Modeling Driver Behavior by Using Mind’s Eye Coordinates

Concepts are presented that are suitable for use in modeling and understanding the driving process. Attention is focused on modeling driver control of forward speed and the range gap between vehicles. The structure of the model is based on psychological concepts associated with knowledge-, rule-, and skill-based behavior. The model uses variables representing features of the forward scene as projected onto the driver’s retina. These variables are referred to as mind’s eye coordinates. For example, driver perceptual motor skills, as used for increasing or decreasing speed, are expressed by variables associated with looming effects for moving and stationary objects as well as streaming effects associated with passing nearby stationary objects. Inequalities expressed in terms of mind’s eye coordinates are used in the model to identify signs that indicate to the driver which control rule to choose in various driving situations. The driving situations include closing on a slower-moving vehicle, following a preceding vehicle, braking in response to preceding vehicle deceleration, and accelerating. Examples show how the model works and compare its predicted results with measured manual driving performance in situations involving the control of the range gap to a preceding vehicle. Conceptual reasoning employing combined physical and psychological concepts is used to address issues associated with model validation.