Abstract: A microstructured component having a layered construction may allow implementation of component structures having a layer thickness of more than 50 ?m, e.g., more than 100 ?m. Capping of the component structure may allow vacuum enclosure of the component structure with a hermetically sealed electrical connection. The layered construction of the microstructured component includes a carrier including at least one glass layer, e.g., a PYREX™ layer, a component structure, arranged in a silicon layer, which is bonded to the glass layer, and a cap, which is positioned over the component structure and is also bonded to the glass layer.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A speedometer includes a function storage device, which has stored therein four conversion functions, a selector, which provides four options corresponding to the four conversion functions in the function storage device, and a microprocessor, which counts pulse signals sent by the sensor device of the motor vehicle to obtain a counted total value, selects the corresponding conversion function from the function storage device corresponding to the option selected through the selector according to the quantity of poles (two, four, eight or sixteen) on the drive shaft of the motor vehicle, and puts the counted total value into the selected conversion function for calculation to obtain a car speed value.

Abstract: In a method for regulating the vehicle speed and the engine speed in a motor vehicle having a manually shifted transmission, if the driver actuates the clutch during ongoing speed regulation, an upshift probability is calculated for the possibility that the driver will select the next higher gear step as a target gear and, when the clutch is actuated, the engine speed is regulated according to a time-dependent function selected on the basis of the upshift probability and the target gear, and the speed regulation is resumed after the release of the clutch.

Abstract: For monitoring of a measuring device (1), located in a wheeled vehicle, the measuring device (1) is configured so as to measure three linear accelerations (in unit 3) of the wheeled vehicle, which extend perpendicular to each other, respectively, as well as three rotational speeds (in unit 4) and one respective rotational movement or a component of a rotational movement about an axis of the wheeled vehicle, the three axes running perpendicular to each other, respectively. At least components of an orientation of the wheeled vehicle in a vehicle-external coordinate system are determined (in unit 7) from the three rotational speeds, and at least one of the measured linear accelerations is monitored (in unit 9) using at least the components of the orientation and a comparative variable (from unit 8).

Abstract: Described is a method of installing a cruise control on a motorcycle. A throttle member of the motorcycle is initially maintained with an installation fixture. The installation fixture may be a cube having six different sized bores to accommodate different sized throttle members. The cruise control is situated to encircle the throttle member and affixed with attachment means (e.g., screws). The throttle member is then attached or reattached to the handlebar thereby allowing the cruise control to control the motorcycle's speed.

Abstract: A device for generating a haptic signal in a vehicle is provided, in which a driver's command can be given via a rotary gas handle. A servo unit is formed in such a manner that, as a function of at least one detected operational condition for driving, a theoretical speed of the vehicle can be generated. Based on the theoretical speed of the vehicle, a servo signal for actuation of a servo element of the vehicle is generated, where the servo element is formed such that a restoring force for the rotary gas handle or the torque required for moving the rotary gas handle is adjusted thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for enabling a vehicle having adaptive cruise control to reduce its speed in a turn according to the vehicle's position within the turn as well as ignoring objects detected during the turn that are not in the vehicle's path. The method of the present invention includes the steps of operating the vehicle in an adaptive cruise control mode such that the vehicle is traveling at a set speed; determining whether the vehicle is in a turn in the vehicle's path by detecting change in the vehicle's lateral acceleration; and when the vehicle is determined to be in the turn, reducing the vehicle's speed according to the vehicle's position in the turn, monitoring for objects and maintaining the vehicle's speed if an object is positioned out of the path of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a motor that receives a supply of electric power, which is output from a battery and is boosted up by a DC/DC converter circuit, via an inverter circuit and outputs a torque to a drive shaft. In response to an estimated variation in road surface condition based on a decrease in angular acceleration of the drive shaft to be less than a threshold value ref during a slip, the control procedure of the invention adds a predetermined value to a torque upper limit Tmax, which is set at the time of the occurrence of the slip, and thereby updates the torque upper limit Tmax to start cancellation of torque restriction. The control procedure then updates the torque upper limit Tmax by a slope of a small time change to restrain the degree of cancellation of the torque restriction.

Abstract: A data generating system and a method to be used in a host vehicle for generating distance data as to the distance between the host vehicle and a target object travelling in the predicted path of the host vehicle and velocity data as to the velocity of the target object. When a target object is detected, the distance data is set to correspond to a measured distance value, the velocity data is set to correspond to a value determined based on a measured value of the relative velocity of the target object and the velocity of the host vehicle, and these data are stored in a memory. When the target object ceases to be detectable at the same time as the host vehicle is travelling in a curve, a value of the distance between the host vehicle and the target object is repeatedly estimated based on the latest distance and velocity data stored in the memory and the velocity of the host vehicle, whereupon the distance data is set to correspond to the estimated value and stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for the speed control of a vehicle as well an operator-controlled element are disclosed which make possible an improved acceleration and/or deceleration input by the driver of the motor vehicle. The speed control takes place in dependence upon a value for an acceleration and/or deceleration of the motor vehicle with this value being pregiven with the aid of an operator-controlled element. The function of the operator-controlled element is different from the function of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. With the actuation of the operator-controlled element, one of several different values for the acceleration and/or deceleration is selected and pregiven.

Abstract: A method for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle includes the steps of sensing an open door, verifying the authorization of a driver, and preventing the flow of fuel to the engine until an authorized driver has securely closed the vehicle doors. The method also includes the steps of sensing that the driver's seat belt is securely fastened and limiting the flow of fuel to thereby provide a relatively slow speed until the seat belt is fastened and thereafter limiting the flow of fuel to provide a second pre-selected speed. Further, the method includes the steps of overriding the second pre-selected speed and activating a vehicle's flashers when the second pre-selected speed is exceeded. Apparatus for accomplishing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acceleration control system controls acceleration of a vehicle to match the driver's feeling. In this control, the vehicle is controlled so that acceleration remains constant at the initial stage and then a differentiated value of a square power of a vehicle speed remains constant. This control is based on the finding of a normal acceleration operation attained by a driver. A linear relation exists between the acceleration in the initial stage of acceleration and the differentiated value of the square power of the speed. Switching of control from the constant acceleration to the constant differentiated value of the square power of the speed is made at a change-over speed determined by the linear relation.

Abstract: A tire protecting apparatus mounted on a vehicle provided with a wheel having a tire on a wheel filled with pressurized air, which protects the tire from abnormally deforming while the vehicle is running, is provided with a tire temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the tire, and a determinator that determines whether it is necessary to cool the tire based on the tire temperature detected by the tire temperature sensor when there is a possibility that abnormal tire deformation will occur. Accordingly, the invention protects the tire from abnormally deforming by considering the temperature of the tire while the vehicle is running.

Abstract: In a method and a device for regulating the speed of a vehicle including an object detection system in the sense of an adaptive distance and speed control system, the adaptive distance and speed control system includes at least two operating modes. In the first operating mode, a vehicle speed between standstill and a limiting speed is set, and in the second operating mode, a vehicle speed between a limiting speed and a maximally regulable speed is set. In the first operating mode, in the absence of a speed-limiting object, the vehicle speed is increased beyond the limiting speed and thereafter is set to the limiting speed.

Abstract: In a method for ensuring safe tire emergency running operation in a motor vehicle that is equipped with tires that have emergency running properties when the tire pressure is greatly reduced or absent altogether, a device is provided for detecting an emergency running mode of the motor vehicle. The device for limiting the driving speed limits the driving speed of the motor vehicle whenever emergency running is detected.

Abstract: A method relieves the burden of a driver of a motor vehicle in which the drive train is provided with a gearbox which can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. The method comprises the following automatic steps: a) detection whether the speed of the vehicle should be adjusted, b) initiation of the adjustment if necessary, and c) the carrying out of the adjustment. During step b) and/or step c) it is determined on one or several occasions whether the gearbox is operating in an automatic mode or in a manual mode in order to trigger a change into the automatic mode of the gearbox if the gearbox is operated in the manual mode.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle is provided in which a valve shaft for a throttle valve is rotatably supported on an air intake path forming body, and a valve shaft actuator is connected to an end of the valve shaft in such a way that the rotational movement of the valve shaft is fed back to the throttle grip, whereby it is not necessary to extend a cable between the between the valve shaft and the throttle grip, and the rotational movement of the valve shaft can be fed back to the throttle grip. A grip-driving electric motor, which is moved by the amount of movement according to the amount of rotation of the valve shaft in response to the operation of the actuator, is disposed on the steering handle, and is interlocked and connected to the throttle grip.

Abstract: When a microcontroller, having associated output stages which are used to control components, is used, a digital release signal, in addition to the control signal, is supplied to an output stage which signals the blocking or releasing of the output stage according to the state of the signal. In the event of malfunction in the region of the microcontroller, the output stage can be disconnected. Modulation of the release signal and evaluation of the release signal which is guided to the output stage enables a malfunction in the region of the production of the release signal and/or the transmission of the release signal to be recognized using the absence of the modulation. In the event of malfunction, the output stage can disconnected in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A vehicle cruise control system is provided that comprises a vehicle speed detecting section, a cruise control section, and a cruising speed setting section. The vehicle speed detecting section is configured and arranged to detect a speed of a host vehicle. The cruise control section is configured to execute a first prescribed cruise control such that the host vehicle travels in a constant-speed state at a cruising speed setting when the host vehicle is traveling in a first prescribed speed region. The cruising speed setting section is configured to set the cruising speed setting when the host vehicle is traveling in a vehicle speed region other than the first prescribed speed region.

Abstract: A method of limiting speed of a light-weight utility vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving a terrain roughness signal generated from a motion sensor. The signal indicates a roughness of a terrain over which the utility vehicle is traversing. The method additionally includes determining a peak-to-peak amplitude of the terrain roughness signal and limiting the speed of the utility vehicle if the peak-to-peak amplitude is greater than a maximum threshold.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control apparatus for a wheeled vehicle, includes: a regenerative braking unit arranged to produce a regenerative braking effort for the vehicle; and a control unit connected for signal communication to the regenerative braking unit, and configured to perform the following: measuring a wheel speed deviation defined as a difference between a speed of a front wheel set of the vehicle and a speed of a rear wheel set of the vehicle; and controlling the regenerative braking effort in accordance with the wheel speed deviation during cornering. The control unit is configured to control the regenerative braking effort to decrease with an increase in the wheel speed deviation during cornering braking, and configured to perform braking for the vehicle in accordance with an operation of slowdown request, prioritizing a regenerative braking effort for one of the front wheel set and the rear wheel set of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling vehicle speed, including a processor adapted to receive at least a first signal indicative of a first local required speed, a second signal indicative of a second local required speed received after the first signal, and a third signal indicative of a value of a current set vehicle speed, wherein the processor includes logic to (i) automatically determine a new set vehicle speed based at least on the first local required speed, the second local required speed, and the current set vehicle speed; and (ii) automatically initiate output of a signal to a vehicle speed controller to change the vehicle speed to a new set vehicle speed.

Abstract: An autonomous traveling unit is advanced toward a wall such that a charging unit is located on the right side. When a distance to the wall reaches a predetermined value not smaller than a thickness of a first member of the charging unit, the autonomous traveling unit is stopped. In this state, the autonomous traveling unit is rotated by 90° to the right so as to face a plane formed by a second member of the charging unit at the right angle. Then, the autonomous traveling unit is advanced toward the second member of the charging unit, and when a distance to the plane reaches a predetermined value, the autonomous traveling unit is stopped. In this state, the autonomous traveling unit is rotated by 90° to the right such that charging terminals face power supply terminals provided on the first member of the charging unit at the right angle.

Abstract: A device and a method implementable therewith for regulating the driving speed of at least one vehicle, having an electric motor/generator connected or connectable to a drive train for at least one wheel as a function of at least its actual speed and setpoint speed. The device includes a control unit for controlling the torque of the electric motor/generator, an arrangement for driving the electric motor/generator, an arrangement for recording the actual speed of the vehicle and an arrangement for preselecting the setpoint speed of the vehicle. In the device, the electric motor/generator is usable in generator operation to generate a braking torque and in engine operation to generate a driving torque.

Abstract: An automatic shifting-operation control system having an engine control unit that controls the operation of an engine by a signal of an intake air amount detected by intake air amount detecting unit which detects an intake air amount of an engine, and which includes one or both of a vehicle speed limiting function for reducing a fuel injection amount to suppress a driving speed of a vehicle to a speed equal to or less than a predetermined limited value, and a cruise control function for setting the driving speed of the vehicle to an optional constant speed capable of allowing an automatic cruise of the vehicle, and a transmission control unit configured to control a transmission in accordance with a driving state of the vehicle.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to further improve the running performance of the vehicle. This object can be solved by providing a rollback controller 150 used for controlling the operation of an inverter 400 to control an armature current of the motor 500 in a motor control equipment 120 so that, when a rollback is detected and a rollback speed exceeds a rollback speed limit, the rollback is maintained and the rollback speed is limited by the driving force of the motor 500, with the rollback speed limit value as a target speed recognized.

Abstract: An operator control device, which is intended for a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle and which exhibits a controller for controlling the acceleration of the motor vehicle as a function of a setpoint acceleration/setpoint deceleration, includes acceleration operator control element for inputting an additional acceleration, which can be predefined by the driver of the motor vehicle and acts on the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatic downhill speed control or ADSC adapted to automatically absorb grade-induced energy so that the vehicle operator is no longer required to take action to maintain generally constant vehicle speed. ADSC is preferably triggered if the throttle is released and the vehicle accelerates. The specific amount of throttle release necessary to trigger ADSC is variable but may, according to a preferred embodiment, be set at 85% throttle reduction. According to another preferred embodiment, ADSC is not triggered unless the throttle is released for a predetermined amount of time such as, for example, 5 seconds.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for braking a vehicle having multiple wheels. The method includes applying friction braking and powertrain braking to the vehicle. The method includes reducing the powertrain braking by a predetermined amount. The method also includes compensating the friction braking in an amount that is substantially the same as the predetermined amount. The method further includes redistributing the friction braking to the multiple wheels and modulating the friction braking being applied to the multiple wheels, thereby reducing the occurrence of a wheel lockup by the multiple wheels.

Abstract: An enhanced police Doppler direction sensing radar detects possibly dangerous traffic conditions during certain vehicle maneuvers such as U-turns and returns to travel after roadside stops. By monitoring a host or primary vehicle speed, speed transitions, transmission state (e.g. gear selection), and the closing vehicle position, range and speed, a number of selectable conditions are detected, resulting in an alert indication to a primary vehicle operator. User preferences and thresholds allow the traffic alert function to be customized according to a primary vehicle operator's desire to suppress alerts in situations which the user does not deem dangerous. The traffic alert function may be automatically triggered under certain detected conditions, or manually initiated when the primary vehicle operator intends to make a driving maneuver.

Abstract: A cruise control system for an electric wheelchair includes: a drive unit for driving the electric wheelchair; a user control unit for transmitting user control signals; a controller selectively operable in a normal control mode for controlling the drive unit such that a speed of the electric wheelchair is adjusted in accordance with the user control signals; and a current detecting unit for detecting a load current of the electric wheelchair and outputting a corresponding current signal. The controller has parameter relation information loaded therein, and is further selectively operable in a cruise control mode for controlling the drive unit with reference to the current signal and the parameter relation information to maintain the speed of the electric wheelchair within a desired speed range.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a braking sequence in a vehicle with automatic transmission (3) and gearbox (9) and automatic cruise control, which cruise control controls acceleration and braking to achieve a set speed, taking into account the distance to the vehicle in front. Data simulations are carried out continually of how the vehicle will be driven in the future, for a set of different combinations of engine speed at which a gear change takes place, gear change step and braking sequence, and a braking sequence with associated gear change schedule is selected that will be optimal. The vehicle is equipped with at least two different braking systems, for example service brake and auxiliary brake (48, 6). The system selects to brake primarily with the braking system that has the least tendency to wear.

Abstract: The indicating device for the economic driving of a motor vehicle is associated with the vehicle's acceleration system, increasing the mechanic resistance perceived by the driver on the accelerator pedal, when a preset acceleration position is achieved. The mechanic resistance means are in the way of the linear or angular displacement stroke of any sections of the vehicle's acceleration mechanic subsystem. In addition the indicating device may have electric switching means interposed in the conventional electric turning-on system of the vehicle's air conditioning when reaching the preset acceleration position and with the compressor being automatically reconnected when the accelerator pedal is below the preset acceleration position.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a brake control system for a vehicle, according to which a comfortable feeling for a vehicle deceleration is obtained. An index of evaluating a vehicle distance change is calculated based on a relative vehicle speed, wherein the index has a characteristic feature according to which the index value is increased as the relative vehicle speed becomes higher and a vehicle distance becomes shorter. A brake assisting operation is carried out such that the index is controlled at a target value.

Abstract: During a starting operation or a low-speed drive of a vehicle on a slope, the drive control of the invention sets a gradient-corresponding rotation speed N? as a rotation speed of an engine to output a required driving force against a longitudinal vehicle gradient ?fr (step S110), and sequentially sets a low-?-road correction rotation speed Nlow upon identification of a low-?-road drive condition, a vehicle speed difference-compensating rotation speed Nv based on a vehicle speed V, and a brake-based correction rotation speed Nb based on a brake pressure Pb (steps S120 through S250). The drive control sets a target engine rotation speed Ne* based on these settings (step S260) and subsequently sets a target throttle opening THtag (step S270). The operation of the engine is controlled with the greater between the target throttle opening THtag and a required throttle opening THreq corresponding to an accelerator opening Acc (step S290).

Abstract: In a vehicle dynamics control apparatus capable of balancing a vehicle dynamics stability control system and a lane deviation prevention control system, a cooperative control section is provided to make a cooperative control between lane deviation prevention control (LDP) and vehicle dynamics stability control (VDC). When a direction of yawing motion created by LDP control is opposite to a direction of yawing motion created by VDC control, the cooperative control section puts a higher priority on VDC control rather than LDP control. Conversely when the direction of yawing motion created by LDP control is identical to the direction of yawing motion created by VDC control, a higher one of the LDP desired yaw moment and the VDC desired yaw moment is selected as a final desired yaw moment, to prevent over-control, while keeping the effects obtained by both of VDC control and LDP control.

Abstract: A sensing system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a single vision sensor (14) that has a position on the vehicle (12). The single vision sensor (14) detects an object (40) and generates an object detection signal. A controller (16) is coupled to the vision sensor (14) and generates a safety system signal in response to the position of the vision sensor (14) and the object detection signal.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle drive system is provided for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, free-wheeling steerable front wheels, driven rear wheels, an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) transmitting torque from the engine to the rear wheels, and a control unit for controlling the IVT as a function of sensed parameters and supplying a speed command to the IVT for commanding a speed of the rear wheels. The method includes sensing a steering angle of the front wheels, sensing a front wheel speed, sensing a rear wheel speed, generating a corrected estimated vehicle speed as a function of the front wheel speed and the sensed steering angle, and increasing the speed command in response to a comparison between the corrected estimated vehicle speed and the rear wheel speed. The infinitely variable transmission is preferably embodied by a hybrid electric drive system.

Abstract: In a constant speed drive (in an auto cruise), the procedure of the invention executes proportional control to set an accelerator opening Acc corresponding to an observed vehicle speed and a target vehicle speed. When the accelerator opening Acc is less than a preset opening A2 included in a dead zone where a torque demand Tr* is kept equal to 0, the procedure corrects the accelerator opening Acc to have a corresponding torque demand Tr* included in a negative zone where the torque demand Tr* takes negative values and linearly increases. This arrangement heightens the linearity of the graph of the torque demand Tr* against the accelerator opening Acc in the constant speed drive, compared with the linearity in a standard drive.

Abstract: A cruise control for a vehicle that detects an inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle. A first vehicle speed instruction value is computed based one the inter-vehicle distance. Curve information of a curve in the road ahead of the vehicle is detected, and a second vehicle speed instruction value is computed for traveling on the curve based on the curve information. A final target vehicle speed is set based on the vehicle speed instruction values. When the vehicle travels through the curve while the first vehicle speed instruction value is larger than the second vehicle speed instruction value, the final target vehicle speed is set to a vehicle speed higher than the second vehicle speed instruction value and lower than the first vehicle speed instruction value. The speed of the vehicle is controlled based on the final target vehicle speed.

Abstract: A traffic system that helps a driver to save fuel by avoiding red light or by minimized fuel supply before stopping a red light. It predicts the colors of a traffic light and automatically control the speed of the vehicle. The system comprising three kinds of moving sections representing three future colors: green, yellow, and red. The moving sections are moving towards the traffic light. There is a microprocessor in each vehicle to receive messages from the traffic light in front and to calculate an optimal speed to the cruise control in the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses are provided for controlling the speed of a driver's vehicle either in a first adaptive cruise control mode or a second travel or stop mode. In one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising a speed control unit that executes a follow-up control based at least in part on a target inter-vehicle distance between the driver's vehicle and a preceding vehicle (i.e., another vehicle in front of the driver's vehicle). The speed control unit executes adaptive cruise control when the driver requests the follow-up control while traveling at a speed equal to or higher than a first predetermined vehicle speed. The control unit executes stop-or-travel control when the driver requests the follow-up control while traveling at a speed equal to or lower than another predetermined vehicle speed lower than the first predetermined vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid propulsion system of a vehicle, the hybrid propulsion system including an internal combustion engine and an alternate powertrain torque source capable of propelling the vehicle while the engine is turned off, the method comprising of detecting congestion by receiving and analyzing data that is external to the vehicle, and controlling a transition of the hybrid propulsion system between a first propulsion mode and a second propulsion mode based on said detecting of congestion.

Abstract: A system controlled by a data processor for controlling vehicle operational functions enabled for each of a plurality of vehicle drivers comprising a combination of means for assigning to each of a group of drivers a vehicle operation key with a unique identifier, means for storing these identifiers, means for assigning to each of the group of drivers a set of operational functions that each driver is enabled to perform, means for designating a vehicle operation manager and means enabling this operation manager to modify each of the set of operational functions assigned to each of the group of drivers. The vehicle has means for directly receiving one of said vehicle operation keys together with means responsive to the receiving of the key for enabling all of the operational functions assigned to the driver who is identified by the key identifier.

Abstract: A cruise control system for motor vehicles is described, having a sensor device for measuring the vehicle's operating parameters and for measuring the distance to an object located in front of the vehicle, and having a controller for controlling the vehicle's speed or acceleration as a function of the measured operating parameters and distance data, the controller having a stop-and-go function for automatically controlling driving off, rolling, and stopping as a function of the movements of the object, and being designed for the purpose of continuously checking the sensor device during the stop-and-go operation for one or multiple predefined conditions which contradict a safe stop-and-go operation, and which, in the presence of such a condition, initiates a procedure for the shutdown of the stop-and-go function.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a low speed operation of a vehicle. A speed activation switch is activated. A target vehicle speed is calculated in response to an accelerator pedal demand as determined by an accelerator pedal position where each respective accelerator pedal position is associated with a respective predetermined target vehicle speed. A vehicle turning geometry is determined in response to a steering wheel angle input. A target wheel speed of each of a plurality of vehicle wheels is calculated as a function of the target vehicle speed and turning geometry. An actual wheel speed of each wheel is measured. A net torque is determined in response to the target wheel speeds and actual wheel speeds. An engine output torque and a braking torque are determined in response to the net torque. The engine output torque and the total vehicle braking torque are controlled for cooperatively maintaining the target vehicle speed.

Abstract: A maximum permissible acceleration is calculated so as to take into account vehicle stability, driver's comfort, road surface information and traffic information, driver's specific taste in acceleration and deceleration, and the like. An acceleration limiting process is carried out, in which a feedback gain in vehicle speed feedback control is corrected as may be necessary based on a relationship between the maximum permissible acceleration and actual acceleration information so as to keep the actual acceleration within the maximum permissible acceleration. The present invention thereby makes it possible to control a vehicle speed within a desired acceleration range even under conditions, in which there is a large vehicle speed deviation as in a resume mode, causing an excessively large acceleration or deceleration to tend to occur. Auto cruise control offering an outstanding safety and comfort can thus be implemented.

Abstract: A throttle limit control for an internal combustion engine throttle control is disclosed. Rate limiting is applied to prevent excessive rates of change in throttle actuation. Throttle pedal authority is continually maintained and throttle headroom is not compromised thereby. Application to various systems including conventional and adaptive cruise systems and power take-off systems is envisioned.

Abstract: A governor system for limiting the ground speed of a vehicle and maintaining an idle speed of the engine. The governor system includes a first feedback shaft operably coupled with a transmission of the vehicle to provide a first feedback torque in response to a ground speed of the vehicle. A second feedback shaft is operably coupled with the engine to provide a second feedback torque in response to a revolutionary speed (RPM) of the engine. A ground speed governor system is coupled between the first feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for limiting operation of the throttle system in response to the first feedback torque, thereby limiting ground speed. An idle speed governor system is coupled between the second feedback shaft and the throttle system of the engine for actuating the throttle system in response to the second feedback torque, thereby maintaining a desired idle speed.