Virtual ECU Bridge Configuration for Faster vHILS Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction of a virtual Hardware In the Loop Simulation (vHILS) infrastructure from Model In the Loop Simulation (MILS) is manual and requires users to manually place and configure bridges between CAE tools and virtual ECU simulation tools, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with changes in signal lines or insufficient I/O ports.

Innovation Solution

A virtual developmental environment apparatus equipped with a vHILS infrastructure management tool that automatically arranges and connects bridges, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors by using block name information and I/O port information to automate the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual construction of vHILS infrastructure is used, then flexibility and control are maintained, but time consumption and error probability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of bridge configurationVSAvoidtime required for vHILS construction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs bridge arrangement and I/O port connection by analyzing MILS model information itself, without requiring manual user configuration. The vHILS infrastructure management tool extracts necessary information from the MILS model and autonomously completes the vHILS construction, making the system self-sufficient in the construction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of configuring bridges and connecting I/O ports is replaced by an automated software-based system. The vHILS infrastructure management tool uses computational methods to analyze model information and automatically perform tasks that previously required manual user intervention, substituting human operations with automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual bridge arrangement is performed, then precise control over each connection is achieved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of vHILS constructionVSAvoidcomplexity of bridge configuration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The vHILS infrastructure management tool acts as an intermediary between the MILS model and the vHILS environment. It receives the MILS model as input, processes the information automatically, and generates the corresponding vHILS configuration, simplifying the user's interaction to just providing the initial model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual configuration is used for I/O port connections, then detailed control is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of vHILS constructionVSAvoidtime for I/O port setup

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the analysis and configuration preparation in advance by automatically extracting necessary information from the MILS model before the actual vHILS construction begins. This preliminary automated processing eliminates the need for time-consuming manual configuration during the construction phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If automated bridge arrangement is implemented, then time efficiency improves, but adaptability to model changes may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidhandling of model changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to changes in the MILS model by re-analyzing the updated model information and automatically adjusting the bridge arrangement and I/O port connections accordingly. When model changes occur, the vHILS infrastructure management tool processes the new information and generates updated configurations, maintaining adaptability through automated re-processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the vHILS infrastructure management tool continuously monitors and analyzes the MILS model information. When changes are detected in the model, the system receives feedback about these changes and automatically adjusts the bridge and connection configurations to maintain consistency with the updated model requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11966718B2Virtual developmental environment apparatus, method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

Placement of bridges connecting CAE tools and virtual ECU simulation tools is facilitated. A virtual developmental environment apparatus includes a processing execution unit and a memory for storing a MILS model including a controller block and a plant block, first setting information, a program for realizing a function in the controller block used in executing simulation of the virtual ECU, and second setting information. The processing execution unit identifies a controller block in the MILS model based on the first setting information, arranges a bridge for connecting the input port and the output port and the I/O port of the virtual ECU to the input port and the output port of the identified controller block, and connects the bridge and the I/O port of the virtual ECU based on the second setting information.