Location information synchronization system and method based on virtual driving environment

Abstract

Disclosed are a location information synchronization system and method based on a virtual driving environment. The location information synchronization system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a simulation device that provides a virtual driving environment for driving a virtual vehicle and determines first location information of the virtual vehicle in the virtual driving environment, the first location information being generated while the virtual vehicle is being driven; and a location synchronization device that receives the first location information of the virtual vehicle, generates second location information corresponding to the first location information, and transmits the second location information to a test vehicle linked to the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the location of the test vehicle with the location of the virtual vehicle.

Description

System and method for synchronizing location information based on a virtual driving environment

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a virtual driving environment-based location information synchronization system and method.

[0002] Among the studies conducted to develop automotive digital forensic technology, those that have conducted experiments based on actual vehicles are mainly developing digital forensic technology related to IVI (in-vehicle infotainment) systems.

[0003] These studies involve driving on actual roads and conducting experiments to trigger specific vehicle-related events. The aforementioned experimental method requires repeated testing for various situations while driving on actual roads, making the process of acquiring the data necessary for technology development inefficient and potentially exposing the vehicle to real-world risks.

[0004] Developing digital forensics technology for accident data recorders like EDRs requires securing EDRs from vehicles involved in actual accidents, or creating accidents for testing. Because the costs of repetitive testing are prohibitive, acquiring the massive amounts of experimental data necessary for EDR digital forensics can be virtually impossible.

[0005] The disclosed embodiments are intended to provide a virtual driving environment-based location information synchronization system and method for obtaining actual vehicle operation data by applying a location that changes within a virtual driving environment to a test vehicle in a laboratory environment.

[0006] A location information synchronization system according to one embodiment includes a simulation device that provides a virtual driving environment for driving a virtual vehicle and determines first location information of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment that occurs during driving of the virtual vehicle; and a location synchronization device that receives the first location information of the virtual vehicle, generates second location information corresponding to the first location information, and transmits the second location information to a test vehicle linked with the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the location of the test vehicle with the location of the virtual vehicle.

[0007] The second location information may be a virtual GPS (global positioning system) signal of an actual road that the virtual driving environment is simulating.

[0008] The above location information synchronization system may further include a test vehicle that outputs driving information reflecting the second location information as its own location information through a navigation screen within the same area as the virtual driving environment.

[0009] The above test vehicle can output a driving environment identical to the virtual driving environment in which the virtual vehicle is driven through the screen of the navigation system, but can output the virtual driving environment that changes according to the driving of the virtual vehicle in real time.

[0010] The above simulation device can calculate the latitude and longitude of the virtual driving environment and, based on this, determine the first location information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment.

[0011] The above location synchronization device can generate the second location information corresponding to the first location information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle, and can convert the second location information into a form that can be received by a GPS receiving RF antenna equipped in the test vehicle and transmit it.

[0012] The above simulation device can identify and provide third location information of another virtual vehicle adjacent to the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment.

[0013] The above location synchronization device, when receiving the third location information, can determine the relative location of the other virtual vehicle based on the location of the virtual vehicle on the road within the virtual driving environment and output the test vehicle and the other virtual vehicle together through the navigation screen, while generating fourth location information in the form of a GPS signal corresponding to the third location information.

[0014] A method for synchronizing location information according to one embodiment includes: a step of, in a simulation device providing a virtual driving environment for driving a virtual vehicle, determining first location information of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment that occurs while the virtual vehicle is being driven; and a step of, in a location synchronization device, receiving the first location information of the virtual vehicle, generating second location information corresponding to the first location information, and transmitting the second location information to a test vehicle linked with the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the location of the test vehicle with the location of the virtual vehicle.

[0015] The second location information may be a virtual GPS (global positioning system) signal of an actual road that the virtual driving environment is simulating.

[0016] The above location information synchronization method may further include a step of outputting, in the test vehicle, driving information reflecting the second location information as its own location information within the same area as the virtual driving environment through a navigation screen.

[0017] In addition, a computer-readable recording medium recording a computer program for executing a method for implementing the disclosed embodiment may be further provided.

[0018] According to the disclosed embodiments, it is expected that vehicle driving situations for various areas implemented in a virtual driving environment can be implemented using a test vehicle fixedly positioned in a laboratory environment, thereby collecting vehicle driving data identical to actual situations.

[0019] In addition, according to the disclosed embodiments, it is expected that the time required to collect various vehicle operation data, including traffic accidents, can be shortened by enabling virtual driving in a specific area in a laboratory environment, and that accidents that may occur during actual experiments can be prevented in advance, thereby ensuring the safety of researchers.

[0020] In addition, according to the disclosed embodiments, vehicle driving situations, including virtual traffic accidents, can be repeatedly generated without limitation for accident-related information storage devices such as an event data recorder (EDR) and a data storage system for autonomous driving (DSSAD), thereby securing a large amount of data necessary for technology development.

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a location information synchronization system according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation of a simulation device according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figures 3 and 4 are exemplary diagrams for explaining the operation of a driving robot according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figures 5 and 6 are exemplary diagrams for explaining a location information synchronization method according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining a location information synchronization method according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device according to one embodiment.

[0027] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the methods, devices, and / or systems described herein. However, these are merely examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0028] In describing embodiments of the present invention, if a detailed description of a known technology related to the present invention is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are terms defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention, and this may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions should be made based on the contents throughout this specification. The terminology used in the detailed description is only for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present invention and should not be limited in any way. Unless clearly used otherwise, the singular form includes the plural form. In this description, expressions such as "comprises" or "having" are intended to indicate certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, and should not be construed to exclude the presence or possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof other than those described.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a location information synchronization system according to one embodiment.

[0030] Hereinafter, the operation of a simulation device according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2, which is an exemplary diagram for explaining the operation of a driving robot according to one embodiment, FIGS. 3 and 4, which are exemplary diagrams for explaining the operation of a driving robot according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 6, which are exemplary diagrams for explaining a location information synchronization method according to one embodiment.

[0031] The position information synchronization system (1) disclosed in this embodiment can build a virtual driving environment-based automobile forensic living lab to generate defined events and collect data through the occurrence of events. In other words, the living lab can be a system for performing a driving test of a vehicle within a virtual driving environment. To this end, the position information synchronization system (1) can build a living lab that includes an actual vehicle (hereinafter, a test vehicle (300)) implemented in a fixed state indoors and a virtual vehicle capable of driving within a virtual driving environment, and can use these to enable autonomous driving simulation. At this time, the test vehicle (300) and the simulation device (100) implementing the virtual vehicle can transmit and receive CAN data to each other.

[0032] The location information synchronization system (1) performs virtual driving of a virtual vehicle by utilizing a map of a specific area set in advance through simulation, and can generate various driving situations including virtual accidents by controlling speed, acceleration, collision sensors, etc. mounted on an actual test vehicle (300), and can repeatedly generate virtual driving situation events.

[0033] The location information synchronization system (1) can synchronize and provide GPS location information corresponding to the location of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment to the test vehicle (300) in real time so that the location synchronization device (200) of the test vehicle (300) located indoors can recognize that it is present in the same location as the virtual driving environment.

[0034] The specific role of the above-described location information synchronization system (1) will be described later.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the position information synchronization system (1) includes a simulation device (100), a position synchronization device (200), a test vehicle (300), and a driving robot (400).

[0036] The components illustrated in FIG. 1 are not essential for implementing the location information synchronization system (1) according to the present disclosure, and thus the location information synchronization system (1) described herein may have more or fewer components than the components listed above. The components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be communicatively connected to each other via a communication network (not shown). In some embodiments, the communication network may include the Internet, one or more local area networks, wire area networks, a cellular network, a mobile network, other types of networks, or a combination of these networks.

[0037] The simulation device (100) may be a configuration in which a virtual environment driving simulation is implemented.

[0038] The simulation device (100) provides a virtual driving environment for driving a virtual vehicle, and can determine first location information of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment that occurs during driving of the virtual vehicle. The first location information may be the location of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment, but is not limited thereto, and may also include location information of other objects (e.g., roads, other virtual vehicles, facilities, etc.) within the virtual driving environment in addition to the location of the virtual vehicle. When the first location information includes the locations of other objects in addition to the location of the virtual vehicle, the location information of each of the virtual vehicle and other objects may be managed by matching with corresponding identification information.

[0039] The above virtual driving environment refers to a virtual road environment in which vehicle driving simulation is possible, and may be a simulation of an actual road.

[0040] The simulation device (100) can calculate the latitude and longitude of the virtual driving environment and, based on the latitude and longitude, determine first location information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment. To this end, the simulation device (100) can set and store map data in advance to which GPS location information to be implemented as the virtual driving environment is matched. The first location information may refer to GPS location information of an actual road that the virtual driving environment simulates. In the present embodiment, the first location information may be information transmitted so that the test vehicle (200) can recognize the GPS location information of an actual road within the virtual driving environment implemented as a simulation, rather than an actual location (e.g., a laboratory environment), as its own location.

[0041] The simulation device (100) can identify and provide third-party location information of other virtual vehicles adjacent to the virtual vehicle within a virtual driving environment. That is, the simulation device (100) can transmit not only the location of the virtual vehicle but also the third-party locations of other virtual vehicles in the vicinity to the location synchronization device (200).

[0042] Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the simulation device (100) can implement a simulation that provides a virtual driving environment to acquire vehicle driving data without directly operating a test vehicle (300), and collects vehicle driving data, including traffic accident events (e.g., collision events), while driving a virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment. The vehicle driving data can include not only traffic accident events, but also various types of information collected while the virtual vehicle is driving on a road within the virtual driving environment.

[0043] Meanwhile, the simulation device (100) can output a collision event that occurs while the virtual vehicle is driving. The collision event may refer to a collision accident that occurs while the virtual vehicle is driving in a virtual driving environment.

[0044] The simulation device (100) can generate vehicle operation data, including collision events occurring during simulation implementation, driving mode (whether manual mode or automatic mode), speed, gear information, brake information, accelerator information, and steering angle information, and transmit the data to other components (position synchronization device (200), test vehicle (300), and driving robot (400)). At this time, the simulation device (100), position synchronization device (200), test vehicle (300), and driving robot (400) can be connected by wires.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, the simulation device (100) can apply simulation functions that support functions such as a 3D digital twin environment implemented with an HD precision map and a physics engine, provision of various vehicle dynamics and sensor models, scenario testing, and automatic dataset generation. At this time, the simulation function can be directly utilized by developers through an application programming interface (API). In other words, developers can perform various controls related to simulation implementation through the API.

[0046] When collecting vehicle operation data including collision events, the simulation device (100) can allow a tester to directly operate the test vehicle (300), or a driving robot (400) to operate the test vehicle (300) according to the movement of the virtual vehicle in a virtual driving environment implemented in the simulation device (100).

[0047] The simulation device (100) displays a map of a specific virtual area (e.g., a map of Sangam-dong) on ​​the screen and can recognize and output latitude and longitude that change according to the driving of the virtual vehicle.

[0048] The above driving robot (400) can operate in conjunction with the simulation implemented in the simulation device (100). The driving robot (400) can be omitted when the tester directly operates the test vehicle (300).

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the driving robot (400) receives vehicle operation data generated from the simulation device (100), it may be configured to perform an action of rotating the steering wheel (410) of the test vehicle (300) through a vehicle control unit (not shown) or stepping on a pedal using an actuator (440).

[0050] The automatic mode (or automatic driving mode) is a situation in which a test vehicle (300) is operated through a simulation device (100), and an act of driving the test vehicle (300) without human operation can be created. Data generated in the simulation device (100) can be transmitted through an MCU (not shown) to operate a driving robot (400). The driving robot (400) can be composed of a servo motor (420) for operating a steering wheel (410), an actuator (440) for operating an accelerator pedal (accelerator in FIG. 4) (431) and a brake pedal (brake in FIG. 4) (433), and a gear sensor operating device (not shown) for operating a gear in the robot.

[0051] The servo motor (420) can control position, speed, and acceleration / deceleration using the motor. The driving robot (400) can control the steering wheel (410) to a desired angle through the servo motor (420).

[0052] The driving robot (400) can control the operation of each of the accelerator pedal (431) and the brake pedal (433) by applying pressure to them through the actuator (440).

[0053] The driving robot (400) can change gears according to the duty cycle (duty cycle (%)) set for each of the P, R, N, and D stages through the gear sensor operating device.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, in the automatic mode, the driving robot (400) can move the steering wheel (410) using the servo motor (420). The driving robot (400) can receive vehicle steering angle data generated in the simulation device (100) from the MCU and operate the DC motor according to the duty cycle to rotate the steering wheel (410) of the test vehicle (300) left and right according to the steering angle. At this time, the value of the torque for rotation according to the duty cycle can be determined with the goal of the maximum steering angle. For example, when a virtual vehicle in a virtual driving environment drives on a gentle curve, the steering wheel can rotate slowly due to a low maximum steering angle and duty cycle, and when driving on a road with a sharp curve, the values ​​of the maximum steering angle and duty cycle can increase, allowing the steering wheel to rotate quickly.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, the driving robot (400) can apply pressure to the accelerator pedal (431) and the brake pedal (433) using the actuator (440). The actuator (440) can perform the action of stepping on and releasing the pedal by moving the mechanical part of the actuator (440) connected to the pedals (431, 433) back and forth through the rotation of the motor. The driving robot (400) can operate the accelerator pedal (431) and the brake pedal (433) of the test vehicle (300) by operating the actuator (440) according to the accelerator value and the presence or absence of brake operation transmitted from the simulation device (100) through the MCU.

[0056] Manual mode (or manual driving mode) may mean a method in which a tester directly drives a test vehicle (300) and identically simulates data generated in the test vehicle (300) in the simulation device (100). That is, the tester can drive a virtual vehicle in a virtual driving environment implemented in the simulation device (100) by turning the steering wheel (410), pressing the accelerator pedal (431) and the brake pedal (433), or changing gears. In this manual mode, a tester riding in the test vehicle (300) can drive while viewing the virtual driving environment displayed on a screen installed in the front. The screen (not shown) is positioned adjacent to the test vehicle (300) in a laboratory environment and can output the virtual driving environment implemented in the simulation device (100).

[0057] When the driving robot (400) or the tester accelerates, decelerates, or steers the test vehicle (300), the corresponding vehicle control information (CAN packet) is transmitted to the CAN network within the test vehicle (300), and this is also shared equally with the virtual vehicle, so that the virtual vehicle can drive within the virtual driving environment according to the control information of the test vehicle (300).

[0058] The position synchronization device (200) can generate a virtual GPS signal corresponding to the position information of the virtual vehicle by utilizing the position information of the road environment within the virtual driving environment displayed on a screen (not shown) positioned adjacent to (e.g., in front of) the test vehicle (200) and transmit the virtual GPS signal to the test vehicle (200). At this time, the screen can display the virtual driving environment implemented through the simulation device (100) and the driving of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment.

[0059] That is, the position synchronization device (200) can generate a situation in which the current test vehicle (300) is driving on an actual road using the first position information including the latitude and longitude received from the simulation device (100). Referring to FIG. 5, when the first position information for the virtual vehicle driving in the Sangam map-based virtual driving environment is received from the simulation device (100), the second position information in the form of GPS analog data can be generated based on the first position information.

[0060] Specifically, the position synchronization device (200) may be configured to receive first position information of a virtual vehicle, generate second position information corresponding to the first position information, and transmit it to a test vehicle linked with the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the position of the test vehicle (300) with the position of the virtual vehicle. The second position information may be a virtual GPS (global positioning system) signal of an actual road that the virtual driving environment is simulating. That is, the virtual GPS signal disclosed in the present embodiment is a signal corresponding to a GPS signal of an actual road, and vehicle driving data can be collected from the standpoint of the test vehicle (300) based on the GPS position information of the actual road. Accordingly, the present embodiment can be expected to have the effect of being able to collect data on various vehicle driving situations, including collision events that may occur on multiple actual roads, by using a fixed test vehicle (300) in a laboratory environment.

[0061] The location synchronization device (200) can generate and provide second location information in the form of a virtual GPS signal using a GPS Spoofer or the like.

[0062] Below, the simulation method in manual mode and automatic mode will be explained as examples.

[0063] First, in the case of manual mode, referring to FIG. 5, the test vehicle (300) can be switched to manual mode through a manual / automatic mode switch (not shown). The simulation device (100) can generate first location information of the virtual vehicle in the Sangam map-based virtual driving environment in the form of GPS data and transmit it to the location synchronization device (200). The location synchronization device (200) can generate second location information in the form of virtual GPS data corresponding to the first location information, convert it into analog data, and transmit it to the navigation (not shown) inside the test vehicle (300). As vehicle driving data is generated by the tester directly driving the test vehicle (300) based on the Sangam map, the test vehicle (300) can transmit the corresponding data to the simulation device (100) so that it can be reflected in the virtual driving environment. The simulation device (100) can perform a simulation based on the received vehicle driving data.

[0064] Next, in the case of automatic mode, the test vehicle (300) can be switched to automatic mode through a manual / automatic mode switching switch (not shown). At this time, the automatic mode switching signal can be transmitted to the simulation device (100), so that the virtual vehicle in the virtual driving environment can start driving on its own. The simulation device (100) can generate first location information, which is GPS data of the Sangam map, and transmit it to the location synchronization device (200). The location synchronization device (200) can generate second location information, which is virtual GPS data in the form of data corresponding to the first location information, convert it into analog data, and transmit it to the navigation (not shown) inside the test vehicle (300). The simulation device (100) can drive the virtual vehicle on its own based on the Sangam map, thereby generating vehicle driving data, which can be transmitted to the test vehicle (300). The test vehicle (300) can perform an operation according to the received vehicle driving data.

[0065] Referring to Fig. 6, vehicle operation data generated from a test vehicle (300) can be transmitted to a simulation device (100). The simulation device (100) can drive a virtual vehicle in a virtually generated actual road environment based on the vehicle operation data received from the test vehicle (300) (①).

[0066] The simulation device (100) can calculate the latitude and longitude values ​​of an actual road environment within a virtual driving environment and transmit first location information, which is the location of a virtual vehicle within the current driving environment, to a location synchronization device (200) using a TCP / UDP protocol (②).

[0067] The position synchronization device (200) generates second position information corresponding to the first position information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle, and can convert the second position information into a form that can be received by the RF antenna for GPS reception equipped in the test vehicle (300) and transmit it (③). For this purpose, the test vehicle (300) may be equipped with an RF antenna including a GPS reception function. At this time, the connector connecting the position synchronization device (200) and the RF antenna of the test vehicle (300) is composed of a cellular communication terminal and an RF communication terminal, and in the test, it can be connected to the RF communication terminal, but is not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the RF antenna of the test vehicle (300) is set to block the reception function of actual GPS position information, so that it can receive second position information, which is virtual GPS position information generated from the simulation device (100) and transmitted through the position synchronization device (200), rather than actual GPS position information. Through this, the test vehicle (300) can be recognized as being located in a virtual position simulating an actual road, rather than an actual position (laboratory environment).

[0068] When the position synchronization device (200) receives third position information, it can determine the relative position of another virtual vehicle based on the position of the virtual vehicle on the road within the virtual driving environment and output the test vehicle (300) and the other virtual vehicle together through the navigation screen.

[0069] At this time, the location synchronization device (200) can generate fourth location information in the form of a GPS signal corresponding to the third location information.

[0070] The test vehicle (300) can output driving information that reflects the second location information as its own location information within the same area as the virtual driving environment through the navigation screen.

[0071] A test vehicle (300) located indoors can display the same area of ​​the virtual driving environment displayed on the screen as the actual location through navigation. This can also be applied when collecting various vehicle operation data. When collecting vehicle operation data, the test vehicle (300) can collect vehicle operation data that includes area information within the virtual driving environment. Through this, the test vehicle (300) is expected to have the effect of collecting vehicle operation data, including accident events, for various locations implemented in the virtual driving environment, even though it is fixedly located indoors.

[0072] The test vehicle (300) outputs a driving environment identical to the virtual driving environment in which the virtual vehicle drives through the navigation screen, but can reflect and output the virtual driving environment that changes according to the driving of the virtual vehicle in real time.

[0073] Meanwhile, the test vehicle (300) may recognize the occurrence of an accident event through vehicle operation data transmitted from the simulation device (100), and may store preset accident data in at least one of an event data recorder (EDR) or a data storage system for automated driving (DSSAD). When storing preset accident data, the test vehicle (300) may store each of the preset accident data by matching it with identification information that can identify the individual.

[0074] The test vehicle (300) may be configured to be installed in a fixed state indoors, detect driving-related conditions during driving through one or more sensors (not shown) in an actual driving environment, and record preset accident data from the time of the accident upon receiving a collision situation event. In this case, the preset accident data may include collision-related data.

[0075] The test vehicle (300) can communicate between devices within the test vehicle via the CAN (controller area network) protocol. The devices within the test vehicle (300) can include one or more sensors, an automatic switch for returning an automatic mode / manual mode state, a brake, an accelerator, a gear, a steering wheel, etc.

[0076] The test vehicle (300) may be equipped with a signal generator (simple dynamometer) that generates a wheel speed signal according to the current speed of the virtual vehicle in place of the wheel speed sensor of each wheel with the wheels removed.

[0077] Additionally, the test vehicle (300) can transmit and receive CAN data to and from a simulation device (100) that implements a virtual vehicle.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a location information synchronization method according to one embodiment. The method illustrated in FIG. 7 can be performed, for example, by the aforementioned location information synchronization system (1). While the illustrated flowchart divides the method into multiple steps and describes them, at least some of the steps may be performed in a different order, combined with other steps and performed together, omitted, divided into substeps, or performed with one or more additional steps not illustrated.

[0079] At step 1100, the location information synchronization system (1) can provide a virtual driving environment for driving a virtual vehicle through a simulation device (100).

[0080] At step 1200, the position information synchronization system (1) can determine the first position information of the virtual vehicle in the virtual driving environment that occurs while the virtual vehicle is driving through the simulation device (100).

[0081] At step 1300, the location information synchronization system (1) receives first location information of the virtual vehicle through the location synchronization device (200), generates second location information corresponding to the first location information, and transmits it to a test vehicle (300) linked with the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the location of the test vehicle (300) with the location of the virtual vehicle. The second location information may be a virtual GPS (global positioning system) signal of an actual road that the virtual driving environment is simulating.

[0082] At step 1400, the location information synchronization system (1) can output driving information that reflects the second location information as its own location information within the same area as the virtual driving environment through the test vehicle (200) through the navigation screen.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a computing environment including a computing device according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, each component may have different functions and capabilities other than those described below, and may include additional components other than those described below.

[0084] The illustrated computing environment (10) includes a computing device (12). The computing device (12) may be one or more components included in a location information synchronization system (1) according to one embodiment.

[0085] A computing device (12) includes at least one processor (14), a computer-readable storage medium (16), and a communication bus (18). The processor (14) may cause the computing device (12) to operate according to the exemplary embodiments mentioned above. For example, the processor (14) may execute one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16). The one or more programs may include one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the processor (14), may be configured to cause the computing device (12) to perform operations according to the exemplary embodiments.

[0086] A computer-readable storage medium (16) is configured to store computer-executable instructions or program code, program data, and / or other suitable forms of information. A program (20) stored in the computer-readable storage medium (16) includes a set of instructions executable by the processor (14). In one embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium (16) may be a memory (volatile memory such as random access memory, non-volatile memory, or a suitable combination thereof), one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, any other form of storage medium that can be accessed by the computing device (12) and store desired information, or a suitable combination thereof.

[0087] A communication bus (18) interconnects various other components of the computing device (12), including the processor (14) and computer-readable storage media (16).

[0088] The computing device (12) may also include one or more input / output interfaces (22) that provide interfaces for one or more input / output devices (24) and one or more network communication interfaces (26). The input / output interfaces (22) and the network communication interfaces (26) are connected to the communication bus (18). The input / output devices (24) may be connected to other components of the computing device (12) via the input / output interfaces (22). Exemplary input / output devices (24) may include input devices such as pointing devices (such as a mouse or a trackpad), a keyboard, a touch input device (such as a touchpad or a touchscreen), a voice or sound input device, various types of sensor devices and / or photographing devices, and / or output devices such as display devices, printers, speakers and / or network cards. The exemplary input / output devices (24) may be included within the computing device (12) as a component constituting the computing device (12), or may be connected to the computing device (12) as a separate device distinct from the computing device (12).

[0089] The disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0090] While representative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the claims set forth below but also by equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A simulation device that provides a virtual driving environment simulating an actual road for driving a virtual vehicle, and determines first location information of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment that occurs during driving of the virtual vehicle; A position synchronization device that receives first position information of the virtual vehicle, generates second position information corresponding to the first position information, and transmits it to a test vehicle linked with the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the position of the test vehicle with the position of the virtual vehicle; and A test vehicle is positioned in a fixed state indoors and outputs driving information reflecting the second location information as its own location information through a navigation screen within the same area as the virtual driving environment. The above simulation device sets and stores map data matching the GPS location information of the actual road to be implemented as the virtual driving environment in advance, The above location synchronization device generates the second location information corresponding to the first location information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle, and converts the second location information into a form that can be received by the RF antenna for GPS reception equipped in the test vehicle and transmits it. The above test vehicle is a position information synchronization system that receives the second position information transmitted from the position synchronization device by having an RF antenna whose reception function of actual GPS position information is set to be blocked.

2. In claim 1, A location information synchronization system, wherein the second location information is a virtual GPS (global positioning system) signal of an actual road that the virtual driving environment is simulating.

3. In claim 1, The above test vehicle is, A location information synchronization system that outputs a driving environment identical to the virtual driving environment in which the virtual vehicle is driven through the screen of the navigation system, but reflects and outputs the virtual driving environment that changes according to the driving of the virtual vehicle in real time.

4. In claim 2, The above simulation device, A location information synchronization system that calculates the latitude and longitude of the virtual driving environment and, based on the latitude and longitude, determines the first location information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment.

5. In claim 4, The above simulation device identifies and provides third location information of another virtual vehicle adjacent to the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment, The above position synchronization device, A location information synchronization system that, when receiving the third location information, identifies the relative location of the other virtual vehicle based on the location of the virtual vehicle on the road within the virtual driving environment and outputs the test vehicle and the other virtual vehicle together through the screen of the navigation, while generating fourth location information in the form of a GPS signal corresponding to the third location information.

6. A step of identifying first location information of the virtual vehicle within the virtual driving environment that occurs during driving of the virtual vehicle in a simulation device that provides a virtual driving environment that simulates an actual road for driving of the virtual vehicle; In a position synchronization device, a step of receiving first position information of the virtual vehicle, generating second position information corresponding to the first position information and transmitting the second position information to a test vehicle linked with the virtual vehicle, thereby synchronizing the position of the test vehicle with the position of the virtual vehicle; and In the above test vehicle, a step is included for outputting driving information that reflects the second location information as its own location information through a navigation screen within the same area as the virtual driving environment while being fixedly positioned indoors, In the above simulation device, map data matching the GPS location information of the actual road to be implemented as the virtual driving environment is set and stored in advance, In the above location synchronization device, the second location information corresponding to the first location information including the latitude and longitude of the virtual vehicle is generated, and the second location information is converted into a form that can be received by the RF antenna for GPS reception equipped in the test vehicle and transmitted, and A location information synchronization method, wherein the test vehicle comprises an RF antenna in which the reception function of actual GPS location information is set to be blocked, and receives the second location information transmitted from the location synchronization device.

7. In claim 6, A method for synchronizing location information, wherein the second location information is a virtual GPS (global positioning system) signal of an actual road that the virtual driving environment is simulating.

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