Overall Approach to Standardize AD Sensor Interfaces: Simulation and Real Vehicle

The standardization of subsections of complex hardware and software setups with the focus on automated driving functionality allows cost reduction in development, test and validation, as well as a simplification of component test infrastructures involving many different partners. The current VDA initiative for an ISO standard (ISO 23150) towards standardized hardware sensor interfaces [1] was mainly motivated by the struggle of dealing with large sensor setups in cars for functions enabling automation level 3 and above. The integration of Radar, LIDAR, Ultrasonic and Camera systems amongst others from various suppliers, including the component tests of up to 50 sensors for fully automated driving, demand common test procedures. These are complicated by contradictory interpretation and description of the commonly perceived environment. This paper highlights the potential benefit of this undertaking by enlarging the scope towards other test instances involving the complete chain of effects focusing on Software in the Loop (SIL) using sensor models for development, verification and validation. Therefore, the Open Simulation Interface (OSI), endorsed by the Pegasus Project [2], is introduced as the first reference implementation of the upcoming ISO standard for rapid prototyping and the common development of sensor models.