Gap Selection and Path Generation during Merging Maneuver of Automobile Using Real-Time Optimization

This paper has proposed a gap selection and path generation method during merging maneuver of automobile. In this method the merging problem of one merging vehicle and multiple main lane vehicles is formulated using a model predictive control method. Lanes of a motor way are approximated with proposed smooth lines. Assuming that the main lane vehicles run on the centerline of the main lane, an appropriate path of the merging vehicle can be simply designed and modified according to the motions of the main lane vehicles. To generate mild merging, accelerations of all the relevant vehicles are constrained. Effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by computer simulations of the merging maneuvers of one merging vehicle and two main lane vehicles in different conditions. An example of actual cooperative merging maneuver is generated by the proposed method. Further the collision avoidance ability and the initial condition dependent property of the proposed method are tested.