System and method for testing a vehicle designed for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle designed for automated driving

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method for testing a vehicle (200) designed for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle designed for automated driving. The following is carried out: * generating at least one virtual driving environment, in particular a virtual parking environment, on the basis of specified scenario data and * generating interface signals which are suitable for controlling at least one journey, within the driving environment, of a vehicle (200) designed for automated driving, * receiving first data from a user via a first communication connection, the first data comprising scenario data and / or authentication data and / or selection information for available scenario data, and * transmitting, to the user, connection information for a second communication connection, * transmitting the interface signals, via the second communication connection, to the vehicle designed for automated driving and / or to the control unit for a vehicle designed for automated driving, * testing the vehicle (200) designed for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle (200) designed for automated driving, on the basis of the interface signals.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title and procedure for testing a vehicle for automated driving he of a control unit for automated driving

[0003] The invention relates to a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving. The invention further relates to a method for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving. The invention further relates to a computer program. The invention further relates to a machine-readable storage medium.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] So-called AVP systems are well-known from the state of the art. AVP stands for "Automated Valet Parking" and can be translated into German as "Automatic Parking Service."

[0006] Parking spaces that can provide AVP functionality for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprise, for example, several stationary environmental sensors, each of which detects an area of ​​the parking space. The environmental sensor data corresponding to the detection is sent from the environmental sensors to a central server, which evaluates the environmental sensor data and, based on the evaluation, determines infrastructure assistance data, based on which the motor vehicle can be guided at least partially automatically within the parking space. The infrastructure assistance data is sent to the motor vehicle wirelessly, for example via WLAN. The published patent application DE 10 2016 223 830 A1 discloses a method for operating an automated vehicle.

[0007] The published patent application WO 2018 / 029101 A1 discloses a control system for an autonomous vehicle.

[0008] When developing automated driving functions, which in particular require a connection of the vehicle to the infrastructure, the problem arises as to how the compatibility of a vehicle or a control unit for a vehicle set up for automated driving with an existing infrastructure system can be tested efficiently, scalably and without great effort.

[0009] For conventional systems, so-called mobile management systems (e.g., a mobile garage management system) were provided for testing. A mobile management system refers to a mobile variant of an otherwise stationary infrastructure management system, such as that used for so-called "Automated Valet Parking" (AVP) systems.

[0010] AVP is used to allow vehicles to perform automated parking maneuvers in a suitably equipped parking garage, provided the vehicle is equipped and approved for AVP. The mobile management system used for testing in this context is a software simulation of the infrastructure that simulates an existing AVP infrastructure in a parking garage for a development vehicle, thus enabling the vehicle developer to test their vehicle during development for compatibility with the AVP interface specification and other associated requirements.

[0011] The mobile management system comprises a mobile computer with running software simulation and a router cascade consisting of an LTE / cellular router and a WLAN router, which establishes a communication connection between the vehicle, the computer, and an internet-based backend. The mobile management system therefore comprises hardware and software, which is provided directly to the user. Special settings, such as selecting a path to be driven, are made locally on the mobile management system via input on the mobile computer. Disclosure of the Invention

[0012] It can therefore be regarded as an object of the invention to provide a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving, which system makes the complete construction of a functional infrastructure system, for example a parking infrastructure for so-called Automated Valet Parking (AVP), unnecessary and nevertheless makes it possible to reliably test and document the compatibility of the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving, in particular without having to provide test hardware for each user.

[0013] It can be considered a further object of the invention to provide a method for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving.

[0014] The term "vehicle" is used in this context as a generic term and is intended to describe all stages of the development of an automated driving function of a vehicle, from simulation to the real development vehicle. An example of such a driving function is the so-called "Automated Valet Parking" with infrastructure connection (AVP Type 2 according to ISO 23374). In the specification "Interface Specification AVP Infrastructure - Vehicle" from the "Catalogue of requirements for the fully automated driving function "Automated Valet Parking (AVP)", Version 1.0, October 11, 2022" of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the term "vehicle" used here is referred to as "Subject Vehicle" (https: / / www.kba.de / EN / Themen_en / Typgenehmigung_en / Zum_Herunterladen_e n / autonomes_automatisiertes_Fahren_en / dl_anforderungskatalog_AVP_en.pdf).

[0015] The control unit can be a real control unit (Hi L) or an emulation (SiL). According to a first aspect of the invention, a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving is proposed, which system comprises the following:

[0016] A first module configured to generate and store at least one virtual driving environment, in particular a virtual parking environment, based on scenario data.

[0017] The scenario data can in particular comprise trajectory data that describe a path of the vehicle configured for automated driving through a real driving environment corresponding to the virtual driving environment. The trajectory data can in particular comprise driving commands and / or steering commands. Alternatively or additionally, the scenario data can comprise time-dependent information, for example relating to a driving license or the validity of a driving license and / or the validity of a certificate, or messages (e.g. Safety TimeSync CRC) can be deliberately manipulated. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the module already maintains one or more standard procedures or one or more standard trajectories and that the scenario data describes deviations from this standard procedure, such as those that can occur in the real world, for example due to unforeseen obstacles or interruptions in a communication connection.

[0018] Furthermore, the first module is configured to generate interface signals suitable for controlling at least one movement of a vehicle configured for automated driving within this driving environment. For example, a driving environment, e.g., a parking garage, can be simulated within the first module based on the scenario data, and interface signals can be generated based on the simulation that cause a vehicle configured for automated driving to move in an automated manner that would correspond to a movement in a real driving environment corresponding to the virtual driving environment.

[0019] The system further comprises a first communication interface configured to receive first data from a user via a first communication connection. The first data may, for example, include scenario data and / or authentication data and / or selection information for existing scenario data. This allows the user to determine or select which scenario they wish to test. The user is, in particular, a developer of a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving.

[0020] The first communication interface is also configured to send the user connection information for a second communication connection. This second communication connection is intended to establish a, particularly secure, bidirectional, communication connection between the system according to the invention and the vehicle configured for automated driving or the control unit for the vehicle configured for automated driving.

[0021] For this purpose, the system comprises a second communication interface which is configured to send the interface signals to a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving via the second communication connection.

[0022] The vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the system itself can now generate test signals based on the received interface signals and / or based on feedback from the vehicle or the control unit to the system. These test signals can, for example, include information about the compatibility of the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving.

[0023] For example, within the scope of the invention, it can be tested whether the vehicle behaves as expected or whether the control unit generates the expected signals for controlling the vehicle in the driving environment. This allows for a particularly simple and efficient way of testing whether an existing vehicle has the required compatibility with the interface signals and can therefore be operated in a real driving environment corresponding to the virtual driving environment.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system can comprise a second module, wherein the second module is designed to provide an authentication service for the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving. A certificate provided by the vehicle and / or the control unit is temporarily stored, and the certificate is used to register the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving with a network, in particular a WLAN network. The WLAN network can thus, for example, form an interface to the second communication connection.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the first and / or second module are implemented in a cloud environment and embodied as instances of a respective software container. An instance representing the first module can preferably be determined by the scenario data. This makes it possible, in particular, to operate multiple instances in parallel, each assigned to different vehicles or control units configured for automated driving, and simulating different driving environments.

[0026] The first module, which forms the core functionality of the system according to the invention, can run, for example, in a container implemented in a cloud environment, the so-called "RVO container." In this software container, for example, the entire simulation of a driving environment, in particular a parking garage infrastructure, runs according to the "AVP Infrastructure - Vehicle Interface Specification." The RVO container provides a counterpart for the vehicle and simulates all steps, from the registration of a vehicle with the AVP infrastructure through the entire journey to its termination, and provides appropriate feedback to the vehicle. The vehicle must respond accordingly to the requirements and feedback. Using the scenario data, a driving behavior is defined that the vehicle should follow.If the implementation of the AVP function on the vehicle side is faulty or incomplete, the user receives corresponding feedback via the container logs, which allows him to draw conclusions about still faulty or missing processes.

[0027] For example, several different scenarios can be stored within the RVO container. Alternatively or additionally, users can define their own scenarios. Each scenario defines a specific behavior of the RVO container and can be used to test error cases or specific vehicle behaviors in addition to the normal case.

[0028] The normal case describes behavior analogous to a real driving process, e.g., in an AVP parking garage, where the user allows the vehicle to drive automatically and, in particular, driverlessly from one point to another using the AVP function. Error cases can include any manipulation of the process (e.g., by manipulating the messages to the vehicle) and the resulting malfunction.

[0029] Each scenario can be executed any number of times, with each test run being called a mission.

[0030] The second module, if available, can be implemented in the cloud environment, for example, as a so-called RADIUS container. A RADIUS container can be based on an open-source "freeRADIUS" container and provides an authentication service for the vehicle. A certificate provided by the vehicle, backend, or control unit is temporarily stored in the RADIUS container and used to register the vehicle's login to an optionally available WLAN (WiFi) network of the user or to authenticate the login. To do this, when using a WLAN interface between the vehicle and the VPN tunnel, the user forwards the login to the RADIUS container, which acts as the server, while the vehicle is the client.

[0031] If no WLAN interface with RADIUS authentication is used on the user side, but another form of registration, e.g. with PSK procedure, or if no air interface is used at all, the RADIUS container remains without any further function and does not further influence the behavior of the system according to the invention.

[0032] Alternatively, it is conceivable that a VPN client is run on the vehicle and the vehicle connects directly to the system's VPN endpoint via the Internet (via 4G, etc.).

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first communication interface can be designed as a REST interface.

[0034] Further preferably, the second communication interface can be designed as a VPN gateway and the second communication connection can comprise a VPN tunnel.

[0035] Using a REST interface, the user can query logs, configured settings, shared secrets, etc., make changes to the scenario data, and start, stop, and parameterize the virtual driving environment and individual test runs within the driving environment. To do this, the user requires an access key (token) to authenticate themselves to the interface. The user receives a token for each virtual driving environment. They also receive a VPN token to configure settings on a VPN gateway. This forms the user-accessible endpoint of the VPN tunnel to be established between the vehicle or control unit under test and the software containers in the cloud environment.

[0036] The VPN gateway routes communication bidirectionally and creates a virtual network containing one instance of the software container (first and optionally second module), as well as the vehicle and VPN device on the user side. For example, the RVO container instance and the RADIUS container together form a virtual parking garage (VPF).

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, only one vehicle can be connected to each virtual driving environment, e.g., to each virtual parking garage (VPF), at a given time. However, it is possible to simulate different driving environments or different instances of a driving environment in parallel – even from different users. The RVO and RADIUS containers are assigned IP addresses from a shared address space, and the vehicle and a VPN router are assigned IP addresses from a separate address space. Routing between these two address ranges is handled via a VPN gateway.

[0038] Within the environment accessible to a user, multiple virtual driving environments, such as virtual parking garages (VPFs), can be created. These parking garages are separated from the virtual driving environments of other users and can be operated by the respective user both in parallel and independently (in terms of time and space).

[0039] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving is proposed, comprising the steps:

[0040] - Creating at least one virtual driving environment, in particular a virtual parking environment, based on given scenario data and

[0041] - generating interface signals suitable for controlling at least one journey of a vehicle configured for automated driving within the driving environment,

[0042] - receiving first data from a user via a first communication connection, wherein the first data comprises scenario data and / or authentication data and / or selection information for existing scenario data,

[0043] - and sending connection information for a second communication connection to the user,

[0044] - Sending the interface signals via the second communication connection to the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving,

[0045] - Testing the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving based on the interface signals. An exemplary sequence of a method according to the invention can be configured as follows:

[0046] A separate environment is created for each user, in which any number of virtual driving environments (e.g., virtual parking garages (VPF)) can be created according to user requirements. Each environment is assigned its own VPN gateway and an existing REST interface is defined through which the user administers and controls the virtual parking garages.

[0047] A unique environment name is defined for each environment, and individual access keys are created for the user to use and administer each virtual parking garage. The access keys, the environment name, the IP address of the VPN gateway, and the URL of the REST interface are communicated to the user. This provides the user with all the information they need to configure their vehicle and VPN device accordingly so that the vehicle connects to the AVTS virtual driving environment via the VPN device. The user communicates their configurations to the system via the REST interface and starts the virtual driving environment and the desired scenario. Once the virtual driving environment and the scenario are running, the user can start a test run (mission) and retrieve status information using the logs.

[0048] In addition to the logs, it may be planned to provide the user with a graphical user interface on the Internet, via which the virtual parking garage can be configured and controlled analogously to the REST interface and, on the other hand, status information can be graphically prepared.

[0049] After completing one or more test runs, the user can change the scenario and perform further test runs with a different scenario, or stop the existing scenario and the virtual parking garage. These steps can be performed with any frequency and combination.

[0050] The system or method according to the invention enables a user to easily and flexibly test a vehicle development for compatibility with the interface specification of an infrastructure-vehicle interface. In particular, the infrastructure can be an automated parking system, in particular an Automated Valet Parking (AVP) system. The interface can be specified, for example, according to ISO 23374 and / or the "Technical Catalog of Requirements for the Fully Automated Driving Function "Automated Valet Parking (AVP)" of the Federal Motor Transport Authority.

[0051] While such tests were only possible with real test vehicles in the prior art, the invention makes it possible to carry out such compatibility tests at an early stage of vehicle development by allowing the user to test his implementation in a virtual parking environment using a running software simulation.

[0052] The invention offers the possibility of being used in SiLC, software in the loop - software simulation of control unit code, usually used within an automated test process and not necessarily in real-time execution), HiLC, hardware in the loop - a test method in which an embedded system such as a control unit is connected to an adapted counterpart via its inputs and outputs and tested) or real vehicle tests and simulates a driving infrastructure or a parking garage infrastructure in a cloud environment, so that no additional hardware is required on the user side and the system or method according to the invention can be used, for example, via a subscription model.

[0053] The user only needs an access key to use the corresponding cloud service and no longer needs any local hardware or software.

[0054] This also simplifies system maintenance and upkeep. Updates, for example, can be performed independently of users.

[0055] User support is also possible at any time through remote connection to the cloud. Measurement and analysis data are available at all times and no longer need to be collected on-site or laboriously read and sent by the user.

[0056] Preferably, a user interface can also be provided in the cloud, thus enabling the system operator and the user to simultaneously and independently view ongoing processes or simulations and assess the status of individual tests.

[0057] Furthermore, it makes it possible to define more complex test scenarios in addition to the simple test cases already available, and also to test negative cases (e.g., an expired certificate or an incorrect checksum (CRC)) that do not correspond to the normal procedure. This enables tests that were previously only possible in a real driving environment.

[0058] Furthermore, the invention enables the automation of tests and allows for the sequencing of multiple tests. This allows for tests without human supervision, especially for tests without a real vehicle, and the creation of corresponding test catalogs based on existing test catalogs from, for example, the KBA or TÜV.

[0059] All settings, such as the provision of scenario data, can be transmitted to the system by the user via a REST interface and can thus be performed from any internet-enabled device. No on-site input is required. The selection of settings or scenario data is not limited to pure paths or trajectories, but can include detailed process planning that defines the behavior of the virtual driving environment (e.g., a parking garage) over time. This allows a wide variety of test cases to be defined, and, for example, individual steps of an AVP maneuver (mission) can be specifically addressed in a test run.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the invention, a computer program is proposed. The computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute a method according to the second aspect, wherein the computer is designed, in particular, as a cloud computer.

[0061] This means that process features arise from system features and vice versa. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a machine-readable storage medium is proposed on which the computer program according to the third aspect is stored.

[0062] Technical functionalities of the method according to the second aspect result from corresponding technical functionalities of the system according to the first aspect and vice versa.

[0063] The term "automated driving" specifically encompasses at least partially automated driving of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. This encompasses one or more of the following cases: assisted driving, partially automated driving, highly automated driving, and fully automated driving.

[0064] Assisted steering means that a driver continuously performs either the lateral or longitudinal steering of the vehicle. The other driving task (i.e., controlling the longitudinal or lateral steering of the vehicle) is performed automatically. This means that with assisted steering, either the lateral or longitudinal steering is controlled automatically.

[0065] Partially automated guidance means that the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral guidance are automatically controlled in a specific situation (for example, driving on a highway, driving within a parking space, overtaking an object, driving within a lane defined by lane markings) and / or for a specific period of time. The driver of the vehicle does not need to manually control the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral guidance. However, the driver must continuously monitor the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance in order to intervene manually if necessary. The driver must be ready to fully assume control of the vehicle at any time.

[0066] Highly automated guidance means that for a certain period of time in a specific situation (for example: driving on a motorway, driving in a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving in a lane defined by lane markings), the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral guidance are automatically controlled. The driver does not have to manually control the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral guidance. The driver does not have to constantly monitor the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance in order to be able to intervene manually if necessary. If necessary, a takeover request is automatically issued to the driver to take over control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance, in particular with a sufficient time reserve. The driver must therefore potentially be able to take over control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance. Limits of the automatic control of the lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically detected.With highly automated control, it is not possible to automatically achieve a risk-minimal state in every initial situation.

[0067] Fully automated guidance means that in a specific situation (for example: driving on a highway, driving within a parking lot, overtaking an object, driving within a lane defined by lane markings), the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral guidance are automatically controlled. The driver of the vehicle does not have to manually control the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral guidance. The driver does not have to monitor the automatic control of the longitudinal and lateral guidance in order to intervene manually if necessary. Before the automatic control of the lateral and longitudinal guidance is terminated, the driver is automatically prompted to take over the driving task (controlling the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal guidance), particularly with a sufficient time reserve. If the driver does not take over the driving task, the vehicle automatically returns to a state with minimal risk.Limits of the automatic control of lateral and longitudinal guidance are automatically detected. In all situations, it is possible to automatically return to a system state with minimal risk. In the case of AVP, this can involve fully automated guidance, whereby the driver no longer even needs to be in the vehicle. The vehicle can actually drive driverless.

[0068] The terms "assist" and "support" can be used synonymously. The abbreviation "at least one" means "one or more."

[0069] Short description of the characters

[0070] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0071] Figure 1 a) shows a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Figure 1 b) shows a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0073] Figure 2 shows an architecture of a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a system for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0075] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for testing a vehicle configured for automated driving and / or a control unit according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0076] Figure 5 shows schematically a machine-readable storage medium on which a computer program for carrying out a method according to the invention is stored.

[0077] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0078] In the following description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, identical elements are designated by identical reference numerals, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted where appropriate. The figures only schematically illustrate the subject matter of the invention.

[0079] Figure 1 a) shows a system 100 for testing a vehicle 200 configured for automated driving. The system 100 is implemented within a cloud environment 300. The system 100 comprises a software module 110 configured to generate and store a virtual parking environment based on scenario data. Furthermore, the system 100 is configured to generate interface signals suitable for controlling at least one journey of the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving within the parking environment. For this purpose, the system 100 comprises a first communication interface 112 configured to receive first data from a user 140 via a first communication connection 122, wherein the first data comprises, for example, scenario data, authentication data, and / or selection information for existing scenario data. The user receives connection information for a second communication connection 124 via the first communication connection 122.Furthermore, the user 140 can start the test via the first communication connection 122, manage various configurations of virtual driving and / or parking environments and / or download test data and / or status information.

[0080] The system 100 comprises a second communication interface 114, which is configured to send the interface signals to the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving and / or a control unit of the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving via the second communication connection 124, which in this example has a VPN tunnel 126.

[0081] For this purpose, the interface signals are sent along the VPN tunnel 126 to a WiFi router 150, which the user 140 has previously connected to the system 100 using the connection information. The WiFi router 150 establishes a network connection 152 to the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving and / or a control unit of the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving and transmits the interface signals so that the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving can convert the interface signals into driving commands. Certification of the WiFi (WLAN) connection can be performed, for example, by a second module of the system (not shown).

[0082] By measuring and observing whether the vehicle 200 behaves as expected from the scenario data, the compatibility of the vehicle 200 can be tested under a wide variety of conditions.

[0083] Figure 1 b) shows a system 100 for testing a vehicle 200 configured for automated driving with an alternative embodiment of the data transmission between the system 100 and the vehicle 200. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 1 a), no WiFi router is required. Instead, the second communication connection 124, in this example, is established directly between the interface 114 and the vehicle 200; a continuous VPN tunnel 126 is established. For this purpose, the vehicle 200 or a control unit of the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving has an internal router (not shown). The user 140 can configure the communication connections 122 and 124 and make settings directly on the vehicle 200 or on the control unit of the vehicle 200.

[0084] Fig. 2 shows an architecture of a system 100 for testing a vehicle 200 configured for automated driving using the example of an AVP system, wherein the vehicle is tested for compatibility with interface signals.

[0085] The system 100 is implemented in a user-specific cloud environment 310. The system 100 comprises a software module 110 configured to generate and store a virtual parking environment based on scenario data. A plurality of virtual parking environments 410, 410' can be maintained in the cloud environment 310 or simulated in parallel. Interface signals are generated that are suitable for controlling at least one journey of the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving within the parking environment. The interface signals are sent along a secure communication connection 124 (e.g., a VPN tunnel) to a WiFi router 150, which the user 140 has previously connected to the system 100 using suitable connection information.The WiFi router 150 establishes a network connection 152 to the AVP vehicle 200 and / or a control unit of the AVP vehicle 200 and transmits the interface signals so that the AVP vehicle 200 can convert the interface signals into driving commands.

[0086] Certification or authentication of the network connection 152, which is implemented, for example, as a WiFi (WLAN) connection, can be carried out by a second software module 130 of the system 100. This is preferably designed as a so-called RADIUS container. An existing REST interface can be defined as the first communication interface 112, via which first data is received from a user 140 by means of a communication connection 122, wherein the first data comprises, for example, scenario data, i.e. data that defines the virtual parking environment. The first data can also comprise start or stop commands for executing the test run. To transmit the data via the first communication connection 122, a software application 145 (the so-called REST app) can be used, for example, via which the user 140 can receive the first data orCan transmit commands to the first communication interface 112 and thus administers and controls the virtual parking environments 410, 410'. The app 145 can also be used to query log data from the module 110. Furthermore, connection information 123 is transmitted to the user 140 via the app 145, which is required to establish a second communication connection 124 between a second communication interface 114 and the vehicle 200. For this purpose, a VPN connection 126 can be established to a VPN router 150. The VPN router 150 sends authentication information to the RADIUS container 130 and can be connected by it using the connection information 123. The VPN router 150, which is located, for example, in a local environment of the vehicle 200, can establish a network connection 152 to the vehicle 200, for example a WiFi / WLAN connection.This creates a virtual network 170 that, analogous to a real driving environment, includes the vehicle 200, the VPN router 150, and the virtual parking environment 410. The virtual parking environment 410 is connected to the VPN router 150 and, via this, to the vehicle 200 via a VPN gateway 160. The virtual network 170 thus forms a second communication connection via which interface signals are sent to the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving or parking. For each parking or driving environment 410, 410' available in the cloud environment 310, a separate environment name can be defined, and separate access keys can be created for the user 140 for the use and administration of each virtual parking or driving environment 410, 410'. The access keys, the environment name and the IP address of the VPN gateway 160 and the URL of the REST interface 112 are communicated to the user 140.User 140 thus has all the information and can configure vehicle 200 and VPN router 150 accordingly so that vehicle 200 connects to virtual parking garage 410 via VPN device 150. User 140 communicates the configurations he has set to system 100 via REST interface 112 and starts virtual parking environment 410 and the desired scenario. By measuring and observing whether vehicle 200 behaves as expected from the scenario data, the compatibility of vehicle 200 can be tested under a wide variety of conditions.

[0087] In Fig. 3, an exemplary process or the interaction of the system components is explained by means of a diagram 400.

[0088] Using a software application 145 (the so-called REST app), a user can control and configure a user environment within a cloud environment 310. The cloud environment contains one or more containers 110, each of which can simulate a virtual driving or parking environment 410. A vehicle 200 configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving receives interface signals from the virtual driving or parking environment 410, and these are used, for example, to test the functionality and / or compatibility of the vehicle 200 configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving.

[0089] Here, a test scenario 450 can be created and / or selected and / or configured using the software application 145. Scenario data is generated and transmitted to the cloud 310, which determines the behavior of the virtual driving or parking environment 410. Individual test runs (missions) 420 can thus be performed and logged by the cloud system 310. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary sequence of a method according to a possible embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.

[0090] In a first step 510, at least one virtual driving environment, in particular a virtual parking environment, is generated based on predetermined scenario data.

[0091] In a second step 520, interface signals are generated which are suitable for controlling at least one journey of a vehicle configured for automated driving within the driving environment.

[0092] In a third step 530, first data is received from a user via a first communication connection, wherein the first data comprises scenario data and / or authentication data and / or selection information for existing scenario data. The third step can be performed before the first step to provide the scenario data for generating the virtual driving environment.

[0093] In a fourth step 540, connection information for a second communication connection is sent to the user so that the user can establish the second communication connection.

[0094] In a fifth step 550, interface signals are sent via the second communication connection to the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving.

[0095] In a sixth step 560, the vehicle configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle configured for automated driving is tested based on the interface signals, for example by monitoring whether a driving behavior or generated driving commands correspond to an expectation derived from the scenario data.

[0096] Fig. 5 schematically shows a machine-readable storage medium 601 on which a computer program 603 is stored, wherein the computer program 603 comprises instructions which, when the computer program 603 is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to Fig. 4, wherein the computer can be designed in particular as a cloud computer 301.

Claims

Claims 1 . System (100) for testing a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving, comprising - a first module (110) which is designed to generate and store at least one virtual driving environment, in particular a virtual parking environment, based on scenario data and to generate interface signals which are suitable for controlling at least one journey of a vehicle (200) set up for automated driving within the driving environment, - a first communication interface (112) which is configured to receive first data from a user (140) via a first communication connection (122), wherein the first data comprises scenario data and / or authentication data and / or selection information for existing scenario data, and which is configured to send the user (140) connection information for a second communication connection (124), - a second communication interface (114) which is configured to send the interface signals to a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or to a control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving via the second communication connection (124), wherein test signals are generated by the vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or by the control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or by the system (100) based on the interface signals.

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a second module (130), wherein the second module (130) is formed a To provide an authentication service for the vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving, wherein a certificate provided by the vehicle (200) and / or the control unit is temporarily stored, and wherein the certificate is used to register the vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving on a network (152, 170), in particular a WLAN network, wherein the network forms an interface (160) to the second communication connection (124, 126).

3. System (100) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or the second module (110, 130) are formed in a cloud environment (300, 310) and are implemented as instances of a respective software container.

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein an instance representing the first module (110) is determined by the scenario data.

5. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication interface (112) is designed as a REST interface.

6. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second communication interface (114) is designed as a VPN gateway (160) and the second communication connection (124, 126) comprises a VPN tunnel.

7. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the scenario data comprise trajectory data describing a path of the vehicle (200) configured for automated driving through a real driving environment corresponding to the virtual driving environment (410, 410'), wherein the trajectory data comprise in particular driving commands and / or steering commands.

8. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the scenario data comprises time-dependent information about a driving license.

9. System (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the scenario data describe deviations from the standard procedure.

10. A method for testing a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or a control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving, comprising the steps: - generating at least one virtual driving environment (410, 410'), in particular a virtual parking environment, based on predetermined scenario data and Generating interface signals suitable for controlling at least one journey of a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving within the driving environment, - receiving first data from a user (140) via a first communication connection (122), wherein the first data comprises scenario data and / or authentication data and / or selection information for existing scenario data, and sending connection information for a second communication connection (124, 126, 152) to the user, - sending the interface signals via the second communication connection (124, 126, 152) to the vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving, - Testing the vehicle (200) configured for automated driving and / or the control unit for a vehicle (200) configured for automated driving based on the interface signals.

11. A computer program (603) comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out a method according to claim 10, wherein the computer is designed in particular as a cloud computer.

12. Machine-readable storage medium (601) on which the computer program (603) according to claim 11 is stored.

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