Based on research of typical European driving styles, Honda’s Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (i-ACC) is said to use a camera and radar to sense the position of other vehicles on the road.
It then applies an algorithm to predict the likelihood of vehicles in neighbouring lanes cutting-in by evaluating relations between multiple vehicles, enabling the equipped vehicle to react suitably.
According to Honda, i-ACC will make its debut this year on the new European CR-V, building upon the traditional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system.
Traditional ACC systems keep a pre-selected longitudinal velocity, which is only reduced for maintaining a safe distance to a car in front. However, if a vehicle cuts-in from a neighbouring lane, the traditional ACC system reacts later, thereby requiring stronger braking.
Honda said the new i-ACC system is able to compute the likelihood of a cut-in up to five seconds before it occurs, and is designed to react very smoothly so as not to startle the driver, who might not yet be aware of the imminent cut-in.
In this case the system applies a mild braking action, with an icon appearing on a display, informing the driver why the car is slowing down. It then proceeds to apply a stronger brake to adapt the velocity to keep a safe distance.
In a statement, Dr Marcus Kleinehagenbrock, Honda R&D Europe said: ‘I-ACC takes cruise control systems to a whole new level, offering what we call ’predictive safety’.
I-ACC is the result of an in-house Research & Development project undertaken by an international Honda team in Europe and Japan, specifically designed for European roads. Research into driver behaviour to develop the algorithm was carried out across Europe.
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