Portable Flexible Agents for Multi-Simulator Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual agents used in simulators for vehicle testing are simulator-specific, requiring redevelopment every time a new simulator is utilized, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A simulation system that includes a storage module of behaviors and an electronic control unit, allowing agents to be defined and implemented across multiple simulators through contracts, establishing a consistent boundary between the agent and the simulator, enabling execution of simulations without the need for redevelopment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If simulator-specific agents are used, then simulation can be performed on multiple platforms, but agents must be rewritten for each new simulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a contract as an intermediary layer between the agent and the simulator. The contract defines a standardized interface that translates simulator-specific requirements into agent-compatible operations, allowing agents to be written once and deployed across multiple simulators without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The agent is designed with universal functionality through the contract mechanism. The same agent code can operate on different simulator platforms (e.g., CARLA, Waymo Open Simulator) by establishing contracts with each simulator, eliminating the need for platform-specific agent versions.
2Reliability
If high-fidelity simulation platform is used, then realistic simulation is provided, but simulations run very slowly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simulation system into distinct components: the agent, the contract, and the simulator. This modular architecture allows the agent to be tested independently against different simulator backends, enabling selective use of high-fidelity or low-fidelity simulators based on testing requirements without compromising overall system performance.
3Productivity
If low-fidelity simulation platform is used, then testing can be run faster, but sensor information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contract mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the same agent to interact with simulators of varying fidelity levels. The contract can be configured to request different levels of sensor information based on the simulator's capabilities and the testing requirements, enabling flexible switching between speed and precision modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A simulation system includes a storage module comprising a plurality of behaviors and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to define an agent for use in a simulation, where the agent comprises one or more of the plurality of behaviors from the storage module and the agent is capable of implementation on a plurality of different simulators, establish a contract with a first simulator and the agent to provide a consistent boundary between the agent and the first simulator, and execute the simulation of a device in a simulation environment with the first simulator and the agent.