Abstract: An adaptive cruise control including a lost target function. The adaptive cruise control is operable in at least one of three modes: a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode. In the normal mode, a user-set speed is maintained by the user vehicle. In the following mode, the adaptive cruise control detects a slower moving target vehicle and maintains a particular distance behind the target vehicle. In the lost target mode, the adaptive cruise control recognizes that a target vehicle is no longer detected and zeroes the acceleration of the user vehicle for a particular delay time. After expiration of the delay time, driver override, or detecting a target vehicle again, the cruise control exits the lost target mode.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes an accelerator-state detecting section configured to detect an accelerator manipulating state of a driver; a traveling-path-condition detecting section configured to detect a condition of a traveling path of a host vehicle; a brake control section configured to cause the host vehicle to automatically generate a braking force; and a control unit configured to control the brake control section on the basis of an input from the accelerator-state detecting section. The control unit is configured to actuate the brake control section in a case where the accelerator-state detecting section detects a decrease of a manipulated variable of the accelerator or an off-state of the accelerator and also where the traveling-path-condition detecting section detects a target object for speed reduction on the traveling path.

Abstract: A vehicle travel support device capable of continuing operation even when the recognition accuracy of a lane mark has been degraded, and the like, wherein the degree of control on the operation of a steering device or the like is set higher as the reliability of a lane mark becomes higher. In a state in which the reliability of a travel area demarcated by the lane mark is high, a vehicle's travel is relatively strongly or actively supported so that the vehicle will not depart from the travel area. On the other hand, the degree of control on the operation of the steering device or the like is set lower as the reliability of the lane mark is lower. In a state in which the reliability of the travel area demarcated by the lane mark is low, the vehicle's travel is relatively weakly or passively supported so that the vehicle will not depart from the travel area.

Abstract: A device executes a preceding vehicle following driving control and successively calculates a friction-braking-start threshold value, an engine-braking-start threshold value, an acceleration-control-completion threshold value by using equations L1, L2 and L3, respectively. The device uses a constant vehicle speed zone determined between the engine-braking-start threshold value and the acceleration-control-completion threshold value. When a compensated-evaluation-index value KdB_c of a vehicle distance between the own vehicle and a preceding vehicle is within the constant vehicle speed zone, the device drives the own vehicle at a constant speed. This control suppresses fuel consumption because of decreasing an acceleration and deceleration frequency of the own vehicle.

Abstract: A cruise control system comprises a passing detection module and a speed regulator module. The passing detection module selectively detects execution of a passing maneuver based on an accelerator pedal position (APP) measured by an APP sensor and actuation of a Set/Coast input to the cruise control system when a vehicle speed is greater than a target speed. The speed regulator module regulates the vehicle speed based on the target speed and updates the target speed to the vehicle speed when the passing maneuver is detected.

Abstract: In a vehicle control device, a brake feedback control unit calculates a brake feedback torque Tfb-BK using a PID control model when a current state is a brake feedback use state. The brake feedback control unit stops the calculation of the brake feedback torque Tfb-BK when the current state is a brake feedback limitation state, and stores as an output value the brake feedback torque Tfb-BK that is output at a brake limitation start timing. At a brake limitation release timing, the brake feedback control unit restarts the feedback control using the stored brake feedback torque Tfb-BK as an initial value. The brake mechanism can thereby generate a predetermined brake torque of not more than 0 [N·m] immediately after the brake limitation release timing.

Abstract: A method for driver support in a vehicle in which a driver assistance system monitors a driving situation of the vehicle. Support takes place after a confirmation or after the absence of an abort instruction, a dialogue about the extent of support the driver wishes being conducted between the driver and the driver assistance system.

Abstract: Provided is a driving support apparatus for a vehicle. When a stop signal is recognized by a stereo image recognition device, a cruise control unit calculates a traffic signal target acceleration for making a subject vehicle stop at a stop position of the stop signal. When a follow-up cruise target acceleration is not calculated and the traffic signal target acceleration is calculated, the cruise control unit substitutes the traffic signal target acceleration for the follow-up cruise target acceleration. When the follow-up cruise target acceleration and the traffic signal target acceleration are calculated and the traffic signal target acceleration is smaller than the follow-up cruise target acceleration, the cruise control unit substitutes the value of the traffic signal target acceleration for the follow-up cruise target acceleration.

Abstract: An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a drivers driving style based on vehicle headway control. The system reads sensor signals to identify the range and range rate between a subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle, where the range rate is close to zero if the distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle is relatively steady, the range rate is negative when the subject vehicle is closing in on the preceding vehicle and the range rate is positive when the subject vehicle is falling behind the preceding vehicle. The range rate, the subject vehicle speed and other signals are used to classify the drivers driving style based on how fast the subject vehicle closes in on the preceding vehicle or falls behind, and the following distance between the subject vehicle and the preceding vehicle. The system can then classify the headway-control maneuver using selected discriminant features.

Abstract: A method and device for assisting in driving a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having a surroundings detector for detecting at least a partial area of the surroundings of the vehicle, an output device for the output of information concerning the vehicle surroundings obtained from the surroundings detection to a driver, and an evaluation unit for determining a risk level based on the vehicle-surroundings information. To facilitate driving of the vehicle, it is provided that at least a portion of the vehicle-surroundings information provided for determining the risk level, and the risk level determined by the evaluation unit are output continuously by the output device to the driver during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for causing a follower vehicle to follow a leader may have a tether system mounted to the follower vehicle. The tether system may include a tether having an end adapted to be attached to the leader, a length sensor, and an angle sensor. A path tracking system operatively associated with the tether system determines a path traveled by the leader. A path control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to follow the path traveled by the leader. A spacing control system operatively associated with the path tracking system and the follower vehicle causes the follower vehicle to maintain a predetermined spacing between the follower vehicle and the leader.

Abstract: The application relates to a method and system of energy saving control for a vehicle, the method includes the steps of detecting a total distance between a specific vehicle and another vehicle in front, referring as the preceding vehicle, the speed of the preceding vehicle and the dynamic information of the specific vehicle; obtaining a safe distance, an energy saving buffer zone and a cruise control activation zone according to the total distance between a preceding vehicle and the specific vehicle, the speed of the preceding vehicle and the dynamic information of the specific vehicle; and determining whether the preceding vehicle enters the energy saving buffer zone, and enable an energy saving control operation while activating the specific vehicle to enter into a following mode if the preceding vehicle stays in the cruise control activation zone.

Abstract: A driver assistance system of an observing vehicle uses a method that includes, but is not limited to recognizing a turn-off maneuver of a vehicle preceding the observing vehicle and further includes, but is not limited to identifying at least one first and one second reference point on the preceding vehicle in pictures of the preceding vehicle taken successively by a camera, where the reference points, in transverse direction of the preceding vehicle, are spaced apart, determining the distance from the images of the reference points in the pictures. and recognizing a turn-off maneuver if it is determined that there is a reduction in distance.

Abstract: A host vehicle's speed is controlled with a target vehicle following control system when following a target vehicle. The target vehicle following control system monitors a range with respect to a target vehicle and a speed of the host vehicle. The target vehicle following device determines operation of the vehicle based upon a control region by comparing the range and the speed of the host vehicle to a simple sliding surface, which defines a minimum range between the host vehicle and target vehicle and a modified sliding surface, which increases the margin to the simple sliding surface as the speed of the host vehicle increases. The host vehicle has an acceleration determined based on the control region and is used to control operation of the host vehicle.

Abstract: Safe driving evaluation systems, methods, and programs acquire traffic signal information that indicates the display status of a traffic signal present ahead in the traveling direction of a vehicle, determine the vehicle is within a prescribed stop supplement zone set up in front of the traffic signal installation point, and determine a red light encounter, which is a state where the vehicle is within the stop supplement zone and the traffic signal information indicates that the traffic signal is red. The systems, methods, and programs perform a stop supplementary operation with respect to a driver in order to stop the vehicle at the traffic signal installation point based on a driving operation of the vehicle during the red light encounter, and calculate a stop supplement percentage.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system for a vehicle includes a deceleration module, a downshift trigger module, and a shift module. The deceleration module determines a deceleration rate based on a speed of at least one of the vehicle and an engine of the vehicle. The downshift trigger module generates a threshold signal based on the deceleration rate. The shift module generates a downshift signal when the speed is less than the threshold signal and while the vehicle is operating in a manual transmission mode.

Abstract: A method of regulating acceleration control and an adaptive cruise control system for the same are provided. The type of change of a travel situation of a vehicle is identified and acceleration control is regulated differently according to the identified type.

Abstract: A method of quantifying a host vehicle's collision risk with a foreign object includes the steps of collecting and preserving a short-term history of range and azimuth data on the object and identifying leading edges of the foreign object. The leading edges are linked to previous detected leading edges in the short term history storage data to define a trajectory for the object, and to calculate range and azimuth velocities and accelerations of leading edges of the foreign object based on the leading edge trajectory. A collision risk P is then calculated for the foreign object using the range and azimuth velocities and accelerations according to a predetermined formula. If the collision risk P falls below a pre-set value, the methods of the present invention calculate an evasive maneuver for the host vehicle based on a vector sum of high risk leading edge risks and locations.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a forward vehicle sensor transmitting a forward vehicle message based on a distance to a forward vehicle. An adaptive cruise controller receives the forward vehicle message and receives at least one additional message indicating a respective status of the vehicle, the adaptive cruise controller sets a braking pressure for an adaptive cruise controller braking event above a default braking pressure if the adaptive cruise controller determines, based on the at least one of the additional messages, that the vehicle will maintain stability during the adaptive cruise controller braking event.

Abstract: Presented is a communication system in a motor vehicle which is designed to participate in a chain-like ad-hoc radio network comprising a number of traveling motor vehicles. The system includes a control unit, a transmission/reception unit in communication with the control unit, and an orientation unit configured to determine an orientation of the motor vehicle relative to a reference direction, the orientation unit being in communication with the control unit. The control unit is configured to determine the orientation of the motor vehicle with respect to an orientation of at least one other motor vehicle which is received by the transmission/reception unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a longitudinal driver assist system of an automobile, in particular an ACC system, wherein environmental data of the automobile are evaluated with respect to travel in a longitudinal convoy with at least three automobiles which include the automobile and at least two additional automobiles, which are driving immediately behind one another and each have an active longitudinal driver assist system. A convoy value is formed, and at least one operating parameter of the driver assist system is adapted depending on the convoy value.

Abstract: An acceleration control system stores a target acceleration calculation equation acquired by transforming an equation that expresses that a product of the differentiation of the square power of the speed and the environmental factor ?env represents a sensed value ? of acceleration. A surrounding environment monitor device detects surrounding bodies present in the forward periphery of the vehicle, and an environmental factor calculation unit calculates the environmental factor ?env by using the detected positions of the surrounding bodies. A target acceleration setting unit successively sets target accelerations aref in compliance with the target acceleration calculation equation by using the environmental factor ?env. The acceleration is executed to match the driver's feeling.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic parking system for a vehicle. The automatic parking system employs a method of generating a parking trajectory in consideration of the operational performance of a steering motor connected to the steering wheel of a vehicle, thus guiding a vehicle through smooth parking and reducing an error between an ideal parking trajectory and an actual parking trajectory.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control for motor vehicles, having a sensor system for locating preceding vehicles and a controller which regulates the speed of the vehicle and/or the clearance from a preceding vehicle, based on specified control parameters, and having a traffic jam detection device and a specification device for adjusting the control parameters to a detected traffic jam situation. In response to a detected traffic jam, as differentiated, for instance, from a red traffic light, startup instructions can be suppressed, and, in particular, the setpoint acceleration of the vehicle can be reduced.

Abstract: A steering assist system includes traffic-line detecting means for detecting right and left traffic lines marked on a road, preceding-vehicle detecting means for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of a subject vehicle, traveling-target-point setting means for setting a traveling target point for traveling of the subject vehicle at a predetermined position in the preceding vehicle when the preceding vehicle is not within predetermined ranges from the right and left traffic lines, and for setting the traveling target point at a position offset from the predetermined position in the preceding vehicle toward the center of a traveling lane of the subject vehicle when the preceding vehicle is within the predetermined range of any one of the right and left traffic lines, and steering control means for controlling steering so that the subject vehicle passes over the traveling target point.

Abstract: When employing an a cruise control system in a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system (14) is activated upon activation of a vehicle or set-speed cruise control (SSCC) system (16). The ACC (14) remains on, even after SSCC shutoff, to maintain a minimum following distance for a primary vehicle in which the ACC (14) is employed and a forward vehicle. The ACC (14) is deactivated after detection of an ACC shutoff trigger event, which may be driver application of the brakes of the primary vehicle, driver-initiated acceleration for a predefined time period, expiration of a predetermined time period, manual shutoff (e.g., via a switch or button), etc.

Abstract: When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle braking reaction distance, a plurality of trigger conditions (e.g., environmental parameters) are monitored. If one or more of the monitored parameters exceeds a predefined threshold, a trigger event is detected, and at least one of a braking reaction distance (BRD) and a following distance limit shape (FDLS) are adjusted. The BRD and FDLS adjustments may be predefined according to the type and/or magnitude of the trigger event. Trigger events may be weighted or prioritized such that higher priority trigger event types correspond to larger BRD reductions, etc. Monitored trigger conditions may include adverse weather, dangerous road terrain or topography, high traffic density, erratic forward vehicle behavior, and the like.

Abstract: When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle braking reaction distance, a following distance limit shape (FDLS) is defined using a lateral offset function, and a lateral offset of a forward vehicle is detected and analyzed. If the vehicle has a lateral offset greater than a lateral offset defined by the lateral offset function, deceleration requests from an engine controller are limited to requesting deceleration by an engine retarder and/or a dethrottling module. If the lateral offset of the forward vehicle is less than a lateral offset defined by the lateral offset function, foundation brakes may be requested. In other embodiments, road curvature is determined, and a braking reaction distance is reduced when the radius of curvature is smaller than a threshold curvature, in order to reduce false positive braking reactions triggered by, e.g., a forward vehicle on an exit ramp while the host vehicle remains on the highway.

Abstract: A control of a motor vehicle adaptive cruise control system in which a computer of the control system receives a set point speed value and information relating to the speed unit from an instrument panel computer via a CAN bus. The information relating to the speed unit received at the moment of activation of the cruise control system is stored in memory, and throughout the time for which the cruise control system is activated, any change in the information relating to the speed unit received by comparison with the information stored in memory is monitored. If need be, an information item relating to a speed unit fault is generated.

Abstract: A lane change assist system is comprised of a host vehicle state detecting device that detects a host vehicle traveling condition, a surrounding vehicle detecting device that detects other vehicle located around the host vehicle, a lane detecting device that detects a lane around the host vehicle, and a processing unit. The processing unit is arranged to set a target lane, to determine a period of a lane change assist, to set a predicted period for an evaluation of a lane change to the target lane based on a prediction, to obtain an appropriate speed range during the predicted period for each gap, and to select a target vehicle speed from the appropriate speed range.

Abstract: A method of displaying a shot image on a car reverse video system is described, which is applicable for adjusting an image displaying angle of the car reverse video system with a fixed lens according to a distance from an obstacle. Firstly, a scene image behind the car is shot through using the lens. Then, a distance detector is activated to detect a distance from the obstacle behind the car. If the distance from the obstacle is smaller than a preset distance, a scaling ratio is set according to a ratio of the preset distance to the distance from the obstacle. Finally, according to the scaling ratio and a distance between each pixel in the scene image and a reference point, all pixel pitches are adjusted, such that the scene image is deformed, and thus achieving an effect of switching a viewing angle of the scene image.

Abstract: A method for regulating the velocity of a motor vehicle in a complex traffic situation is presented. The motor vehicle is equipped with a sensor system for recording the environment. In order to regulate the velocity, an at least partially covered object and/or at least one object on an adjacent lane is viewed.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a sensor configured to detect a rearward approaching object and at least one controller configured to cause the vehicle to accelerate in response to the sensor detecting a rearward approaching object while the vehicle is moving forward.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring a starting maneuver of a motor that includes, but is not limited to determining whether an object is detected by a first sensor of the motor vehicle. The first sensor is preferably an ultrasonic sensor that detects objects within a first detection area. The first detection area includes, but is not limited to a first sub-area of surroundings of the motor vehicle that lies in a driving direction. If an object is detected by the the first sensor, the degree of probability of a collision between the object detected by the first sensor and the motor vehicle in case of a starting maneuver of the motor vehicle is determined. If the determined degree of collision probability exceeds a first predefined threshold value, the starting maneuver of the motor vehicle is at least temporarily interrupted.

Abstract: An anti-tailgating vehicle system includes a communication bus on a host vehicle, a forward vehicle sensor that senses a forward vehicle in front of the host vehicle, and an electronic control unit. The forward vehicle sensor transmits a forward vehicle message to the communication bus based on a distance to the forward vehicle. The electronic control unit receives the forward vehicle message from the communication bus and determines a relative speed between the host and forward vehicles based on the forward vehicle message. If the forward vehicle message indicates the host vehicle is not within a safe zone range relative to the forward vehicle while a host vehicle cruise control system is not engaged, the electronic control unit transmits a host vehicle control message to the communication bus for limiting a torque of the host vehicle.

Abstract: When a preceding vehicle in front of a host vehicle reduces speed, other vehicles between the preceding vehicle and a system-mounted vehicle successively reduces speed. An ECU and an ACC control the traveling of the system-mounted vehicle on the basis of prediction information of speed reduction propagation when the system-mounted vehicle reduces speed such that the system-mounted vehicle and an ordinary vehicle immediately in front of the system-mounted vehicle have a predetermined relative positional relationship. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the speed reduction propagation between the preceding vehicle and the system-mounted vehicle in advance, making it possible to more effectively suppress congestion.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus controlling a driving force or a braking force to be applied to a vehicle and conducting a vehicle control based on wheel speeds includes a detecting means detecting the wheel speed of each wheel provided at the vehicle, a storing means storing a predetermined valid wheel speed for each wheel, a determining means determining whether a difference between the detected wheel speed and a maximum wheel speed of the wheel speeds lies in a predetermined range, and an updating means updating the valid wheel speed based on the detected wheel speed of the wheel, when the detected wheel speed is lower than the predetermined valid wheel speed which is currently stored, in case that a result determined by the determining means is positive.

Abstract: In a vehicle control apparatus employing a first speed self-adjustment control system configured to control a speed of a host vehicle based on a first command value, in a manner so as to maintain a distance of the host vehicle from a preceding vehicle or to maintain a set speed, a second speed self-adjustment control system is provided for controlling the host vehicle's speed based on a second command value determined based on information about a lateral acceleration acting on the host vehicle. Also provided is a deceleration selector configured to select either one of the first and second command values, which selected command value produces a greater deceleration exerted on the host vehicle. A control unit is configured to control the host vehicle's speed by driving an actuator based on the selected command value.

Abstract: A travel controller which controls the travel of a subject vehicle based on a distance to and a relative speed with respect to a control object determined by a control object determiner. If stoppage of the subject vehicle by a decelerating operation of a driver is detected by a manual stoppage detector and a comparator determines that a distance to the object in or on a travel locus is equal to or larger than a determination threshold value, the comparator excludes the object from being considered as a control object.

Abstract: A driver assistance system includes a sensor for sensing the speed of a first vehicle equipped with the system, a sensor for detecting a vehicle traveling ahead, a sensor for determining the speed of the vehicle ahead, at least one driving-data sensor for sensing driving data characteristics, and an electronic controller programmed to trigger autonomous braking of the first vehicle when predetermined brake-trigger driving data exist, and to end the autonomous braking when predetermined driving data for terminating braking exist. In effecting termination of autonomous braking, the electronic controller is programmed to determine whether the sensor for detecting vehicles ahead is transmitting signals (i.e., is operational) but is not detecting any vehicle traveling ahead, and, if the sensor is operational and no vehicle traveling ahead is detected, to terminate autonomous braking when the speed of the first vehicle is less than the most recently determined speed of the vehicle ahead.

Abstract: A system and method for a host vehicle for generating distance between a host vehicle and a target object traveling 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, distance data is set to correspond to a measured distance value, velocity data is set to correspond to a value based on a measured value of the relative velocity of the target object and the velocity of the host vehicle, and stored. When the target object ceases to be detectable when the host vehicle is traveling in a curve, a value of the distance between the host vehicle and the target object is repeatedly estimated based on latest distance and velocity data stored and the velocity of the host vehicle, whereupon the distance data is set to correspond to the estimated value and stored.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention for conducting a distributed power train operation, comprises a controller at the remote unit for issuing commands to control the operation of the remote unit on a track, and responsive to a communication loss between the lead unit and the remote unit. A memory, accessible by the controller, comprises data relative to a track profile including a plurality of geographical coordinates of the track and data relative to one or more throttle positions or braking operations for the remote unit that are associated with the geographical coordinates. The controller receives data relative to geographical coordinates of the remote unit and upon a detection of the communication loss, the controller compares the geographical coordinates of the remote unit to the track profile geographical coordinates and issues one more commands associated with the operation of the remote unit.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system installed within a vehicle operable to monitor the perimeter of vehicle and provide notification of objects within a defined range so as to alert the driver of the vehicle of a probable collision. The vehicle safety system includes a plurality of transceivers that are circumferentially mounted around the vehicle that function to provide detection of another object. A brake actuator is further included wherein the brake actuator is operable to engage the braking system of the vehicle upon the condition of the vehicle approaching an object within its perimeter and it has been calculated by the controller of the vehicle safety system that a collision with the object is probable. A warning light is further included to provide visual notification to a second vehicle that is generally rearward of the vehicle wherein the warning light is illuminated in a flashing sequence so as to provide visual notification of the second vehicle being too proximate the vehicle.

Abstract: A control apparatus controlling anteroposterior acceleration of a vehicle by controlling a motive power generation apparatus mounted on the vehicle, which is also provided with a staged transmission apparatus that operates on gear ratios. The motive power generation apparatus has an output shaft producing a rotation force in response to a command to be requested. The rotation force is transmitted to the drive wheels via the staged transmission apparatus. A feedback manipulated variable is calculated to control the production of the rotation force of the motive power generation apparatus so that an actual value of anteroposterior acceleration of the vehicle is controlled at a target value thereof. The calculated feedback manipulated variable is used as the command. When the staged transmission apparatus is in the switchover control of the gear ratios, the manipulated variable is is limited from being calculated (for example, stopped from being calculated).

Abstract: When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle following distance, a forward vehicle is detected using one or both of a radar sensor (14) and a camera sensor (82). The radar sensor classifies the forward vehicle as a motorcycle, passenger car, or heavy vehicle by comparing a detected radar signature to reference radar signatures for different vehicles. The camera sensor classifies the forward vehicle as a motorcycle, passenger car, or heavy vehicle by comparing a captured vehicle image to reference pixel and contrast profiles (PCPs) for different vehicles. An adaptive cruise control (ACC) module (12) selects and implements a following distance alert (FDA) protocol for the classified vehicle, where the FDA protocol prescribes following distance limits that inversely proportional to the size of the forward vehicle. Following distance limits can be further adjusted as a function of host vehicle mass.

Abstract: The amount of traffic on the road is greatly affected by both an inter-vehicle distance and a vehicle speed. When the amount of traffic increases and is more than a threshold value, an ECU and an ACC control the inter-vehicle distance and the vehicle speed such that the amount of traffic is a predetermined value equal to or more than the threshold value. In this way, it is possible to effectively suppress traffic congestion.

Abstract: An ECU of a vehicle control device selects a system-mounted vehicle traveling ahead of a system-mounted vehicle as a cooperating vehicle and controls the inter-vehicle distance between the selected system-mounted vehicle and the system-mounted vehicle, or the like to control the traffic volume of a road in the vicinity of the system-mounted vehicles, such that traffic jams can be prevented effectively as compared with a case where the system-mounted vehicle performs travel control independently.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between a host vehicle and a preceding obstacle. Then, the system performs a driver notification operation that produces a driver notification stimulus based on the risk potential such as decreasing the driving force exerted against the vehicle as the risk potential increases and increasing an actuation reaction force exerted on the accelerator pedal during its operation as the risk potential increases. If a failure is detected in a reaction force generating device serving to add a reaction force to the accelerator pedal in accordance with the risk potential, then the system corrects an engine torque characteristic such that the engine torque does not increase even if the accelerator pedal is depressed to suppress an odd feeling in the vehicle performance by the driver when a failure occurs in the reaction force generating device.

Abstract: A wireless/automated method and system of synchronizing the speed and acceleration/deceleration of an unlimited number of preceding/trailing vehicles, to achieve ‘mechanical like’ coupling, comparable to railroad cars. This includes wireless transmitting of the speed and notification of acceleration/deceleration of a preceding vehicle to a trailing vehicle, automated response to the speed and acceleration/deceleration of a preceding vehicle by a trailing vehicle so that the trailing vehicle accelerates/decelerates in near simultaneous synchronization with the preceding vehicle, and alerting the driver to automated vehicle acceleration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle speed control device includes an electronic control unit (ECU). A forward vehicle sensor, electrically communicating with the ECU, generates a forward vehicle signal as a function of whether a forward vehicle is detected. The forward vehicle signal indicates a speed and a distance to the forward vehicle. A speed sensor, electrically communicating with the ECU, senses a driven vehicle speed. Control logic, electrically communicating with the ECU and the forward vehicle sensor, controls the driven vehicle speed as a function of a driven vehicle acceleration and the forward vehicle signal. The control logic sets a fault status as a function of the driven vehicle acceleration and the forward vehicle signal.