Autonomous intelligent cruise control

Present generation cruise control systems only work well on clear roads and have to be disengaged when it is necessary to change speed because of other traffic. On congested roads the driver is subjected to a high work load maintaining his position relative to the vehicle immediately in front of him. By introducing a sensing system which can determine the distance and relative speeds between a vehicle and the one in front, the author shows that it is possible to develop a cruise control system which will automatically maintain a safe distance between them. He argues that provided a fully automated transmission is fitted, then autonomous intelligent cruise control can give automated stop-start driving in congested urban areas, allowing the driver more time to concentrate on other tasks such as navigating through unfamiliar complex junctions and/or selecting the most appropriate lane