Abstract: Methods and systems of validating a vehicle safety function. In one implementation, a plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are developed. A first one of the software programs is installed in a memory of a vehicle controller. The program is run on the controller without delivering at least one vehicle actuator output of the controller generated as a result of running the program. Activation data for the safety function is recorded and the steps of installing, running, and recording with a second one of the plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are repeated.

Abstract: Methods and systems of validating a vehicle safety function. In one implementation, a plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are developed. A first one of the software programs is installed in a memory of a vehicle controller. The program is run on the controller without delivering at least one vehicle actuator output of the controller generated as a result of running the program. Activation data for the safety function is recorded and the steps of installing, running, and recording with a second one of the plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are repeated.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for motor vehicle/trailer combinations having a towing vehicle and at least one trailer, having a sensor unit for detecting the dynamics of the trailer, an electronic analysis unit for analyzing the data of the sensor unit, and an output unit for outputting an instability signal, which indicates a dynamic instability of the trailer established by the analysis unit, and having at least one assistance function which automatically triggers and controls a braking operation under specific conditions, the assistance function being designed to limit the absolute value of the deceleration of the vehicle during the braking operation to a value as a function of the instability signal.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control including a lost target function. The adaptive cruise control is operable in at least one of three modes: a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode. In the normal mode, a user-set speed is maintained by the user vehicle. In the following mode, the adaptive cruise control detects a slower moving target vehicle and maintains a particular distance behind the target vehicle. In the lost target mode, the adaptive cruise control recognizes that a target vehicle is no longer detected and zeroes the acceleration of the user vehicle for a particular delay time. After expiration of the delay time, driver override, or detecting a target vehicle again, the cruise control exits the lost target mode.

Abstract: A method, a vehicle using the method, and a system using the method, of controlling the vehicle configured to tow a trailer. The method includes determining first and second vehicle parameters indicative of first and second conditions of the vehicle, and determining a trailer presence from at least one of the first and second vehicle parameters. The method also includes updating the first vehicle parameter when the trailer is present, generating a third vehicle parameter, and determining first and second braking control parameters from the first, second, and third vehicle parameters. The first braking control parameter corresponds to at least one of the second and third vehicle parameters, and the second braking control parameter correspond to at least one of the first and second vehicle parameters. The method can further include generating a braking signal based on one of the first and second braking control parameters.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control including a lost target function. The adaptive cruise control is operable in at least one of three modes: a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode. In the normal mode, a user-set speed is maintained by the user vehicle. In the following mode, the adaptive cruise control detects a slower moving target vehicle and maintains a particular distance behind the target vehicle. In the lost target mode, the adaptive cruise control recognizes that a target vehicle is no longer detected and zeroes the acceleration of the user vehicle for a particular delay time. After expiration of the delay time, driver override, or detecting a target vehicle again, the cruise control exits the lost target mode.

Abstract: A method, a vehicle using the method, and a system using the method, of controlling the vehicle configured to tow a trailer. The method includes determining first and second vehicle parameters indicative of first and second conditions of the vehicle, and determining a trailer presence from at least one of the first and second vehicle parameters. The method also includes updating the first vehicle parameter when the trailer is present, generating a third vehicle parameter, and determining first and second braking control parameters from the first, second, and third vehicle parameters. The first braking control parameter corresponds to at least one of the second and third vehicle parameters, and the second braking control parameter correspond to at least one of the first and second vehicle parameters. The method can further include generating a braking signal based on one of the first and second braking control parameters.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for motor vehicle/trailer combinations having a towing vehicle and at least one trailer, having a sensor unit for detecting the dynamics of the trailer, an electronic analysis unit for analyzing the data of the sensor unit, and an output unit for outputting an instability signal, which indicates a dynamic instability of the trailer established by the analysis unit, and having at least one assistance function which automatically triggers and controls a braking operation under specific conditions, the assistance function being designed to limit the absolute value of the deceleration of the vehicle during the braking operation to a value as a function of the instability signal.