System and method of imitating target vehicle behavior for automated driving

Abstract

A system for imitating target vehicle behavior in automated driving includes sensors capturing ego and target vehicle condition information, actuators selectively altering an ego vehicle state, and control modules. The control modules execute a target vehicle imitating (TVI) application. A first TVI control logic estimates a target vehicle state and trajectory. The ego and target vehicle condition information partially define the target vehicle state and trajectory. A second control logic evaluates target vehicle safety and performance constraints. A third control logic selectively initiates an imitation mode of the ego vehicle based on target and ego vehicle statuses relative to the target vehicle safety and performance constraints. A fourth control logic, models the target vehicle and optimizes a planned ego vehicle path subject to actuator constraints. A fifth control logic generates outputs to the actuators to cause the ego vehicle to follow the planned path and imitate the target vehicle.