The LACOS (LAteral COntrol Support) project aimed at developing an autonomous driver-assistance system for anticollision purpose along the lateral axis of vehicles. The System is intended to improve safety and comfort in lateral manoeuvres (lane change, lane/road departure) on motorways, inter urban and rural roads, providing the driver with suitable warnings when dangerous road scenarios are recognised. Different sensorial technologies are applied to detect the environment around the vehicle: microwave radars, CCD cameras, IR sensors. The sensor fusion approach makes possible the reconstruction of the road environment in real time and the identification of critical situations. This paper summarises the objectives of the LACOS project and reports its relevant achievements in the implementation of two Lateral Control functions: Lane Change Support and Lane Warning Support. Special consideration is given to the warning strategies adopted by the three car companies (CRF, Renault, VW) participating in the project.
Samenvatting