Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for the lateral guidance of a vehicle. A warning device that outputs a warning signal when straying from a traffic lane is able to be turned off by a switching means when driving on a road that is not suitable for lateral guidance, in particular an inner-city road, and be turned on again when reaching a road that is suitable for lateral guidance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a work machine wherein an operator traverses the work machine within an operator selected speed range. The operator positions a speed-range control device to select the operator selected speed range, thus, sending a speed-range signal from the speed-range control device to an electronic control module indicative of the position of the speed-range control device. The speed-range signal is converted to a scaling factor to re-calibrate at least one drive map indicative of the scaling factor. The operator then may position a control device to traverse the work machine within the operator selected speed range.

Abstract: An automated transportation (10) system includes a plurality of vehicles (22) adapted to travel along a pathway, and a monitoring system (70) located within each vehicle and adapted to monitor a location and a speed between an associated vehicle and the pathway. The automated transportation system (10) also includes a transmitter (72) located within each vehicle (22) and adapted to transmit a signal that includes data on the location and the speed monitored, and a receiver (76) located within each vehicle and adapted to receive the signal from each of the other vehicles. The automated transportation system (10) further includes a controller (78) located within each vehicle and adapted to interpret the signal received by the receiver and control the associated vehicle to provide proper spacing between the remaining vehicles to avoid collisions therebetween and maximize throughput of the vehicles along the pathway.

Abstract: A control device is mounted to one's own mobile body such as a vehicle for controlling its starting motion. A distance measuring part measures the distance to a front going vehicle and a speed control part controls the speed of the own vehicle such that the distance to the front going vehicle will be constant based on the measured distance. A stop control part serves to detect stopping of the front going vehicle and generates a stop control signal for the own vehicle. A start control part serves to detect a start of said front going mobile body and generates a start control signal for the own vehicle. An image-taking device serves to obtain an image of the front when the front going vehicle stops and another image when it starts again. The own vehicle is inhibited from automatically starting if these two images do not match.

Abstract: A vehicle headway distance control apparatus is provided with a first deceleration control system for controlling the deceleration of a vehicle according to a distance between the host vehicle and a preceding obstacle, and a second deceleration control system, which is different from the first deceleration control system and which controls the deceleration of a vehicle according to the same distance.

Abstract: A vehicle headway maintenance assist system is configured to perform a haptic notification control of an accelerator to prompt the driver to release the accelerator when the accelerator is being operated and to perform a deceleration control of the vehicle based on headway distance when the accelerator is being operated as long as the headway distance from a preceding vehicle is less than a prescribed headway distance threshold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for signalizing the controlled deactivation of an assistance system during operation of motor vehicles (10) which are steerable by a steering manipulation device (36). The method is characterized in that the signalization takes place via a touch-sensitive signal generated in a controlled manner in the steering manipulation means (36). For this purpose, the arrangement includes actuating means (38, 78) which impresses a touch-sensitive signal on the steering manipulation device (36) with the signal being generated in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control device is configured to improve response to driver braking operation and shorten the free running distance. The vehicle driving control device processes an image showing an area ahead of the host vehicle to recognize a preceding vehicle in the host vehicle lane, and then determines whether or not the preceding vehicle is making a sudden lateral movement based on this image processing result. If the vehicle driving control device determines that the preceding vehicle is making a sudden lateral movement, then a preliminary braking force is generated.

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 vehicle cruise control system comprises a plurality of pre-set cruise control speed buttons and cruise control logic circuitry coupled to the pre-set cruise control speed buttons. Each one of the pre-set cruise control speed buttons corresponds to a respective pre-set cruise control speed. The cruise control logic circuitry is configured for implementing control of a vehicle speed to maintain the respective pre-set cruise control speed corresponding to a selected one of said pre-set cruise control speed buttons.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed in a vehicle includes adjusting at least one gain parameter based on a vehicle speed error and the displacement on demand mode of the engine. A new cruise throttle area is calculated from the adjusted gain parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and a first electronic control unit (48) for controlling the engine depending on the setting of a manual throttle, an electronic control unit (45) for controlling the transmission, depending on a set position of a manual gear selector (46). The invention is characterized in that one of the control units is disposed, with fed-in parameters and thus at least knowledge of the target speed of the vehicle, the surrounding topology and the throttle opening position, to reduce the throttle opening, in those cases where the vehicle, relative to the target speed, has a speed below target speed and gravity can subsequently accelerate the vehicle. In a similar manner, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is used, in those cases where the vehicle has an above target speed and gravity can subsequently retard the vehicle.

Abstract: An operation member is manually operable to select and drive an in-vehicle apparatus. A compression spring applies counterforce to the operation member against operational movement of the operation member. A load sensor senses an operational work load of a driver of a vehicle. A movable member is driven by a motor to change the counterforce based on the operational work load of the driver sensed by the load sensor.

Abstract: A running control system of the present invention includes a follow-up intention detection device for detecting an operation of requesting a follow-running control by the driver, and a running control device for aborting the follow-running control with respect to the preceding vehicle based on a signal from the braking operation detection device. If an operation by the driver for requesting the follow-running control is detected by the driver while the braking operation by the driver is detected by the braking operation detection device, the running control device starts the follow-running control after the end of the driver's braking operation.

Abstract: In a method for operating a motor vehicle, a target region is determined which is disposed forward of the motor vehicle and an operating recommendation (36) is outputted to the driver in dependence upon the detection. An arrival probability (PCOL) of the motor vehicle at the target region can be determined and the operating recommendation (36) is outputted to the driver when the arrival probability (PCOL) reaches at least a limit value (PLIM) (42).

Abstract: When a deceleration intention detector detects that an occupant has apprehension about a condition ahead of his own vehicle and attempts to decelerate the own vehicle, a detection area setter enlarges a detection area in which a control object is detected, upon a command from a control object determinator. Therefore, a new control object such as a cutting-in vehicle can be more reliably detected in accordance with an increase in an amount of attention which the occupant pays to the condition ahead of the own vehicle. As a result, a vehicle controller changes a vehicle control content of the own vehicle, thereby performing an appropriate vehicle control with respect to the newly detected control object to eliminate a sense of discomfort of the occupant.

Abstract: When an own vehicle makes a follow-up traveling control targeting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the own vehicle, in case where the widthwise movement of the preceding is detected and a second preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the preceding vehicle is detected, the preceding vehicle is regarded as undertaking to pass the second preceding vehicle and acceleration of the own vehicle is inhibited. Further, in a situation where the preceding vehicle and the second preceding vehicle run in parallel, these vehicles can be recognized discriminatingly from each other based on the memorized widths of theses vehicle and the direction of the widthwise movement of the preceding vehicle. Further, when it is judged that the preceding vehicle travels faster than the second preceding vehicle, the target of the follow-up traveling control is changed to the second preceding vehicle.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for selecting a starting gear for a vehicle having an engine (3), an AMT-type transmission (5) and a power take-off (9) for maneuvering at least one body device on the vehicle. The method includes the steps of generating a first signal upon activation of the power take-off (9) for the maneuvering of at least one body device mounted on the vehicle. The gear selection strategy of the transmission (5) is controlled for selection of a predetermined starting gear in dependence on at least the first signal and maintaining the predetermined starting gear for as long as at least one predetermined condition is met.

Abstract: System for evaluating the driving environment of a motor vehicle and for influencing the speed of the motor vehicle in its own lane, with an electronic control unit, which is connected to a signal generator generating a signal which is characteristic of the desired speed of the motor vehicle, a signal generator generating a signal which is characteristic of the yaw rate of the motor vehicle about its vertical axis, a signal generator which generates, for objects located in the space lying in front of the motor vehicle in its direction of travel, a signal which is characteristic of the distance and orientation of the objects with respect to the motor vehicle and which reproduces the speed relative to the speed of the driver's motor vehicle, and/or the distance relative to the driver's motor vehicle, and/or the angular offset or the lateral deviation relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis of the driver's motor vehicle, and a signal generator generating a signal which is characteristic of the speed at least o

Abstract: When a constant speed running control is released during a changing operation of target vehicle speed, a target vehicle speed in just before the changing operation of target vehicle speed is set to a target vehicle speed at the time when the constant speed running control is resumed.

Abstract: A method and device for determining a vectorial vehicle velocity by estimating a mean value for the vehicle velocity by using a position-finding device to obtain a first value, and to then compare this first value with a second value estimated using inertial sensors.

Abstract: A motorcycle comprising a frame, a front wheel coupled to the frame, a rear wheel coupled to the frame and an engine adapted to propel the motorcycle. The motorcycle also includes a cruise control system including an off condition, an on condition, and a set condition operable to maintain the motorcycle at a desired speed. A cruise control indicator is electrically connected to the cruise control system and is operable to emit light of a first color when the cruise control is in the on condition and light of a second color when the cruise control is in the set condition.

Abstract: System for evaluating the traffic environment of a motor vehicle and for influencing the speed of the motor vehicle in its own traffic lane, comprising an electronic control unit, which is connected to a signal transmitter that produces a signal characteristic of the desired speed of the motor vehicle, a signal transmitter that produces a signal characteristic of the yaw of the motor vehicle about its vertical axis, a signal transmitter that produces a signal, which is characteristic of the articles situated, in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle, in front of the motor vehicle in terms of their spacing and orientation relative to the motor vehicle and which is the speed relative to the speed of the system motor vehicle and/or the spacing relative to the system motor vehicle and/or the angular offset or the cross track distance relative to the vehicle longitudinal axis of the system motor vehicle, and a signal transmitter that produces a signal characteristic of the speed of at least one wheel of the

Abstract: A steering shaft arrangement comprises a first housing (9), which accommodates a contact roller (10), the first housing (9) being divided up into a first and second section (13, 14), of which the first section (13) is connected to a steering shaft (1) and the second section (14) is connected to a steering column (6), fixed in relation to the steering shaft (1), the contact roller (10) comprising at least one electrical conductor, which is arranged between the first and the second section (13, 14). A second housing (11) is divided up into a first and second element (19, 20) of which the first element (19) is connected to the steering shaft (1). The second element (20) of the second housing (11) is detachably connected to the second section (14) of the first housing (9).

Abstract: The controller includes motor control means for controlling the drive RPM of a motor generator to reach a specified RPM less than the idle RPM when the braking condition of a foot brake is detected by a brake-operating-state detecting means while a motor generator is being rotated at an idle RPM or more. This reduces uncomfortable shock which tends to occur because of a change in the rotation of the motor during braking as much as possible to improve drive feeling.

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.

Abstract: A cruise control system for motor vehicles is described, having a sensor device for measuring the vehicle's performance characteristics and for measuring the distance to a target object ahead of the vehicle, and a controller which is used to control the vehicle's speed or acceleration as a function of the measured performance characteristics and distance data and has a stop function for automatically braking the vehicle to a standstill as well as at least one standstill state in which the vehicle is held in a stationary position by automatic brake activation, and from which it may only drive off again via an operational command by the driver, the operational command becoming effective only when a confirmation signal is present in addition to the operational command.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle, which limits a speed of backward movement of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and which assures a necessary power output while limiting the backward speed, without a driver's taking any manual trouble to operate a switch to control an engine of the vehicle, even though a high load is exerted upon the vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor device, a backward movement positional sensor device, and an engine controller for limiting the engine speed of the vehicle when the backward movement positional sensor device detects that the vehicle is running backward and when the vehicle speed sensor device detects that the vehicle speed reaches a predetermined value, thereby limiting the speed of the vehicle running backward.

Abstract: After cruise control is restored by an accelerating operation, the driver set speed is changed according to the displacement of the accelerator pedal. It becomes possible to reduce the driver set speed due to release of the accelerator pedal, that is, the vehicle can be decelerated by the engine. Even if the cruise control is restored, the cruise control is not conducted and the vehicle can be decelerated by the engine if the driver wants to decelerate the vehicle by the release of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A cruise control device for vehicles includes a pedal shaft formed at a linking part of an accelerator of the vehicle, a gear rotatably fitted on the pedal shaft, and an adjusting unit releasably engaged with the gear for adjusting the position of an accelerator pedal. The constant speed of the vehicle is quickly and safely maintained in a mechanical manner.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for a vehicle comprises a lateral acceleration sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a target vehicle speed setting device, a drive system of the vehicle, and a controller connected. The controller is arranged to calculate a correction quantity on the basis of the lateral acceleration and the vehicle speed, to calculate a command vehicle speed on the basis of the vehicle speed, the target vehicle speed, a variation of the command vehicle speed and the correction quantity, and to control the drive system to bring the vehicle speed closer to the command vehicles speed.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (19) having a vehicle body includes a cluster (16) of vehicle dynamic sensors (27, 28, 30, 31), the output signals from the sensors (Yaw Rate Sensor, Roll Rate Sensor, Longitudinal Acceleration Sensor, Lateral Acceleration Sensor) are corrected for errors by removing the zero output DC bias. Such bias constitutes an error that may occur as a result of temperature changes, manufacturing defects, or other factors. The system (18) also compensates for the drift in the sensor output signals that occur during vehicle operation.

Abstract: An electronically controlled compression ignition engine is connected with an advanced cruise control system. The advanced cruise control system is capable of measuring distance to a vehicle or other object in front of equipment that is power by the compression ignition engine. Signals produced by the advanced cruise control system, at least in part, are used to determine the power output of the engine. In the event that the electronically controlled engine receives no signals from the advanced cruise control system, the electronic control may disengage or disable the advanced cruise control.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling the driving speed of a vehicle. The method and arrangement make possible a use of a driving speed controller even for adverse road conditions. A desired value (VDES) is inputted for the driving speed in dependence upon the friction contact between the vehicle wheels and the roadway. Control of the driving speed is deactivated during intervention of the drive slip control in the drive power of the vehicle. The desired value (VDES) for the driving speed is reduced after the intervention of the drive slip control.

Abstract: A system and a method for low speed collision avoidance by a vehicle are provided. The low speed collision avoidance system includes an operation control module in communication with a plurality of signal generators for determining a distance to an object, a vehicle velocity, an accelerator position, a brake switch position and a shift position to effect vehicle operation. The system and the method for low speed collision avoidance operate when the vehicle is traveling below a predetermined low velocity and when the vehicle is stopped.

Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus for a vehicle includes an actuating section to control a driving force of the vehicle so as to cause an actual vehicle speed of the vehicle to follow a target vehicle speed. A target acceleration calculating section calculates a target acceleration in accordance with an accelerator input. A target vehicle speed calculating section calculates a target vehicle speed from the target acceleration.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device includes a pedal reaction force providing device for providing a reaction force to an accelerator pedal according to an amount of depression of the accelerator pedal operated by a driver. The reaction force to be provided from the pedal reaction force providing device to the pedal is controlled based on the depression amount of the accelerator pedal. This reaction force control allows precise agreement between throttle opening timing and pedal reaction force timing to produce a predetermined pedal reaction force at a desired degree of throttle opening.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a hydraulic assembly is disclosed. The control mechanism comprises a hydraulic pump, a swash plate, a control arm, a return to neutral mechanism and a cruise control arm. The control arm is linked to the swash plate and is moveable in such a manner so as to provide the swash plate with a plurality of non-discrete angular orientations with respect to the hydraulic pump. The return to neutral mechanism is used to move the control arm from a driving position to a neutral position. The cruise control arm is moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cruise control arm is disengaged from the control arm. In the second position, the cruise control arm engages the control arm to resist movement of the control arm from one of a plurality of non-discrete forward driving positions to the neutral position under the influence of the return to neutral mechanism.

Abstract: A device for the operating of an automative cruise control system for an automobile vehicle comprises means to separate the travel of the accelerator pedal into two parts. The depressing of the pedal in the first travel part engages the automotive cruise control system, the pull-back force of the pedal being smaller in the first travel part than in the second travel part. The device can be applied especially to vehicles equipped with means for checking the distance and/or the speed of obstacles located in the path of the vehicle, the pace of these vehicles being regulated or controlled as a function of the information on distance and/or speed given by said means. More generally, it can be applied to any vehicles equipped means of automative cruise control.

Abstract: In an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system with object detection system interaction, capable of executing a vehicle speed holding mode, a constant-speed control mode, and a following control mode, a lane-change detector is provided to detect the presence or absence of a driver's intention for a lane change by the host vehicle. An ACC unit executes the vehicle speed holding mode during which the host vehicle's speed is restricted until such time that a predetermined holding time has expired from a time when the object detection system loses the preceding vehicle during the following control mode, and thereafter executes the constant-speed control mode during which the host vehicle's speed is automatically accelerated up to a set speed. The ACC unit releases the vehicle speed holding mode, in presence of the driver's intention for the lane change when the object detection system loses the preceding vehicle during the following control mode.

Abstract: In a system of accelerating a car using a brake operating mechanism, the driver is required to be ready to step on the brake operating mechanism so as to rapidly decelerate the car in order to avoid danger, if necessary, while he is releasing his foot from the brake operating mechanism, which is a burden for the driver. Therefore, a footrest function range and a braking force increasing function range are provided to an operating amount or an operating force of a pedal 13.

Abstract: A cruise control capable of maintaining the speed of a vehicle at a set cruise speed is selected when the headway distance to a preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than a set distance. Headway distance control, maintaining the headway distance to the preceding vehicle at a required value, is selected when the headway distance is smaller than a set distance. Fleet driving, in which the vehicle runs at the same set speed as that of the preceding vehicle, is enabled by increasing the vehicle speed upper limit existing under the headway distance control above a set cruise speed.

Abstract: In a vehicle speed control system, each node existing ahead of a vehicle is detected, and a stable running speed at which the vehicle runs stably when the vehicle passes over each node, and a deceleration needed to accelerate/decelerate the vehicle so that the vehicle speed becomes the stable running speed at each node by the time when the vehicle arrives at the node are successively calculated. On the basis of the deceleration at each node, a point at which the maximum deceleration value is achieved is selected, and the vehicle is subjected to deceleration control so that the vehicle speed becomes the stable running speed at the point. When a point at which the curve degree is maximum is different from a point at which the deceleration value is maximum and also the point is located ahead of the vehicle, further necessary deceleration control is carried out.

Abstract: In an automotive lane deviation avoidance system that prevents a host vehicle from deviating from its driving lane by correcting the host vehicle's course in a direction that avoids the host vehicle's lane deviation in the presence of a possibility of the host vehicle's lane deviation, the system calculates a desired yawing moment needed to avoid the host vehicle's lane deviation from the driving lane. The system compensates for the desired yawing moment by a correction factor or a gain, which is determined based on a throttle opening of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A support of the operator of the motor vehicle is to be provided in all traffic situations in a simple manner and with low costs, without overburdening the operator of the motor vehicle. In this context, in the following or tracking operation, in which a regulation of the speed of the motor vehicle dependent on the spacing distance to detected target objects that are classified as relevant is carried out, the relevant target objects used for the speed regulation are selected by the operation of an operating element to be operated by the operator of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cruise control apparatus can control a host vehicle to run with a fixed separation from a preceding vehicle when such a preceding vehicle is detected based on received radar signals and to run at a preset fixed speed when no preceding vehicle is detected. The cruise control apparatus is configured to respond to one of a set of predetermined actions by the vehicle driver, which indicate an intention to change the vehicle speed, by making it easier or more difficult for a preceding vehicle to be detected, in accordance with whether the indicated intention may signify that an actual preceding vehicle is not being detected or may signify that a non-existent preceding vehicle is being detected and that the host vehicle speed has been reduced accordingly. Improved performance is thereby achieved by utilizing the cognitive abilities of the driver to augment the detection operation of the cruise control apparatus.

Abstract: An indicating instrument intended to be fitted in a vehicle and serve for vehicle speed indication (in km/h). The instrument has an instrument panel with a seed scale and a needle pointer which indicates the speed of the vehicle fitted with the instrument panel also incorporates an illuminable indicating area which is composed of firable/extinguishable light emitting means and which varies in extent depending on at least two different speed values, one of which is a speed relating to the vehicle fitted with the instrument and other is a speed pertaining to another vehicle. The indicating area has at least two separate demarcating edges which form indicating delineations with respect to the speed scale on the instrument panel.

Abstract: A cruise control system for use in connection with a control arm linked to a swash plate that is moveable to provide the swash plate with a plurality of non-discrete angular orientations to affect fluid displacement of a hydraulic pump and a return to neutral mechanism for moving the control arm from a driving position to a position in which the swash plate does not affect fluid displacement of the hydraulic pump. The cruise control system includes a cruise control arm having a portion occupying a plane in common with a portion of the control arm. The cruise control arm is moveable to place the portion of the cruise control arm into contact with the portion of the control arm to prevent the control arm from moving from one of a plurality of non-discrete forward driving positions to the neutral position under the influence of the return to neutral mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system comprises a traveling situation detection device that detects a vehicle condition and a traveling environment around a subject vehicle; a risk potential calculation device that calculates a risk potential around the subject vehicle based upon detection results of the traveling situation detection device; an accelerator pedal reaction force control device that controls an actuation reaction force which is generated for an accelerator pedal based upon the risk potential which has been calculated by the risk potential calculation device; an actuation amount detection device that detects an actuation amount of the accelerator pedal; and a vehicle distance control device that controls a distance between the subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle present in front of the subject vehicle based upon the accelerator pedal actuation amount which is detected by the actuation amount detection device.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a vehicle in which the vehicle's speed is only regulated, i.e., limited, if descent is detected. Descent detection is carried out based on the vehicle's actual acceleration and a calculated model acceleration of the vehicle, descent being detected if the rate of change of the actual acceleration and the difference between the actual acceleration and model acceleration are positive.