This chapter presents work being undertaken in the PROMETHEUS (Program for a European Traffic with Highest Efficiency and Unprecedented Safety) program. PROMETHEUS system architecture is described. The concept of the intelligent vehicle is discussed, and the basic functions of PROMETHEUS which makes this possible are presented. These include: a) automatic obstacle detection; b) the automatic monitoring of the driver, the vehicle and the traffic situation; c) vision enhancement; d) safety margin determination; e) dynamic vehicle control; and f) supportive driver information. A special section, written by A. Kemeny, is provided on co-operative driving. This includes: a) intelligent cruise control; b) intelligent manoeuvring and control; and c) driver information data such as emergency warning. A section is also provided on dual mode route guidance, written by P. Haeussermann and H.-G. Zimmer.
Abstract