The way ahead
SPARC intends to overcome the limitations given by the current state of the art by an intelligent combination of the information from the driver, the driver/HMI combination, the assistance system and execution by x-by-wire technology. This will be done on three levels.
Adjustment of PEIT architecture
The first objective is to open the interface of the PEIT architecture towards the command level in order to accept inputs from the driver in combination with HMI inputs (that is the drive vector), and also from driver assistances systems (that is the redundant vector).
This has to done in a way to allow a modular additions or exchange of assistance and HMI modules.
The information will be received and evaluated by a safety decision control module (DCS).
This module will fuse the drive vector from the driver (augmented by HMI information on the driver status) and a redundant motion vector from the assistant system.
It will evaluate and compare the vectors and calculate a resulting vector to be sent for execution level to the powertrain.
This vector will result from the analysis of situation scenarios and decision strategies programmed into the DCS.
Example: should the assistant systems detect a dangerous situation that can be solved deterministically and physically sound, the assistance system will help the driver.
Extend PEIT approach
The second objective is to extend the PEIT approach to also cover complete tractor-trailer combinations for heavy goods vehicles. This entails the development of an electronically controlled mechatronic trailer stabilisation system to insure proper avoidance of trailer oscillation or jack-knifing. In technical terms this means to include energy supply and communication enhancement to trailer, to develop a movement of trailer position detection system and to develop an overall system brake and stability control software. Furthermore, the SPARC concept will be transferred to a small passenger car to show the scalability and applicability of the system. Two validator vehicles will physically be built up: A truck-trailer combination and a small passenger car.
Acceleration of future certification
The third objective is to support the future certification and evaluate introduction of SPARC based vehicles. The homologation process for the SPARC system will be proposed. It will be done for both, the truck validator and the small passenger car validator. Given the results of the homologation process evaluation it can be expected that first SPARC tight vehicles will enter development face by 2010 and thus be able to demonstrate the benefits of the overall system for road safety. It is further expected that SPARC based subcomponents are on the market even earlier than that.
for information about PEIT see www.eu-peit.net