Abstract: A method for operating a brake assist device for a vehicle and a brake assist system for carrying out the method involve effecting an assist function, in the absence of driver action, in a plurality of escalation stages on the basis of a distance of the vehicle from an object located in front of the vehicle. A warning indication is generated as an assist function and/or a braking process of the vehicle is initiated automatically. A road on which the vehicle is being driven is classified, and the execution of the assist function is permitted or prevented on the basis of the classification.

Abstract: A method for operating a brake assist device for a vehicle and a brake assist system for carrying out the method involve effecting an assist function, in the absence of driver action, in a plurality of escalation stages on the basis of a distance of the vehicle from an object located in front of the vehicle. A warning indication is generated as an assist function and/or a braking process of the vehicle is initiated automatically. A road on which the vehicle is being driven is classified, and the execution of the assist function is permitted or prevented on the basis of the classification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for triggering automatic emergency braking in a vehicle, such as a truck, provides an assistance function for avoiding or mitigating the effects of a rear end collision with a vehicle traveling ahead. A driver warning is triggered if a predefined warning condition requires that an automatic emergency braking process is triggered, but only after the expiration of a predefined warning time period, in order to avoid the vehicle having a rear end collision with the vehicle traveling ahead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for triggering an automatic emergency braking process of a vehicle, in particular of a truck. Said device provides an assistance function for avoiding a rear end collision of the vehicle with a vehicle traveling in front and/or for reducing the consequences of an accident if a rear end collision is unavoidable, with a driver warning being triggered if a predefined warning condition (62) is fulfilled. The fulfillment of the warning condition (62) specifies that the automatic emergency braking process is to be triggered after the expiry of a predefined warning time period (tw=toa+th) in order to avoid the vehicle having a rear end collision with the vehicle traveling in front.

Abstract: In a method for determining the state of a road during driving of a motor vehicle, the sound which is generated when a vehicle tire rolls on an underlying surface is sensed. A frequency signal is determined by means of a sound level signal which describes the sound, and is divided into at least two sub-zones by means of at least one limiting frequency. The sub-zones are each assigned to an associated frequency band, and an intensity value is determined for each of at least two frequency bands from the assigned sub-zone of the frequency signal. The intensity value is characteristic of the sound intensity which is present in a frequency band. An intensity ratio is formed from two intensity values by dividing the first intensity value of the first frequency band by the second intensity value of the second frequency band, and is used to determine the state of a road.

Abstract: A method for creating a maintenance algorithm for a fleet of vehicles, with which maintenance information can be collected and displayed in each vehicle of the fleet. In the fleet vehicles, sensor data that are indicative of a stress on components in the vehicles are used to derive stress variables. The ascertained stress variables are stored in the vehicles for a predetermined period and, if a wear-related event occurs, wear variables that characterize a wear-related event are additionally ascertained. The stress variables and the wear variables are transmitted to a central location or station, in which the previous maintenance algorithm is checked with the use of the stress and wear variables, and, if applicable, an improved maintenance algorithm can be derived. The maintenance algorithm serves in establishing and indicating a time when the vehicle should be serviced.

Abstract: In a method for determining the state of a road during driving of a motor vehicle, the sound which is generated when a vehicle tire rolls on an underlying surface is sensed. A frequency signal is determined by means of a sound level signal which describes the sound, and is divided into at least two sub-zones by means of at least one limiting frequency. The sub-zones are each assigned to an associated frequency band, and an intensity value is determined for each of at least two frequency bands from the assigned sub-zone of the frequency signal. The intensity value is characteristic of the sound intensity which is present in a frequency band. An intensity ratio is formed from two intensity values by dividing the first intensity value of the first frequency band by the second intensity value of the second frequency band, and is used to determine the state of a road.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle, which allows steer-by-wire operation, a hand-torque actuator being connected in the steer-by-wire mode to a steering handle, e.g. a steering wheel, to simulate a steering resistance or a restoring torque. In order to be able to ensure adequate operating safety for the vehicle if the hand-torque actuator fails, even if the steering system is operated on a steer-by-wire basis, damping means are provided, which damp adjusting movements of the steering handle by the driver in the steer-by-wire mode if the hand-torque actuator fails.

Abstract: A single processor system features independent multiple watchdog units allocated to a processor unit of the system, the watchdog units operable to monitor for system faults and, upon detecting a fault, further operative to place the processor system into a predetermined fault reaction state. The multiple watchdog units are each provided with respective different watchdog calls which are output to the processor unit depending upon program execution.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle, which allows steer-by-wire operation, a hand-torque actuator being connected in the steer-by-wire mode to a steering handle, e.g. a steering wheel, to simulate a steering resistance or a restoring torque. In order to be able to ensure adequate operating safety for the vehicle if the hand-torque actuator fails, even if the steering system is operated on a steer-by-wire basis, damping means are provided, which damp adjusting movements of the steering handle by the driver in the steer-by-wire mode if the hand-torque actuator fails.