Ferdinand Panik

Automatic Lateral Control of Vehicles. Theory and Experiment

The theoretical and experimental work done in developing an automatic track-controlled vehicle is described. In this vehicle a controller performs the steering, normally carried out by the driver. The following subject is dealt with: (1) finding the model of the vehicle (2) measuring the frequency responses of the vehicle (3) analysing the development steps necessary to obtain optimal behaviour of the controlled vehicle (4) describing and evaluating the design methods used to find optimal controllers (5) experimental testing of the driving behaviour of the controlled vehicle. As a result of the studies a prototype vehicle was constructed with which, for the last six months, driving tests have been performed on a special test track. (TRRL)

THE DAIMLER-BENZ DRIVING SIMULATOR: NEW TECHNOLOGIES DEMAND NEW INSTRUMENTS

SUMMARY A driving simulator is a computer-controlled tool to study the Interaction between driver and vehicle under simulated traffic conditions. It permits a controllable, reproducible and cost-effective study of vehicle parameters up to the limits of active safety under non-dangerous conditions. The paper will describe fully the concept, design and planned activities of the DAIMLER-BENZ DRIVING-SIMULATOR as well as report on the new possibilities of using the system as a research and development tool.