Cloud Simulation Platform for High-Fidelity Automotive Co-Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools and methods for simulating complex automotive systems are inadequate, as they are limited by the need for extensive setup and execution on personal computers, which are not optimized for processing, and often restrict simulations to low fidelity and simple designs, making it difficult to test and validate the complex electro-mechanical architectures of modern vehicles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network-based simulation platform that enables concurrent execution of multiple simulators on virtual machines, allowing for high-fidelity, large-scale co-simulations across a cloud environment, with features like model consolidation, automated parameter sweeps, and virtual hardware-in-the-loop simulations, facilitating the testing of complex vehicle systems and architectures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simulations are executed on personal computers, then ease of operation is improved, but simulation fidelity and processing capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based simulation platform as an intermediary between the user and the simulation execution. This platform provides a user-friendly interface that abstracts away the complexity of high-performance computing resources, allowing users to conduct high-fidelity simulations without needing to manage complex computing infrastructure. The cloud platform handles the computational heavy lifting while presenting simplified interaction mechanisms to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions simulations from local personal computers to a cloud-based distributed computing environment. This dimensional shift from local to cloud execution enables access to vastly superior computational resources while maintaining ease of use through web-based or standardized interfaces. The simulation platform leverages virtualization and networked computing to provide high-fidelity simulations without requiring users to directly manage complex hardware configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heterogeneous simulators are used for comprehensive testing, then simulation capability is improved, but setup complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal simulation platform that can execute multiple types of simulators and models through a common infrastructure. This multi-functional platform provides standardized interfaces and automated configuration capabilities that allow users to run diverse simulation types (hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, co-simulations) without needing separate setup procedures for each simulator type. The platform abstracts the heterogeneity of different simulators behind unified interaction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automated pre-processing and configuration of simulation setups before execution. The system automatically handles simulator configuration, resource allocation, and coordination of multiple heterogeneous simulators based on user-defined simulation scenarios. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for users to manually configure complex setup parameters, reducing both setup complexity and time requirements while maintaining the ability to run comprehensive multi-simulator tests.
3Measurement precision
If high-fidelity simulations are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but computing resources and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation and scaling capabilities that allow the simulation platform to adapt computing resources to the specific needs of each simulation. The system can dynamically adjust the number of virtual machines, CPU cores, and memory allocation based on the simulation complexity and requirements. This dynamic scaling enables high-fidelity simulations to use only the necessary computing resources at any given time, optimizing the balance between simulation quality and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides complex simulations into separate simulation components that can be executed on dedicated virtual machines. Each simulator or simulation module can be isolated on its own virtual instance, allowing for more efficient resource utilization. This segmentation enables the system to allocate computing resources more precisely to each simulation component, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption in parts of the simulation that do not require high computational power, while concentrating resources where high-fidelity calculations are needed.
4Reliability
If comprehensive vehicle-level simulations are conducted, then product quality is improved, but development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous simulation execution through the cloud platform, allowing simulations to run without interruption and facilitating iterative development cycles. The system supports continuous integration and continuous verification by automatically executing simulations as part of the development workflow. This continuous action eliminates gaps between design iterations and validation, maintaining high product quality while reducing overall development time through uninterrupted progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides automated parameter sweeping and variation capabilities that allow comprehensive testing of different system configurations without manual intervention. The system can automatically vary simulation parameters, input conditions, and system configurations to explore the entire design space. This automated parameter exploration enables thorough quality validation while significantly reducing the time required compared to manual testing approaches, as the system efficiently navigates through multiple scenarios and configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, one or more computing devices on a network may receive, from a client computing device, one or more inputs for configuring a simulation, the simulation including at least a first simulator and a second simulator. The one or more computing devices may allocate computing resources including at least a first virtual machine for executing at least one of the first simulator or the second simulator. The one or more computing devices may configure a first simulation controller executable on the first virtual machine for controlling execution of the at least one of the first simulator or the second simulator. The first simulation controller may initiate execution of at least one of the first simulator or the second simulator as part of execution of the co-simulation. In some examples, a result of the co-simulation may be sent to the client computing device.