Automation System Sensor Emulation for Virtual Environment Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently connecting an automation system, particularly a driver assistance system, to a simulated test environment is not adequately addressed by existing methods, limiting comprehensive testing and analysis without real-world risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that simulate environmental scenarios using an emulator to generate response signals for environment sensors, allowing the automation system to operate based on these signals, thereby enabling detailed and reliable testing in a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical objects are moved in front of vehicle sensors to simulate different distances, then the automation system can be tested in a controlled manner, but the complexity of the test setup increases and the connection to simulated test environment becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic emulators to generate artificial echo signals that copy the behavior of real physical objects in the environment. Instead of moving actual objects to simulate different distances, the system creates digital replicas of acoustic responses that mimic how real objects would reflect sound waves at various distances, thereby simplifying the test setup while maintaining testing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic emulator acts as an intermediary between the automation system and the test environment. It mediates the interaction by generating response signals that simulate the acoustic environment, eliminating the need for complex physical test setups while providing reliable testing conditions for the automation system
2Reliability
If real-world testing is conducted to ensure automation system performance, then system reliability is improved, but safety risks and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing through acoustic emulation before conducting real-world tests. By simulating various environmental acoustic conditions and object responses in a controlled virtual environment, the system can identify and resolve potential issues beforehand, ensuring higher reliability when deploying to real-world conditions while minimizing safety risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of real-world acoustic environments and object responses through the emulator. These simulated environments replicate the acoustic characteristics of real scenarios, allowing comprehensive safety testing and validation without exposing the automation system to actual safety risks present in real-world testing
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive environmental scenarios are simulated to test automation system responses, then testing coverage is improved, but the complexity of signal processing and emulator operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic emulator is designed as a universal device that can simulate multiple different environmental scenarios and object types through a single platform. By implementing a library of pre-configured acoustic response profiles representing various objects and environmental conditions, the emulator can adapt to different testing requirements without requiring complex custom signal processing for each scenario, thereby improving testing coverage while managing operational complexity
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 comprehensive and safe analysis of automation systems by simulating various environmental conditions, reducing the need for real-world testing and enhancing the reliability of driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
outputting the response signal to the at least one environment sensor via an emulator, wherein the at least one environment sensor generates sensor data on the basis of the output response signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analyzing an automation system an emulator for at least partial virtual operation of an automation system of an installation, and a system for analyzing an automation system of an installation. An environment scenario for the installation is simulated. A response signal to be detected by at least one environment sensor is derived from the perspective of the at least one environment sensor on the basis of the simulated environment scenario. The response signal is output to the at least one environment sensor by means of an emulator, wherein the at least one environment sensor generates sensor data on the basis of the output response signal. In addition, the automation system and/or the installation are/is operated by means of the generated sensor data and preferably further sensor data of real and/or simulated sensors.