Applying load adaptive real-time algorithms to a vehicle control system

In many applications, approximate results are often sufficient to achieve an acceptable behavior of a real-time system. Imprecise calculations could be necessary due to a transient overload situation caused by extraordinary events. To handle this exceptional work as well as the normal tasks, it is possible to reduce temporarily the computation time of the normal jobs by applying a more intelligent and flexible form of algorithm. In this paper, algorithm structures are presented, which are suitable to implement the methods mentioned above. The basic idea is to offer multiple algorithm alternatives, of different complexities, for solving a problem. To prove the applicability of the proposed methods on a real system, the theoretical considerations are applied to a practical example consisting of a vehicle convoy. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd: All rights reserved.