IPG Automotive have launched version 8.0 of their CarMaker virtual testing suite with new integration of lidar raw signal interface (RSI), a physical sensor model based on ray tracing for detailed lidar sensor modelling. This completes the list of physical sensor technologies available for simulation in the software.
A lidar determines the distance to its surrounding objects by measuring the time of flight. CarMaker version 8 enables virtual modeling and individual definition of specific lidar properties. This allows users to define the mounting position and orientation, cycle time or transmission power, for instance, and even the beam pattern. In addition, it is possible to model rotating lidar systems for 360 surround view.
IPG simulation software product manager Dr. Andreas Höfer says “With the option of real-time capable modeling and generation of raw signals from radar, lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors, our software solutions offer all that is needed for the virtual development of raw data-based fusion and detection algorithms or driving functions based on these”. Whether the tests are focused on detecting objects or on the resulting decisions, error sources can be identified and eliminated in early developmental stages. Moreover, for accelerated testing, the revised software can make parallel use of multiple GPUs. This enables real-time tests of complex sensor configurations such as those needed for (semi) autonomous driving. For dealing with large test catalogs, parallel testing is possible on an HPC system or in the cloud.
