Abstract: A method and a device are described for determining a future travel-path area of a first vehicle, which is furnished with a distance sensor. In this context, using the distance sensor at pre-established or selectable time points, at least relative positions are determined of at least one vehicle traveling ahead with respect to the first vehicle. At least these determined relative positions are stored in at least one storage device. These relative positions, stored in the storage device, constitute in each case a course path of the corresponding vehicle traveling ahead. The future travel path area of the first vehicle is determined at least on the basis of the course path of the vehicle traveling ahead. The course path of the vehicle traveling ahead is projected in the direction of the position of the first vehicle.

Abstract: A method for signal evaluation, e.g. with pulse wheels, is described, in which the distance between predeterminable signal edges is determined in a microcontroller that has a CPU, timer, and memory, in that upon the occurrence of signal edges, an interrupt is triggered with which the existing timer values are stored. Based on the difference between predeterminable timer values, time intervals are determined which are inversely proportional to the velocity or speed. So that it is possible to use timers with a relatively low bit count, for example 16 bits, the numerical values obtained when there is a timer overflow are also determined and are taken into account in the determination of the distances. If drum stores are used, only four bits per drum store value are required, one check bit and three bits as an overflow counter.

Abstract: A method for detecting misalignment in a motor vehicle sensor system, in which signals are emitted, signals reflected by a stationary object are received, and a relative angle and a relative distance or a longitudinal displacement and a transverse displacement between the detected object and a reference axis of the motor vehicle as well as a relative velocity between the detected object and the motor vehicle are determined on the basis of the signals emitted and received. A correction value is determined for the relative angle on the basis of the relative angle, the relative distance, and a velocity of the vehicle in question or on the basis of the longitudinal displacement, the transverse displacement, and the vehicle's own velocity.

Abstract: A method for detecting misalignment in a motor vehicle sensor system, in which signals are emitted, signals reflected by a stationary object are received, and a relative angle and a relative distance or a longitudinal displacement and a transverse displacement between the detected object and a reference axis of the motor vehicle as well as a relative velocity between the detected object and the motor vehicle are determined on the basis of the signals emitted and received, a correction value being determined for the relative angle on the basis of the relative angle, the relative distance, and a velocity of the vehicle in question or on the basis of the longitudinal displacement, the transverse displacement, and the vehicle's own velocity.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed and spacing of a motor vehicle taking into account the spacing from any preceding vehicles, such that in the event that a relevant preceding vehicle is detected, a spacing control system is superimposed onto the speed control system, and such that the spacing control system automatically decelerates the controlled vehicle if the spacing from a preceding vehicle falls below a set reference spacing, such that the fact that the decrease in spacing below the reference spacing was brought about by the driver of the controlled vehicle is recognized on the basis of at least one further indicator; and/or such that the fact that the motor vehicle is traveling in the outermost left lane of the lanes provided for one direction of travel is recognized on the basis of at least one further indicator; and that in this case, automatic deceleration is attenuated or omitted.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a future travel-course progression or travel-course range of a vehicle whose traveling speed is controllable as a function of a distance to preceding-traveling vehicles, the future course range being determined at least on the basis of a course progression of one preceding-traveling vehicle. Moreover, a lateral offset is determined for all detected preceding-traveling vehicles. The determined future course range is limited on the basis of detected stationary objects.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus based thereon for automatically controlling the velocity of a vehicle (14) under consideration of preceding vehicles (15, 16, 17) are described. To select a preceding vehicle as the control target, an area of the possible future travel (18) is determined. When the controlled vehicle is about to and/or is beginning to change lanes, the determined area of future travel is expanded (19).