Simulation-Assisted Echo Point Determination for HiL Radar Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating radar sensors into hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing procedures for driver assistance systems is challenging due to the complexity of simulating electromagnetic wave propagation and reflection in virtual environments, which is processor-intensive and affects the accuracy of echo point determination.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for simulation-assisted echo point determination using ray tracing techniques to calculate predicted echo points based on object and sensor device reference points, allowing for real-time updates and corrections, thereby improving the reliability of echo point determination in HiL testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If full ray tracing simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation is used, then measurement precision of echo points is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation process is divided into two distinct phases: an offline pre-computation phase where complete ray tracing is performed to generate echo point databases, and an online execution phase where only simple database lookups and interpolations are performed. This segmentation allows the complex simulation work to be done beforehand when processing power is abundant, while the actual testing system remains simple and fast.
Solution Approach 2:
All complex ray tracing calculations and echo point determinations are performed in advance during the offline pre-computation phase, before the actual HiL testing begins. The results are stored in databases that can be quickly accessed during testing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during the actual measurement and testing process.
2Reliability
If real-time ray tracing calculation is performed, then reliability of echo point determination is improved, but productivity and processing speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive ray tracing simulations and echo point calculations in advance during the offline pre-computation phase, storing results in pre-computed databases. During actual HiL testing, the system simply queries these databases and performs light interpolations, achieving both high reliability through thorough pre-computation and high productivity through fast online access.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing actual ray tracing calculations during testing, the system creates simplified copies of the echo point data in pre-computed databases. These database entries replicate the essential information needed for reliable echo point determination but in a format that can be instantly accessed and processed during high-speed testing operations.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive ray tracing with multiple surfaces is simulated, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy and processing power increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy-intensive ray tracing simulation that accounts for multiple surface reflections is separated into an offline pre-computation phase where it can consume substantial processing power, and an online phase where only minimal energy is required for database queries and simple interpolations. This allows accurate multi-surface echo point determination without continuous high energy consumption during testing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and real-time determination of actual echo points, reducing testing expenditure and ensuring high road safety by accurately simulating radar sensor interactions in virtual environments, with minimal deviation from actual conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a ray tracing unit (4) configured to determine a predicted echo point (15) of the object on the basis of an emission characteristic (14) of the sensor device, the predicted object reference point (13) and a predicted sensor device reference point
Implementation Method 2
simulating the propagation; i.e. transmission and reflection, of electromagnetic waves in the virtual world
Implementation Method 3
simulating the propagation; i.e. transmission and reflection, of electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for simulation-assisted determination of at least one actual echo point of an object, and a method and an emulation apparatus for emulating a detection target. Here, a predicted object reference point of the object and a predicted sensor device reference point of a sensor device, in particular a radar-based sensor device, are calculated on the basis of an actual object reference point and an actual sensor device reference point and a predicted echo point of the object is calculated on the basis of an emission characteristic of the sensor device, the predicted object reference point, and the predicted sensor device reference point. Moreover, a predicted relative relationship, in particular a spatial relative relationship, is calculated between the predicted echo point and the predicted object reference point. An updated actual object reference point is calculated, in particular at least substantially in real time, and a simulated actual echo point of the object determined on the basis of the predicted relative relationship and the updated actual object reference point, in particular at least substantially in real time. The simulated actual echo point output.