Methodology for an adaptive cruise control study using the SHIFT/Smart-AHS framework

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems are driver-assisting devices controlling the headway with respect to the vehicle in front. Since they can implement very different technologies, it is of interest to compare their properties and their effect on traffic. In order to do so microsimulation can be used. To reduce software complexity we propose a methodology to develop simulations, which is based on object orientation and on hybrid systems. This methodology allows to easily plug in new components (e.g. a new ACC) without changing the rest of the software, which is very useful in a comparative study. The SHIFT programming language and the Smart-AHS simulation framework are used as building blocks for the methodology.