish and maintain a radio channel according to one or more predetermined standards to external communication partners. 5 The external communication partner 5 are usually servers on a data network 6, in particular the Internet, with transmit / Receiving devices 7 are connected. The external communication partner 5 may also be natural persons over using telephones

0109Telephone lines (data network 6) are connected to respective transmitting / receiving devices 7, wherein the data connection is not via the modem of the present in the motor vehicle 1, the mobile telephone, but via one of the connection modules 3 state.

0110The connection modules 3 are formed, for example, for communicating via the following wireless standards: GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 3G / UMTS, HSPA, 4G / LTE, ETSI ITS G5, and / or WiFi (IEEE802.1 1a, IEEE802.11 b, IEEE802. 11ac, IEEE802. 1 1ad, IEEE802.1 1 g, h 1 IEEE802.1, IEEE802.1 1 n, IEEE 802.1 1 p). With each connecting module 3, at least one radio channel to be operated so that at the same time by providing a plurality of connection modules 3 several

0111Radio channels can be operated, which may also correspond to different standards, such as MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). The individual link modules 3 are controlled by a connection module 8 Manager (VMM) which automatically selects the appropriate radio channels according to predetermined criteria.

0112The connection module manager 8 thus automatically controls the radio channels between the central communication unit 2 and the external transmitting / receiving means 7. This control is performed according to predetermined criteria, in particular according to the availability of the radio channels, the bandwidth of the available data rate, cost, latency and the error rate. If only a low bandwidth needs and can benefit from free radio channel with sufficient bandwidth is available, then this example is used, whereas a can cost you money, but enough bandwidth comprising Direction radio channel is used as needed for a higher bandwidth.

0113The connection manager module 8 has a connecting tab, in which one or more parameters to the respective radio channels or data links are stored. These parameters include in particular a

0114Identifikationsbezeichner for the data connection, the assignment of a radio channel to the respective data connection, the data connection over the radio channel associated data rate, the actual bandwidth or data rate of the radio channel, the current error rate of the radio channel, the current latency of the radio channel and the data costs of the radio channel.

0115The respective connecting module 3 checks cyclically for new radio channels in the appropriate standard or wireless system and report newly found with the parameters of the connection module manager 8 further. Likewise, it reports a loss of a radio link or a change in the parameters of this.

0116By by periodic update of values ​​in

0117Connection tab provides the connection module manager 8 ensure that any time the current values ​​are entered in the connection register.

0118If a loss or a change of a radio channel is detected, the connection module manager can 8 a connection module 3 instruct them to look for a new radio channel in its corresponding radio system.

0119Multiple devices 9 are connected to the central communication unit 2 a via

0120Data network 10. The data network 10 in the present

0121Embodiment Ethernet. The data network may comprise one or more switches for branching one of the data network. On an every device an application is at least 12 is provided which is a logical operation in

0122Data connection via the central communication unit 2 needs to an external transmitting / receiving device 7, wherein the applications 12 can be of the static or dynamic type.

0123The central communication unit 2 has a communication organization module 13 (COM), the active according to predetermined criteria to individual data connections active at the Applications 12 divides the available external interconnection capacity between the central communication unit 2 and the external transmitting / receiving devices. 7

0124The communication organization module 13 has an application profile register in which one or more parameters to the respective static and / or dynamic applications 12 are stored. These parameters include in particular a Identifikationsbezeichner for the application 12, an allocation of a data link, the data rate of the application using the associated data connection currently granted, the application class, the priority of a

0125Data connection over a given radio channel, the minimum data rate of the data transmission of the application 12, the maximum data rate of the data transmission of the application 12, the maximum error rate and maximum latency of

0126Data Connection. The storage of the data connection of the application 12 currently granted data rate in the application profile registry is optional because it is composed of the sum of the respective radio channels associated data rates

0127Data connection of the application results, which are stored in the link register.

0128Alternatively, the organization communication module 13, the connection tab and / or the connection module manager 8 having the application profile register.

0129The communications organization module 13 may divide the interconnection capacity between the active data connections according to predetermined criteria. These criteria are especially the need for connection capacity of the different data links and / or their priority.

0130The priority may be explicitly set by a setting. The

0131However, priority may arise implicitly, for example using the application classes. A typical distribution of the application classes can look like this:

01321st class: emergency;

01332nd class: Traffic Information;

01343rd class: telephony, VOIP and streaming audio and / or video files, such as radio streaming, music streaming or

0135Video streaming;

01364th grade: ftp applications and web pages. The classes are listed according to their priority, the 1st class the highest priority and the 4th grade has the lowest priority.

0137Are the Applikationskiassen entered in the application profile registry, then the communication organization module 13 may decide, depending on the existing application classes, which have a higher priority data connection and the data connection a lower priority and bottlenecks in interconnection capacity, the corresponding interconnection capacity for

0138reduce data connections with low priority.

0139The structure of a data connection from the perspective of communication organization module 13 is explained with reference to Figure 2:

0140The method begins with the step S1. In step S2, a

0141receive a connection request from an application 12th

0142The connection request is examined to assess (step S3), whether a connection capacity is available, the

0143Communication organization module 13 by reading the entries in

0144Link register determines whether sufficient data connection is possible. When checking the connection request to be connected to the

0145Connection request read parameters passed and considered and appropriate connections via radio channels already exist, compared with this. Furthermore, the whole, the available external connection capacity is determined. Depending on these parameters is decided whether present for

0146Connection request sufficient external connection capacity is available.

0147The assignment of the link capacity to a data connection may be through the communication module 13 additionally organization in terms of minimizing the transmission costs.

0148When a sufficient external connection capacity is available, then the process flow proceeds to step S4, in which the application 12, the

0149is assigned a connection capacity. Here, the entries in the connection tab may be duplicated and adapted by the appropriate Radio channel or the corresponding radio channels to be created data connection by entering an identification identifier for

0150Data connection is assigned, and the data transmitted to the connection request parameter and the Identifikationsbezeichner the data connection for the assignment of the data connection to the application 12 registered together with the granted data rate in the application profile Register of communications organization module. 13 Hereby the connection request alternate end application 12 has reserved the corresponding link capacity or set up the logical data connection. In step S5, the communication module organization sends 13 a connection confirmation, in dynamic applications 12 with the granted

0151Data rate, at which the connection request alternate applique 12. After receiving the connection confirmation, the application 12 starts the data transfer (step S6) via the established communication from the organization module 13

0152Data Connection. If it is determined in step S3 that no sufficient link capacity is available, then the process flow proceeds to step S7, in which the communication organization module 13 of the connection request alternate end application 12 a connection reject sends, ie, a message that contains that data connection set can be. In step S7, the communication organization module 13, together with the connection rejection of the connection request alternate end application 12 to send a message, in which the interconnection capacity and the current data rate, error rate and / or latency are received, so that the respective application 12, they provided an application 12 of the dynamic type and their deliverables, service this design permits, can provide a new request with revised parameters or with lower requirements. Thus, the method is performed again.

0153After steps S6 and S7, the method is to establish a

0154Data connection is terminated (step S8). If the application has 12 receive a connection reject, then they can resubmit at a later time a connection request. however, a data connection has been established, then monitors the communication organization module 13 via the respective data connections transmitted data volumes and the available external

0155Interconnection capacity. to modify the external connection capacity, then these newly existing between the data connections and the

0156Applications are distributed 12. Reduce the external

0157Interconnection capacity may initially the data connections of

0158dynamic applications are 12 assigned lower priority less link capacity. If this is not sufficient for all applications rate 12 enough data to provide, then also the dynamic applications 12 with higher priority less link capacity to be allocated. If this is not sufficient, and then all of the dynamic

0159Applications have 12 the lowest possible data rate is set, then the static applications can in order of priority to be terminated (from the lowest to highest priority) through the communication module 13 organization by sending a termination message 12 or their

0160Data connection will be canceled. Increasing the external

0161Interconnection capacity, then receive higher priority more link capacity initially the data connections of dynamic applications 12th Are there further interconnection capacity available, then the data connections of dynamic applications 12 with a lower priority can be allocated more link capacity. Since that change frequently during a ride in the car of the connection capacity of the individual radio channels and their data rate along the route, it can accordingly

0162Changes in the allocations of interconnection capacities come.

0163In this embodiment, the data network between the central communication unit 2 and the devices 9 is an Ethernet, in which the data is transmitted in packets. Each packet has a header in which, for a information about the application that generated the data packet, as well as information about the amount of data contained in the packet are included. These

0164Information can be read from the communication module 13 organization, so that the individual packages can be assigned to the respective applications 12 or their respective data connections. On the basis of this established Data amount, the data flow in the individual data connections are monitored. The packets of different applications 12 are transmitted according to the allocated interconnection capacity over the radio channel between the central communication unit 2 and the transmitting / receiving devices. 7 For example, data packets of a data connection that is associated with a greater link capacity, often transmitted as data packets to another data connection, which is associated with a lower interconnect capacitance. In this way, a quasi-simultaneous transmission of the data on the different data connections according to the set

0165achieved interconnection capacity.

0166If the data connection is no longer needed, so the data connection or application 12 associated entry is deleted from the application profile registry. In addition, in connection register the corresponding assignment of a radio channel or more radio channels are reserved to the data connection by existing in all of the entries of the data connection repealed

0167is deleted Identifikationsbezeichner the data connection. After these items are all deleted if those registered radio channels are still associated with each at least another data connection. If, however, are associated with those registered radio channels any other data connection, so all of these entries are removed except for a single. This keeps the messages of the radio channels that are currently assigned to any data connection, obtained for a redistribution of the interconnection capacity, in conjunction Register. By this method, the connection capacity to deallocate and prepare a possible redistribution of the interconnection capacity. The end of a process executed on a particular data link

0168Communication operation can be established either by an appropriate message to the respective application 12 this to the communications organization module 13 are communicated or directly from communications organization module 13 based on the analysis of the data transmitted. The communication module 13 organization may terminate the transmission of the respective application 12 and these send a termination message even if not sufficient interconnection capacity.

0169can with the above-mentioned central communication unit 2 thus 12 each operate a logical data connection to external communication partners 5 simultaneously several applications, the distribution of the link capacity to the changing usually permanently along a route

0170Interconnection capacity is adjusted dynamically. Furthermore, it is ensured that important messages and information are received with higher priority, so that at low interconnection capacity their transmission is ensured.

0171The communications organization module 13 can also intervene in the capacity requirements of the individual applications 12 by a dynamic application 12 rate data maximum achievable or available and the total available interconnection capacity of the radio channels with the connection reject (step S7) notifies the dynamic application 12 on this information, based adjust their capacity requirements by adjusting one of their application modes. For example, a dynamic application 12, the

0172Transmission, such as the codec change, so the

0173adapt interconnection capacity of the individual data connections to the available total external radio link capacity. With a high capacity connection pictures, movies and music are transmitted, for example, with higher quality than with reduced link capacity while at low connection capacity, for example, the resolution of a video stream or the data rate is reduced by dynamic adaptive streaming by

0174corresponding streaming methods are used, such as DASH, or SVC.

0175Figure 3A schematically shows an assignment of different radio channels (FK) FK1, FK2 and FK3 to different Data Connections (DV) A, B and C, wherein the radio channel FK1 the data connections B and C, the radio channel FK2 the

0176is assigned to data connections A and C and the radio channel of the data link FK3 C. Further, in FIG 3A, the assignment of the data connections A, B and C to the applications (APP) X, Y and Z shown, with the application of the X data connection A, the application of the Y data connection B and the application of the data Z compound C is associated.

0177The corresponding entries in the connection tab shows 3B with the

0178Abbreviations DV for data connection, FK for radio channel, ZD for the

0179Data link associated data rate of the radio channel in kbit / s, BB for current bandwidth or data rate of the radio channel in kbit / s, FR for current error rate of the radio channel in kbit / s, LT for current latency of the radio channel in ms, and DK for volume-dependent data transfer costs of the radio channel in ct / kbit. The

0180Data transfer costs may also be time-dependent (eg. In the unit ct / s), so that the connecting module manager 8 these costs using the data rate or bandwidth or link capacity in volume-dependent

0181Data transmission costs converts before he enters it in the register.

0182Below is a running index n for the respective radio channel FK, which also n moved between 1 and 3, as in the present example 3 radio channels available. The number of radio channels may change with time.

0183A calculation of the n via a radio channel available

0184Link capacity VK (n), by combining the data stored in the link register parameters for the current bandwidth or data rate of the radio channel BB (n) and for the current error rate of the radio channel FR (n) carried out by the error rate FR (n) of the bandwidth BB (n) is subtracted.

0185Advantageously, this calculation compared to an access by the

0186Communication organization module 13 only once the Connection tab per radio channel, which arise, for example, the following values: UK (1) = 12000 kbit / s - 3 kbit / s = 1 1997 kbit / s

0187VK (2) = 7000 kbit / s - 2 kbit / s = 6998 kbit / s

0188VK (3) = 6000 kbit / s - 1 kbit / s = 5999 Kbit / s The total available link capacity (GVK) is determined by adding the individual values ​​of the radio channels:

0189GVK = 11997 kbit / s + 6998 kbit / s + 5999 kbit / s = 24994 kbit / s

0190An assignment order of the available over a radio channel connection capacity taking into account the data transmission costs can be done by sorting the radio channels to the data transfer cost from cheapest to most expensive radio channel. There are several radio channels with the same data transfer costs, then these can rate according to their data or bandwidth or link capacity are ranked from fastest to slowest. In the present embodiment is obtained by this process in the following order:

FK1, FK2, FK3

0192Figure 3C shows the associated application profile registry, the abbreviations for the APP Identifikationsbezeichner application, ZDV for assigned

0193Data connection, DG for granted data rate in kbit / s, KL for application class, PR for priority over a certain radio link, MIN for minimum data rate in kbit / s, MAX for maximum data rate in kbit / s, MFR for maximum error rate in kbit / s, MLT for maximum latency in ms the application 12th

0194The storage of the data link application 12 data currently granted rate DG in the application profile registry is optional because it arises from the sum of the respective radio channels associated data rates ZD the data connection of the application stored in the link register.

0195Calls an application 12, a data connection, then checks the

0196Communication organization module 13 whose parameters and assigns the application 12 to a data connection, the application requirements in terms of data rate or bandwidth, error rate, latency and / or the priority of the data connection over a certain radio channel met. The assignment can be made by data connection costs in ascending order. The mapping process from which result the register values ​​as shown in Figures 3B and 3C will be described in the following:

0197First, the application has X a data connection required. Due to the restrictions imposed by the maximum error rate and latency her or its data connection A could be assigned to one of the least-cost radio channels, the radio channel FK2. Then, the application has a Y

0198requested data connection, after which this application or its

0199Data connection B the most cost-effective radio channel FK1 could be assigned. Since the remaining interconnection capacity of the radio channel FK1 and below the radio channel FK2 were not sufficient to meet subsequent requirements of the application Z completely, a first part was C the most cost-effective radio channel FK1, a second part C one of the least cost their data connection whose data link radio channels, the radio channel FK2, and the third and remaining part of the other of the least-cost radio channels and the radio channel slowest FK3 assigned.

0200Subsequently, based on Figure 4, a method for managing the

0201Data connections from the perspective of communication organization module 13 explained, these monitors are optionally removed and / or redistributed. In this method, a central communication unit 2 is used, a

0202Connection tab and an application profile Register which each provided with the entries described above:

0203The method begins with the step S9.

0204In step S10, the communication organization module 13 determines the total available interconnection capacity by the combined registered by the connection module manager 8 in the connection register parameters, as described above.

0205The communications organization module 13 checks at step S1 1 if the link capacity has changed by at least a predetermined threshold value Δ, has thus increased or decreased. This threshold Δ represents a tolerance and describes how big a change in the must link capacity, so that a redistribution is performed. Through its use, the communication module 13 organization the available external connection capacity only distributed around between applications 12 when the entire external link capacity has changed by at least the threshold value Δ. This is advantageous because frequently occurring then, minor (less than Δ) fluctuations in total for

0206Available external connection capacity will not be considered and will not result in an immediate redistribution of the interconnection capacity of data connections or applications 12th

0207Here, the threshold value Δ of the last distributed throughout the external connection capacity, depend on the requirements of the applications 12 and / or of the total available interconnection capacity or be a fixed value. For example it may be proportional to the total available interconnection capacity and thus change dynamically, ie the lower the link capacity, the lower the threshold Δ. Alternatively or in combination it may depend on the ability of the applications to be able to change the data rate used by a significant amount during operation. For example, the threshold value Δ, in applications that are able to advise on a lower than their granted data automatically adjust,

0208accordingly be determined bigger.

0209Also, the value of Δ may include a security amount, so that, for a complete distribution of the entire external connection capacity, and in a subsequent reduction of this total external link capacity, which is smaller than Δ, the individual data connections or applications 12 without

0210Redistribution is still each sufficient connection capacity.

0211If the link capacity has changed by more than the predetermined threshold value Δ, the process flow proceeds to step S12, the method determines the communication organization module 13 whether applications 12 are available. Here, the items in APP are preferably read. Alternatively, any other entry, eg ZDV, in MIN and / or read in MAX. If an entry exists, as an active or data-transmitting application 12 is present.

0212If applications 12 are available, then calculates the

0213Communication organization module 13 in step S13, the respective

0214Adjustment parameters for active applications 12th

0215The adjustment parameters describe the carried out by the respective applications 12 changes to a particular application 12 assigned link capacity, in particular of one or more particular to use radio channels. With the adjustment parameters, a redistribution of the assignment of radio channels to the data connections and a radio channel a

0216Redistribution of occupied by the respective data connections

0217Interconnection capacity take place.

0218This calculation can or should be an optimal distribution of

0219perform link capacity between the data connections of the individual applications 12, so that each application 12 receives a sufficient data connection and preferably the entire data transfer costs are as low as possible.

0220The calculation of the adjustment parameters may be such that initially all static applications 12 in order of storage in the application profile register is assigned in accordance with their requirements sufficient bonding capacity. Should this not be possible, for example because there is a not a sufficient link capacity available for the request of the static application, we obtain the respective static application no 12

0221assigned link capacity. Thereafter, a possibly leftover

0222Interconnection capacity to the dynamic applications 12 evenly distributed. This method can modify it by other parameters, such as the assigned data rate ZD, the data granted rate GD, priority or class KL, the minimum data rate MIN, the maximum data rate MAX, the maximum error rate MFR and / or to the maximum latency MLT considered. If additional parameters into account, so the order of calculating the adjustment parameters for each type of application can be exchanged with each other, ie when calculating the adjustment parameters for static follows the calculation of the adjustment parameters for dynamic applications 12. As an alternative to the example of calculating the adjustment parameter to allocation of interconnection capacity to the static applications 12 and the presence of remaining link capacity are first trying to dynamic applications 12 requested by them maximum

0223allocate interconnection capacity. If this is not possible because as insufficient interconnection capacity is available, then one or more dynamic applications 12, for example, according to the order of storage in the application profile registers are selected and the link capacity of this application 12 gradually up to their minimal requested

0224Link capacity can be reduced. Then is still no sufficient link capacity available so obtained one or more dynamic

0225Applications 12 no connection capacity allocated.

0226The calculation of the adjustment parameters can be performed by being passed in the description of Figure 3C listed assignment method according to the order of the applications 12 to the class in order of priority, that is, a radio channel or a distribution to multiple

0227Radio channels determined which is sufficient and as inexpensively as possible for the respective application 12 with respect to their parameters.

0228Is taken into account in the distribution of the link capacity on the individual radio channels, the priority and the maximum data rate of the application 12, and

0229accordingly distributed to the existing connection capacity to individual data connections, it may be that no more data for compounds

0230Connection capacity is available more. In such a case the calculation of the adjustment parameter can be continued by the

0231dynamic applications 12 in succession after their class with ascending priority a lower data rate, which is at least the information requested by the application 12 data rate is determined and included in the calculation. If this is still not sufficient to all active applications 12 to allow sufficient data connection, so one or more static applications can be 12 determined in succession after their class with increasing priority, which should then receive any link capacity. If still no sufficient data connection for all active

0232Applications 12 be possible, so last one or more dynamic applications can be 12 determined in succession after their class with increasing priority that should receive no link capacity, ie

0233should terminate. With the same or similar parameter values, such as the same priority, the selection of a particular application can be done 12 randomly (eg by means of pseudo-random numbers).

0234The adjustment parameters are the applications 12 that have to adapt to changes in interconnection capacity, sent in step S14 via messages. The dynamic applications 12 whose connection capacity can be increased or must decrease, the new values ​​for which are

0235Sending link capacity as a message and the static applications 12 whose data connection is canceled or who to schedule, this will be displayed with a termination message. This message can be, for example, with an included link capacity 0.

0236Alternatively, a message that all adjustment parameters, or all

0237Parameters for active applications 12 includes, in succession to each application 12 or a broadcast to all applications 12 are transmitted simultaneously.

0238have to change during dynamic applications 12, the rate of their data, but should not be terminated, the application profile registry data is entered granted rate. Should an application be 12 terminated, so are the

0239corresponding entries in the application 12 deleted in the application profile registry.

0240Then, if necessary, the entries in the link register, according to a new

0241Allocation of interconnection capacity updated. On the received message, the dynamic applications 12 adjust in accordance with the transmitted Anpassungsparametem, that they put their granted

0242Data a rate and the dynamic and static applications 12 that have received a termination message schedule. After the step S14, the step S15 is executed, in which it is checked whether the operation is to be continued. If in step S1 1 has been found that the

0243Link capacity by at least a threshold Δ has changed, can take place in the same step S15 to recalculate the threshold value Δ, the newly calculated distribution of the connection capacity and the data obtained in step S13, adjustment parameters can be considered.

0244If the process should continue to run, so the step S10 is executed in the port, if not, the process ends in step S16.

0245Should it be determined that the link capacity is not explained by the above predetermined threshold value Δ has changed, then the method of carrying out the step S15 is continued in the step S1. 1

0246The steps S12, S13 and S14 constitute a process section (block) B1 to adjust the link capacity if they are determined

0247Interconnection capacity to the predetermined threshold value Δ has changed. Instead, this method section B1 can also be a preferred method section (block) B2 are used, which is shown in Figure 5, and in turn extends between steps S1 1 and S15 of FIG. 4

0248After a change in the link capacity has been determined by at least a predetermined threshold Δ in step S1 1, begins the

0249Process section B2 to step S17 in which it is checked whether dynamic applications 12 are available. Here, the messages are read in MIN and MAX in and compared the values ​​with each other. Whose values ​​are

0250different, then there exists at least one dynamic application 12. If dynamic applications 12 are available, then selects the

0251Communication organization module 13 such an application 12 from. This selection is preferably in accordance with the class or priority of the dynamic Application 12 with ascending priority, but can also be determined by other parameters, such as the order of dynamic applications in 12

0252Application profile Register or their maximum possible change in the data rate. If it is determined in step S17 that dynamic applications 12 are available and accordingly selected one, then the new application made available link capacity is calculated in step S18 for this application 12th The change in the total connection capacity is included in the calculation. It is ensured that the application 12 receives a sufficient bonding capacity, ie it must at least equal to the

0253its corresponding value in MIN.

0254Then, in step S19 a message to the selected dynamic

0255Application sent 12, with which the application will be asked their

0256adapt link capacity. In subsequent step S20, the newly established link capacity is calculated by summing the determined in step S18 new connection capacity

0257selected dynamic application 12 with the interconnection capacity, which are the other applications associated 12 calculated.

0258It is then checked in the step S21 by comparing whether the entire

0259Interconnection capacity is sufficient for the newly established link capacity.

0260If this is not the case, then step S22 is executed, in which it is checked whether more dynamic applications 12 are available.

0261Are more such applications available, so other dynamic application is 12 by class or priority chosen with increasing priority and the process flow continues to step S18. The selection can be determined instead by class according to other parameters such as the order of the dynamic applications 12 in the application profile Register or their maximum possible change in the data rate. If the execution of the step S21 that all interconnection capacity is sufficient for the recalculated link capacity, then the

0262exit procedures section B2 and the step S15 (FIG. 4) is executed.

0263If it is determined in step S22 that no further dynamic applications 12 are available for selection, then the step S23 is executed, in which it is checked whether static applications 12 are available and all interconnection capacity is not sufficient. the entries are read in MIN and MAX in and compared the values ​​with each other for the check on the Vorhandsein static applications 12th Are their values ​​equal to, then there is at least one static application 12th If static applications 12 are available, then selects the communication module 13 organization of such an application 12th This selection is preferably in accordance with the class or priority of static application 12 with ascending priority, but can also be determined by other parameters, such as the order of the static applications 12 in the application profile Register or whose data rate.

0264If in step S17 determined that no dynamic applications 12

0265are present, followed by the execution of step S23.

0266If the execution of step S23 that static applications 12 exist and the entire link capacity is not sufficient, and accordingly, an application 12 is selected, then a scheduling message is sent in step S24, the selected static application 12th

0267In subsequent step S25, the newly established link capacity is calculated by subtracting the connection capacity terminated in step S24 static application 12 from the occupied link capacity. Alternatively, the connection capacity can be summed the 12, that all active applications are 12 without the application to be scheduled 12, assigned to other applications.

0268It is then checked in the step S26 by comparing whether the entire

0269Interconnection capacity is sufficient for the newly established link capacity. If this is not the case, then step S27 is executed, in which it is checked whether more static applications 12 are available.

0270Are more such applications exist, is another static

0271Application 12 by class or priority with ascending priority selected and the procedure is continued with step S24. The selection can be determined instead by class according to other parameters such as the order of the static applications 12 in the application profile Register or whose data rate.

0272If it is determined in step S26 that all interconnection capacity is sufficient for the recalculated link capacity, then the process step B2 is left and the step S15 (FIG. 4) is executed.

0273If the execution of the step S27 shows that no further static applications 12 are available, then the process step B2 is exited and the process flow is the execution of the step S15 (FIG. 4) continued. If the execution of the step S23 that no static applications 12 exist or the entire link capacity has not reduced or this is sufficient, then the process step B2 of the step S15 (FIG. 4) to quit and run.

0274Has been determined in step S11 that the link capacity has at least changed the threshold Δ, can be held recalculate the threshold Δ in the same step S15, the newly determined

0275Distribution of link capacity and the data obtained in step S18

0276Adjustment parameters can be taken into account. For the dynamic

0277Applications 12 that have to change its data rate, but not to terminate is entered, the data rate granted in application profile registry. Should an application be 12 terminated, the corresponding entries in the application 12 are deleted from the application profile registry.

0278Then, if necessary, the entries in Ve rb i nd u ng s reg ister according to a new

0279Allocation of interconnection capacity updated. Alternatively, in an extended process when the link capacity is not sufficient, and no static applications 12 are available, either because none were present or after its termination, which optionally

0280existing dynamic applications 12 before leaving the

0281Process portion B2 and the execution of the step S15 (FIG. 4) are terminated. For this, from the dynamic applications 12 by class or

0282Priority with ascending priority selected one, sent her a termination message and then re-determined the established link capacity. If this is not sufficient, so the next dynamic application 12 is selected to be sent a message scheduling enough so the

0283Link capacity, however, so the process step B2 is left and the step S15 (FIG. 4) is executed. The selection of dynamic application 12 may be determined instead by class and by other parameters, such as the ordering of such applications 12 in the application profile Register or whose data rate.

0284The invention can be briefly summarized as follows:

0285The invention relates to a central communication unit of a motor vehicle and a method for controlling the communication between several applications by means of such a central communication unit. The central

0286Communication unit includes a communication organization module that can distribute the available external radio link capacity between the central communication unit and at least one transmitting / receiving device running according to predetermined criteria to individual data connections active at the applications. Thus the existing external radio link capacity between the individual data connections of the individual applications are distributed selectively controlled in the central communication unit. The criteria for this are mainly the need for interconnection and / or the priorities of different data connections. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

02871 vehicle

02882 central communication unit

02893 connecting module

02904 antenna

02915 external communication partner

02926 data network (Internet)

02937 transmitting / receiving device

02948 Connection Module Manager

02959 unit

029610 Data Network

029711 Switch

029812 application

029913 communications organization module