Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
6.11.3.2.
CHAUFFEUR2 Project
The CHAUFFEUR2 project [CHA] had the objective of studying how to
connect two vehicles together and ensure the safety of the trip. This project enabled
interactive demonstrators to be developed (Figure 6.23) relative to the concepts of
“autonomous” vehicles, without the driver intervening. Firstly, each vehicle is
maintained on a trajectory (
lane keeping
) and at a distance from the upstream
vehicle (
safe distance keeping
); secondly, each vehicle is interacting in relation with
other equipped vehicles, the first vehicle being the leader and the others being
followers that are connected by virtual bars.
Safe distance keeping
Lane keeping
Figure 6.23.
Two autonomous vehicle functions allowing connected vehicle “trains”
Major aspects relative to HMI have been studied, as well as
X-by-Wire
technology [DEL], which replaces the traditional mechanical or hydraulic links
between the driver's controls and the steering and breaking mechanisms by various
electromechanical actuators, emulators for activating the pedals and steering wheel,
and a distributed network of electronic command modules. The components of the
traditional steering and breaking systems (steering column, pump, flexible pipes,
fluids, belts and servo brake/master cylinder) entirely disappear from the
environment sensors, the processors of vehicle electronic systems and drive train.
The electronically controlled steering and braking systems enable greater fuel
savings. The elimination of hydraulic fluids benefits the environment. The use of
only a few components simplifies the assembly and enables a greater flexibility in
terms of the design of the cab.
In the absence of the constraints of mechanical assemblies, it becomes possible
to still improve the driver's controls. In addition, their adapted design enables the
controls to be easily transformed from left handed steering to right handed steering.
