The application of acoustic ranging to the automatic control of a ground vehicle

The use of acoustics is proposed as an alternative method to determine the position of a vehicle relative to the road or to other vehicles. Acoustic transducers mounted on the vehicle would range to passive targets along the side of the road or to other vehicles. The simplicity of the system indicates that it could offer potential advantages in cost savings. Factors which affect the accuracy of the system are discussed. Theoretical and experimental analysis is presented to determine the extent to which these factors influence the accuracy of the system. Based on these results, acoustic ranging represents a feasible method for use in the automatic control of a ground vehicle.