<title>Single-wire or path-guidance systems and the inherent advantages versus multiwire or signal systems in commercial applications</title>

Abstract

One of the most difficult areas in the IVHS field, much effort is being spent on vehicle guidance systems. Recent developments in technology have allowed major upgrades in capabilities and performance of guidance systems originally developed for AGVs. Advances yield a robust, cost effective single wire system. This system has inherent advantages in system simplicity. A Cyplex developed variant of a single wire system has demonstrated high enough immunity to rain and light snow cover that normal (human) safety reductions in speed are more than adequate to stay within the required system performance envelope. This system and its antenna interface have shown the ability to guide the vehicle at slow speeds (10 MPH) with a tracking repeatability of plus or minus 1/8 of an inch. The basic guide and antenna system have been tested at speeds up to 80 MPH. The system has inherently superior abilities for lane changes and precision vehicle placement, such as stopping precisely on location for fully automated refueling operations. The operation of this Cyplex refined or developed system is described and the impact of a system that is commercially viable now for highway and off road use is discussed. A case for single wire systems as a primary guide is made. Single wire systems as a complement to machine vision based and other systems also are discussed.