Automated on-ramp merging control algorithm based on Internet-connected vehicles

With the rapid development of Information and Communication Technologies, vehicular networks that communicate with each other will have an innovative application in traffic safety and congestion. This study describes a preliminary study on an automated on-ramp merging control algorithm for vehicles on freeways under condition of Internet-connected vehicles. On the basis of vehicular operation characteristics during the merging process analysis, a cooperative driving algorithm based on Internet of vehicles was designed to achieve ramp merging without collision. Then two on-ramp merging cases, including one vehicle and two vehicles merging into the platoon on main lane, were discussed in detail. Simulation works were carried out and the results proved that the on-ramp merging algorithm was effective, but the vehicle following the leading vehicle on ramp lane is disturbed seriously by the leading vehicle. At the same time, the simulation results also showed the scenario that merging a platoon into the two vehicles on main lane affects the traffic flow more seriously than letting each individual vehicle on ramp lane consecutively to merge in between the two vehicles in the main lane under the same initial condition.