Evaluation of automotive forward collision warning and collision avoidance algorithms

Collision warning/collision avoidance (CW/CA) systems target a major crash type and their development is a major thrust of the Intelligent Vehicle Initiative. They are a natural extension of adaptive cruise control systems already available on many car models. Many CW/CA algorithms have recently been proposed but the existing literature mainly focuses on algorithm development. Evaluations of these algorithms have been usually based on subjective ratings. The main contribution of this paper is the utilization of a naturalistic driving data set for the evaluation of CW/CA algorithms. We first collect manual driving data from the ICCFOT project, then process the data by Kalman smoothing, and finally identify ‘threatening’ and ‘safe’ data sets according to vehicle brake inputs and vehicle range behavior. Five CW/CA algorithms published in the literature are evaluated against the identified data sets. The performance of these algorithms is determined through a performance metric commonly used in signal detection and information retrieval under unbalanced data population.     

Design and hardware-in-loop implementation of collision avoidance algorithms for heavy commercial road vehicles

An important aspect from the perspective of operational safety of heavy road vehicles is the detection and avoidance of collisions, particularly at high speeds. The development of a collision avoidance system is the overall focus of the research presented in this paper. The collision avoidance algorithm was developed using a sliding mode controller (SMC) and compared to one developed using linear full state feedback in terms of performance and controller effort. Important dynamic characteristics such as load transfer during braking, tyre-road interaction, dynamic brake force distribution and pneumatic brake system response were considered. The effect of aerodynamic drag on the controller performance was also studied. The developed control algorithms have been implemented on a Hardware-in-Loop experimental set-up equipped with the vehicle dynamic simulation software, IPG/TruckMaker®. The evaluation has been performed for realistic traffic scenarios with different loading and road conditions. The Hardware-in-Loop experimental results showed that the SMC and full state feedback controller were able to prevent the collision. However, when the discrepancies in the form of parametric variations were included, the SMC provided better results in terms of reduced stopping distance and lower controller effort compared to the full state feedback controller.     

A study on model fidelity for model predictive control-based obstacle avoidance in high-speed autonomous ground vehicles

This paper investigates the level of model fidelity needed in order for a model predictive control (MPC)-based obstacle avoidance algorithm to be able to safely and quickly avoid obstacles even when the vehicle is close to its dynamic limits. The context of this work is large autonomous ground vehicles that manoeuvre at high speed within unknown, unstructured, flat environments and have significant vehicle dynamics-related constraints. Five different representations of vehicle dynamics models are considered: four variations of the two degrees-of-freedom (DoF) representation as lower fidelity models and a fourteen DoF representation with combined-slip Magic Formula tyre model as a higher fidelity model. It is concluded that the two DoF representation that accounts for tyre nonlinearities and longitudinal load transfer is necessary for the MPC-based obstacle avoidance algorithm in order to operate the vehicle at its limits within an environment that includes large obstacles. For less challenging environments, however, the two DoF representation with linear tyre model and constant axle loads is sufficient.     

A nonlinear model predictive control formulation for obstacle avoidance in high-speed autonomous ground vehicles in unstructured environments

This paper presents a nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) formulation for obstacle avoidance in high-speed, large-size autono-mous ground vehicles (AGVs) with high centre of gravity (CoG) that operate in unstructured environments, such as military vehicles. The term ‘unstructured’ in this context denotes that there are no lanes or traffic rules to follow. Existing MPC formulations for passenger vehicles in structured environments do not readily apply to this context. Thus, a new nonlinear MPC formulation is developed to navigate an AGV from its initial position to a target position at high-speed safely. First, a new cost function formulation is used that aims to find the shortest path to the target position, since no reference trajectory exists in unstructured environments. Second, a region partitioning approach is used in conjunction with a multi-phase optimal control formulation to accommodate the complicated forms the obstacle-free region can assume due to the presence of multiple obstacles in the prediction horizon in an unstructured environment. Third, the no-wheel-lift-off condition, which is the major dynamical safety concern for high-speed, high-CoG AGVs, is ensured by limiting the steering angle within a range obtained offline using a 14 degrees-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model. Thus, a safe, high-speed navigation is enabled in an unstructured environment. Simulations of an AGV approaching multiple obstacles are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.     

行人保护--汽车安全性研究的新领域

行人碰撞保护是目前汽车安全性研究的最新领域。本文介绍了行人与车辆发生碰撞时主要的伤害模式和伤害数据,以及世界各国在这一领域研究的最新进展,并对行人碰撞保护的相应法规和研究方法作出了简要的介绍。     

Unified decision-making and control for highway collision avoidance using active front steer and individual wheel torque control

ABSTRACT

Collision avoidance is a crucial function for all ground vehicles, and using integrated chassis systems to support the driver presents a growing opportunity in active safety. With actuators such as in-wheel electric motors, active front steer and individual wheel brake control, there is an opportunity to develop integrated chassis systems that fully support the driver in safety critical situations. Here we consider the scenario of an impending frontal collision with a stationary or slower moving vehicle in the same driving lane. Traditionally, researchers have approached the required collision avoidance manoeuver as a hierarchical scheme, which separates the decision-making, path planning and path tracking. In this context, a key decision is whether to perform straight-line braking, or steer to change lanes, or indeed perform combined braking and steering. This paper approaches the collision avoidance directly from the perspective of constrained dynamic optimisation, using a single optimisation procedure to cover these aspects within a single online optimisation scheme of model predictive control (MPC). While the new approach is demonstrated in the context of a fully autonomous safety system, it is expected that the same approach can incorporate driver inputs as additional constraints, yielding a flexible and coherent driver assistance system.     

From robotics to automotive: Lane-keeping and collision avoidance based on elastic bands

In the near future, drivers will more and more share vehicle guidance with assistance systems. This contribution provides a potential field-based approach to the underlying motion planning problem. In doing so, the concept of elastic bands, known from robotics, is extended to automotive applications. Contrary to robotic applications, extrapolation routines anticipating the motion of the surrounding traffic are incorporated in the motion planning. New in this paper is the distinction of different types of obstacles such as traffic staying in its lane and traffic intending to depart from it. Beyond that, the motion planning adapts to the driver's commands. The driver can be included in the overall control loop by means of a haptic interface generating a torque that depends on the difference of the actual steering angle and the steering angle necessary to follow the planned trajectory. However, this contribution focuses only on the underlying motion planning procedure.     

复杂路况下汽车主动避撞报警技术研究

汽车主动避撞报警技术对提高行车安全有重要意义,但如何减少复杂路况下行车时的误警率是当前需解决的关键问题。通过测量车载信息如汽车转向角度、车速、制动信号、转向灯信号等获知汽车的行驶状态,利用雷达技术感知路况和危险,基于合理的报警算法和控制策略,研制出复杂路况下的汽车主动避撞报警系统。通过实际道路报警试验,结果表明所采取的减少误警率的方法是有效的,所开发的报警系统更趋实用化。     

汽车防撞系统中目标跟踪与防撞决策研究

为了实现汽车主动安全系统中的目标跟踪与防撞,提出了混合式汽车防撞系统信息融合结构模型,采用分级信息融合实现目标跟踪,推导出了基于跟踪残留误差和预测残留误差共同校正的融合算法,并给出了算法的实现结构;提出了基于局部分析的映射变换方法,实现驾驶模型特征向量连续、实时的修正,在此基础之上,利用模糊积分方法融合多种相关信息,确定汽车应采用的安全运行模式,实现主动安全防撞决策。经过大量试验证明:该算法具有很好的稳定性和准确率。     

Optimal control of brakes and steering for autonomous collision avoidance using modified Hamiltonian algorithm

ABSTRACT

This paper considers the problem of collision avoidance for road vehicles, operating at the limits of friction. A two-level modelling and control methodology is proposed, with the upper level using a friction-limited particle model for motion planning, and the lower level using a nonlinear 3DOF model for optimal control allocation. Motion planning adopts a two-phase approach: the first phase is to avoid the obstacle, the second is to recover lane keeping with minimal additional lateral deviation. This methodology differs from the more standard approach of path-planning/path-following, as there is no explicit path reference used; the control reference is a target acceleration vector which simultaneously induces changes in direction and speed. The lower level control distributes vehicle targets to the brake and steer actuators via a new and efficient method, the Modified Hamiltonian Algorithm (MHA). MHA balances CG acceleration targets with yaw moment tracking to preserve lateral stability. A nonlinear 7DOF two-track vehicle model confirms the overall validity of this novel methodology for collision avoidance.     

邻车切入工况下前撞预警系统的驾驶人依赖特性

为提升邻车切入工况下的行车安全,基于驾驶模拟实验平台,研究了驾驶人对前撞预警系统的依赖特性评价方法以改进预警系统的设计。以预警时机(即碰时间TTC)为研究变量,采集了12名驾驶人的实验数据,以制动依赖指数、次任务评分为2项客观指标,以危险度评分、信任度评分为2项主观指标,建立了评价体系模型,实现了对驾驶人系统依赖程度的量化评价。设计了L9(34)正交实验,建立了依赖特性评价回归模型。结果表明:预警时机(TTC)对依赖特性的影响最为显著:过晚的预警时机(TTC=2.4 s)降低系统的有效性;过早的预警时机(TTC=1.2 s)易导致驾驶人对系统过度依赖。因而,适度推迟预警时机(TTC=1.8 s)可以抑制依赖性的产生,提升系统的安全性。     

Optimal motion control for collision avoidance at Left Turn Across Path/Opposite Direction intersection scenarios using electric propulsion

Collision avoidance at intersections involving a host vehicle turning left across the path of an oncoming vehicle (Left Turn Across Path/Opposite Direction) have been studied in the past, but mostly using simplified interventions and rarely considering the possibility of crossing the intersection ahead of a bullet vehicle. Such a scenario where the driver preference is to avoid a collision by crossing the intersection ahead of a bullet vehicle is considered in this work. The optimal vehicle motion for collision avoidance in this scenario is determined analytically using a particle model within an optimal control framework. The optimal manoeuvres are then verified through numerical optimisations using a two-track vehicle model, where it was seen that the wheel forces followed the analytical global force angle result independently of the other wheels. A Modified Hamiltonian Algorithm controller for collision avoidance that uses the analytical optimal control solution is then implemented and tested in CarMaker simulations using a validated Volvo XC90 vehicle model. Simulation results showed that collision risk can be significantly reduced in this scenario using the proposed controller, and that more benefit can be expected in scenarios that require larger speed changes.     

汽车防追尾碰撞数学模型研究

为了提高车辆在高速行驶状态下的主动安全性能,研究了处于追尾行驶状态的本车与前车的运动学特征;针对前车的不同运动状态分别推导出了跟车距离的计算模型并分析了模型中3个关键参数的随机性和动态性,对制动迟滞时间提出了基于模糊推理的确定方法,对本车制动减速度和前车的运动加速度提出了比较实用的动态测算公式;另外,研究了防追尾碰撞的控制与执行,建立了动态调整安全制动停车距离的神经网络模型,提出了基于危险裕度判别的安全控制方法。     

Emergency steering control of autonomous vehicle for collision avoidance and stabilisation

ABSTRACT

Collision avoidance and stabilisation are two of the most crucial concerns when an autonomous vehicle finds itself in emergency situations, which usually occur in a short time horizon and require large actuator inputs, together with highly nonlinear tyre cornering response. In order to avoid collision while stabilising autonomous vehicle under dynamic driving situations at handling limits, this paper proposes a novel emergency steering control strategy based on hierarchical control architecture consisting of decision-making layer and motion control layer. In decision-making layer, a dynamic threat assessment model continuously evaluates the risk associated with collision and destabilisation, and a path planner based on kinematics and dynamics of vehicle system determines a collision-free path when it suddenly encounters emergency scenarios. In motion control layer, a lateral motion controller considering nonlinearity of tyre cornering response and unknown external disturbance is designed using tyre lateral force estimation-based backstepping sliding-mode control to track a collision-free path, and to ensure the robustness and stability of the closed-loop system. Both simulation and experiment results show that the proposed control scheme can effectively perform an emergency collision avoidance manoeuvre while maintaining the stability of autonomous vehicle in different running conditions.     

Risk management algorithm for rear-side collision avoidance using a combined steering torque overlay and differential braking

This paper describes a risk management algorithm for rear-side collision avoidance. The proposed risk management algorithm consists of a supervisor and a coordinator. The supervisor is designed to monitor collision risks between the subject vehicle and approaching vehicle in the adjacent lane. An appropriate criterion of intervention, which satisfies high acceptance to drivers through the consideration of a realistic traffic, has been determined based on the analysis of the kinematics of the vehicles in longitudinal and lateral directions. In order to assist the driver actively and increase driver's safety, a coordinator is designed to combine lateral control using a steering torque overlay by motor-driven power steering and differential braking by vehicle stability control. In order to prevent the collision while limiting actuator's control inputs and vehicle dynamics to safe values for the assurance of the driver's comfort, the Lyapunov theory and linear matrix inequalities based optimisation methods have been used. The proposed risk management algorithm has been evaluated via simulation using CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink.     

Comparing and validating models of driver steering behaviour in collision avoidance and vehicle stabilisation

A number of driver models were fitted to a large data set of human truck driving, from a simulated near-crash, low-friction scenario, yielding two main insights: steering to avoid a collision was best described as an open-loop manoeuvre of predetermined duration, but with situation-adapted amplitude, and subsequent vehicle stabilisation could to a large extent be accounted for by a simple yaw rate nulling control law. These two phenomena, which could be hypothesised to generalise to passenger car driving, were found to determine the ability of four driver models adopted from the literature to fit the human data. Based on the obtained results, it is argued that the concept of internal vehicle models may be less valuable when modelling driver behaviour in non-routine situations such as near-crashes, where behaviour may be better described as direct responses to salient perceptual cues. Some methodological issues in comparing and validating driver models are also discussed.     

Optimization and integration of ground vehicle systems

This article deals with the optimal design of ground vehicles and their subsystems, with particular reference to 'active' safety and comfort. A review of state-of-the-art optimization methods for solving vehicle system design problems, including the integration of electronic controls, is given, thus further encouraging the use of such methods as standard tools for automotive engineers. Particular attention is devoted to the class of methods pertaining to complex system design optimization, as well as approaches for the optimal design of complex systems under uncertainty. Some examples of design optimizations are given in the fields of vehicle system dynamics, powertrain/internal combustion engine design, active safety and ride comfort, vehicle system design and lightweight structures, advanced automotive electronics, and smart vehicles.     

轿车碰撞安全性的评价及车身碰撞安全性设计

汽车的安全越来越受到重视，各国各地区都加强了对安全法规的制定工作，尤其是碰撞安全性更是得到关注。目前，在美国、日本、欧洲及澳洲都有称为NCAP的组织机构，对不同车型进行汽车碰撞安全性评估。汽车碰撞安全性评估主要包括正面碰撞、侧面碰撞、儿童保护和行人保护4个方面。防正面碰撞的车身结构设计已经成熟，由刚性的乘员舱与前后的吸能区组成，并注意吸能后撞击力的分流；防侧面碰撞的车身结构设计也正趋完善，重点是放在加强车身刚性和冲击力分流2个方面；为满足保护行人法规要求，整车的造型和汽车前部结构发生了很大的变化。     

汽车主动避撞系统中的报警方法及其关键技术

在分析现代汽车主动避撞系统特性的基础上设计了汽车主动避撞报警系统，对系统报警方法，雷达信号的Kalman滤波处理，雷达目标物有效性识别算法等关键技术进行了研究，给出了系统合理性及实用性验证的仿真及初步试验结果。