IPG Automotive has released version 13.0 of the CarMaker product family that offers users a more realistic visualization of scenarios and models. The simulation and test software also puts forward new 3D models and an extended configurable ground truth sensor, along with a program which can be linked with virtual reality headsets for the first time.
The simulation solution CarMaker was specifically designed for the development and seamless testing of cars and light-duty vehicles in all development stages. The open integration and test platform enables the implementation of virtual test scenarios for application areas, including AVs, ADAS, powertrain and vehicle dynamics. The solution’s high-resolution 3D visualization tool ensures photorealistic quality along with a variety of supported standards and interfaces, and also guarantees the smooth integration into existing tool landscapes.
In the new 13.0 version, an HD city tunnel scenario with difficult lighting conditions, emergency bays, inner tunnel junctions, roadworks and accidents, for example, can cover various edge cases. New 3D models allow for customized simulations, and own vehicle models can be integrated into Movie NX without using a third-party tool.
To increase efficiency and ensure an even more realistic scenario generation, the new simulator uses extended processing of .kml files, improved visualization of road markings and optimization of HD Live Maps import, as well as OpenDRIVE import/export. In the background, OpenScenario Converter now supports OpenScenario versions 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2.
One additional feature is the extended ground truth sensor, which enables the generation of precise ground truth data, especially for the development of AV and ADAS applications, in a modular, flexible and powerful way, and supports the recognition of static landscape objects.
With the product variant CarMaker Office Extended released with CarMaker 13, users can test specific ECU hardware in real time without requiring a complete HIL environment.
Movie NX, the visualization tool of the CarMaker product family, now optionally supports two VR headsets: HTC VIVE Cosmos Elite and Meta Quest Pro. As reported by IPG, these increase the immersive effect and provide a better perception of distances and 3D objects – the high level of realism can execute function tests and risk analyses in a very detailed environment with high efficiency, and can also develop new application areas.
Aside from an extended wheel suspension model, CarMaker 13.0 also offers a new hydraulic brake model which can model integrated power brakes. Two additional innovations are: the physical sensor API to integrate user-specific signal processing now enables the direct output of all impact points of emitted beams with an additional access point; and the modularized IPGDriver model can be adapted independently from the test run, enabling the consideration of different driver profiles in powertrain applications.