Vehicle Simulator Visualization of Virtual Sensor Detection Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in evaluating the behavior of automated driving assistance systems due to the difficulty in visually recognizing the detection range and status of virtual objects in real-time during travel tests, as virtual sensors do not transmit search waves and are not directly observable.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle operation simulator system that includes a virtual object arrangement unit, a virtual object detection unit, and an image visual recognition unit to superimpose search and reflected wave images onto a real field, allowing real-time visual recognition of virtual object detection by virtual sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual objects are arranged on a real field for testing automated driving assistance systems, then the test can be performed under various travel environments without physical rearrangement of objects, but the detection range and detection status of virtual objects cannot be visually recognized in real-time by occupants or observers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest environment adaptabilityVSAvoidvisual information of detection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual copies (search wave images and reflected wave images) of the invisible electromagnetic wave propagation and reflection processes. These images are generated based on the virtual sensor's detection data and overlaid on the real field view, allowing observers to see the detection range and status without physically transmitting actual search waves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the virtual sensor and the human observer. The system processes the virtual sensor's detection data into visual images that represent the detection range and status, bridging the gap between the invisible virtual detection process and human visual perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If virtual sensors are used to detect virtual objects, then the testing process is simplified and can be performed without actual sensor installation, but the detection process becomes invisible and cannot be observed in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting setup simplicityVSAvoidobservability of detection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent generates visual copies of the detection process by creating search wave images and reflected wave images based on the virtual sensor's operational data. These images replicate what would be seen if actual sensors were transmitting and receiving waves, making the invisible virtual detection process observable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the virtual sensor's detection parameters (position, detection range, reflection status) into visual image parameters that can be displayed and observed. By changing the representation from abstract detection data to visual images, the system makes the detection process observable while maintaining the simplicity of virtual sensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 real-time visual evaluation of virtual object detection by virtual sensors, facilitating appropriate vehicle behavior assessment based on the detection results.

Implementation Method 1

pseudo-simulating transmission of a search wave from the installation position to surroundings of the vehicle along the installation direction and reception of a reflected wave of the search wave reflected by the virtual object around the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSearch wave transmission and reflected wave reception: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP4711808A1Vehicle operation simulator system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 AISIN CORP
  • EP4711808A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711808A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711808A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A vehicle operation simulator system (1) includes: a virtual object arrangement unit (40) configured to arrange a virtual object on a real field; a virtual object detection unit (40) configured to detect the virtual object by, using a virtual sensor (22A to 22L) assumed to be installed at a predetermined installation position in a predetermined installation direction in a vehicle (2), pseudo-simulating transmission of a search wave from the installation position to surroundings of the vehicle along the installation direction and reception of a reflected wave of the search wave reflected by the virtual object around the vehicle; and an image visual recognition unit (40) configured to cause the real field to be visually recognized, the real field being superimposed with at least one of a search wave image (10) indicating a travel state of the search wave transmitted from the virtual sensor and a reflected wave image (21) indicating a travel state of the reflected wave when the search wave is reflected by the virtual object.