Method and device for simulating a motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for simulating a motor vehicle, characterized by the following features: - User input is abstracted through input processing (1), - depending on the abstracted user inputs, an intervention in the simulation is activated on a case-by-case basis according to an activation logic (2), - the activated intervention is optionally carried out in the simulation by a signal input (3) or a steering angle controller (4), - Input processing (1) is carried out using peripheral devices and is controlled by an auxiliary program, - the simulation includes an emergency shutdown of the intervention, which occurs according to the activation logic (2) when a driver of the simulated motor vehicle activates a switch, - In the emergency shutdown, the time elapsed from the signal activation (3) until the switch is actuated is measured and - The driver's reaction to the intervention is documented based on the duration of the intervention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for simulating a motor vehicle. The present invention further relates to a corresponding device, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding storage medium. State of the art

[0002] The state of the art in driving simulation encompasses various aspects that deal with replicating vehicle handling and the behavior of motor vehicles under different conditions. Driving simulators are established in driver training and continuing education, in research and development of new vehicle technologies, and in the analysis of driver behavior under varying environmental conditions and vehicle states.

[0003] Conventional driving simulators digitally recreate the vehicle and its surroundings, allowing the user to interact within this simulated world. They utilize realistic cockpit environments with controls such as a steering wheel, pedals, and switches, as well as audiovisual systems to represent the environment. These simulators can depict various driving scenarios, characterized, for example, by urban or rural traffic situations, different weather conditions, or varying times of day.

[0004] A critical aspect of using driving simulators is the ability to accurately reproduce real-world vehicle reactions and dynamics. This includes replicating steering dynamics, braking system response, and vehicle acceleration. Some advanced simulators use force feedback systems in the steering wheel to simulate the haptic feedback a driver experiences when steering a real vehicle.

[0005] Modern simulators also allow for the integration and testing of prototype driver assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking systems, lane keeping assist systems, or adaptive cruise control. Such systems can be included in the simulation to investigate their influence on driver reaction.

[0006] CN 107 871 418 A, CN 112 487 549 A and US 6 431 872 B1 disclose simulators for learning how to control land vehicles.

[0007] DE 10 2010 003 210 A1 describes a method for simulating a critical driving condition in a motor vehicle caused by a disturbance. An instruction regarding the disturbance is given and converted into one or more corresponding signals. These signals are sent to one or more vehicle components, such as its steering, braking system, or chassis, and directly influence them. For example, additional torque can be generated at the steering wheel or an additional angle at the steered wheels. Operation is via a graphical user interface, for example, using a joystick.

[0008] DE 201 17 325 U1 describes a control device for driving school vehicles that enables the remote control of certain vehicle functions or systems. This device can be connected to a driving instructor's station located outside the vehicle. It is specifically designed to prioritize the vehicle's braking function. Additionally, the control device can be coupled with the vehicle's steering system to also prioritize its control. An actuator connected to the steering system is provided for adjusting the steering angle.

[0009] DE 10 2006 032 781 A1 describes an arrangement for controlling at least one actuator intended for driving a vehicle by means of a control unit on both the driver's and passenger's side. The control signals generated by both control units are transmitted to a connected control unit, which generates a signal for controlling the actuator, with the control signal from the passenger side being prioritized. The control unit on the driver's side can be designed as a steering wheel. Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The increasing complexity of driving and driver assistance systems in modern vehicles places high demands on driver training and continuing education. In particular, the ability to react appropriately to malfunctions or unforeseen errors in these systems is crucial for road safety. While existing driving simulators are capable of representing a wide range of driving situations under normal operating conditions, there is a deficit in the simulation and training of scenarios characterized by faulty system states.

[0011] Specifically, the problem is that conventional simulation environments are not designed to realistically reproduce fault conditions and their effects on driving behavior and driver reactions. However, the ability to simulate such scenarios is essential for training drivers under safety-critical conditions. Drivers must be prepared for unexpected events, such as the sudden failure of an assistance system or atypical vehicle behavior, in order to react appropriately to such incidents in traffic.

[0012] Furthermore, existing systems often lack a sufficient interface that allows a human trainer to input targeted and parameterizable interventions into the simulation. This applies to both manipulating steering behavior and generating warnings and error messages. The existing systems do not offer an adequate way to control such interventions independently of the simulation environment used.

[0013] Finally, it is important to note that user safety must be guaranteed at all times during driving simulation. Conventional systems lack the ability to intervene quickly and effectively in the event of an undesirable event or a malfunction of the simulator or the simulated systems. They lack an immediately responsive emergency stop mechanism that would allow the driver to interrupt the simulation process immediately if necessary.

[0014] The described problem is solved by a method for simulating a motor vehicle, a corresponding device, a corresponding computer program and a corresponding storage medium according to the independent claims.

[0015] This approach offers the advantage of realistically simulating the influence of malfunctions in driving and driver assistance systems on driving behavior and the driver's reaction time. Compared to previous simulation systems, which are primarily focused on representation and interaction under normal operating conditions, the present technical design allows for the flexible and dynamic integration of fault states and external interventions in the simulation process.

[0016] By allowing specific error conditions to be incorporated into the simulation, realistic training environments are created, enabling targeted driver training for potential risk situations in road traffic. This significantly contributes to increased driving safety, as drivers learn to react appropriately even under unusual or critical conditions.

[0017] Providing an interface for the targeted and configurable application of interventions also opens up new possibilities for trainers to individually adapt the difficulty and complexity of the scenarios to the drivers' training level and learning objectives. This functionality not only promotes effective training but also enables the evaluation of driver reactions.

[0018] Another important aspect of the technical solution is the implementation of an emergency stop mechanism, which allows the driver to regain control of the simulation at any time and interrupt it if necessary. The driver's reaction time to applied effects and the activation of the emergency stop switch is recorded and documented, enabling an objective evaluation of the driver's reaction and ensuring safety during the training session.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims. Brief description of the drawing The figure schematically shows the data flow diagram of a system according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0020] The data flow diagram shown depicts a system that enables the interactive simulation of a motor vehicle, with particular attention paid to the representation and handling of faulty system states and driver assistance systems.

[0021] User input into this system can be provided via various peripheral devices, such as a keyboard, a hotkeyboard, or external programs that allow direct interaction with the system. Input processing (1) abstracts this input and makes it available for further processing.

[0022] After the user inputs have been processed, their validity is checked by the activation logic (2). This component of the system is responsible for deciding whether and which interventions in the simulation should be activated and carried out either by a signal input (3) or a steering angle controller (4). At the same time, the activation logic (2) provides suitable mechanisms to temporarily deactivate the system, for example by means of a simulated emergency stop switch.

[0023] The signal feeder (3) communicates via a serial interface with an external microcontroller, which in turn has digital and analog connections to various devices such as lights or sound generators. This allows visual or acoustic warning signals and status indicators to be simulated in the cockpit.

[0024] The steering angle controller (4) reads the target steering angle values, which can be generated either by an external, physical steering wheel or by a program. The steering angle controller (4) is responsible for setting the simulator's main steering wheel to the desired target steering angle in order to simulate forced driving trajectories or faulty steering movements. For this purpose, the main steering wheel has force feedback capabilities to generate the mechanical resistances and movements corresponding to the target steering angle. Reference symbol list 1 Input processing 2 Activation logic 3 Signal connection 4 steering angle controllers

Claims

[1] Method for simulating a motor vehicle, characterized by the following characteristics: - User input is abstracted through input processing (1), - depending on the abstracted user inputs, an intervention in the simulation is activated on a case-by-case basis according to an activation logic (2), - the activated intervention is optionally carried out in the simulation by a signal input (3) or a steering angle controller (4), - Input processing (1) is carried out using peripheral devices and is controlled by an auxiliary program, - the simulation includes an emergency shutdown of the intervention, which occurs according to the activation logic (2) when a driver of the simulated motor vehicle activates a switch, - In the emergency shutdown, the time elapsed from the signal activation (3) until the switch is actuated is measured and - The driver's reaction to the intervention is documented based on the duration of the intervention. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by the following characteristics: - the steering angle controller (4) reads the target steering angle of a steering angle sensor included in the simulation via a serial interface or internally and - The steering angle controller (4) sets a main steering wheel used in the simulation to a target steering angle manipulated by the intervention via a serial interface. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the following characteristics: - the signal connection (3) is made via a serial interface to a microcontroller and - The microcontroller controls visual or acoustic indicators of a driver assistance system included in the simulation. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the following characteristic: - User input is imported internally via a generic interface. [5] Device, characterized by the following characteristics: - the device comprises input processing means (1), activation logic (2), signal input means (3) and a steering angle controller (4) and - the device is set up to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 4. [6] Computer program configured to perform all steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [7] Machine-readable storage medium with a computer program stored thereon according to claim 6.

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