Target Vehicle Imitation Control Without V2V Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) require significant human input for vehicles lacking vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, limiting their functionality and increasing operator workload.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for ego vehicles to imitate target vehicle behavior using sensors, actuators, and control modules that estimate target vehicle states and trajectories, apply model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, and engage an imitation mode to follow the target vehicle while maintaining safety and performance constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If V2V or V2I communication is implemented to improve ADAS functionality, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveADAS automation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual model (copy) of the target vehicle's behavior and dynamics rather than requiring direct communication with it. The ego vehicle replicates the target vehicle's trajectory, speed, and maneuvering patterns through sensor-based observation and mathematical modeling, eliminating the need for V2V/V2I communication infrastructure while achieving similar automation outcomes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer (the behavior imitation system with MPC algorithm) that mediates between sensor inputs and vehicle control outputs. This intermediary processors transform raw sensor data into coordinated actuator commands through optimized path planning, replacing the need for direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensor fusion and filtering algorithms are applied to improve target vehicle state estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget vehicle state estimation accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data processing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensor data acquisition, fusion algorithms (Kalman/Particle filters), trajectory estimation, and behavior prediction. Each module handles specific aspects of the estimation process independently, making the overall complex system manageable through modular architecture while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data fusion and filtering operations on sensor inputs before passing processed information to the MPC controller. By pre-processing sensor data through fusion algorithms to estimate target vehicle states in advance, the system reduces the computational burden on downstream control modules while improving estimation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If model predictive control algorithm is engaged to optimize ego vehicle path, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath optimization efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MPC algorithm dynamically adjusts the ego vehicle's path in real-time based on changing target vehicle behavior and environmental conditions. The control parameters (speed, acceleration, steering angle) are continuously optimized over a prediction horizon, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic scenarios while maintaining computational efficiency through receding horizon control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key control parameters (velocity, acceleration, steering angle) optimally along the planned path using MPC. By parameterizing the vehicle dynamics and control inputs, the algorithm efficiently computes optimal trajectories that satisfy constraints while maximizing path following performance and imitation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12459540B2System and method of imitating target vehicle behavior for automated driving
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US12459540B2 patent drawing
  • US12459540B2 patent drawing
  • US12459540B2 patent drawing

AI summary

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.