Vehicle Function Simulation for Mobile Network Test Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of vehicle systems with multiple control units and the variability of mobile telephony communication networks pose challenges in testing server-based vehicle functions, as existing test methods are insufficient for simulating realistic conditions and evaluating the impact of new components and communication interfaces, leading to potential errors and high consequential costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system for testing server-based vehicle functions that allows for simulation of cloud-based functions in a controlled environment, enabling the testing of scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate in real conditions, including varying mobile telephony connection interference and transmission rates, without requiring a physical test vehicle, by using a method that integrates simulation models of vehicle components, connectivity control units, and mobile telephony connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based functions are implemented in vehicles with mobile telephony connections, then functional versatility and added value for users are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to variable communication availability and transmission rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a simulation model of the mobile telephony connection before actual deployment. This allows communication scenarios (interference, varying transmission rates, interruptions) to be pre-tested and analyzed in a controlled environment, enabling developers to prepare contingency measures and validate system behavior under various reliability conditions before real-world implementation.
2Ease of operation
If existing test methods are used for server-based functions, then testing simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to simulate realistic communication conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a virtual replica (simulation model) of the mobile telephony connection that mimics real communication conditions. This model copies the essential characteristics of actual mobile networks including interference patterns, transmission rate variations, and connection interruptions, allowing realistic testing without requiring physical test vehicles or actual mobile network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation model acts as an intermediary between the test system and the cloud-based function. It mediates the communication by introducing controlled variations in transmission conditions, allowing the test system to evaluate how the function performs under realistic but controllable communication scenarios without direct exposure to uncontrolled real-world network variability.
3Reliability
If physical test vehicles are used for extensive testing, then functional reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to extensive test drives required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical test vehicles with a virtual simulation model that copies the essential testing requirements. This allows multiple communication scenarios to be tested simultaneously or sequentially without the time constraints of physical test drives, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining the ability to evaluate functional reliability under various communication conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation model enables preliminary testing of communication scenarios before actual deployment. By pre-evaluating various interference patterns, transmission rates, and connection conditions in a virtual environment, the system identifies potential reliability issues early in development, reducing the need for extensive post-deployment field testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-based system for testing a server-based vehicle function, which is designed to implement a method comprising the following steps: a function model of the vehicle function is simulated by a first simulator on a server, an at least partial vehicle model is simulated by a second simulator and the vehicle function is tested, while a data connection between the first simulator and the second simulator is systematically influenced.