Sensor Simulation Configuration Using Recorded Interface Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing control devices in vehicles, particularly for advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving, require complex and costly simulations due to the need for real sensor data, which can be challenging to replicate in artificial environments, especially for extreme scenarios like accidents, and lack a standardized interface for raw sensor data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring a sensor simulation module that records data exchange between real sensors and devices, determines key characteristics of the sensors and interfaces, and uses this information to generate synthetic sensor data, allowing for automated or semi-automated configuration of sensor simulations to mimic real sensor behavior, supporting various interfaces and protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration of sensor simulations is performed to support various interfaces and protocols, then the sensor simulation can accurately replicate real sensor behavior, but the configuration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures actual data exchange between real sensors and control units via recording devices, creating copies of the real sensor communication patterns. These recordings are then used to automatically configure the sensor simulation, eliminating manual configuration while preserving accurate replication of real sensor behavior including protocol-specific characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor simulation automatically configures itself by importing recorded data exchange patterns from real sensors. The system performs self-configuration without requiring manual engineering input, using the captured communication patterns to set up the simulation environment automatically, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive manual adjustment is performed to configure sensor simulations for various interfaces, then the simulation can support diverse sensor types, but the productivity of the testing process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration approach that works across multiple sensor interfaces and protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, Ethernet, USB). By using recorded data exchange patterns as the configuration source, a single method can adapt to various sensor types without requiring interface-specific manual configuration procedures, thereby maintaining versatility while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary recording of data exchange between real sensors and control units before the simulation configuration is needed. These pre-captured communication patterns are stored and can be automatically imported when configuring sensor simulations, eliminating the need for manual configuration at the time of testing and significantly improving productivity
3Reliability
If real sensor data is used for testing control devices in artificial environments, then the testing can cover extreme scenarios, but the cost and complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses recorded data exchange patterns from real sensors to create simulated sensor data that replicates real sensor behavior. This copying approach allows testing in artificial environments with simulated sensors rather than requiring actual physical sensors, thereby maintaining the ability to verify extreme scenarios while reducing system complexity and cost
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a method for configuring a module for simulating (12) at least one sensor, wherein the module (12) comprises a sensor simulation (16) and a first data interface of the first kind (14), wherein the sensor simulation (16) is configured and set up to supply a device (30) for performing control and/or regulation tasks with synthetic sensor data via the first data interface (14) of the first kind.The method comprises the following steps: a) receiving a recording (20) of a data exchange between a real sensor (22) and the device (30), wherein the data exchange took place via a second data interface (24) of the first type, and/or receiving information about at least one property of the real sensor (22) and/or the second data interface of the first type (24); b) reading out the recording (20) and/or the information about the at least one property; c) determining at least one characteristic (Ch) of the real sensor (22) and/or the second data interface of the first type (24); d) configuring the sensor simulation (16) and/or the first data interface of the first type (14) using the at least one characteristic (Ch) such that the synthetic sensor data simulate sensor data of the real sensor (22). The application further relates to a device for configuring a simulation module.