Virtual Models for Autonomous Driving Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue "Virtual Models for Autonomous Driving Systems" intends to compile autonomous driving simulation methods and scenarios into a single compendium to provide scientists and researchers with a clear methodology for validating autonomous vehicles.

A virtual model is a digital illustration of physical system elements displayed on a graphical user interface. Behind the user's graphic interface is a mathematical and logical mechanism that explains the behavior of the real system over time and under user-defined specifications.

Computer simulation is performed using software applications that aim to convert a real vehicle model into a virtual application to predict its behavior and performance, as well as set limits for enhanced performance while keeping a solid state. Compared to real vehicle models, virtual models used in computer simulations have significant advantages, including the capacity to change constructive and functional factors and the virtual model's constructive architecture at any stage of the development process.

A virtual model used for computer simulation is the study of reality in a virtual environment using a theoretical model, a digital image of a real model that needs improvement. The virtual model's complexity must correspond to the reality of the assessed system, being as complex as necessary while being as simple as feasible so that the results obtained from computer simulations may be validated by experimental data.

Autonomous driving means that most of the control is transferred from the human factor to computerized decision-making systems. Running an autonomous vehicle in a virtual environment is the initial step in the validation process, providing annalists with valuable feedback for improvement before becoming live in the real world.

The Special Issue "Virtual Model for Autonomous Driving System" allows authors to publish open access papers on autonomous driving virtual systems and algorithms, including virtual environments, routes, infrastructure, and traffic models, simulation methodology and scenarios for connected vehicles, and collaborative driving integrated into intelligent transportation systems.

Dr. Calin Iclodean
Prof. Dr. Dan Doru Micu
Prof. Dr. Bogdan Ovidiu Varga
Guest Editors

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