Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicular adaptive cruise control system and method that can adapt in real-time to tire and road conditions, vehicular weight, dynamics of the host vehicle, as well as other factors, to offer improved collision avoidance and warning.

Abstract: The automatic vehicle braking device is equipped with a braking force control processing portion which, based on the judgment result of a collision judgment processing portion and the judgment result of a steering avoidance judgment processing portion, imparts a turning property in a direction of head-on collision to the vehicle when the lateral position of the obstacle with respect to a travel route curve is large in a condition in which the driver is unconscious of a high possibility of collision between the vehicle and the obstacle and has taken no steering avoidance action yet. As a result, it is possible to reduce the speed of the vehicle and, at the same time, mitigate the damage suffered by the vehicle occupants at the time of collision.

Abstract: A driving assistance system for regulating an operation of a vehicle in a discrete manner according to different ranges of risk potentials associated with the vehicle, such that different risk potentials in different ranges are conveyed to the driver in a different and discrete manner. The system includes a device for calculating a risk potential associated with the vehicle, and a data processor for regulating an operation of the vehicle, such as a reaction force applied to the acceleration pedal, based on a control parameter assuming one of a plurality of values according to the calculated risk potential associated with the vehicle, wherein each of the values is assigned to one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of risk potentials.

Abstract: Even when main brakes are released after auxiliary brakes are operated, a kickback applied to a vehicle body can be made small in order to obtain a riding comfort. When auxiliary brakes 17 perform a braking operation while a vehicle is being stopped by a braking operation of main brakes 10, a VDC_ECU 2 rapidly reduces a target brake fluid pressure Pbf to a first fluid pressure value Pbf1 that can maintain a stop condition of the vehicle (S11 to S13), and then, gradually reduces the target brake fluid pressure Pbf before releasing the braking operation of the main brakes 10 (S14). Since the brake fluid pressure is gradually reduced when the target brake fluid pressure Pbf becomes equal to or lower than the first fluid pressure value Pbf1, a kickback applied to the vehicle can be reduced, comparing to a conventional technology in which the pressure is rapidly reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle surroundings monitoring apparatus, comprises frontal information detecting means for detecting solid object information in front of an own vehicle, preceding vehicle recognizing means for recognizing a preceding vehicle based on the solid object information, traveling path estimating means for estimating a traveling path of the own vehicle, first evacuation possibility judging means for judging a first possibility of relative evacuation between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle according to positions of the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle, second evacuation possibility judging means for judging a second possibility of relative evacuation between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle according to information of solid objects other than the preceding vehicle, and preceding vehicle evacuation possibility judging means for judging a final possibility of relative evacuation between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle based on the first possibility and the second possibility.

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.

Abstract: A start assist system for motor vehicles, including a long-range locating system for determining the location of vehicles traveling ahead and a starting regulator for initiating and controlling a starting operation, wherein the locating system is combined with a near-range locating system for determining the location of objects directly ahead of the host vehicle and a decision unit is designed to suppress the starting operation in response to a signal from the near-range locating system.

Abstract: The method and system use onboard data stream mining for extracting data patterns from data continuously generated by different components of a vehicle. The system stores the data patterns in an onboard micro database and discards the data. The system uses a resource-constrained, small, lightweight onboard data stream management processor, with onboard data stream mining, an onboard micro database, and a privacy-preserving communication module, which periodically and upon request communicates stored data patterns to a remote control center. The control center uses the data patterns to characterize the typical and unusual vehicle health, driving and fleet behavior.

Abstract: Driving assisting systems and methods that regulate a reaction force applied to an accelerator pedal based on risk potential, estimated driver's intention and necessity for acceleration, in response to an estimated driver's intention being a predetermined type of intention.

Abstract: An existence probability of an image object based on an image taken by a stereo camera 2 is calculated by an image object existence probability calculating portion 11, an existence probability of a millimeter wave object based on an output of a millimeter wave radar 3 is calculated by a millimeter wave object existence probability calculating portion 12, and an existence probability of a laser object based on an output of a laser radar 4 is calculated by a laser object existence probability calculating portion 13.

Abstract: A merge support system includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit for detecting a position and a speed of an approaching vehicle in a traffic on a main lane and a position and a speed of a subject vehicle, an information provision unit for providing information for a driver of the subject vehicle and a control unit for calculating a merge speed of the subject vehicle relative to the traffic on the main lane and a merge position relative to the traffic on the main lane. The control unit calculates the merge speed and the merge position on the main lane based on the position and the speed of the approaching vehicle and the subject vehicle, and the control unit controls the information provision unit for providing a calculation result of the merge speed and the merge position for the driver of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A speed controller for motor vehicles having an input device for the input of a desired speed Vset by the driver, and having a plurality of operating modes which are able to be activated in different speed ranges and differ in their functional scope. A change in the operating mode, which results in the loss of a safety-relevant function, is provided or enabled by a command of the driver, characterized by a decision unit, which, in the light of predefined criteria, determines whether a change in the desired speed Vset, which is input by the driver, is to be interpreted as a command for changing the operating mode.

Abstract: A guide system terminal device is provided to facilitate group operation vehicles. The guide system terminal device has a transceiver that receives the traveling environment information from another vehicle, such as for the turn signal, vehicle speed, running position, a road change judgment module that judges course changes by the other vehicle based on the traveling environment information of the other vehicle, and a user interface that outputs the judgment result obtained by road change judgment module. For example, the road change judgment module judges a left/right turn to have occurred when the blinker information acquired by turn signal sensor lasts longer than a prescribed time, and when the maximum value of the change in vehicle speed exceeds a prescribed level.

Abstract: An automotive lane deviation prevention (LDP) apparatus includes a control unit detecting whether a host vehicle is in a specific state where the host vehicle is traveling on road-surface irregularities formed on or close to a lane marking line. The control unit actively decelerates the host vehicle when the host vehicle is in the specific state where the host vehicle is traveling on the road-surface irregularities.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for controlling a vehicle on a chassis dynamometer is comprised of a controller which is arranged to receive a vehicle speed command, to obtain an anticipated vehicle speed command from the vehicle speed command taking account of a delay factor of a control system of the vehicle, to calculate a driving force a driving force command from the anticipated vehicle speed command, to obtain an accelerator opening command from a previously stored driving force characteristic map based on the driving force command and a detected vehicle speed, and to control an accelerator opening of the vehicle according to the accelerator opening command so as to adjust the detected vehicle at the vehicle speed command.

Abstract: A driving assisting system for assisting a driver in operating a vehicle. The system includes a detection assembly configured to obtain environment information related to an environment around the vehicle. A risk potential calculation device is provided to calculate risk potential associated with the vehicle based on the environment information. A controller causes a reaction force determined based on the calculated risk potential to be transmitted to the driver via an operator controlled input device in response to the calculated risk potential being a first type of risk potential, and causes a pressure force determined based on the calculated risk potential to be transmitted to the driver via equipment of the vehicle in response to the calculated risk potential being a second type of risk potential. The operator controlled input device is used by the driver to control the driving of the vehicle, and the equipment is different from the operator controlled input device.

Abstract: The present invention can realize a vehicle running control apparatus including ACC function and map information data recording medium to obtain effective information for safety driving capable for running control meeting a driver's feeling. The first running speed is decided on the basis of the distance between the vehicles and the relative speed. The position detecting means detects the position of own vehicle on a map. The map information getting means gets road information, the width of the road, the radius of curvature, and slope on the basis of the map information. The visible distance estimating means estimates the visible distance on the basis of the map information, deciding the second running safety speed with the estimated visible distance. The running control means decides the object running speed of smallest one of the set speed, the first running speed, and the second running speed.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal operation condition detecting section detects an operation condition of the accelerator pedal, a brake pedal operation condition detecting section detects an operation condition of the brake pedal; an inter-vehicular distance detecting section detects a distance between an own-vehicle and a forward-vehicle and a speed control section controls a speed of the own-vehicle. A control unit is configured to keep a relative positional relation between the own-vehicle and the forward-vehicle when the detected inter-vehicular distance is smaller than a predetermined reference inter-vehicular distance and the operation condition detected by the accelerator pedal operation condition detecting section and the brake pedal operation condition detecting section indicates a predetermined operation condition.

Abstract: A recharging trailer for applying electrical energy to an electric vehicle has an electrical power coupling. The recharging trailer includes a trailer frame configured to be coupled to the electronic vehicle. An electrical generation unit is disposed on the trailer and is configured generate electrical power. The electrical generation unit is also configured to be electrically coupled to the electrical power coupling of the electric vehicle. A trailer propulsion unit is configured to propel the trailer while the electrical vehicle is moving so that the trailer moves without applying a substantial load to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for providing assistance during a passing maneuver of a motor vehicle having an adaptive cruise control device, the following method steps are used: a preceding object is ascertained as a target object, a distance of the motor vehicle to the target object is ascertained, a relative velocity between the motor vehicle and the target object is ascertained, and a plausibility check corridor is narrowed as a function of the distance and the relative velocity.

Abstract: A disclosed inter-vehicle distance control apparatus for controlling an inter-vehicle distance between a present vehicle equipped with this apparatus and a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the present vehicle changes a target deceleration of the present vehicle and/or a deceleration gradient of the present vehicle, with which the deceleration reaches the target deceleration of the present vehicle, between when the present vehicle is under a first deceleration condition in which the present vehicle decelerates under the circumstance where the inter-vehicle distance between the present vehicle and the preceding vehicle is relatively short and when the present vehicle is under a second deceleration condition in which the present vehicle decelerates under the circumstance where the inter-vehicle distance is relatively long.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle to follow a preceding vehicle. A stop-holding device maintains a stopped state automatically when the vehicle is stopped, and the stop-holding device is in an enabled state or a disabled state. A control state for following the preceding vehicle is changed, at least in part, according to a set state of the stop-holding device.

Abstract: A driving support apparatus, which supports a driving operation of a vehicle by an operator by capturing a view around the vehicle and by displaying the captured view on at least a display device provided inside a cabin of the vehicle, and includes: a target spot setting device for setting a target spot that is a position to which the operator attempts to direct the vehicle; a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the vehicle and the target spot; a speed measuring device for measuring a traveling speed of the vehicle; and a speed controlling device for controlling the traveling speed of the vehicle so as not to exceed a speed predetermined in accordance with the distance between the vehicle and the target spot.

Abstract: A distance measuring system and method employing a laser distance sensor may have utility in various applications. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a laser distance sensor may acquire accurate distance measurements with a short baseline.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling vehicle speed, including a processor. In one embodiment, the processor includes logic to automatically determine whether a first local required speed is greater than a second local required speed, and only if the first local required speed is greater than the second local required speed, automatically initiate output of a signal to a vehicle speed controller to change vehicle speed to a new set vehicle speed. In another embodiment, the processor includes logic to automatically determine a new set vehicle speed based at least on a change in local required speed and a current set vehicle speed, and only if the current set vehicle speed is greater than the determined new set vehicle speed, automatically initiate output of a signal to a vehicle speed controller to change vehicle speed to the determined new set vehicle speed.

Abstract: An inter-vehicle communication control system, inter-vehicle communication control method, an on-vehicle communication system and a communication state display, usable in an inter-vehicle communication control system, and on-vehicle communication and communication state display methods that enable on-vehicle communication devices to perform inter-vehicle communication, to reduce or prevent collision or intervention with other inter-vehicle communication or road-vehicle communication.

Abstract: On the basis of headway distance information issued from a headway distance detecting device for detecting a headway distance between a controlled vehicle and a preceding vehicle and terrain shape information issued from a terrain shape estimating device for estimating a terrain shape around the position of the controlled vehicle, a terrain shape at a position spaced from the position of the controlled vehicle by the headway distance is detected, and the speed of the controlled vehicle is controlled according to the terrain shape information.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a vehicle while operating under a cruise control so as to improve response to driver braking operation and shorten the free running distance by applying a preliminary braking force to a braking device when a preceding vehicle can no longer be recognized during preceding vehicle following control. Basically, the method includes: detecting a preceding vehicle and an inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle from a host vehicle equipped with the vehicle driving control device; executing a preceding vehicle following control to control the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle towards a target inter-vehicle distance when the preceding vehicle has been recognized; and generating a preliminary braking force upon determination that no preceding vehicle can be recognized during the preceding vehicle following control performed in which the preceding vehicle was previously detected.

Abstract: A device for longitudinally guiding a motor vehicle includes a sensor system for locating preceding vehicles, a regulator that regulates the speed of the vehicle to a setpoint speed, either in a free driving mode or in a following driving mode, the setpoint speed depending on the distance from a preceding vehicle, as well as an interface to a navigation system that provides information concerning the route traveled, and a limiting device for limiting the setpoint speed based on the information provided. The limiting device is designed to deactivate automatically when changing from free driving mode to following driving mode and activate automatically when changing from following driving mode to free driving mode.

Abstract: An alarm device for a vehicle includes state information obtaining unit, alarm information obtaining unit, alarming unit, and controlling unit. The state information obtaining obtains as state information at least one of information of an occupant, information of the vehicle, and information of a surrounding of the vehicle. The alarm information obtaining unit obtains alarm information. The alarming unit informs the occupant of the alarm information. The controlling unit determines an expiration time of the alarm information based on the state information obtained by the state information obtaining unit when the controlling unit receives the alarm information from the alarm information obtaining unit, wherein the control unit causes the alarming unit to inform the occupant of the alarm information while the expiration time is valid.

Abstract: A distance measuring device in a vehicle is used for controlling a device located outside the vehicle. The controller causes a control signal to be emitted, the control signal being emitted by distance sensors located on the vehicle.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus is disclosed that displays a three-dimensional map including displays of a road and a three-dimensional building on a display unit. The image processing apparatus includes a managing unit that divides bearings into a predetermined number of bearing regions and manages identification information of a distant view pattern assigned to each of the bearing regions for each of a plurality of locations, an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the distant view pattern assigned to each of the bearing regions for a current location, and a depiction unit that depicts a background image behind a display area for displaying the road and the building based on the acquired identification information of the distant view pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distance control of the vehicle in question in relation to a vehicle driving ahead, which method is distinguished in that the vehicle in question is kept at a distance from a vehicle driving ahead by a drive torque (M) which is predefined by means of an accelerator pedal position (G) which is set by the driver.

Abstract: A method and controller for operating cruise control in a vehicle having an engine with active fuel management (AFM) is provided. Adaptive scaler values can be determined based on a cylinder deactivation signal and calibrated scaler values. Cruise control commands can be calculated based on the adaptive scaler values. A speed of the vehicle can be controlled based on the cruise control commands.

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: Systems and methods are provided to enhance the ability of a driver to safely slipstream a leading vehicle to realize a fuel economy benefit.

Abstract: Follow-up steering control is executed in a vehicle speed region where vehicle speed V0 is less than V1, and for a vehicle speed region to the higher speed side, a target yaw rate ?t for the vehicle is calculated depending on the current positions of a preceding vehicle and the vehicle, and a power steering instructed current value ic for following up the preceding vehicle is calculated based on the target yaw rate ?t and output to an electrical power steering control unit. On the other hand, for a vehicle speed region to the lower speed side, a target steering angle St for the vehicle is calculated depending on the current positions of the preceding vehicle and the vehicle, and a power steering instructed current value ic for following up the preceding vehicle is calculated based on the target steering angle St.

Abstract: A curve-travel target acceleration calculator calculates a curve-travel target acceleration. A first curve-travel target acceleration calculator calculates a first target acceleration corresponding to a gentle curve, and a second curve-travel target acceleration calculator calculates a second target acceleration corresponding to a sharp curve. The curve-travel target acceleration is set to the smaller of the first target acceleration and the second target acceleration. A follow-up target acceleration calculator calculates a follow-up target acceleration and a constant-speed target acceleration calculator calculates a constant-speed target acceleration. An arbitrator selects as a target acceleration the minimum out of the curve-travel target acceleration, the constant-speed target acceleration, and the follow-up target acceleration.

Abstract: An intelligent driving assistance system for used in a vehicle to convey information related to a future variation of a relative spatial relationship between the vehicle and an object, even before the actual variation occurs. The system includes a detector configured to detect a driving condition of the vehicle and a condition of an object in a field around the vehicle, and a data processor, in anticipation of a future decrease of a distance between the vehicle and the object, regulating a reaction force applied to a driver control device of the vehicle.

Abstract: In an automatic follow-up control, a traveling control unit calculates and sets target intervehicular time on the basis of own vehicle velocity and calculates target acceleration on the basis of an intervehicular distance between an own vehicle and a preceding vehicle, preceding vehicle velocity, the own vehicle velocity, and the target intervehicular time to perform automatic brake control, automatic acceleration control, and the like. The target intervehicular time is calculated and set according to a function of the own vehicle velocity. The function is set as a function of a tendency that, as the own vehicle velocity increases, the target intervehicular time decreases. The function has at least a term in which a first set value and a second set value are defined in advance, the own vehicle velocity is raised to the power of the second value and then multiplied by the first set value.

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: In a device for securing the standstill of a motor vehicle with a distance-related longitudinal dynamic control module, which is contained in at least one electronic control unit and by which the motor vehicle is decelerated down to a standstill while maintaining a defined distance from a target object, at least until reaching the standstill, a nominal brake torque is defined by the longitudinal dynamic control module for a brake control module. At a defined first time after a detected standstill of the motor vehicle, the longitudinal dynamic control module transmits a transfer signal to the brake control module. Thereupon, independently of the predefinition of a nominal brake torque by the longitudinal dynamic control module, the brake control module alone builds up and/or holds a wheel brake torque in the sense of a parking brake function.

Abstract: An image display system for use of a driver in a subject vehicle includes a look area detector for detecting a look area of the driver who watches a real leading vehicle on a transparent glass in a front of the driver and a control unit for controlling display of a transparent image on the transparent glass in the front of the driver for representing a virtual leading vehicle. When the look area detected by the look area detector overlaps at least a portion of the transparent image of the virtual leading vehicle displayed on the transparent glass, the control unit increases a degree of transparency of at least an overlapping portion of the transparent image of the virtual leading vehicle relative to a non-overlapping portion of the transparent image of the virtual leading vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device, which is in one hand implemented as a man-machine system in which the operations are shared such that a driver takes in charge of an inter-vehicle distance and speed control, while on the other hand a quantity of controls for stabilizing the inter-vehicle distance sequence is calculated automatically and additionally incorporated by the addition in respective vehicles. The stabilization of the inter-vehicle distance can be realized by employing the distributed control method in which a set of acceleration and deceleration information from a vehicle traveling ahead is appropriately integrated and transmitted in relay to a following vehicle. This enables the stabilization of the inter-vehicle distance sequence without requiring the inter-vehicle distance measurement in itself and the easy installation of equipment, and realizes a method in which safety is ensured by allowing the driver to still take charge of a local control.

Abstract: A driving support target braking/driving force is calculated by a driving support electronic controller, and transmitted to a first arbiter of a driving force control electronic controller. A vehicle driver requested target braking/driving force and the driving support target braking/driving force are arbitrated by the first arbiter, whereby a vehicle total target braking/driving force is calculated, and the vehicle total target braking/driving force is distributed to a vehicle target driving force and a vehicle target braking force by a braking/driving force distributor. A final target driving force is calculated by a second arbiter on the basis of the target driving force, and a driver requested braking force and the target braking force are arbitrated by an arbiter of a braking force control electronic controller, whereby a vehicle total target braking force is calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for automatically monitoring a motor vehicle, especially for automatically monitoring a vehicle (E) in a traffic jam. Said system comprises at least one sensor (2) for monitoring the space in front of the vehicle (E), and an electronic regulating device for regulating travel, braking and steering. According to the invention, said sensor is designed in such a way that it detects the movement of a vehicle (A) changing lanes in front of vehicle (E). The control of the vehicle is returned to the driver, or the driver is requested to regain control of the vehicle, when motor vehicle (E) shows a desire to follow the lane change of vehicle (A), and when it is determined, by means of the signals of the lateral sensor (8, 10), that during the monitoring, vehicle (E) is not at a sufficiently safe distance from a vehicle (B) detected by the lateral sensor. One such system for automatically monitoring a motor vehicle thus increases road safety in a simple manner.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise controller having dynamics matching as a function of the situation includes an identification device for identifying various predefined categories of single-file driving situations, and for selecting a dynamic profile matched to the situation identified.

Abstract: A cruise control system includes: a traffic condition acquisition unit that acquires a traffic condition that includes a vehicle density on a road on which a vehicle runs; and a cruise control unit that performs cruise control on the vehicle so that a following distance has a less tendency to decrease as the road gets busier.

Abstract: When it is judged that a possible collision of the own vehicle with a preceding vehicle is avoidable by operation of either one of the brake pedal and steering wheel, a first grade braking force is automatically produced. While, when it is judged that the possible collision is unavoidable by operation of either of the brake pedal and steering wheel, a second grade braking force is automatically produced, which is greater than the first grade braking force.

Abstract: A vehicle information processing system 100 conducts wireless communications between a preceding vehicle 200 and a succeeding vehicle 201, and exhibits information on a winker operation of the preceding vehicle 200 to a driver of the succeeding vehicle 201, and includes vehicle-mounted apparatuses 1 in the preceding and succeeding vehicles, of which one 1 in the preceding vehicle 200 wirelessly transmits information on a winker operation of the preceding vehicle, and the other 1 in the succeed vehicle 201 receives the wirelessly transmitted information on the winker state, and exhibits same to a driver of the succeeding vehicle 201, while the apparatus 1 in the succeeding vehicle 201 estimates a relationship between the preceding vehicle 200 and the succeeding vehicle 201, judges whether an exhibition liming of the information on the winker state is to be hastened or delayed based on an estimation result, and exhibits the information on the winker state at the judged timing.