Method and apparatus for verifying and / or setting the arrangement of physical elements of a vehicle.

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and test apparatus for verifying and / or setting the arrangement of physical elements of a vehicle. [Solution] A method for verifying and / or setting the arrangement of the physical elements of a vehicle includes the step of preparing a test apparatus adapted to simulate the arrangement of the physical elements of a vehicle. The test apparatus comprises a support structure to which one or more physical elements are adjustablely joined. The method also includes the steps of acquiring or processing a virtual model representing the arrangement of one or more physical elements with respect to the support structure of the test apparatus, physically positioning them according to the arrangement, defining a first reference point whose position relative to the support structure is known, measuring the relative distance between the first reference point and a second reference point on a virtual reality viewer, connecting a user to an electronic processing unit via the viewer, and acquiring and transmitting data indicating the user's movements to the electronic processing unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of test methods and apparatuses, and in particular, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for checking and / or configuring the arrangement of physical elements of a vehicle. [Background Art]

[0002] There is known a test apparatus for adjusting the arrangement of physical components of a vehicle passenger compartment, which simulates actual usage conditions by using interaction with a virtual environment projected in 2D onto the outer wall of a vehicle mockup.

[0003] An example of this apparatus is known from US 2015 / 0228199, which discloses a platform including a plurality of movable components, around which a projector can generate a virtual scene representing external conditions of a passenger compartment.

[0004] The apparatus according to the aforementioned prior art document can position various physical elements constituting the apparatus and configure the apparatus at predetermined operating positions.

[0005] Nevertheless, the test apparatus according to the aforementioned document does not allow complete evaluation of the correspondence between this configuration resulting from the adjustment procedure of physical elements and the actual structure and operating conditions of the vehicle, nor does it allow generation of a sufficiently immersive complex virtual environment that covers as many diverse actual vehicle configurations as possible for simulation experience (for example, by completely replicating the interior of the passenger compartment, that is, also reproducing its features such as finishes, colors, or vehicle components that are not physically included in the test apparatus).

[0006] These factors naturally limit the concrete overlap between test conditions and actual usage conditions of the vehicle.

[0007] To overcome these shortcomings, prior art has proposed several solutions intended to superimpose virtual scenes onto real-world environments, such as vehicle passenger compartments. Examples of such solutions are known from DE 10 2015 003884 A1, US 7 761 269 B1, and EP 1 533 683 A2, where the superposition of virtual and real environments is carried out by photogrammetry detection of the movement of multiple markers distributed on the user's body (using so-called "motion capture" technology).

[0008] A key feature of this method is the absence of an external reference frame, as the movement and placement of physical entities are simulated based on the positions they directly occupy within the virtual scene. In effect, the position of an object at a given moment is recorded by an optical device that captures the positions of markers associated with these physical elements. The resulting signal from the optical device is projected onto a virtual grid or background, and the movement of the object is detected as the difference between the positions the markers can take at two different moments in time relative to the virtual background, which constitutes an intrinsic reference frame.

[0009] If there is no way to assign an external reference frame, the alignment of the physical environment and the virtual scene becomes more complex, which increases the computational cost of the simulation. [Overview of the project]

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the aforementioned problems.

[0011] To obtain this result, the method according to this invention provides several steps for preparing a test apparatus. The test apparatus includes one or more physical elements whose position and / or orientation can be adjusted, and whose specific structure (for example, subject to testing to evaluate its characteristics such as ergonomics, design fit, and aesthetic performance, with reference to the configurations of sports vehicles and commercial vehicles) is predetermined by processing or acquiring a virtual model by an electronic processing unit.

[0012] Next, the physical elements of the device are adjusted so that their position and / or orientation match the position and / or orientation of the same elements in the virtual model.

[0013] Subsequently, the vehicle user interfaces with this electronic processing unit via a virtual reality viewer, allowing the user to become fully immersed in the virtual model.

[0014] This makes it possible to model an actual vehicle in a virtual environment with almost perfect accuracy, including parts of the vehicle for which there is no physical counterpart in the test equipment (for example, a dashboard contoured according to a certain shape when the test equipment does not have an equivalent element), and / or parts to which you want to add features that the corresponding physical part of the test equipment does not have (such as color or finish).

[0015] This method further provides defining a first reference point whose location in the physical environment is known, measuring the distance from a second reference point on the viewer, and then positioning the user's viewpoint on the viewer according to that distance.

[0016] Because the user's perspective and the virtual model are linked in this way, the way the user views the virtual model depends on the actual movement of the user's head.

[0017] The aforementioned and other objectives and advantages are achieved, according to one aspect of the present invention, by a method and apparatus having the features defined in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] Next, the functional and structural features of some preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus according to the present invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a test apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the test apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B are a schematic side view and an enlarged view, respectively, of a seat that can be incorporated into a test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a steering wheel that can be incorporated into a test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figures 5A and 5B are schematic perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, showing a structure that simulates the roof of a vehicle (which may be incorporated into a test apparatus) and an enlarged view of this structure, respectively. [Figure 6] Figures 6A to 6D are schematic perspective views of a pedalboard that can be incorporated into a test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and several enlarged views of the pedalboard, respectively. [Figure 7-8] Figures 7A to 8B are schematic diagrams of steps in a method for verifying and / or configuring the arrangement of the physical elements of a vehicle, respectively, in which the components of the test apparatus are positioned at reference points (a point indicating the standard position of the user's heel, a point indicating the position of the user's foot, and points indicating the rearmost and lowest positions of the seat relative to the front of the vehicle, respectively), and the position and / or orientation of these components of the apparatus relative to the support structure of the test apparatus is made to match, according to embodiments of the present invention, the position and / or orientation of these components in a pre-processed or pre-acquired virtual model. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Before describing in detail several embodiments of the present invention, it is necessary to clarify that the present invention is not limited to the structural details and configuration of the components shown in the following description or in the drawings. Other embodiments of the present invention are conceivable and can be implemented or configured in actually different ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 by way of example, a method for checking and / or configuring the arrangement of physical elements of a vehicle comprises the step of providing a test apparatus 9 adapted to simulate the arrangement of physical elements of a vehicle.

[0022] This test apparatus 9 comprises a support structure 10, one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are joined to this support structure 10, the position and / or orientation of which is adjustable relative to the support structure 10.

[0023] Said physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 comprise at least a seat 12, and / or a steering handle 14, and / or a pedal board 16, and / or a roof 18, and / or at least one door, and / or an armrest for a user of the test apparatus 9, and / or a compartment used as a trunk.

[0024] The method further comprises the following steps: obtaining or processing, by means of an electronic processing unit, a virtual model representing the arrangement of the one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 relative to the support structure 10 of the test apparatus, arranging the one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 according to said arrangement such that the position and / or orientation of said one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 relative to said support structure 10 matches the position and / or orientation of the corresponding one or more physical elements in said virtual model, interfacing said user with said electronic processing unit by means of a virtual reality viewer in which said virtual model is displayed from a predetermined point of view POV, acquiring data representative of movements of said user, transmitting said data to said electronic processing unit.

[0025] In this way, a user is completely immersed in a virtual environment and has the opportunity to evaluate the ergonomic, structural and aesthetic suitability of the vehicle under test.

[0026] The virtual model may be processed or acquired using, for example, a CAD / CAE / CAM platform.

[0027] This method, A step of defining a first reference point, wherein its position relative to the support structure 10 is known, The steps of measuring the relative distance between the first reference point and the second reference point on the viewer, and measuring the relative distance between the first reference point and the second reference point via the processing device, The process includes the step of positioning the viewer's viewpoint POV as a function of the relative distance via the processing device.

[0028] According to the embodiment, the step of positioning one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 such that their positions and / or orientations match the positions and / or orientations of corresponding physical elements in the virtual model is performed by moving one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 as a function of their distances from one or more predetermined reference points P, O, H identified with respect to the support structure 10 until their positions and / or orientations match the positions and / or orientations of these parts of the apparatus in a pre-processed or pre-acquired virtual model.

[0029] For example, one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may be moved until their position and / or orientation determines a specific placement of the user's heel relative to a heel point P that indicates a standard position of the user's heel (as illustrated in Figure 7A), and / or Their positions and / or orientations may be moved to determine the specific placement of the user's foot relative to the heel point O, which indicates the position of the user's foot (as shown as an example in Figure 7B), and / or Their positions and / or orientations may be moved until they determine a specific placement of the seat 12 with respect to seat point H, which indicates the rearmost and lowest positions of the seat relative to the front of the vehicle (as shown as an example in Figures 8A and 8B). The locations of these reference points P, O, and H are generally predetermined according to conventional type approval specifications.

[0030] Conveniently, the electronic processing unit may also be used to process the virtual model and obtain an integrated virtual model that further includes virtual elements representing the internal and / or external elements of the vehicle in order to simulate the actual usage conditions of the vehicle. This step can be achieved, for example, by using virtual rendering and prototyping software such as the program commercially known as the initial VRED® distributed by Autodesk.

[0031] According to the embodiment, the method includes the step of interfaceing a user with a plurality of wearable sensors capable of transmitting signals representing their position and / or movement in space. This step can be carried out, for example, by a photogrammetry system or by a so-called “motion capture” device, which is known in itself.

[0032] According to the embodiment, the aforementioned step of positioning the physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 in the virtual model according to the assumed positions and / or directions is carried out by electromechanical adjustment.

[0033] Furthermore, the test apparatus 9 for verifying the arrangement of the vehicle's physical elements is, The system has a support structure 10 to which one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are joined. The position and / or orientation of the physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are adjustable relative to the support structure 10. The physical elements include at least a seat 12, and / or a steering wheel 14, and / or a pedalboard 16, and / or a roof 18, and / or at least one door, and / or an armrest for the user of the test equipment, and / or a compartment used as a trunk. Test apparatus 9 also, An electronic processing unit configured to acquire or process a virtual model representing the arrangement of one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 relative to the support structure 10 of the test apparatus 9, A virtual reality viewer configured to view the virtual model from a predetermined viewpoint (POV), The system includes acquisition and transmission means configured to acquire data indicating user movements and transmit it to the electronic processing unit. The electronic processing unit is configured to position the viewer's viewpoint (POV) as a function of the relative distance between a first reference point whose relative position to the support structure 10 is known and a second reference point on the viewer.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the acquisition means comprises a plurality of wearable sensors (not shown), each of which is configured to transmit a signal representing its position and / or movement in space.

[0035] Conveniently, the test apparatus 9 further comprises electromechanical adjustment means 26 configured to adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more internal physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 relative to the support structure 10.

[0036] Preferably, the support structure 10 has rails 10a and / or telescopic columns 10b configured to slidably and / or pivotably support one or more physical elements 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 of the vehicle.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic processing unit is further configured to process the virtual model to obtain an integrated virtual model which further includes virtual elements representing internal and / or external elements of the vehicle.

[0038] Various aspects and embodiments of the method and apparatus for verifying and / or configuring the arrangement of physical elements of a vehicle according to the present invention have been described. It is understood that each embodiment can be combined with any other embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and can be modified within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for verifying and / or configuring the arrangement of the physical elements of a vehicle, (a) Providing a test apparatus (9) configured to simulate the arrangement of the physical elements of a vehicle, The test apparatus (9) includes a support structure (10) to which one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are associated. The position and / or orientation of the aforementioned physical element is adjustable with respect to the support structure (10), The steps include providing a test apparatus (9) in which the physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) include at least one seat (12), and / or one steering wheel (14), and / or one pedalboard (16), and / or one roof (18), at least one door, and / or one armrest for a user of the test apparatus (9), and / or one trunk compartment, (b) The steps of obtaining or processing a virtual model representing the arrangement of one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) with respect to the support structure (10) of the test apparatus using an electronic processing unit, (c) The step of arranging the one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) according to the arrangement of step (b) such that the position and / or orientation of the physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) relative to the support structure (10) matches the position and / or orientation of the corresponding one or more physical elements in the virtual model, (d) A step of interface the user to the electronic processing unit by a virtual reality viewer, wherein the virtual model of step (b) is displayed from a predetermined viewpoint (POV), and (e) The step of acquiring data indicating the user's movements and transmitting it to the electronic processing unit, Step (c) is, (c1) A step of defining a first reference point, wherein the position of the first reference point relative to the support structure (10) is known, (c2) The step of measuring the relative distance between the first reference point and the second reference point on the virtual reality viewer, (c3) A method comprising positioning the viewpoint (POV) of the virtual reality viewer via the electronic processing unit according to the relative distance measured in step (c2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (c) is performed by moving the one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) as a function of their distances from one or more predetermined reference points (P, O, H) identified in relation to the support structure (10) until the position and / or orientation of the one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) matches the position and / or orientation of the support structure components in a pre-processed or pre-acquired virtual model.

3. The one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are moved until the position and / or orientation of the one or more physical elements determines a specific placement of the user's heel relative to a heel point (P) that indicates the standard position of the user's heel, and / or The position and / or orientation of one or more of the aforementioned physical elements are moved until a specific placement of the user's foot relative to the heel point (O) indicating the position of the user's foot is determined, and / or The method according to claim 2, wherein the position and / or orientation of one or more of the physical elements moves until it determines a specific arrangement of the seat (12) with respect to a seat point (H) that indicates the rearmost and lowest seat position (12) relative to the front of the vehicle.

4. (f) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the step of processing the virtual model obtained in step (b) with the electronic processing unit to obtain an integrated virtual model further including virtual elements representing internal and / or external elements of the vehicle, thereby simulating the actual usage state of the vehicle.

5. (g) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the step of interface a user with a plurality of wearable sensors, each of which is configured to transmit a signal indicating position and / or movement in space.

6. (c) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is carried out by electromechanical adjustment.

7. A test apparatus (9) for confirming the arrangement of the physical elements of a vehicle, - Support structure (10), One or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) are connected to the support structure (10) and whose position and / or orientation can be adjusted, The physical elements include a support structure (10) which includes at least a seat (12), a steering wheel (14), a pedalboard (16), a roof (18), at least one door, an armrest for the user of the test apparatus, and / or a trunk storage compartment. - An electronic processing unit configured to acquire or process a virtual model showing the arrangement of one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) with respect to the support structure (10) of the test apparatus (9), - A virtual reality viewer configured to display the virtual model from a predetermined viewpoint (POV), - Includes acquisition means and transmission means configured to acquire data indicating user movements and transmit it to the electronic processing unit, - A test apparatus comprising an electronic processing unit configured to position the viewpoint (POV) of a virtual reality viewer according to the relative distance between a first reference point whose position relative to the support structure (10) is known and a second reference point on the virtual reality viewer.

8. The acquisition means comprises multiple wearable sensors, The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of wearable sensors is configured to transmit a signal indicating position and / or motion in space.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising electromechanical adjusting means (26) adapted to adjust the position and / or orientation of one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) relative to the support structure (10).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the support structure (10) comprises a rail (10a) and / or telescopic column (10b) configured to slidably and / or pivotably support one or more physical elements (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of the vehicle.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the electronic processing unit is further configured to process the virtual model to obtain an integrated virtual model that further includes virtual elements representing internal and / or external elements of the vehicle.

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