The Simulation of Driver Inputs Using a Vehicle Driver Model 2000-01-1313

Traditional vehicle simulations use two methods of modeling driver inputs, such as steering and braking. These methods are broadly categorized as “Open Loop” and “Closed Loop”. Open loop methods are most common and use tables of driver inputs vs time. Closed loop methods employ a mathematical model of the driving task and some method of defining an attempted path for the vehicle to follow. Closed loop methods have a significant advantage over open loop methods in that they do not require a trial-and-error approach normally required by open loop methods to achieve the desired vehicle path. As a result, closed loop methods may result in significant time savings and associated user productivity. Historically, however, closed loop methods have had two drawbacks: First, they require user inputs that are non-intuitive and difficult to determine. Second, closed loop methods often have stability problems. This paper describes a newly developed driver model that appears to hold significant promise in addressing both of these areas. The paper describes the basic vehicle driver model and path generator. Next, the paper provides an intuitive basis for reasonable user inputs. Finally, the paper provides some interesting examples of the use of the vehicle driver model for real-world applications.