Automotive Instrument Cluster Implementation with Motion Based Simulation. Ian
Duncan, Kevin Hulme Ph.D., and Kemper Lewis Ph.D. Abstract. Vehicle ...
Automotive Instrument Cluster Implementation with Motion Based Simulation Ian Duncan, Kevin Hulme Ph.D., and Kemper Lewis Ph.D. Abstract Vehicle simulation is a safe and practical way to examine research questions that can be performed in a physical vehicle. Supplementing vehicle simulation with practical peripherals such as an automotive instrument cluster can provide realism to the simulation environment, immersing the user.[1] The use of mechatronics in such a system is a useful tool for adding such items, therefore enhancing the authentication of the simulation environment. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates mechanical, electrical, computer, and control systems engineering to implement embedded designs.[2] Through this synergy, the incorporation of an actual automotive instrument cluster can be integrated with the motion base simulator in the New York State Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation’s (NYSCEDII) vehicle simulation lab. This design lays a foundation for future instrument cluster design and simulation analysis within NYSCEDII, and adds significant realism and capability for future vehicle and driver studies.
Research Goal
Results
• Integrate an actual automotive instrument cluster with NYSCEDII’s motion based simulator. • Assist in creating a realistic environment for the user • Increase user immersion • Aide in increasing the validation of vehicle and driver studies
Methods and Implementation How will the system work? NYSCEDII’s Motion Based Simulator
1999 Ford Contour Instrument Cluster
Information is displayed within Motion Based Simulator
• Simulation environment is enhanced • Improves user experience
Introduction An understanding of mechatronic systems and applications, along with vehicle simulation and its purpose are required.
NYSCEDII’s Simulation PC
1 Control
Mechatronics
---- Display
Software Design • Visual Studio 2008 • Programming Language: C/C++
• Instrument Cluster and NYSCEDII’s Motion Based Conclusion Simulator are combined using Mechatronics
PC send commands Legend
Hardware Components •All gauges (Speedometer, Tachometer, Fuel and Engine Temperature) • Necessary Indicator Lamps • Pontech SV203 RC Motor Controller •Futaba Standard Servomotors
Conclusion
Motor controller performs commands
PC - Simulation Communication
Key design components for authentic vehicle simulation:
Pontech SV203 Servo Motor Controller Figure 4. Simulation Control Flow Chart
Research and Design
• Enhances user immersion and assimilation by having gauges perform like an real instrument cluster • Results also provide foundation for additional system components
Future Work Future steps will include the following: Figure 5. (clockwise): Automotive Instrument Cluster and Utilized instrument cluster lamps
• All gauges are important[3] to recreate the environment of an automobile. • Specific indicator lamps are pertinent to the purpose of environment recreation. Figure 1. Synergy of Mechatronics and its applications. (Clockwise from top) 6 Degree of Freedom Hexapod and an Automobile Instrument Panel and Center Console.
Vehicle Simulation is the reproduction of the real
Aides in decreasing research and development time
a.
b.
Figure 2. Some uses of vehicle simulation: a) Aircraft simulation b) Military truck simulation
• Implementation and Testing of combined system
References Figure 6. (Left to Right) : Steering and Driving Pedals, NYSCEDII Simulation PC, Servomotor Controller, Servo Motor, Automotive Instrument Cluster
world within a vehicular environment. Offers a safe, controlled and repeatable environment Serves as a useful tool in improving driver education, gaming, vehicle training, and educational and industrial research
• Programming Servomotor Controller for simulation integration • Instrument Cluster, Servo Motor Controller and Servo Motor amalgamation
[1] Smid, G. E. and K. C. Cheok (1998). Human integration in simulation. Advanced Motion Control, 1998. AMC '98-Coimbra., 1998 5th International Workshop on. [2] Hashimoto, H. (1993). Intelligent mechatronics. Industrial Electronics, Control, and Instrumentation, 1993. Proceedings of the IECON '93., International Conference on.
Keeping the objective in mind, the integration of the instrument cluster and motion based simulator is accomplished by using a mechatronic device called a microcontroller. This device receives PC commands through its serial port and translates the signals into appropriate motions within the instrument cluster. A description of the above diagram is given below. • Inputs from motion base (driving pedals and steering wheel) are sent to PC • PC sends commands to servo motor controller (via C/C++ language) • Servo motor controller communicates to servo motor to move in specific direction (via Pulse Width Modulation, PWM) • The movement corresponds to actuation of the gauge dials within the instrument cluster.
[3] Zhang, W., X.-k. Zhang, et al. (2006). Study on the evaluation system of instrument cluster. Computer-Aided Industrial Design and Conceptual Design, 2006. CAIDCD '06. 7th International Conference on.
Acknowledgements Shanna Crump-Owens, CSTEP, Kevin Hulme Ph.D., Kemper Lewis Ph.D., NYSCEDII, Roger Krupski, The University at Buffalo Machine Shop
