ECU Camera Fault Simulation Using Synthetic Optical Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles, particularly for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), are costly and limited in simulating extreme or rare scenarios, and require complex real-world testing.
Innovation Solution
A test setup that generates synthetic image data to simulate faults in camera units, allowing for comprehensive testing of ECUs by manipulating image data to replicate electrical and optical defects without physically altering the camera unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-world testing with actual camera units is used to test ECUs, then testing realism is improved, but testing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the camera unit's optical path using a test chart with known patterns (e.g., resolution charts, color charts) positioned at a defined distance. This copy allows realistic optical testing without requiring actual camera units or complex real-world scenarios, thereby maintaining testing realism while reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a test chart as an intermediary object between the ECU and the camera unit. The test chart contains predefined patterns that simulate various optical conditions (resolution, color, distortion), serving as a mediator that enables comprehensive optical testing without requiring complex real-world environments or multiple camera units.
2Measurement precision
If physical modifications are made to camera units to simulate faults, then fault simulation accuracy is improved, but device damage and testing flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the test chart with various optical patterns and fault simulations (e.g., different resolution levels, color distortions, geometric transformations) before testing. This preliminary preparation allows the ECU to be tested against multiple fault conditions without physically modifying the camera unit during testing, thereby maintaining fault simulation accuracy while preserving testing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent simulates various camera faults by changing the parameters of the test chart patterns (e.g., resolution, color, orientation, distortion) rather than physically modifying the camera unit. This approach allows accurate fault simulation through parameter variation while keeping the camera unit intact and reusable for different test scenarios.
3Reliability
If multiple camera units are used to simulate various faults, then fault coverage is improved, but testing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal test chart that can simulate multiple types of optical faults and conditions using a single physical object. The test chart contains various patterns (resolution charts, color charts, geometric shapes) that can represent different fault conditions, allowing one test chart to replace multiple specialized camera units or test objects, thereby improving fault coverage while reducing testing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple test functions (resolution testing, color testing, distortion testing, fault simulation) into a single integrated test chart. By merging these previously separate testing requirements into one multifunctional object, the patent reduces the need for multiple camera units or test objects, thereby improving comprehensive fault coverage while lowering overall testing cost.
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 flexible and cost-effective simulation of various camera unit faults, enhancing the testing of ECUs in controlled environments, reducing the need for physical modifications and increasing testing flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A camera unit, having a camera lens which is an integral part of the camera unit, captures the output image data
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a test setup (10) for testing an electronic control unit (ECU), wherein the ECU is configured to receive camera image data output by a camera unit (K). The test setup (10) comprises a processor and an image output unit (M), wherein the processor is configured to generate synthetic image data in the form of an image captureable by means of a camera optic and to output it on the image output unit (M), wherein the camera unit (K) is configured and arranged to capture the output synthetic image data by means of a camera optic, and the processor is configured to manipulate the output synthetic image data such that the camera image data output by the camera unit (K) simulates a fault of the camera unit (K). The application further relates to a method for testing an electronic control unit.