American automotive supplier TRW Automotive Holdings (TRW) has commenced the production of its latest Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) technology, incorporating closed loop control, for the first time on two vehicle platforms for the European market.
LKA integrates data from a video camera sensor with Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) to apply a short counter-steer torque via the steering system to help assist the driver in preventing the vehicle from unintentionally leaving the lane.
In conventional LKA version, the technology is only active when the vehicle is close to the lane borders, at which point the counter-steer torque is applied, helping to correct the driving position.
However, with this closed loop version, the steering angle is controlled more closely as the driver is 'coached' to steer the vehicle away from the border back to the center of the lane.
TRW Electronics product planning Andy Whydell said that LKA technology has great potential in helping to improve road safety.
"This technology is the first step towards a full lane centering system where the EPS system will help keep the driver in the center of the lane at all times. Such technologies are starting to form the basis for semi-automated driving functionality," Whydell added.
