The simulation of real test scenarios that not only model the processes and actions of an individual vehicle but also other road users, the surroundings, mutual reactions as well as the multitude of related immediate impacts on the test vehicle is required to ensure comprehensive tests of functions and control units on the way to autonomous driving. Traffic simulation with the simulation solutions of the CarMaker product family can now be complemented by an interface with the traffic simulation software PTV Vissim. The extended simulation environment created this way combines the realistic full-vehicle behavior, the versatile model integration options and the sensor modeling enabled by CarMaker with the traffic behavior model of PTV Vissim as well as the control of traffic lights and pedestrians it includes.

The interface enables a co-simulation of both programs which unites the possibilities of their core areas of application: Virtual test tracks including lane, line and road elevation profiles can be generated using the Scenario Editor in CarMaker and converted to the data format for PTV Vissim using a converter. The configuration of the traffic behavior and the traffic lights is subsequently carried out in PTV Vissim. The positions of the traffic objects (including cyclists and pedestrians) are transferred to CarMaker, enabling the virtual prototype to constantly interact with the modeled traffic objects in complex traffic scenarios. Research and development teams benefit from the information gained through this co-simulation for future adjustments to the vehicle.

Particularly the stochastic traffic option is especially suited to thoroughly test driver assistance and automated driving functions right up to their release with virtual test driving. “The versatile possibilities both programs offer enable the individual parameterization and reproducible simulation of complex scenarios,” explained Alexander Frings, Product Manager Engineering Services at IPG Automotive. In addition, variations of traffic density can be generated, for instance to analyze real driving emissions – a typical use case in the development of powertrain components. The open integration platform CarMaker moreover allows test automation as well as the control of both programs and therefore the automated variation of parameters in PTV Vissim.

Find further information on the simulation solutions of the CarMaker product family here.