Control Unit Testing via GPU Image-Encoded Sensor Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing control units using simulated sensor data do not effectively utilize the computing capabilities of graphics processor units due to limitations in data transmission speeds, which restricts the application of computationally intensive simulations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding simulated sensor data into image data and outputting it via a visualization interface to a data converter unit, which converts the data into packet-based network data using protocols like TCP/IP, allowing direct transmission to control units and bypassing internal data paths, thereby leveraging the processing power of graphics processor units for faster data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If simulated sensor data is transmitted through main memory and network connection for testing control units, then data transmission is possible, but transmission speed is limited and computing power of graphics processors is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the simulated sensor data output path from the traditional main memory route and redirects it through the graphics processor's visualization interface. This separation allows the graphics processor to directly output encoded image data containing sensor information through its high-speed display output interface, bypassing the bottleneck of main memory and traditional network transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the graphics processor serve dual functions: its traditional visualization/rendering role and a new role as a high-speed data generation and transmission source for sensor simulation. By encoding sensor data into image data format, the graphics processor utilizes its existing high-speed output interface for a purpose beyond traditional graphics rendering, thereby increasing productivity without requiring separate dedicated hardware.
2Reliability
If computationally intensive simulations are performed for testing control units, then simulation accuracy and realism improve, but data transmission becomes a bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional data transmission mechanism (through main memory and standard network interfaces) with an optimized path that leverages the graphics processor's specialized high-speed display output interface. This substitution enables faster data transmission that can keep pace with computationally intensive simulations, maintaining both simulation accuracy and transmission speed.
3Productivity
If standard data transmission paths are used for sensor data, then system simplicity is maintained, but transmission efficiency and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the graphics processor to serve itself by utilizing its own visualization interface for a secondary purpose (data transmission). The graphics processor encodes sensor data into image format and outputs it through its native display interface, which is already designed for high-speed data output. This self-service approach increases transmission efficiency without requiring additional dedicated hardware or complex external systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for testing a control unit (8), in which sensor data are transmitted to a real or simulated control unit (8) via a network connection (7), which are calculated by simulation using a data processing system (1), wherein the simulation of the sensor data is at least partially carried out with at least one graphics processor (2) of the data processing system (1) and the simulated sensor data are encoded in image data which are output via a visualization interface (9) to a data converter unit (6), in particular which simulates a visualization unit connected to the visualization interface (9) and by means of the data converter unit (6) the received image data are converted into packet data containing the sensor data, which are packet-based.in particular, data is transmitted to the control unit (8) via the network connection (7) according to the TCP/IP or UDP/IP protocol. The invention also relates to a data converter unit (6) comprising a receiving interface (6a) for connection to a visualization interface (9) of a data processing system (1) associated with a graphics processing unit (2) and a transmitting interface (6b) for outputting data packets of a packet-based network protocol, wherein the data converter unit (6) is configured to convert payload data encoded in image data, which can be received via the receiving interface (6a), into network data packets containing the payload data, which can be sent via the transmitting interface (6b).