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Software Simulation Schindler

A software simulation is a huge added value, especially for a complex system such as an elevator. The cost of implementing a software simulation can be amortized in a short time through more efficient further developments. Software quality increases as software testing can be optimized.

Client

Schindler Aufzüge AG

My role

Senior Software Engineer

Duration

3 Jahre 6 Monate

Status

Successfully completed

What was the challenge?

Simulating an elevator normally requires complex installations the size of a wardrobe. All components—from cabin and floor modules to door electronics, shaft information, and the drive system—must be physically present. Working on the system requires a constant network connection, and certain functions are only accessible directly on the simulator on site.

On my own initiative and at my own risk, I set up a software simulation for an existing embedded project. The customer was rather skeptical at first.

The result exceeded all expectations:

  • The customer ultimately decided to incorporate the simulation into the development process. Soon, there was a significant increase in both the productivity of the software developers and the quality of the software.
  • New devices can be integrated into the simulation in advance, including communication with the controller, and tested in the overall system before they are implemented as physical devices. This reduces development risks and significantly shortens the time to market.
  • The debugging options are much more convenient than in the real system: software errors can be quickly reproduced, analyzed, and corrected.

Thanks to this simulation, not only was the development process made more efficient, but software stability was also significantly increased—a practical example of how innovative software solutions can significantly improve complex embedded systems.

The elevator simulation is implemented as a full-fledged software simulation in which all networked devices are virtualized. A new hardware layer is implemented for the controller, enabling the software to interact with the simulated hardware. The status of the elevator is visualized graphically so that developers can intuitively understand the system functions.

Technical implementation and features:

  • Existing C++ code is built into a C++ DLL and integrated into the simulation so that existing logic can be used directly.
  • The simulation logic is implemented entirely in C#.
  • The GUI is created with C# WPF and enables clear operation and visualization of the elevator status.
  • Various basic configurations can be selected depending on the type of elevator to be simulated.
  • The simulation provides a gRPC (Google Remote Procedure Call) interface. This interface can be used to trigger specific error states in automated software tests, significantly improving testability and quality assurance.

This approach makes it possible to test new devices and functions completely in the virtual system before they are physically implemented, increases development speed and significantly shortens time to market, reduces sources of error, and supports efficient, reproducible software development.

  • .net/C#Agile Software developmentC/C++CANopenSoftware SimulationWPF

The software simulation of the elevator has significantly improved the development process and created measurable benefits:

  • Increased productivity and software quality: Developers can implement new functions more quickly and identify and fix errors much faster.
  • Decoupling of networked devices: New functions can be developed and tested without the physical devices having to be available. This significantly reduces time to market.
  • No more complex installations: Since this is a pure software simulation, there is no need for complex, space-intensive hardware simulators.
  • Automated software testing: Error states can be triggered in a targeted manner, significantly increasing software quality and reducing development risks.
  • Support for the support team: The simulation is actively used to reproduce errors. Older software versions can also be used without much effort, which makes troubleshooting much easier.

Overall, the simulation enables efficient, reproducible, and low-risk software development that saves both costs and development time.

Learn more about my services

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