Abstract: The present invention refers to a driver support method for an ego vehicle (10), wherein the ego vehicle (10) travels on an ego lane (14) and wherein next to the ego lane (14), an emergency lane (18) is provided, the method comprising the steps of: a) Monitoring the emergency lane (18); b) Determining, if a vehicle (20) is present on the emergency lane (18) in front of the ego vehicle (10); and c) before the ego vehicle (10) passes the vehicle (20) located on the emergency lane (18), performing at least one of c1) changing the lateral position of the ego vehicle (10) in order to increase the lateral distance to the emergency lane (18); and c2) decreasing the speed of the ego vehicle (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (2) of an obstacle (1) present in a side area (19) next to a side flank (13) of the vehicle (2) with the help of a driver assistance system (3), wherein during a motion of the vehicle (2) the obstacle (1) is detected by an ultrasonic sensor (5, 7) stationarily arranged on a vehicle bumper (6, 8), before the obstacle (1) leaves a detection area (10) of the ultrasonic sensor (5, 7) and enters the side area (19) next to the side flank (13). After the obstacle (1) leaves the detection area (10) a current position of the obstacle (1) in the side area (19) relative to the vehicle (2) is estimated by the driver assistance system (3), wherein the driver is warned by the driver assistance system (3) in dependency on a result of the estimation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supporting a driver of a vehicle (2) in maneuvering the vehicle (2) on a driving route (4), in particular when parking a vehicle (2) into or out of a parking space (3), with the aid of a portable communication device (13). At least one vehicle external sensor device (11, 17) is provided which is arranged stationarily relative to the driving route (4). The sensor device (11, 17) captures data relating to the vehicle (2) located on the driving route (4) and wirelessly emits signals (15, 15?) comprising the captured data in such a way that same signals (15, 15?) reach the interior of the vehicle (2). The signals (15, 15?) are received through the portable communication device (13), and the data are output through the portable communication device (13). The invention also relates to a system (10) as well as a portable communication device (13).

Abstract: A device, program and method for monitoring the environment of a vehicle capable of moving according to a path. The device, program and method comprises the steps of calculating a plurality of critical levels of driving depending on detection sensors, parameters related to the vehicle and an obstacle being in the environment of the vehicle, determining if an obstacle is on the path of the vehicle and depending on the calculated critical levels of driving and determination of an obstacle on the path of the vehicle, making a decision concerning the braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supporting a driver of a vehicle (2) in manoeuvring the vehicle (2) on a driving route (4), in particular when parking a vehicle (2) into or out of a parking space (3), with the aid of a portable communication device (13). At least one vehicle external sensor device (11, 17) is provided which is arranged stationarily relative to the driving route (4). The sensor device (11, 17) captures data relating to the vehicle (2) located on the driving route (4) and wirelessly emits signals (15, 15?) comprising the captured data in such a way that same signals (15, 15?) reach the interior of the vehicle (2). The signals (15, 15?) are received through the portable communication device (13), and the data are output through the portable communication device (13). The invention also relates to a system (10) as well as a portable communication device (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for warning a driver of a motor vehicle (2) of an obstacle (1) present in a side area (19) next to a side flank (13) of the vehicle (2) with the help of a driver assistance system (3), wherein during a motion of the vehicle (2) the obstacle (1) is detected by an ultrasonic sensor (5, 7) stationarily arranged on a vehicle bumper (6, 8), before the obstacle (1) leaves a detection area (10) of the ultrasonic sensor (5, 7) and enters the side area (19) next to the side flank (13). After the obstacle (1) leaves the detection area (10) a current position of the obstacle (1) in the side area (19) relative to the vehicle (2) is estimated by the driver assistance system (3), wherein the driver is warned by the driver assistance system (3) in dependency on a result of the estimation.

Abstract: A device, program and method for monitoring the environment of a vehicle capable of moving according to a path. The device, program and method comprises the steps of calculating a plurality of critical levels of driving depending on detection sensors, parameters related to the vehicle and an obstacle being in the environment of the vehicle, determining if an obstacle is on the path of the vehicle and depending on the calculated critical levels of driving and determination of an obstacle on the path of the vehicle, making a decision concerning the braking of the vehicle.

Abstract: A driving assistance method for a motor vehicle is disclosed. It is characterised in that the method comprises the steps of detecting an obstacle located in proximity to the motor vehicle, calculating the slope of a road on which the motor vehicle is capable of travelling, determining, depending on the calculated slope of the road, a speed limit beyond which the motor vehicle will strike the obstacle, and if an obstacle is detected, automatically reducing the speed of the motor vehicle if this is greater than the speed limit.

Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.

Abstract: A process for assisting the driving of a vehicle provided with a braking system including brake calipers able to be activated as a function of a target braking force, including the steps of: determining an instantaneous state of the vehicle defined by state variables measured by sensors with which the vehicle is provided; testing a logical entry condition verified when the velocity of the vehicle is zero and when the slope is greater than a pre-defined slope; when the logical entry condition is verified, testing a logical exit condition; automatically operating the braking system to keep the vehicle static on the slope while the logical exit condition is not verified; and automatically releasing the activation of the braking system when the logical exit condition is verified.

Abstract: A process for braking a vehicle provided with brake calipers which can be activated as a function of a target braking force, at least the activation of the brake calipers of the rear wheels being decoupled from depression of a brake pedal, including: detecting a logical entry condition including at least a deceleration test verified when an instantaneous value of the deceleration of the vehicle is greater than a threshold deceleration; calculating of a rear base braking force by correcting the braking force required by the driver so that the rear base braking force is greater than the front base braking force; and applying the rear base braking force as target braking force for the rear wheels, so that the pitching motion of the vehicle is reduced on deceleration.

Abstract: A braking process to increase the stability of a vehicle taking a bend while the driver is braking in which the activation of the brakes of the rear wheels is decoupled from depression of the pedal, the process including: detecting an entry condition including a bend test and a braking test; and, while the entry condition is verified, determining a base braking force from the depression of the brake pedal; correcting the base force to obtain a corrected force smaller than the base force; modulating the corrected force to obtain a reference force smaller than the corrected force; and applying the corrected braking force to the outside rear wheel and the reference braking force to the inside rear wheel.

Abstract: A process for assisting the driving of a vehicle in a situation of following a queue. The vehicle is provided with a braking system and a plurality of sensors measuring values of variables defining an instantaneous state of the vehicle. The process includes the steps of: comparing the state of the vehicle with an entry state by testing a plurality of entry conditions; when the entry conditions are simultaneously verified, comparing the state of the vehicle with an exit state by testing a plurality of exit conditions; while at least one exit condition is not verified, generating a braking force value (F); and transmitting the value of the braking force generated as the target braking force (Ftarget) to the braking system.

Abstract: A first vehicle autonomous brake-apply system includes a vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a vacuum booster assembly operatively connected to the vehicle hydraulic brake assembly, a solenoid valve operatively connected to the vacuum booster assembly, and an automatic controller including an output signal operatively connected to the solenoid valve. A second system uses a lateral-acceleration-sensor assembly in place of the automatic controller. A third system includes a braking controller, an electrical braking device, and at least one distance sensor. A method for assisting driving of a vehicle includes applying a braking force to stop the vehicle before the vehicle strikes an obstacle whose distance to the vehicle is measured using at least one distance sensor.