2. What is Active cruise Control?
Active/Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an advanced driver assistance system
for road vehicles. It automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance
from vehicles ahead. This is also known as Dynamic cruise control.
This Control is based on sensor information from on-board sensors. Such systems
include use a radar or laser sensor or a camera setup allowing the vehicle to brake
when it detects the car is approaching another vehicle ahead, then accelerate when
traffic allows it to.
ACC technology is widely regarded as a key component of future generations
of intelligent call. They impact driver safety and convenience as well as increasing road
capacity by maintaining optimal separation between vehicles and reducing driver
errors. Vehicles with autonomous cruise control are considered a Level 1 autonomous
car, as defined by SAE International. When combined with another driver assist feature
such as lane centering, the vehicle is considered a Level 2 autonomous car.
Adaptive cruise control does not provide full autonomy to the car, the system only
provides some help to the driver.
3. Working:
ACC Operates in two modes:
1. Cruise Mode: Speed of the vehicle
is controlled to maintain set speed.
2. Follow Mode: Speed of the vehicle
is controlled to maintain a set distance from
the preceding vehicle.
It works by detecting the distance and
speed of the vehicles ahead by using either
LIDAR system or RADAR system.
Depending on the speed of the vehicle
ahead, the brake and throttle controls are
done to keep the vehicle in a safe position.
The Driver can override the system anytime.
4. Advantages:
Increased Fuel Efficiency.
Many accidents can be reduced.
It is very useful for long driving.
Disadvantages:
High cost.
Not suitable for heavy traffic.
The ACC systems do not respond directly to traffic signals.
5. Conclusion:
Currently ACC systems are mostly available in Luxury and
mid-range cars. ACC comes under Active safety systems which
is a system to prevent Accidents and thus is a useful feature for
vehicles used in heavy traffic highways.