Differential GPS-Based Position Measurement and Steering Control for Automatic Driving

Simulation and experimental studies are carried out for investigating the possibility of automatic vehicle control system based on absolute position information. Implementation of such control system requires a methodology of measuring the absolute position, and a control algorithm. An accurate and realtime measurement of the absolute position by use of DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) and sensors on a controlled vehicle is proposed. A steering control algorithm for tracking the desired course stored as absolute position data is also proposed. Simulation and experimental results validates the proposed measurement and control system, and provides the perspective of enhancing the automatic driving control system by use of the absolute position information.