This paper investigates the use of photoresistive light sensor arrays
as a possible lateral position sensing system for a vehicle, or severa
l vehicles, following a lead vehicle under separate control. A brief m
otivation for the use of such a sensing array is followed by a derivat
ion of an appropriate sensor layout. It is shown that the sensing arra
y has several benefits, including cost, simplicity, redundancy, and ne
ar linearity. Experimental results are given for a scaled vehicle foll
owing maneuver using a simple lateral control strategy. The results sh
ow that the sensor array may be attractive for lateral alignment in ve
hicle-following maneuvers.