Soluware GmbH

In close cooperation with our customers, we have developed a solution with which the positions and movements of individual construction components within a construction site can be recorded, stored and used for construction data modelling. The building components are recorded using the latest RFID technology, and the information collected in this way is supplemented by telemetry data from the local construction cranes. Our customers can use this information to carry out construction data modelling.

Procedure

• Project kick-off workshop and joint project planning with the project partners
• Structuring and maintenance of tasks in Jira, using an agile approach
• Version management in Bitbucket
• Development of the software and configuration of the individual components
• Documentation of the system
• Commissioning and on-site support at the test construction site

Features

• Setup and configuration of a local WiFi network on the construction site
•  Data transmission between the components using the MQTT protocol
• Safe handling of possible network problems
• Automatic entry of the collected data into a database
• Time synchronisation between the construction cranes and RFID readers
• Solution for later customisation of the configuration of all components

The need for a comprehensive redesign of a Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor with LoRaWAN interface arose from the increasing demand for improved performance features and a modernised architecture. Our goal was not only to redesign the hardware, but also to extend the software functionalities and improve the maintainability of the system. The current sensor, although functional, was reaching its limits in terms of accuracy and flexibility. In addition, more efficient error handling and the possibility of over-the-air (OTA) software updates were required. However, the existing software architecture made it difficult to integrate new functions. We started with a thorough analysis of the existing and new requirements to create a clear roadmap for the redesign. 

The optimisation of the sensor system begins with the requirements analysis, including customer feedback and support interactions. Existing and new requirements are documented in order to obtain a clear overview. 

The hardware redesign focusses on the selection of modern components and the integration of an efficient LoRaWAN module to increase accuracy and performance. 

The adaptation of the software architecture includes the development of a transparently defined system state machine for clear states and transitions. At the same time, the software architecture is being revised for improved scalability and maintainability. 

Error detection and management are improved by a robust mechanism for real-time errors and the integration of JIRA for efficient task and error management. Regular interim software releases with clear release notes are part of the process. 

In addition, features such as over-the-air software updates and the integration of a bootloader are being developed to ensure that the sensor software can be updated wirelessly. These measures are aimed at a comprehensive improvement of the sensor system. 

Improved hardware has significantly increased the accuracy and performance of the sensor. The introduction of a transparent system state machine facilitates maintenance and further development of the clear system architecture. Comprehensive error detection and management improves the reliability of the sensor. The integration of JIRA and the provision of clearly documented release notes enable transparent communication with users as part of regular software updates. The implementation of over-the-air (OTA) updates and a bootloader creates the possibility of flexible and secure software updates. Together, these measures contribute to a comprehensive improvement of the sensor system. 

The redesign of the Time-of-Flight Distance Sensor has not only led to technological progress, but has also significantly improved the maintainability and expandability of the system. The use of state-of-the-art technologies and a clear focus on user-friendliness make the sensor a market-leading product.

The series software was developed for a rotary pushbutton actuator.

The component is integrated in the industrial truck and communicates with other control units via CAN.

Communication with the diagnostic terminal also takes place via CAN bus, using ISO-TP/UDS.

Procedure

• Agile project using sprint-based order form
• Project duration approx. 12 weeks, consisting of 6 sprints
• Analysing the requirements and creating the project plan in Jira
• Integration of new functions into the software architecture using a UML model in Enterprise Architect
• Generation of code from the UML model and thus automated visualisation of traceability information
• Definition and execution of software tests on the integrated system to verify functionality

Features

• Integration, configuration and expansion of an ISO-TP/UDS stack into the overall system,
• Connection of the UDS stack to the CAN open stack.
• Establishing CAN communication with the entire vehicle
• Development of voltage monitoring and error handling
• Development of EEPROM module with RAM mirror
• Development of a Production & Monitoring module that determines and stores production data and statistical values.

Development of the watchdog