OMRON's radio wave sensing technology that can determine the position and speed of the target by measuring the distance is utilized for Active Cruise Control (ACC) systems. ACC is one of the most vital elements of the next-generation Advanced Safety Vehicles (ASV). The ACC system helps the driver avoid collisions and ensure safety by using moment-to-moment adjustments to keep the car at a constant distance from the car ahead. With such capabilities, OMRON's radio wave sensing technology-based infrared laser radar is expected to assume an important function for ACC.

Radar sensors are available in two types-one using millimeter waves (radio waves) and the other using laser light. The milliwave-based radar sensor has the advantage of being less susceptible to adverse weather and dirt. However, this type is more costly compared to the laser light-based sensor, thus its use has been limited to certain ASVs. To more widely promote the spread of sensors designed to protect driver safety, OMRON accepted the challenge of developing a low-cost radar sensor using an infrared laser. Generally, an infrared laser radar's detection sensitivity deteriorates if the lead car is dirty. To cope with this situation, OMRON focused laser beams on the car ahead instead of irradiating them over a wide area, thus realizing more efficient laser detection and increased accuracy.

Moreover, OMRON's infrared laser radar can also detect a pedestrian who is tens of meters in front of the car, a task very difficult for conventional millimeter wave radar to achieve. It is also free from the influence of laser radar systems installed on other cars. By enabling high-sensitivity detection with a small signal, OMRON's infrared laser radar also meets the highest level of laser safety standards pertaining to eye protection, i.e., it is completely free from the risk of eye damage. 

1)The laser radar measures car-to-car distances by focusing infrared laser beams on the target area.

Infrared laser beams are irradiated to focus on the height range of the target (car ahead), rather than irradiating them over a wider area forward. This enables highly accurate detection.

2) The laser radar detects changes in the position of the car ahead.

Next, laser beams are irradiated over a larger area vertically and horizontally, centering on the car ahead to check if there is any position change caused by changing road conditions or surrounding situations.

The car ahead enters a gentle uphill curve.

3) It the position of the car changes, the distance is measured again.

If the lead car position has changed, laser beams are irradiated again to focus on the new position to measure the distance. By repeating these steps, the car-to-car distance is kept at a safe level.

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