Glossary of Connected and Automated Vehicle Terms - Version 1.0 - March 2018

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Ezra

Glossary of Connected and Automated Vehicle Terms compiles standardized definitions for key concepts used in connected vehicle and automated driving research and deployment. It covers positioning, ad hoc clustering, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), collision avoidance technologies, aftermarket connectivity and safety devices, and core vehicle safety functions such as ABS and automated emergency braking. The glossary also includes relevant computing and sensing terminology like ASIC and artificial intelligence, supporting consistent communication across studies, systems, and safety evaluations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time1 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Absolute Positioning

Ad Hoc Clustering

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

Advanced Collision Avoidance Technologies (ACAT)

Aftermarket

Aftermarket Safety Device (ASD)

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Automated Driving System (ADS)

Automated Emergency Braking (AEB)

Automated Highway System (AHS)

Glossary of Connected and Automated Vehicle Terms VERSION 1.0 March 2018 Prepared by University of Virginia Center for Transportation Studies Hyungjun Park, Zulqarnain Khattak, and Brian Smith for the Connected Vehicle Pooled Fund Study Glossary of Connected and Automated Vehicle Terms Version 1.0 March 2018 Absolute Positioning Locating the position of a vehicle, to a very high degree of accuracy, with respect to an ideal surface of the Earth (1) . Ad Hoc Clustering Clustering process during which vehicles arrive in random sequence and not deliberately seek out other similarly equipped vehicles. During this case, the probability of driving behind another suitably equipped vehicle is directly related to the market penetration of equipped vehicles (2) . Also see “ITS Ad Hoc Domain”. Most of the existing Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) applications rely on ad-hoc clustering of vehicles. Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Additional electronic systems in motor vehicles supporting the driver in certain driving situations. They often focus on safety aspects or on increased driving convenience. ADAS safety features are designed to avoid collisions and crashes by offering technologies that alert the driver to potential problems, or for example, automate the vehicle lighting to come on at dusk or sudden darkness, provide adaptive cruise control, give automated braking, assist a vehicle to stay in its lane, give automated traffic warnings via GPS, allow hands free voice activated smartphone connection, alert drivers to other cars or dangers, etc. There are many forms of ADAS available that function from data supplied by modules such as cameras, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), radar, sensors, computers, and in-car networking. Emerging ADAS systems will also take advantage of externally supplied data through V2V and V2X systems through real time interface with other vehicles and surrounding infrastructure (1) . Advanced Collision Avoidance Technologies (ACAT) A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) program that is defining methodologies to measure the link between technological performance and safety impact of crash avoidance systems (4) . Aftermarket Equipment that is installed or brought in after purchase of the vehicle. Aftermarket modifications do not involve the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), as contrasted with retrofits which are done with the involvement of OEM (1) . Aftermarket Safety Device (ASD) A connected device, not integrated during vehicle manufacture but added after sale. It is installed in a vehicle and is capable of sending and receiving messages over a Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) wireless communications link. The device has a driver interface, runs V2V and V2I safety applications, and issues audible or visual warnings and/or alerts to the driver of the vehicle (5) . Antilock Braking System (ABS) A system that prevents wheel lock-up by automatically regulating the brakes. ABS can decrease braking distances on slippery pavement, prevent skidding, and provide greater control during sudden stops (6) . Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) An integrated circuit that is customized for a specific use; for example, an AISC designed to accelerate computer vision (7) . ASIC can be found in almost any electronic device and its uses can range from custom rendering of images to sound conversion (37) . Artificial Intelligence (AI) Intelligence that is learned, displayed, and carried out by machines. An "intelligent" machine perceives its environment and then takes actions that maximize its chance of success at some goal. Examples that we know include human speech recognition, which turns spoken words into the contents of a text document or email, and autonomous driving, where the vehicle has a learning element to recognize its environment including other vehicles, pedestrians and the infrastructure (3) .

FAQs

What does “Absolute Positioning” mean in this glossary?

It refers to locating a vehicle’s position with a very high degree of accuracy relative to an ideal surface of the Earth.

What is an “Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)” according to the glossary?

ADAS denotes additional electronic systems that support drivers in specific situations, often focusing on safety and convenience, using inputs from cameras, LIDAR, radar, sensors, and vehicle networking.

How does “Automated Emergency Braking (AEB)” operate?

AEB detects an impending forward crash, alerts the driver first, and may automatically apply brakes if the driver’s response is insufficient to avoid or reduce crash severity.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Ezra