Radar control for automotive collision mitigation and headway spacing

A small solid-state radar combined with a microprocessor makes possible collision-mitigation braking and automatic headway control in cars of the future. The collision-mitigation function involves the application of antiskid brakes under conditions where, based on radar and other sensor inputs, it is certain that a severe collision will take place. The decision-making algorithm is optimized to prevent the unjustified application of the brakes from false alarms. The automatic headway-control function keeps the car at a safe distance with respect to other vehicles on the road ahead. In the absence of other cars the system operates as a conventional cruise control.