The dynamic behavior of a car can be modeled as a hybrid system involving continuous state changes and discrete state transitions. However, we show that the control of safe (collision free) lane change maneuvers in multi-lane traffic on highways can be described by finite state machines extended with continuous variables coming from the environment. We use standard theory for controller synthes...

This paper adresses the inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) problem, that is inferring a reward for which a demonstrated expert behavior is optimal. We introduce a new algorithm, SCIRL, whose principle is to use the so-called feature expectation of the expert as the parameterization of the score function of a multiclass classifier. This approach produces a reward function for which the expert ...

This paper presents the results of a recent project of IKCo’s research center to modify Paykan 1600’s rear suspension mechanism with the purpose of improving comfort, stability and handling qualities. The car was originally equipped with a solid rear axle with leaf springs. By replacing the original mechanism with a three-link mechanism with panhard bar and coil springs, the ride comfort and ha...

This dissertation examines the psychological factors that influence travel behavior such as people’s personality traits, environmental attitudes, car pride and perceptions of convenience and comfort. Despite the recognition of the importance of these psychological factors in better understanding travel behavior, transportation agencies have failed to integrate them into planning practice and po...

Car following models describe driver behavior in a traffic stream and therefore form a key component of all microscopic traffic simulation models. A large number of following models have been proposed and are described in the literature, however, many of these models are based on unrealistic assumptions of drivers' abilities and/or the models make use of relationships that do not correspond to ...