Abstract

AICC (Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control) systems, as investigated in the European PROMETHEUS and DRIVE projects, should support the driver in longitudinal vehicle control. The presented study analyzed driver- and situation-specific effects, which have to be considered when developing or evaluating AICCs. The investigations focused on assistance systems, which inform or warn a driver in case of inadequate speed or distance. Messages to the driver are transferred either acoustically or visually or via active control devices, such as an “active gas-pedal”. Driving experiments were performed, whereby subjects' distance keeping behavior was monitored. As a first step before experimental evaluation, relevant traffic situations for AICC application were identified and classified. The results of the subsequent situation analysis reveal driver- and situation-specific characteristics. Typical effects are found in frequency and duration of various AICC situations, in distance distribution when following, and in minimum distance when approaching a preceding vehicle. From situation analysis, first consequences were derived showing off capabilities and limitations of AICC systems on principle and of an “active gas-pedal” in particular.