Laser Sensor for Low-Speed Cruise Control

In recent years, new technologies have been developed and are being marketed with the aim of reducing the number of injuries and fatalities due to traffic accidents. They range from systems designed to reduce the driving burden to systems for controlling vehicles in the hope of mitigating the harm done by accidents when they do occur. One of the most important components in creating these systems has been a front obstacle detection sensor that detects obstacles in the paths of vehicles. DENSO is developing laser sensors, millimeter-wave radar, and vision sensors for front obstacle detection. Of these three, it is the laser sensors that have had the important role of supplying adaptive cruise control (ACC) to the market at a low price. This paper focuses on the laser sensor, the expansion of its applications, and the development of new technology to that end.