Abstract: Power switching apparatus for an electrically driven vehicle drawing power from a plurality of spaced apart ground disposed busses separated by insulators. The apparatus employs a pair of contacts for routing power from the busses to the vehicle motor, the speed of which is controlled by the power frequency presented at each successive buss as the vehicle proceeds on its journey. The contacts are serially positioned one after another with respect to the line of travel of the vehicle and are joined together by a switching mechanism which senses the power status of each contact at any particular moment. Power is transferred to the vehicle motor through one contact or the other in accordance with a selected sequence of operation. Voltage arcing and power lapse conditions are substantially alleviated by this arrangement.

Abstract: A system is provided for regulating a ground speed of a vehicle having an engine and a variable transmission that is driven by the engine. The system includes a mode selector that is movable for selection between a high speed mode of operation and a deceleration mode of operation. The system also includes a controller connected in communication with the mode selector and a manual input. The controller is configured to receive and store a deceleration gear value via the manual input for operation of the system. When the mode selector is selectively positioned for the deceleration mode of operation, the controller is operatively connected to cause the engine to operate at a deceleration engine speed value, and to cause the transmission to automatically shift to the deceleration gear value.

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: System for the evaluation of the driving environment of a vehicle and for influencing the speed of the vehicle in its own lane, with an electronic control unit that is connected to a signal generator generating a signal characteristic of the desired speed of the vehicle, to a signal generator generating a signal characteristic of the turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis, to a signal generator that generates for objects located in the space in front of the vehicle and in the direction of travel of the vehicle a characteristic signal with respect to their distance and orientation relative to the vehicle, said signal being the speed relative to the speed of the driver's vehicle and/or the distance relative to the driver's vehicle and/or the angular displacement or the lateral deviation relative to the longitudinal axis of the driver's vehicle, and to a signal generator that generates a signal characteristic of the speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle, and that is connected to at least one co

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: A constant speed control method for a vehicle on an inclined road allows a constant speed control allowance to be one mile per hour on a flat road and two miles per hour on an inclined surface. If the vehicle speed decelerates two or more times of 1.5 miles per hour or more compared to the preset speed, the vehicle is assumed to be on a slope. A control system is performed by changing the constant speed control allowance from one mile per hour to two miles per hour. If the vehicle speed is within the allowance for 20 seconds, the control system on the inclined road is released. Thus, engine noise according to the frequent change of the T.P.S. value is prevented in advance and frequent gearshifts due to the rapid increment of the T.P.S. value is also prevented, resulting in a stable constant driving speed.

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: A method and an arrangement for controlling the driving speed of a vehicle are suggested wherein at least two functions are provided which influence the vehicle speed. To avoid conflict between these functions, at least one base value for the input quantities of the functions is formed which is considered in the formation of the input quantities.

Abstract: A speed detection method is implemented in a speed detector comprising a range finder. First, a specific number of distance measurement samples of an object are acquired during a period of time utilizing the range finder. The distance measurement samples are converted to M versions of the distance measurement samples respectively based on M velocities, wherein M is a positive integer. Each version of the distance measurement samples comprises reflected distance measurement laser pulses. Each reflected pulse corresponds to a measured distance and a received pulse order. A version of the distance measurement samples is determined, which comprises a distance range to which the highest number of reflected pulses corresponds. A speed of the object is calculated based on an assumed velocity to which the determined version corresponds.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus able to hold an autonomously stabilized posture by a small size configuration by independently detecting abnormalities in a drive system of a first motor and a drive system of a second motor at controllers, outputting the results to majority decision circuits, and having the majority decision circuits turn switches on/off by majority decision based on the results.

Abstract: A novel system for adaptively controlling an electric vehicle to maintain desired speed under variable driving conditions. The system includes a control circuit for producing a control signal to control an electric motor of the vehicle. The control signal is formed based on a control current required to achieve the desired speed. The control strategy selection circuit is configured in the system to determine a motor control scheme that provides an appropriate waveform profile of the control current.

Abstract: In the case of a control system for a vehicle with at least part-time four-wheel drive, having a control unit which detects or determines quantities proportional to the wheel speeds of all wheels and the vehicle speed, and by means of which the driving torque of a drive unit can be variably distributed to primary driving wheels, which are permanently connected with the drive unit, and to secondary driving wheels which, if required, can be connected with the drive unit, for the distribution of the driving torque, a clutch torque of a transfer clutch arranged between the drive unit and the secondary driving wheels is set by means of the control unit, and the control unit is further developed such that the clutch torque is increased if a difference is detected between the wheel speed of a wheel and the vehicle speed and/or if a difference is detected between the two wheels speeds of the wheels of at least one vehicle side.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the speed of a vehicle make possible a comfortable adaptation of an incrementation or decrementation of a pregiven desired speed. The desired speed is changed by the actuation of an operator-controlled element (1). The extent of the change of the desired speed is adjusted in dependence upon at least one piece of data as to the instantaneous driving situation of the vehicle.

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: The invention relates to a device for preventing selected users from driving a vehicle above a particular speed. The speed limit value can be programmed by the selected users by driving the vehicle at a desired speed limit and providing programming instruction. The device provides, from acceleration control signals received from the acceleration pedal, altered acceleration control signals. When in non speed limiting mode, the device simply forwards the acceleration control signals to the engine control unit or the electronic throttle controller. When in speed limiting mode, the device makes no change to the acceleration control signals if the vehicle speed is below the speed limit value and alters the acceleration control signals if the vehicle speed reaches the speed limit value, in order to limit the speed of the car.

Abstract: A speed regulator for motor vehicles, including a standard mode in which the speed is regulated to a desired speed set by the driver, and at least one exception mode in which the speed is regulated to a setpoint speed that may deviate from the desired speed, and a display device for displaying the desired speed. An auxiliary display is also provided that indicates that an exception mode is active.

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: A device and a method for cruise control in a motor vehicle, the cruise control being performable as a constant-distance regulation if at least one preceding vehicle has been detected by a radar sensor, or cruise control being performable as a constant-speed regulation if no preceding vehicle has been detected by a radar sensor. Measured object values for detected objects are supplied to the cruise control, which includes a computing device which determines an acceleration gradient for each measured value of each object and adds the individual acceleration gradients of the measured values for each object and outputs the added-up acceleration gradients for the object selected as the target object.

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 controls the speed of a motor vehicle in accordance with risk. Each risk element of a road segment is evaluated for the specific risk potential thereof by taking into consideration the perils and the actual speed of the driver of the motor vehicle. An integral risk potential is calculated for the road segment on the basis of the sum of the specific risk potentials of all detected risk elements. A system is provided to carry out the method of the invention.

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: 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 radar activated brake light device to be integrated into a vehicle to alert drivers of potentially hazardous changes in traffic speed consisting of a radar device to measure the speed of a forward vehicle; a sensor input from the speedometer of the radar-equipped vehicle; a computer processor to evaluate the data for potentially hazardous speed changes; a luminous display mounted on the radar-equipped vehicle to warn the driver of a trailing vehicle; and, optionally, a warning light and warning buzzer mounted internally to the radar-equipped vehicle to alert the driver of the radar-equipped vehicle of potentially hazardous speed changes.

Abstract: A cruise control system is configured to cancel/prohibit cruise control depending on the operating state of the wipers. When the wipers are in a continuous operation mode and low speed following cruise control is in progress, execution of the low speed following cruise control is continued. When the wipers are in a continuous operation mode and high speed following cruise control is in progress, execution of the high speed following cruise control is continued if the vehicle speed is in the vehicle speed overlap region or if a preceding vehicle is detected (i.e., even if the vehicle speed is not in the vehicle speed overlap region). When the wipers are in a continuous operation mode and high speed following cruise control is in progress, the high speed following cruise control is canceled if the vehicle speed exceeds the vehicle speed overlap region and a preceding vehicle is not detected.

Abstract: A method is directed to the control of the speed of a vehicle wherein the actual speed is caused to track the desired speed. For reducing the actual speed, a transmission (1) of the vehicle (5) is driven to downshift and thereby the brake system is protected with respect to wear and overheating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for a plant, which can suppress excessive correction for a spiky disturbance being applied and maintain a good controllability, when controlling the plant, which is a controlled object, with the self-tuning regulator. A detected equivalent ratio KACT is input to a high-pass filter 33, and a high-pass filter output KACTHP is input to a parameter adjusting mechanism 42. The parameter adjusting mechanism 42 calculates a corrected updating vector (KID·d?(k)) by multiplying an updating component d? of a model parameter vector by a correction coefficient KID, and adds the corrected updating vector to a preceding value ?(k?1) of the model parameter vector, to thereby calculate a present value ?(k). The correction coefficient KID is changed from “1.0” to a value near “0” upon detection of the spiky response where an absolute value of the high-pass filter output KACTHP increases.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system comprises a condition recognition device that detects a vehicle condition and a traveling environment around a subject vehicle; a reactive force application device that applies a reactive force, in conformance to the vehicle condition and the travelling environment around the subject vehicle, to an operation device; a condition change detection device that detects a condition change occurring around the subject vehicle; and a reactive force variation device that adjusts the reactive force applied by the reactive force application device in a period of time, when the condition change detection device detects that a condition around the subject vehicle has changed discontinuously.

Abstract: An automated transmission system includes a transmission brake which is used to apply a braking torque to the transmission, while the engine torque is negative and a transmission clutch is disengaged to effect a gear downshift, in order to avoid acceleration of the vehicle when the clutch is released and abrupt deceleration of the vehicle upon completion of the gear downshift.

Abstract: Method and device for the determining a maximum allowed velocity (Vmax) for a vehicle (1) when going downhill (2). The invention includes a detector (11) for detection of current inclination (alpha) of the vehicle (1) in relation to a horizontal plane (3), and means (10) for the determination of a value relating to the maximum allowed velocity (Vmax) of the vehicle in dependence of at least the value of the inclination (alpha). The invention also relates to a procedure for the control of the velocity. The invention provides a procedure for velocity control that takes the inclination into account when going downhill.

Abstract: A motor control for an electric motor powered vehicle having an accelerator control connected to a control circuit for supplying the desired driving power that senses possible errors of various types and stops the supply of driving power until normal operation resumes.

Abstract: A method for providing a cruise control warning system including monitoring a cruise control system to determine if the cruise control system is activated or deactivated for a vehicle. The method also includes receiving vehicle operation data for the vehicle. A likelihood that a slippery road condition exists for the vehicle is determined based on the vehicle operation data. A warning message is indicated to a driver of the vehicle when it has been determined that the likelihood that a slippery road condition exists is over a first pre-selected value and the cruise control system is activated.

Abstract: Input device for a cruise control system in motor vehicles, having an accelerator pedal, a switch for input of a desired speed and a determination device which increases the desired speed as a function of the duration of operation of the switch, wherein the determination device changes the function which determines the increase in the desired speed as a function of the operation of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A method for checking the integrity of GPS measurements for a moving vehicle includes determining a first inter-vehicle distance between a first vehicle and a second vehicle based on GPS measurements obtained at both vehicles, independently determining a second inter-vehicle distance based on relative motion of the first vehicle and the second vehicle obtained using INS sensors at both vehicles, and comparing the first and second inter-vehicle distances. The integrity of the GPS measurements are checked if the first and second inter-vehicle distances are nearly equivalent. Methods for error detection and for mapping GPS multipath levels at each point in a vicinity for an entire range of satellite constellations are also described.

Abstract: A speed control device and counter for a motor vehicle includes an auxiliary accelerator member and a plurality of counters for analyzing the driving habits of an individual. The auxiliary accelerator member is moveable between an operational and an inactive position and is adapted to engage the calf, knee or thigh of a driver in its operational position. The speed control device may also incorporate a drive-by-wire principal of operation.

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: 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 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: The apparatus is an electronic speed control for farm machines. A microprocessor is fed data on the tractor engine speed, the tractor ground speed, and the manual speed lever setting, and electronically matches the desired ground speed to the engine speed to prevent stalling the engine. Ground speed is controlled by using the microprocessor to electrically vary a control valve that replaces the usual mechanical linkage between the speed control lever and the hydraulic pumps driving the hydraulic wheel motors.

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 relates to systems to manage parking meters using mechanical, electrical and electromechanicals monitoring and transmitting devices. Such intelligent parking meters may be used for example to monitor pollution by idling vehicles, survey the area about the meters to identify events such as vandalism, accident or any other designated emergency situation, and to monitor volume and flow of traffic to help coordinate traffic light sequencing for facilitating optimum traffic movement. The meters may be coin, bill or card operated and are useful for monitoring individual parking spaces designed to monitor conditions ambient to the parking meter and issue summons to vehicles violating the preset requirements.

Abstract: A cruise control system for a vehicle includes a throttle and a controller. The controller determines an open-loop speed compensation factor and calculates a closed-loop speed compensation factor. The controller determines a throttle area based on the open-loop speed compensation factor and the closed-loop speed compensation factor and operates the throttle based on the throttle area.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system for a host vehicle is arranged to calculate a target vehicle speed, to calculate a target driving force based on the target vehicle speed, to limit a rate of increase of the target driving force when a direction of a wheel driving torque applied to driving wheels is changed from a decelerating direction to an accelerating direction, and to control a throttle opening of an engine based on the limited target driving force.

Abstract: A cruise control swerve release system effective for automatically disengaging a cruise control system when a vehicle experiences a lateral acceleration indicative of a loss or impending loss of driver control.

Abstract: An improved electronic programmable speed limiter for drivers of vehicles which can be preprogrammed and controlled from a remote location via a radio link to update the driver performance and adjust the controls on the speed limiter.

Abstract: The present invention provides in one embodiment a method for controlling vehicle creep control. Measurements are received from a brake pedal sensor, where the measurements are indicative of a brake pedal travel. A target creep speed value is derived based on the measurements of creep speed and the brake pedal travel. A request for wheel torque is derived based on the target creep speed. There is a determination of the difference between a measurement of vehicle creep speed and the target creep speed value. The request for wheel torque is adjusted, if the target creep speed is not equivalent to the vehicle creep speed.

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: In order to improve a response to a sensitivity of an accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle and a sudden acceleration of the vehicle, width of an insensitive zone provided in a vicinity of a portion of a first logic pattern for auto-cruise control, in which portion a difference of accelerator opening is zero, is made very narrow or a second logic pattern having substantially no insensitive zone is provided, which is selected under a specific condition such as when the vehicle runs on an ascending road.

Abstract: Fuel consumption due to abrupt acceleration is reduced. An auto-cruising control is automatically started without intention of a driver and executes a control for gently and reasonably accelerating a vehicle even when an accelerator pedal is displaced abruptly. When a regular running state is detected, the auto-cruising control is started automatically. When the auto-cruising control is effective and the accelerator pedal is displaced substantially, fuel consumption is restricted by setting an aimed vehicle speed stepwise with small speed change, so that a large amount of fuel is not supplied.

Abstract: A power feed portion includes a power storage portion and a power generating portion. The power storage portion includes a storage battery. The power feed portion feeds electric power to a plurality of on-vehicle loads. In cases where the sum of feedable electric power is smaller than the sum of required electric power or in cases where an electric quantity related to the sum of feedable electric power is smaller than an electric quantity related to the sum of required electric power, a control portion increases the sum of feedable electric power or decreases the sum of required electric power. The sum of feedable electric power is equal to electric power which can be fed from the power feed portion to the on-vehicle loads, and which contains electric power generated by the power generating portion and electric power feedable from the storage battery.

Abstract: A cruise control system is adapted to a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and a manual transmission which are disengageably connected through a clutch. The cruise control system is arranged to calculate a first vehicle operation indicative quantity based on an engine speed detected by an engine speed sensor, to calculate a second vehicle operation indicative quantity based on a wheel speed detected by a wheel speed sensor, to determine whether a deviation between the first vehicle operation indicative quantity and the second vehicle operation indicative quantity is greater than a predetermined value, and to cancel the cruise control when the deviation is greater than the predetermined value.