WO2001019063A1

WO2001019063A1 - Unit for bi-directional, automatic data transfer based on modern information technologies

Info

Publication number: WO2001019063A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/008507
Authority: WO
Inventors: Werner Monschau; Ottmar Lorenz
Original assignee: Psg Fertigungs- Und Prozessautomations Gmbh
Priority date: 1999-09-08
Filing date: 2000-08-31
Publication date: 2001-03-15
Also published as: DE19942762A1; EP1221252A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for automatically acquiring and bi-directionally transmitting data. The device has a first interface (2.1) for inputting data, a second interface (2.2) for outputting data and a translation unit (3) for processing data. The invention is characterised in that the first interface (2.1) can be used to connect a busable system, in that the second interface (2.2) is an interface with the data communications network and in that the intelligent translation unit (3) consists of one or more individually programmable processors (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) which are connected and programmed in such a way that the translation unit (3) can identify a data communication via the second interface (2.2), transmit a data query to the busable system via the first interface (2.1) for forwarding to the/each terminal (4.0) and read, process and forward to the second interface (2.2)a data reply from the/each terminal (4.0), via the busable system.

Description

Unit for bidirectional, automatic data transfer based on modern information technologies (communication transmitter)

description

The invention relates to a device for the automatic acquisition and bidirectional transmission of data, comprising a first interface for data input, a second interface for data output and a translation unit for processing the data

The end devices in private households in commercial or industrial companies, such as gas, water and electricity meters, are generally read once a year by the responsible energy supplier. The energy supplier must have the data read manually by an employee or the end user. This data is then mostly transferred manually to a computer, which has many sources of error. They form the basis of billing in the computer. After collecting the data, the consumer has only very limited possibility to check his specific consumption with regard to peak load or creeping load, or to view the data in comparison with past values. Furthermore, regulation or control interventions of the energy supply companies (EVU) in the current concept of energy supply z. B. regarding load management or value-added services practically impossible. Another application is the energy balance up to the transport network level for an entire control area.

The invention had for its object to provide a simple and inexpensive device which can simultaneously manage different interfaces and protocols and thus enables variable, prompt and automatic reading of data, as well as interventions for control or regulation (e.g. load control,

Load profile monitoring, value-added services of the EVU, schedule monitoring or reference performance monitoring).

REPLACEMENT BLAIT (RULE 26> This object is achieved according to the invention by a device of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized in that a bus-capable system can be coupled through the first interface, to which one or more terminal devices can be connected according to the respective bus characteristic, and that the second interface is an interface to ISDN -Telephone network or

Cable television network or for satellite transmission or to Wide Area Network (WAN) and that the intelligent translation unit consists of one or more individually programmable processors, which are interconnected and programmed so that the translation unit can recognize data communication via the second interface and a data request via the first

Can send interface to the bus-compatible system for forwarding to the or each terminal and can read, edit and forward a data response from the or each terminal via the bus-compatible system and forward it to the second interface.

The subject of the invention is therefore a device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims. It is also possible for individual or more of these configurations, either individually or in combination, to provide solutions to the problem based on the invention, and the disclosed features can also be combined in any way.

The intelligent translation unit preferably consists of at least two individually programmable processors.

The invention further relates to an electronic device for automatic, bidirectional data communication, comprising six physical input / output interfaces for intelligent communication with end or higher-level systems, represented by:

• a first intelligent interface for bidirectional communication with field devices via e.g. B. M-Bus (standard bus), • a second intelligent interface for the data traffic of the interfaces

1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 independent data communication with higher-level systems,

SPARE BLADE (RULE 26) A third intelligent interface for communication with expansion elements,

A fourth interface for controlling external systems via relays,

• a fifth interface for reading digital pulses, • a sixth optional interface for individual bidirectional

Communication with other standardized bus systems and units for implementing the communication structure (processors, programs and protocols), represented by:

• a communication unit for system control, for internal processing of the data, as well as for direct communication with the necessary interfaces

• the bus master for communication with the standardized bus system

• the Communication Controller for communication with higher-level systems

• the module to expand the internal functionality of the system.

The latter units for realizing the communication structure (processors, programs and protocols) are referred to below as the translation unit.

The entire unit, consisting of the units for implementing the communication structure (translation unit) and the six interfaces, is referred to below as the communication transmitter.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1-4 (physical and protocols). It is not intended to limit it in any way.

It shows :

• Figure 1: A schematic overview of the invention and

• Figure 2: an exemplary detailed and functional sketch

REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 261 • Figure 3: an exemplary current curve depending on the time of the fifth interface

• Figure 4: an exemplary protocol structure of the second interface

The logs are all mapped in the Communication Unit

Input / output modules (physical form and software protocol):

• First interface:

The first interface is mapped directly via the bus master on board.

A bus system, e.g. B. M-Bus, for bidirectional

Communication with sensors and actuators coupled. The intelligent interface can process the bidirectional data traffic depending on the communication unit, however, in terms of time and data technology, it is independent of the data traffic of the other interfaces.

The bus system can either be connected above that of the bus system

Transmission medium or by means of optical fibers, the conversion of the electrical signals into light signals, or the light signals into electrical signals

It is part of the logical unit of the bus master.

The signal transmission from the bus master in the direction of sensors and actuators or from sensors and actuators in the direction of bus masters is changed to the corresponding one

Bus system coordinated.

Before or after converting the data streams into the corresponding bus format (depending on the data direction), the data can be backed up according to a secure transmission

Specification of the OSI reference model for the interface description can be processed internally as follows (the actual assignment of the individual layers, however, depends on the respective bus characteristic and is determined within the framework of the

Protocol construction traded): Exemplary assignment of the layers for the M-Bus

The cycle of the data transfer is predetermined by the maximum through the corresponding bus system and in the minimum by the corresponding configuration.

• Second interface:

The second interface deals with the bidirectional data traffic to the higher-level system, but maps several functions in the overall system

(physically and protocol generated):

• Physical version: RJ 45 connector, according to IEC 8867 connection: according to ITU - T I.430 External communications take place via ISDN network or cable television network or GSM data radio or via WAN.

In all connection options, TCP IP is used as the connection-oriented protocol. The overall structure is explained using the example of transmission over the ISDN network (PPP and TCPIP over ISDN): For an example of a structure, see Figure 4.

The Point to Point Protocol (PPP) is a standard protocol for synchronous and asynchronous dial-up connections. The three main components are specified according to RFC 1661 and are fully implemented with interface six:

• Encapsulation of multiprotocol datagrams

• A link control protocol (LCP)

• A group of network control protocols (NCP's)

In the case of an ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI) connection, the user has

2 B channels with a bandwidth of 64 Kbps each. A special PPP Multilink protocol (MP) enables the data streams to be divided, recombined and arranged over both B channels. The format with the long sequence number was introduced for this. The packet-oriented data transfer takes place via the following protocols of the connection-oriented protocol family TCPIP:

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

Internet Protocol (IPv4)

Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP)

Only the following messages are implemented in the ICMP protocol for correct operation:

• 0 = Echo Reply

• 3 = Destination Unreachable

REPLACEMENT BLADE RULE 26) • 8 = echo (ping)

• 1 1 = Time Exceeded

• 12 = parameter problem

• 13 = timestamp

• 14 = Timestamp Reply

In addition to the functions connection establishment and connection-oriented

Packet generation forms the second interface of the functionalities cryptology, and

Authentication (regardless of the transmission path used). In the cryptology block, the data arriving from the external unit is decrypted, as well as the data going out to the external unit with a 128 bit

Encrypted algorithm.

The cryptology component is above the TCPIP layer and below the

Application implemented.

Since a clear authentication via the aforementioned communication channels cannot be reliably implemented, this function is performed via an asymmetrical one

Process (public and private key) implemented.

Authentication can either be implemented directly within the PPP framework, or above the cryptology module and below the application layer.

Unauthorized access leads to an immediate disconnection of the system from the calling system. Furthermore, an alarm call is sent to the parent

System generated by the system.

Before or after converting the data streams into the appropriate communication format (depending on the data direction), the data is processed internally according to a secure transmission in accordance with the ISO reference model for interface description as follows:

• Third interface:

The third interface is mapped in parallel to the sixth interface via the system bus of the communication unit.

The intelligent interface is used to control communication with a module (e.g. SIM card) to increase the internal functionality of the overall system.

According to the functional expansion, data is transferred between the communication unit and expansion module, however, completely independently of the temporal course of the data streams via the other interfaces.

SPARE BLADE (RULE 26) The data traffic is based on the OSI reference model.

Fourth interface:

The fourth interface is used to output switching pulses

To implement switching operations, the relays meet the following specifications:

• Coil data o Final coil voltage U DC 24 V o Response power P DC 54 mW • Contact data o Contact configuration = make contact o Nominal load U = AC 250 V o Contact current I = 5 A o Switching voltage, max. U = AC 270 V

DC 125 V

Fifth interface:

The fifth interface is used to read pulses from pulse-capable

Measuring equipment.

The specification of this interface is strictly based on DIN 43864 "Current interface for the pulse transmission between the pulse counter and the tariff device". The interface is referred to as "SO".

Interface four of the communication transmitter is connected to the pulse generator counter by a two-wire line and supplies the pulse generator, which works like a passive electrical two-pole system, with a DC voltage.

• Boundary conditions at the interface:

Maximum voltage U = DC 27 V.

Maximum current I = DC 27 mA

Maximum cable length I = 0.5 m

The dependence of the current profile on time is shown in Figure 3:

ERSÄΓZBLAΓT (RULE 26) Sixth interface

The sixth interface is mapped via the communication unit's system bus.

A bus system that is independent of the system of interface 1, including the corresponding bus master, can be coupled to the sixth interface for bidirectional communication with sensors and actuators. Parallel operation via interface 1 and interface 2 is possible. The intelligent interface can process the bidirectional data traffic depending on the communication unit, however, in terms of time and data technology, it is independent of the data traffic of the other interfaces. The connection of a second bus system can take place either via the transmission medium specific to the bus system or by means of optical fibers, with the conversion of the electrical signals into light signals or the light signals into electrical signals

Is part of the logical unit Bus Masters.

Before or after converting the data streams into the corresponding bus format (depending on the data direction), the data is processed internally according to a secure transmission in accordance with the specification of the OSI reference model for the interface description as follows (the actual assignment of the individual layers depends on the respective bus characteristics and is traded as part of the protocol structure):

Further explanations:

The cycle of data transfer from or to the higher-level system can be configured cyclically or is strictly event-dependent.

Translation unit • Bus master

The bus master (on board) regulates the functionality of the bus system standardized for this system: o Protocol generation o Forwarding of the data to the communication controller buffer o Transparent bus access o Configuration of bus users In addition to these functions, the data read in via the bus system is checked for plausibility based on descriptive statistics. The methods of descriptive statistics correspond to standardized and generally applicable algorithms (analysis for engineers; Fachbuchverlag Leipzig), which are, however, coordinated with the corresponding bus system.

• Communication controller

The second interface to the external systems (ISDN, GSM or cable television network) is displayed using the communication controller.

The internal functionality depends on the subsystems.

The handling of the data with regard to establishing and clearing the connection and for generating the connection-oriented packet transfer was described under "second interface". The communication controller provides, for example, the so-called socket.

• Module to expand the internal functionality of the system

The implementation of extensions to the internal system functionality is implemented via the third interface and is implemented using a SIM

Plug-in card or using a flash ROM. The additional functionalities are listed below: o Additional program memory o Additional data memory o Implementation of a private key o Implementation of an artificial neural network for intelligent and forward-looking evaluation of energy data o Implementation of further statistical methods for intelligent evaluation of energy data o Volatile memory for storing configuration files

REPLACEMENT BLADE (RULE 26) • Communication Unit:

The Communication Unit is divided into the areas processor, internal bus and

Dual port memory (DPM). At the request (peripheral initiative, direct memory access (DMA)) of the first and the sixth interface, data is written or read into the DPM.

The intelligent arrangement of the internal bus within the multilayer board enables data transfer rates of several million bytes per second. The

DMA is designed as a dual port memory to ensure simultaneous access to the memory by two interfaces.

The dual port memory is implemented as a FIFO (first in first out) in order to always keep the latest data in the system.

The Communication Unit implements the individual process flows using a

Multitasking real time operating system. The energy data read in via the bus system or via the pulse inputs, including the date and time of acquisition in the dual port

Memory stored until the data is retrieved from the higher-level system.

On the basis of the operating system, the evaluation functions are implemented using statistical methods or genetic algorithms for stochastic optimization, alarm functions as well as switching and control functions.

Essential math. Functions are listed below: o Average according to VDEW (Association of the German Electricity Industry)

Meter specification o Integral o Differential o Constant o Nat. logarithm o Power to the base eo 10 logarithm o Addition o Subtraction o Multiplication o Division o Square o N - Power o Square root o Trigonometric functions o Special value assignments o Alarm generation o and others

The calculations are carried out either with the online data read in or with data that has already been saved, taking into account the respective time stamp. The calculated data is inserted into the dual port memory in the same way as the time stamp of the raw data.

The stored data can be called up from a higher-level system if required. All communication functions with the higher-level system are structured strictly according to the master-slave procedure, whereby the invention always takes over the part of the slave (even in the event of an alarm).

The invention therefore also relates to a device for automatic acquisition and bidirectional transmission of data, comprising a first, a sixth and a fifth interface for data input, a second interface for data output to higher-level systems, a fourth interface for controlling external systems, a third interface to expand the

REPLACEMENT BLADE (RULE 26) System functions, as well as a translation unit for processing the data, characterized in that

that a first bus-compatible system can be coupled through the first interface, to which one or more terminal devices can be connected according to the respective bus characteristic,

that a further bus master can be coupled through the sixth interface, via which another bus-capable system to which one or more terminal devices can be connected according to the respective bus characteristics,

that a system for expanding the internal functionality (e.g. SIM card) can be coupled through the third interface,

that a pulse-capable system can be coupled through the fifth interface, to which one or more terminals for pulse detection can be connected,

- That the fourth interface can be used to connect a system which can be controlled via a relay and to which one or more terminal devices can be connected, - That the second interface is an interface to the ISDN telephone network or to

Cable television network or for satellite transmission or to Wide Area Network (WAN) is and

- That the intelligent translation unit consists of one or more individually programmable processors, which the hardware-implemented or logical modules Busmaster 1, Communication Unit, Communication

Controller and dual port memory, which are connected and programmed in such a way that the translation unit can recognize data communication via the second interface and can send a data request via one or more interfaces to a coupled system for forwarding to the or each terminal device and a data response read from the or each terminal device via the connected system, edit it and pass it on to the second interface.

- The data are preprocessed in the translation unit and locally analyzed and evaluated using statistical methods. Furthermore, switching operations can be initiated via the interface 2.4 from the evaluation

REPLACEMENT BLADE (RULE 26) are, as well as alarm messages written in an alarm memory or transmitted to an alarm server 7.

The invention offers the following advantages:

Due to the automatic reading of all relevant data, implemented via an ISDN connection, manual on-site reading by an employee of the energy supplier or the end user is no longer necessary. Furthermore, there is the possibility for the consumer to view his consumption data at any time via a computer and the Internet and, for. B. to compare with past values. The

The readout unit is also characterized by the fact that no separate telephone line (phone number) is required for reading out the data, but that an existing ISDN connection can be used. The device according to the invention can advantageously be used to transmit the data via modern communication networks, in particular via the cable television network or

Satellite transmission. For the connection to the cable television network and for satellite transmission is suitable as a second interface z. B. a so-called set-top box.

The new arrangement enables meter readings to be promptly and inexpensively

ISDN network can be read out without switching an own number or a dedicated line.

The metering unit can record, implement and forward various data (gas, water, electricity consumption) flexibly, automatically and promptly. Through the

Using the existing infrastructure, low cabling, easy accessibility and high availability are guaranteed.

This type of bidirectional communication enables completely new perspectives in energy and process planning, both for the end user and for that

EVU (fast and transparent processing, remote maintenance, monitoring and leak detection, load and time-dependent billing procedures, load control, timely consumption determination in the liberalized energy market etc.)

ERSÄTZBLÄΓT (RULE 26) The device according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the example, the invention consists of a communication transmitter 1 for prompt, automatic acquisition and transmission of data, suitable for private end customers, municipal and medium-sized businesses.

The overall system consists of:

• the energy recording devices 4.0 • the communication transmitter 1.0

• the ISDN telephone network 5.0

The acquisition server 6

• the alarm server 7

• the web server 8 • the visualization computer 10 related to the user

The communication transmitter 1 is connected to the existing infrastructure at the consumer, which can be an energy consumer. The infrastructure can consist of various end devices 4, in particular the gas, water and / or electricity meter and the ISDN telephone network 5. The

For this purpose, energy consumers (e.g. households) can be equipped with gas, water and / or electricity meters with an integrated bus (e.g. M or LON bus) or pulse outputs. The terminals 4 are connected via a bus line to the input-side first interface 2.1 of the communication transmitter 1. The output side is the

Communication transmitter 1 connected to the ISDN network 5 via a standard line via the second interface 2.2. A translation unit 2 is provided for the processing of the incoming signals and their implementation, which is connected to the input interfaces 2.1 and optionally 2.6 and 2.5 and the output interface 2.2. The translation unit 2 has the

REPLACEMENT BLADE (RULE 26) Tasks of signal level conversion, the bidirectional conversion of different protocol types (can be M-Bus to S ₀ bus (ISDN)), as well as the interpretation of the bidirectionally arriving protocols, with the aim of filtering out and forwarding the information intended for the communication transmitter 1. These tasks can be realized by a programmable processor or several coupled processors 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4. This can be divided into the bus master 3.1, implemented with a Zilog or Hitachi module, the communication unit 3.2, implemented with a N586L or Hitachi module and an ISDN controller 3.3, implemented with Max240 or Siemens module, as well as a dual port memory , realized with a Hitachi or

Texas instrument building block.

At the same time, different terminals 4 can be connected to the communication transmitter 1 in parallel via a bus line to the input-side interface 2.1, as well as terminals for pulse detection to the input-side interface 2.5, and

Terminal devices can be connected to the optional bus master 2 attached via the interface 2.6, as well as to the terminal devices attached on the output 2.4 to trigger switching operations. The data is preprocessed in the translation unit and locally analyzed and evaluated using statistical methods. Furthermore, from the

Evaluation switching operations can be initiated via the interface 2.4, as well as alarm messages are written to an alarm memory or transmitted to an alarm server 7. The preprocessed and processed data can be automatically read out via the ISDN connection in a timely manner and archived on a central computer 6 and evaluated using other tools (cost center allocation, billing, consumption profile creation, generation of further individual switching and control actions, statistical deviation considerations, etc.). The visualization of the user-related data takes place on an internet-capable computer of the user 10 by means of a standard internet browser (e.g. Netscape

Navigator or MS Internet Explorer) via so-called web sites. The end user usually dials in via a telephone connection 5 (ISDN or analog) Internet-enabled network 9 and thus receives access via a web server 8 its user-related data on the acquisition server 6. Via a clear authentication of the user on the web server, as well as a further authentication for reading in the user-related data and a data transmission via so-called https web sites protection of data against unauthorized access is ensured.

REPLACEMENT BLADE (RULE 26)

Claims

claims

1. Device (1) for the automatic acquisition and bidirectional transmission of data, comprising a first interface (2.1) for data input, a second interface (2.2) for data output and one

Translation unit (3) for processing the data, characterized in that a bus-capable system can be coupled through the first interface (2.1), to which one or more terminals (4.0) can be connected according to the respective bus characteristic, that the second interface (2.2) has a Interface to the ISDN telephone network (5) or to the cable television network or to satellite transmission or to Wide Area Network (WAN) and that the intelligent translation unit (3) consists of one or more individually programmable processors (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) that are interconnected and programmed so that the translation unit (3) one

Can recognize data communication via the second interface (2.2) and can send a data request via the first interface (2.1) to the bus-compatible system for forwarding to the or each terminal (4.0) and a data response from the or each terminal (4.0) via the bus-compatible Read system, edit and pass on to the second interface (2.2).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a sixth interface (2.6) and a fifth interface (2.5) for data input, a third interface (2.3) for expanding the system functions, and a fourth interface (2.4) for control external systems has that the sixth interface (2.6) can be used to connect a further bus master, via which a further bus-compatible system to which one or more terminal devices can be connected according to the respective bus characteristics, and through the third interface (2.3) a system for expansion of the internal functionality (e.g. SIM card), it can be coupled such that the fifth interface (2.5) can be used to couple an impulse-capable system to which one or more terminals (4.1) are used

REPLACEMENT BLADE (RULE 26) Pulse detection can be connected and that the fourth interface (2.4) can be used to connect a system (4.2) which can be controlled via a relay and to which one or more terminal devices can be connected.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the data in the translation unit (3.0) preprocessed and can be analyzed and evaluated locally by means of statistical methods.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that switching operations can be initiated via the fourth interface (2.4) from the evaluation, and alarm avoidances can be written to an alarm memory or transmitted to an alarm server 7.

5. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has means for encrypting and / or decrypting the data to be transmitted and / or transmitted.

6. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the date, the time and an identification of the or each terminal (5) can be transmitted in the data response.

7. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that different terminals (5) to different

Times are readable.

8. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a function test of the terminals (5) can be carried out with the reading.

9. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first interface (2.1) is a bus connection.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

10. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sixth interface (2.6) is an interface for implementing a second bus master.

11. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the third interface (2.3) is an interface for a

Expansion module is (SIM card).

12. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the fifth interface (2.5) is a pulse interface (SO - counter pulse).

13. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fourth interface (2.4) is an interface for controlling external devices (2.4) via relays.

14. The device according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the second interface (2.2) is an RJ45 interface for connecting ISDN, GSM or cable television.