Method and System for Modeling Autonomous Vehicle Behavior

A method for developing a control algorithm for autonomous vehicles, comprising the steps of:

• preparing mapping data for a selected roadway, said mapping data including dimensional data in three relatively perpendicular axes;
• preparing a computer model emulating the performance of a selected vehicle;
• preparing an initial control algorithm for vehicles;
• executing a simulated driving excursion on a programmable computer utilizing said prepared mapping data, vehicle computer model and said initial control algorithm;
• revising said initial control algorithm responsive to said simulated driving excursion;
• executing a driving test of an actual vehicle responsive to said mapping data and said simulated driving excursion;
• and
• revising said vehicle computer model responsive to said driving test.

A method for controlling autonomous vehicles, comprising the steps of:

• preparing mapping data for a selected roadway, said mapping data including elevation of said roadway;
• preparing a computer model emulating the performance of a selected vehicle;
• preparing a non-vehicle-specific control system for autonomous vehicles;
• executing a simulated driving excursion on a programmable computer utilizing said prepared mapping data, vehicle computer model and control system;
• executing a driving test of an actual vehicle responsive to said mapping data and said simulated driving excursion;
• and
• revising said vehicle computer model responsive to said driving test.