Magnetic vehicle guidance

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a system that provides the driver or the driving assistance system with the lateral position information of the vehicle on the lane in order to detect as early as possible run‐off‐road and then prevent a foreseeable crash.

Design/methodology/approach

A magnetized tape deposited on the road in the middle of the lane generates a magnetic field which is detected by on‐board sensors. Depending on the distance between the tape and the sensors, accurate positioning information can be estimated.

Findings

The use of at least five sensors makes it possible to obtain a 2 mm‐lateral‐positioning accuracy.

Originality/value

Magnetized tapes are relatively cheap to install and provide an accurate vehicle lateral positioning with low ‐cost magneto‐resistance on‐board sensors. In addition , a magnetization variation along the tape would allow information to be coded which could be then transmitted to the driver.

Citation

Santos, P., Holé, S., Filloy, C. and Fournier, D. (2008), "Magnetic vehicle guidance", Sensor Review, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 132-135. https://doi.org/10.1108/02602280810856697