  In this paper a mesoscopic hybrid model, i.e. a microscopic hybrid model that
takes into account macroscopic parameters, is introduced for designing a
human-inspired Adaptive Cruise Control. A control law is proposed with the
design goal of replacing and imitating the behaviour of a human driver in a
car-following situation where lane changes are possible. First, a microscopic
hybrid automaton model is presented, based on human psycho-physical behavior,
for both longitudinal and lateral vehicle control. Then a rule for changing
time headway on the basis of macroscopic quantities is used to describe the
interaction among next vehicles and their impact on driver performance.
Simulation results show the advantages of the mesoscopic model. A feasibility
analysis of the needed communication network is also presented.
