Perception Sensor Simulation With Controllable Power Emulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional simulation methods for perception sensors in autonomous vehicles are inflexible and fail to accurately replicate the dynamic power consumption patterns of real sensors, which can lead to ineffective testing due to mismatches with control system expectations.

Innovation Solution

A simulator that includes a computing core for executing a simulation model generating synthetic sensor data based on a virtual 3D environment, with an interface for data transmission and control command reception, and a controllable resistor to simulate power supply, dynamically adjusting power consumption based on variable values such as temperature and operational parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hard-wired resistors are used to simulate power consumption, then the simulation setup is simple, but the simulation flexibility and accuracy are limited because power consumption cannot be dynamically adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidsimulation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static hard-wired resistors with a controllable resistor that can dynamically adjust its resistance value during runtime. This allows the simulation to adapt power consumption characteristics in real-time based on changing operational conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility by introducing controlled dynamics to the previously static system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the electrical resistance parameter of the power supply connection from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted during operation. By implementing a controllable resistor with adjustable resistance, the system can modify power consumption characteristics dynamically, enabling accurate replication of real sensor behavior under varying operational modes while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If static power consumption simulation is used, then the system is easy to implement, but it cannot accurately replicate dynamic power consumption patterns of real sensors during different operating modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption accuracyVSAvoidsimulation configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the simulation model receives operational data and dynamically adjusts the controllable resistor's resistance value to match the expected power consumption of the real sensor. This closed-loop approach ensures high measurement precision for power consumption characteristics while automating the configuration process, thereby reducing the operational complexity despite the enhanced accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from static power consumption simulation to dynamic simulation by using a controllable resistor that continuously adapts its resistance based on real-time operational parameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables accurate replication of power consumption patterns across different operating modes, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision by making the system adaptive rather than requiring complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If dynamic power consumption simulation with controllable resistor is implemented, then simulation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting effectivenessVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the controllable resistor into the existing interface structure, allowing the same interface component to serve multiple functions: data transmission, control command reception, and dynamic power consumption simulation. This multi-functionality approach improves testing reliability through accurate power modeling while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing interface infrastructure rather than adding separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the power consumption simulation function with the existing data interface by incorporating a controllable resistor into the electrical connection that already handles data transmission and control commands. This consolidation achieves high testing effectiveness through dynamic power modeling while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from separate dedicated power simulation hardware, effectively combining multiple functions into a unified interface structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides a highly accurate and dynamic simulation platform that realistically replicates sensor behavior, ensuring comprehensive and effective testing of perception sensors by accurately mirroring real-world power consumption patterns.

Implementation Method 1

the interface comprises a controllable resistor for controlling an electrical resistance of the electrical connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the simulation model calculates a power consumption of the simulated perception sensor from at least one variable value of the simulation model at runtime

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower consumption calculation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250299439A1Simulating a perception sensor
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 DSPACE DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING & CONTROL ENGINEERING GMBH
  • US20250299439A1 patent drawing
  • US20250299439A1 patent drawing
  • US20250299439A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A simulator for a perception sensor, wherein the simulator comprises a computing core for an execution of a simulation model of the perception sensor. The simulation model generates, based on a virtual 3D environment, synthetic sensor data in such a way as the perception sensor would generate real sensor data in a real environment corresponding to the virtual 3D environment. The simulator comprises an interface for transmitting the synthetic sensor data to a test specimen and for reading in control commands from the test specimen. The interface includes an electrical connection for simulating a power supply from the test specimen to the perception sensor. The interface comprises a controllable resistor for controlling an electrical resistance of the electrical connection. The simulation model calculates a power consumption of the simulated perception sensor from at least one variable value of the simulation model at runtime and controls the controllable resistor.