28 Nov Enhancing ADAS and HMI Development with SIMPACK Realtime

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Enhancing ADAS and HMI Development with SIMPACK Realtime: A Comprehensive Testing Solution

The rapid evolution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is transforming the automotive industry. As these systems advance toward managing increasingly complex traffic scenarios, the role of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) in ensuring seamless interaction between driver and vehicle becomes pivotal. Recognizing this need, Daimler’s commercial vehicle development team has implemented a cutting-edge Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) test stand using SIMPACK Realtime, Prescan traffic simulation, and flexible integration of assistance systems.

Addressing the Complexities of Future ADAS and HMI Systems

Today’s ADAS focus on specific driving situations, often relying on single-sensor inputs such as radar for emergency braking or cameras for lane-keeping assistance. Future systems, however, will integrate multiple sensors, enabling more autonomous vehicle functionality in diverse and demanding scenarios.

This shift requires robust and intuitive HMIs that keep drivers informed about the vehicle’s operational mode while maintaining their engagement and responsibility. The Daimler MiL test stand addresses this by allowing early-stage testing and refinement of both ADAS and HMI concepts in realistic traffic environments.


SIMPACK vehicle model of MB Actros

SIMPACK Realtime in Daimler’s Development Process

Daimler has long utilized SIMPACK as a standard multi-body simulation (MBS) tool for vehicle dynamics and ride comfort analysis. Since 2006, its realtime capabilities have been integral to hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing and driving simulation. The new MiL test stand builds on this legacy, offering a “small simulator” solution that combines realistic vehicle dynamics modeling with advanced traffic scenario simulations.

Key Features of the New MiL Test Stand


Screens and dashboard

Test Stand Hardware

The setup features an authentic Mercedes-Benz Actros dashboard connected to a vehicle CAN system. Equipped with multiple screens for immersive front, side, and rear views, it ensures complete driver orientation in virtual traffic. Steering inputs and pedal feedback are facilitated by Sensodrive hardware, while SIMPACK operates on Linux alongside visualization and simulation coordination on multiple PCs.

Traffic and Sensor Simulation with Prescan

Prescan, a MATLAB® and Simulink®-based software, allows for the creation of traffic scenarios, sensor modeling, and SiL/HiL integration of driver assistance systems. This flexibility enables the simulation of complex traffic environments with multiple objects and sensor interactions. Traffic data and visualization are seamlessly integrated into the test stand, enhancing its realism.

SIMPACK Realtime and Concurrent Simulation Workbench

Using SIMPACK 9.5.1, the vehicle model for the test stand includes a tractor-semitrailer combination running on Linux realtime hardware. Process control via Concurrent Simulation Workbench ensures precise coordination and data flow.

ADAS ECU Integration

The system supports both software-in-the-loop (SiL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) configurations for testing driver assistance functionalities. In initial implementations, automated emergency braking systems (AEBS) were tested using a HiL dSPACE AutoBox.

System Integration and Data Flow

The MiL test stand’s architecture ensures seamless communication between hardware and simulation software. Driver inputs are processed in realtime, influencing vehicle behavior modeled in SIMPACK. Outputs are visualized in Prescan and fed into the ADAS system, creating a closed-loop testing environment. This configuration allows for precise recording and analysis of variables such as speed, steering angles, and lane positioning.


PreScan sensor simulation

Benefits of the MiL Test Stand

The new MiL test stand is a significant milestone in ADAS and HMI development, offering several advantages:

  • Early-Stage Testing: ADAS and HMI concepts can be evaluated in diverse scenarios during initial development phases.
  • Flexibility: Exchangeable vehicle models and traffic scenarios enable use across advanced engineering, CAE analysis, and series development.
  • Seamless Integration: SiL and HiL configurations simplify the testing of various driver assistance systems, enhancing efficiency and precision.
  • Compatibility: Vehicle models used on Daimler’s driving simulator can be adapted for the MiL test stand, ensuring consistency in development.


Prescan traffic scenarios

Conclusion

The integration of SIMPACK Realtime, Prescan, and robust hardware solutions into Daimler’s MiL test stand represents a transformative approach to ADAS and HMI development. By enabling interactive and realistic testing, it ensures these systems meet the demands of increasingly complex traffic environments while prioritizing driver safety and usability.

Acknowledgment: This article is based on insights from a SIMPACK News feature. We thank Dassault Systèmes for their contributions to advancing simulation technology in the automotive industry.


Interested to learn more about Simpack? Contact us at sales@4realsim.com.