Intelligent speed adaptation
Intelligent speed adaptation (commonly known as ISA) continuously monitors the speed limits during driving and if the car’s speed exceeds the speed limit takes action so that it slows down. This can be achieved by simply warning the driver through several methods (including audio) or through an active system which automatically controls the driving systems of the vehicle, making it reduce its speed. The ISA system uses various information about the zone through which the vehicle is going and takes some decisions about what the maximum speed should be. The system knows when the car has entered a new speed zone. It even knows when variable speed zones are in force (for example school zones). ISA can work with temporary speed zones like accident scenes or other special conditions. The Intelligent speed adaptation device is made to help the drivers be on the safe side of the law regarding speed. The system greatly helps the driver when driving through unknown zones or in zones with variable speed limitations.
Nowadays there are two types of intelligent speed adaptation systems. The first type is the passive ISA, which only alerts the driver when exceeding the speed limit. This system lets the driver take the correct actions to slow down the car. Warnings can be audio and/or visual and can even indicate the actual speed limit and/or the vehicles speed. Passive ISA can even voice warn the driver by using some preset recordings. In some cases, the accelerator pedal becomes stiffer when the car has exceeded the speed limit. The second type of ISA is the active ISA, where the system has physic control over some systems (like engine and/or brakes). The active system takes automatic action to slow down the car by using the engine and/or brakes. The throttle can be controlled by the ISA and brakes can be applied if the system takes this decision. Active intelligent speed adaptation system can even limit the output of the engine to prevent the driver for speeding. However, if the driver thinks that ISA is not necessary, he can disable the system with a push of a button. In most cases a combination between active a passive ISA is a very good choice.
How does ISA determine the speed limits? Well, by using technologies like GPS, radio beacons, optical recognition, or dead reckoning, the system can accurately calculate the maximum speed in an area. In case the ISA uses GPS, this must be linked to a digital map that contains valuable information, such as speed limits and the zones where variable speed limits are applied. The radio beacons constantly transmit information to the car. This data can include information about the speed limits, schools in the area, or any other places where speed must be reduced. Radio beacons can be placed in road signs, telegraph poles, and even in the road. Mobile beacons can be deployed in case of an accident or roadwork in an area. The optical recognition system only recognizes speed signs and/or reflective “cat-eyes” (separating lanes). The system takes the information from a speed sign and compares it to the speed of the car. If the car is going too fast, ISA will try to slow it down. Dead reckoning uses a system linked to the vehicle’s driving assembly. It can predict the path taken by the vehicle and compare it to a map. By knowing where the vehicle is, the system will know the speed limit and other useful information. None of these systems are 100% accurate, but the error is very small. So you can use your intelligent speed adaptation system without having to worry about your safety. In the worst case, the system will slow down the car in an unnecessary situation. If this happens, you can simply switch off ISA with a simple push of a button.
Overall, the intelligent speed adaptation system is very useful in providing information about speed limits or other problems in the car’s path. For drivers who do not know a road too well (or don’t see a speed sign), the ISA will be very helpful in reducing speed when it is necessary and avoiding unlucky incidents.
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