The JSAE conference is a showcase of innovation and collaboration for the Japanese automotive industry. With sustainability and efficiency at the forefront, the event provides a platform for Japanese engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and insights into the future of mobility.

From cutting-edge advancements in electric vehicles to breakthroughs in autonomous driving technology, the JSAE show demonstrates the industry's relentless pursuit of excellence and its commitment to shaping a greener, safer, and more connected automotive landscape.

The ATI Japan team will show its commitment to cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to address the industry's most pressing challenges with demonstration highlights at the event, offering attendees a firsthand glimpse into the company's transformative offerings:

Explore the intricate interplay of LIN and CAN messages, seamlessly interfaced with a PC using Kvaser Hybrid, exemplifying ATI's commitment to connectivity and interoperability.

Delve into the future of automotive connectivity as ATI demonstrates the conversion of LIN messages to Automotive Ethernet messages using VCG and AE-100, paving the way for enhanced data transmission and communication protocols.

Gain insights into system performance and diagnostics as live CAN messages are displayed on the DAS4ATI, while all messages across multiple automotive networks are meticulously monitored and logged in VISION 7.0 ECU Calibration and Data Acquisition software, underscoring ATI's commitment to data-driven decision-making and optimization.

Discover more about the JSAE show at: https://aee.expo-info.jsae.or.jp/en/yokohama/

Booth number: 182

The file extensions Measurement Data Format version 4 (MDF4), or in short, MF4 are used interchangeably in the context of data files. Principally MDF4 is an ASAM standard file format specifically designed for the automotive industry to handle a diverse range of data efficiently. As a compact binary format, MDF offers efficient and high-performance storage of huge amounts of measurement data.

The MDF file format allows storage of raw measurement values and corresponding conversion formulas; therefore, raw data can still be interpreted correctly and evaluated by post-processing tools, while the compressed file sizes facilitate easy sharing and collaboration.

MF4 is simply a file that follows the MDF4 standard, containing measurement data stored in accordance with the structure and conventions defined by the MDF4 format. This makes it fully compatible with software and tools that support this standard.

In the realm of data analysis and visualization, the ability to seamlessly convert various file formats into a standardized, easily accessible format is paramount. ATI’s VISION Data Analyzer (VDA) software, - part of the firm’s renowned VISION ecosystem - comprehensively supports MF4 files, plus offers a streamlined process for converting non-MDF files into the universally compatible MF4 format.

VDA easily facilitates the conversion or import of file types into the MF4 file format, enabling users to harness the power of their data without being constrained by incompatible files. This is accomplished by the ASCII Import Wizard which automatically starts when opening a TXT, CSV, or TSV file via the VDA "Open" command. The wizard initially displays data differently based on the file type. File types use different delimiters to separate fields, text, columns, etc.... The ASCII Import Wizard walks the user through setting the rows and columns to distinguish what data is the trace name, measurement units, timestamp, and recorded data points. Each step in the wizard asks for a specific row or column to be selected except for the first step of the import process.

For example, opening a 'TXT' file displays all information in the first column (below image). 

Defining a separator in the "Field Separator" drop-down separates data based on the defined separator character. The "<space>" separator is used in this example to yield an idea of how the wizard works (below image).

Files (MF4, REC, TXT, CSV, and TSV) may be extremely large and can be loaded into the VDA via multiple methods. MF4 files import directly, REC files import and convert to MF4, with TXT, CSV, and TSV files starting the ASCII Wizard in any of the following methods.

· Go to "File -> Open" and within the "Open" browser, locate and select a file.

· Double-click on a file in a browser window.

· Drag and drop a file from a browser window onto a VDA tab.

The process remains intuitive and accessible.

For VISION recorder (REC) files, VDA Software employs a sophisticated approach. Upon opening a REC file, VDA initiates a background process utilizing VISION to export the REC file into an MDF4 format. The resulting file is named according to the original REC file, ensuring seamless continuity in data management. For instance, opening a file named "Test.rec" would result in an MDF4 file named "Test-rec.mf4".

In scenarios where a related MDF file already exists for a REC file, VDA Software offers a seamless reimport process. Users are prompted for confirmation, enabling them to effortlessly overwrite existing MDF files or proceed with opening the existing MDF file, depending on their preferences.

In its quest to continually push the boundaries of innovation, ATI has forged a strategic partnership with Methodica Technologies, an emerging technology consulting company. At the heart of this collaboration lies Methodica's iTAP platform, a revolutionary tool for Hardware-In-Loop (HIL) testing of application and diagnostic software on electronic control units (ECUs). By integrating ATI's expertise in hardware and software solutions with Methodica's cutting-edge iTAP platform, the two companies are poised to deliver advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of the MCD sector.

At the core of the partnership between ATI and Methodica Technologies is the iTAP platform, which offers a seamless solution for writing scripts for bench tools used in HIL testing. With various HIL test bench tools integrated into iTAP's clean tool abstraction layer, users can switch between tools smoothly and integrate solutions to satisfy their software testing needs. This emphasis on flexibility and interoperability ensures that clients can tailor their testing workflows to suit their specific requirements, driving efficiency and productivity.

As part of the partnership, ATI and Methodica Technologies are placing a strong emphasis on key features including open API, flashing, and scripting functionality with VISION. These capabilities are essential for enabling seamless integration with existing workflows and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software platforms. By prioritizing these features, ATI and Methodica Technologies are ensuring that their integrated solutions deliver maximum value and versatility to clients in the MCD sector.

In today's fast-paced world, technology continues to revolutionize the automotive industry, with Global Positioning System (GPS) emerging as a game-changer in vehicle calibrations. This information is crucial for various calibration processes from navigation to safety features. GPS integration in vehicles has become indispensable, offering benefits that optimize performance and efficiency. Moreover, with the usage of ATI’s VISION 7.0 Calibration and Diagnostics software, the capabilities of GPS are further enhanced, providing automotive professionals with advanced tools to precisely tune and optimize vehicle systems based on GPS data.

A primary advantage of GPS in vehicle calibrations is its ability to provide highly accurate positioning information. GPS enables vehicles, utilizing satellite signals, to pinpoint their exact location on the Earth's surface. This accuracy is crucial for calibration processes, particularly those related to navigation, mapping, and route planning. Whether it's guiding drivers to their destination or assisting autonomous vehicles in navigating complex roadways, GPS lays the foundation for reliable and efficient travel.

Vehicles equipped with GPS can be used to dynamically calibrate various systems based on their real-time location and movement. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and collision avoidance systems utilize GPS data to adjust parameters according to factors such as speed limits, road conditions, and traffic patterns. This dynamic calibration ensures that vehicles can adapt to changing environments, enhancing both safety and performance on the road.

Safety in the automotive industry, and GPS-enabled vehicle calibrations play a crucial role in enhancing safety on the road. By providing real-time information about the vehicle's surroundings, GPS data enables the implementation of features such as predictive braking, collision warnings, and emergency response systems. These safety enhancements help prevent accidents which ultimately saves lives and reduce road incidents.

GPS-based calibrations also optimize vehicle performance and efficiency. For example, Fleet management systems leverage GPS data to monitor vehicle locations, track routes, and optimize delivery schedules. By identifying the most efficient paths and reducing fuel consumption, they contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability while streamlining operations for businesses.

GPS integration in vehicles facilitates communication with other technologies and infrastructure elements, such as traffic lights, road signs, and smart city systems. This integration enables more advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, allowing vehicles to interact with their surroundings in real time. Whether it's receiving traffic updates, communicating with roadside assistance services, or accessing data from smart infrastructure, connectivity expands the capabilities of modern vehicles.

The integration of GPS functionality into VISION 7.0 onwards enables seamless calibration adjustments for safety critical control systems, ensuring vehicles operate at their peak performance while maximizing safety and efficiency on the road. For example, VISION 7.0’s new GPS Location Recording and Visualizer features virtual location data items that can be mapped to various location sources, including Windows Location Services, GPS units, CAN GPS units, and vehicle network GPS information. Users can effortlessly map GPS coordinates post-recording and leverage the Map Visualizer with trigger and cursor markers for precise analysis. 

As technology continues to evolve, the importance of GPS in vehicle calibrations will only continue to grow, shaping the way we travel and interact with the world around us, with ATI’s VISION software playing an integral part in this significant technological change.