This paper proposes a novel hybrid model for learning discrete and continuous dynamics of car-following behaviors. Multiple modes representing driving patterns are identified by partitioning the model into groups of states. The model is visualizable and interpretable for car-following behavior recognition, traffic simulation, and human-like cruise control. The experimental results using the next generation simulation datasets demonstrate its superior fitting accuracy over conventional models.

Car-following is the most general behavior in highway driving. It is crucial to recognize the cut-in intention of vehicles from an adjacent lane for safe and cooperative driving. In this paper, a method of behavior estimation is proposed to recognize and predict the lane change intentions based on the contextual traffic information. A model predictive controller is designed to optimize the acceleration sequences by incorporating the lane-change intentions of other vehicles. The public data set of next generation simulation is labeled and then published as a benchmarking platform for the research community. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately estimate vehicle behavior and therefore outperform the traditional car-following control.

Learning driving behavior is fundamental for autonomous vehicles to “understand” traffic situations. This paper proposes a novel method for learning a behavioral model of car-following using automata learning algorithms. The model is interpretable for car-following behavior analysis. Frequent common state sequences are extracted from the model and clustered as driving patterns. The Next Generation SIMulation dataset on the I-80 highway is used for learning and evaluating. The experimental results demonstrate high accuracy of car-following model fitting.