Research

Project Number:
05-01

Research Project:
Validation of Sensory Systems for Intelligent Vehicles

P.I. Name & Address:
Karl-H. Grote
California State University, Long Beach
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Long Beach, CA 90840
Tel: (562) 985-1525
Fax: (562)985-4408
Email: kgrote@csulb.edu

Project Objective:
During the past year, the investigators established computer codes for intelligent vehicles, based on theoretical knowledge evolutionary computation methods. The software was tested, using so called WEBOTS in an laboratory environment. These virtual tests, conducted in cooperation between Caltech, EPFL (Prof. Martinoli, formerly at Caltech) and CSULB proofed encouraging results. WEBOTS, equipped with "Intelligent Information to avoid Collision" made safe and secure lane changes. This proposal aims towards the validation of the software, by obtaining data from actually driven vehicles on California Freeways. The data will be fed into the processes, designed and coded in the METRANS funded research during the 2004 period in order to optimize the results and compare the theoretical data with recorded data. This approach allows also in future research the developments of an adjustment method of the "Delta" between EV - Methods and Recorded Data. The refined results can be used by automotive companies or their suppliers to manufacture and install cross - lane safety devices to avoid accidents on California Freeways by warning the driver of a potential unsafe driving condition.

Task Descriptions:
1. Continuous refinement of software systems and data processing system for multi-lane scenarios (12 months)
2. Selection of test bed vehicle for sensor application and tuning of data collection system (2 months)
3. Continuation of data collection and comparison (4 months)
4. Report writing and final discussion of research results (2 month)

Milestones, Dates:
February 1, 2005 - January 31, 2006

Total Budget:
$72,000

Student Involvement:
One Student, 550 hours @ $12.50/hr
One Student, 1250 hours @ $12.50/hr

Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Follow-on to 04-03, part of safety and security focus area

Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report posted on the website

Potential Benefits of the Project:
Reduction of highway crashes

TRB Keywords:
Collision avoidance, vehicle sensors, highway safety

Primary Subject:
4b.12 Design and manufacture - vehicle safety

Goals:
4c.1 Safety

Enabling Research:
4c.8 Computer information, communications

Modal Orientation:
4c.13 Highway