Test Facility Control Architecture for Repeatable Vehicle Environment Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle testing facilities face challenges in configuring and controlling various devices, such as traffic signals and environmental conditions, which can vary in configuration processes, making it difficult to reproduce and repeat tests effectively.

Innovation Solution

A test facility infrastructure control system that includes a test facility control server, gateway server, and controllers to receive and execute test configuration information, allowing for the control of multiple test environment devices through a centralized system, enabling users to specify and execute test configurations using a graphical user interface and API.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different devices with different configuration processes are used to control test environment, then the test environment can be configured, but the configuration process becomes complex and difficult to reproduce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest environment configuration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the configuration process into separate components: a centralized server that stores and manages test configuration data, and client devices that retrieve and execute configurations. This separation allows the server to handle the complexity of managing multiple device types while clients focus on execution, reducing overall configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the test operator and multiple test environment devices. The server acts as a central hub that receives configuration requests, processes them according to stored test configurations, and sends appropriate control signals to various devices, simplifying the interface the operator must manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration of each device is performed, then individual device control is achieved, but time consumption increases and repeatability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring test parameters and device settings in the server before actual testing begins. Test configurations are stored and validated in advance, allowing operators to simply retrieve and execute pre-prepared configurations rather than manually configuring each device during testing, significantly reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements copying by storing master test configuration templates in the server that can be replicated and distributed to multiple clients. Once a test configuration is created and validated, it can be copied and reused across multiple testing sessions and devices, ensuring consistency and eliminating repetitive manual configuration work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If individual device configuration is used, then device-specific control is possible, but test reproducibility and repeatability become difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control flexibilityVSAvoidtest reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server provides a universal configuration management platform that handles multiple device types through a single interface. The system uses standardized configuration formats and protocols that work across different device types, allowing the same test configuration to be applied universally across various test environment devices, ensuring reproducibility while maintaining device-specific control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230038486A1Test facility infrastructure control and configuration

Publication Date: 2023.02.09 THE RGT UNIV OF MICHIGAN

AI summary

A test facility infrastructure control system and method for controlling test environment devices located at a test facility, including: at least one test facility control server that is communicatively coupled to a test facility gateway server that is configured to receive a test configuration to be used in carrying out vehicle testing at the test facility; test environment devices located at the test facility; and one or more test environment controllers; wherein the at least one test facility control server is configured to: receive a test environment control request from the test facility gateway server that specifies one or more test environment devices and includes test environment control instructions that specify a test operation or state of the specified test environment device(s); and send a test environment control message to a selected test environment controller, which causes the specified test environment device to operate according to the test configuration.