Modeling Stochastic Data Using Copulas for Applications in the Validation of Autonomous Driving

The verification and validation processes of fully automated vehicles are linked to an almost intractable challenge of reflecting the real world with all its interactions in a virtual environment. Influential stochastic parameters need to be extracted from real-world measurements and real-time data, capturing all interdependencies, for an accurate simulation of reality. A copula is a probability model that represents a multivariate distribution, examining the dependence between the underlying variables. This model is used on drone measurement data from a roundabout containing dependent stochastic parameters. With the help of the copula model, samples are generated that reflect the real-time data. The resulting applications and possible extensions are discussed and explored.