Test method and system using a highly agile ground vehicle for intelligent vehicle testing

Abstract

A system and method for testing a test vehicle or a system on the test vehicle for warning the presence of an object proximate the test vehicle or a system to avoid a collision includes a self-powered, independently movable target configured to be positioned proximate the test vehicle, the target comprising a support frame having wheels, a motor operably coupled to one or more wheels, brakes operably coupled to each wheel and a control system coupled to the motor, brakes and wheels and configured to control acceleration, braking and steering of the wheels, and a collision avoidance system operable with the control system and configured to control the target to avoid a collision with the test vehicle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An arrangement for testing a test vehicle or a system on the test vehicle for warning the presence of an object proximate the test vehicle or a system to avoid a collision, comprising:
 a self-powered, independently movable target configured to be positioned proximate the test vehicle, the target comprising a support frame with wheels, a motor operably coupled to at least one wheel, brakes operably coupled to each wheel and a control system coupled to the motor, brakes and wheels and configured to control acceleration, braking and steering of the wheels, and a collision avoidance system operable with the control system and configured to control the target to avoid a collision with the test vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The arrangement of  claim 1  and further comprising a fan configured to create a vacuum under the target. 
     
     
         3 . The arrangement of  claim 2  and further comprising cavity formed in a panel under the target and fluidly coupled to the fan. 
     
     
         4 . The arrangement of  claim 1  and further comprising a first wireless communication device apart from any system under test and configured to be mounted on the test vehicle, and wherein the target includes a second wireless communication device in communication with the first wireless communication device and operably coupled to the collision avoidance system, the collision avoidance system configured to control the target based on information received from the second wireless device. 
     
     
         5 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the control system is configured to selectively provide more torque to one wheel over another wheel. 
     
     
         6 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the target comprises a vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The arrangement of  claim 6  wherein the target includes driver operated controls to steer, brake and/or control the motor of the target. 
     
     
         8 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the target comprises represents a non-motorized vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The arrangement of  claim 1  and a plurality of self-powered, independently movable targets configured to be positioned proximate the test vehicle, each target comprising a support frame having wheels, a motor operably coupled to the wheels, brakes operably coupled to each wheel and a control system coupled to the motor, brakes and wheels and configured to control acceleration, braking and steering of the wheels, and a collision avoidance system operable with the control system and configured to control the target to avoid a collision with the test vehicle. 
     
     
         10 . The arrangement of  claim 1  wherein the target has one of longitudinal acceleration or lateral acceleration substantially better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         11 . The arrangement of  claim 10  wherein longitudinal acceleration is at least 25% better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         12 . The arrangement of  claim 10  wherein longitudinal acceleration is at least 50% better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         13 . The arrangement of  claim 10  wherein longitudinal acceleration is at least 75% better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         14 . The arrangement of  claim 10  wherein lateral acceleration is at least 50% better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . The arrangement of  claim 10  wherein lateral acceleration is at least 100% better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         16 . The arrangement of  claim 10  wherein lateral acceleration is at least 150% better than the test vehicle. 
     
     
         17 . A method for testing a test vehicle or a system on the test vehicle for warning the presence of an object proximate the test vehicle or a system to avoid a collision, comprising:
 maneuvering a test vehicle in a test situation proximate a target, the target one or more performance characteristics substantially better than that of the test vehicle;   monitoring for a likelihood of a collision between the test vehicle and the target; and   maneuvering the target to avoid the collision in the event the likelihood of a collision.   
     
     
         18 . An arrangement for testing a test vehicle or a system on the test vehicle for warning the presence of an object proximate the test vehicle or a system to avoid a collision, comprising:
 a self-powered, independently movable motorcycle configured to be positioned proximate the test vehicle, the motorcycle comprising a support frame with wheels, a motor operably coupled to at least one wheel, brakes operably coupled to each wheel and a control system coupled to the motor, brakes and wheels and configured to control acceleration, braking and steering of the wheels, and a collision avoidance system operable with the control system and configured to control the target to avoid a collision with the test vehicle.   
     
     
         19 . The arrangement of  claim 18  wherein the motorcycle includes one or more panels, the panels configured to replicate another type of vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . The arrangement of  claim 18  wherein the motorcycle includes one or more panels, the panels configured to replicate a non-motorized object.