A Framework for Estimating Long Term Driver Behavior

Abstract EN

We present a framework for estimation of long term driver behavior for autonomous vehicles and vehicle safety systems.

The Hybrid State System and Hidden Markov Model (HSS+HMM) system discussed in this article is capable of describing the hybrid characteristics of driver and vehicle coupling.

In our model, driving observations follow a continuous trajectory that can be measured to create continuous state estimates.

These continuous state estimates can then be used to estimate the most likely driver state using decision-behavior coupling inherent to the HSS+HMM system.

The HSS+HMM system is encompassed in a HSS structure and intersystem connectivity is determined by using signal processing and pattern recognition techniques.

The proposed method is suitable for a number of autonomous and vehicle safety scenarios such as estimating intent of other vehicles near intersections or avoiding hazardous driving events such as unexpected lane changes.

The long term driver behavior estimation system involves an extended HSS+HMM structure that is capable of including external information in the estimation process.

Through the grafting and pruning of metastates, the HSS+HMM system can be dynamically updated to best represent driver choices given external information.

Three application examples are also provided to elucidate the theoretical system.