An Ontology-Based Approach to Car Simulation and Design

Paper in proceeding, 2008

The complex functionality of modern road vehicles is to a large extent controlled by computer hardware and software. One way to manage this complexity is to test models, hardware and driver behaviour by simulating them in early phases of system development, using driving simulators and data communication systems to test both physical and virtual components and their interactions within existing systems. This requires well-defined interfaces and configurable, general methods for communication between components using disparate protocols. In this paper we describe an ontology-based approach to provide a common vocabulary for simulation and component interaction and testing in the early design phase of vehicle control system development. The benefits that an ontology-based approach brings to this application are discussed.