Sensor Emulator for Virtual Driver Assistance System Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern driver assistance systems face challenges in efficiently simulating various environmental scenarios for testing without requiring real-world conditions, which complicates the development and validation of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an emulator to simulate environmental scenarios, generating response signals for environment sensors, allowing the automation system to operate based on virtual sensor data, enabling comprehensive testing in controlled environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical objects are moved in front of vehicle sensors to simulate environmental scenarios, then the automation system can be tested in a controlled manner, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an emulator to generate virtual response signals that copy the behavior of physical environmental objects without requiring actual physical objects. The emulator creates synthetic sensor responses that mimic what real objects would produce, thereby simplifying the test setup while maintaining testing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving objects with an electronic signal generation system. Instead of mechanically positioning physical objects in front of sensors, the emulator electronically generates response signals that are fed directly to the sensors, eliminating complex mechanical positioning requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real-world environmental conditions are used for testing, then the automation system operates in actual conditions, but the testing becomes less controllable and safer
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator acts as an intermediary between the virtual test scenarios and the physical sensors. It translates virtual environmental descriptions into realistic sensor response signals, allowing the system to be tested with virtual scenarios while maintaining sensor compatibility and controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulator allows dynamic adjustment of response signal parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and timing to match different virtual environmental conditions. This enables flexible testing of various scenarios by simply changing signal parameters rather than physically recreating each scenario.
3Ease of operation
If virtual environmental scenarios are simulated using traditional methods, then testing can be performed in controlled environments, but the connection complexity between automation system and test environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emulator functionality directly with the sensor interface, creating an integrated solution where the emulator and sensor work as a unified test component. This reduces connection complexity by eliminating separate interfaces and signal conditioning equipment that would otherwise be needed.
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
This approach simplifies the connection of automation systems to simulated test environments, allowing for reliable and detailed analysis of driver assistance systems across various scenarios without altering actual conditions, facilitating efficient and safe testing.
Implementation Method 1
The emulator is configured to output a response signal, in particular an ultrasonic response signal, which contains this information and can be received by the at least one environment sensor and converted into corresponding sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for analysing an automation system, in particular a driver assistance system in a vehicle, an emulator for at least partial virtual operation of an automation system of an installation, and a system for analysing an automation system of an installation. An environment scenario for the installation, in particular a traffic scenario, is simulated. A response signal to be detected by at least one environment sensor, in particular an ultrasound response signal, 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.