Method and system for controlling vehicle deceleration in an adaptive speed control system based on vehicle speed

• US 20020038176A1
• Filed: 11/26/2001
• Published: 03/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SeeSaw Foundation
• Original Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies Incorporated (Visteon Corporation)
• Inventors: Rahalm, Sam G., Sielagoski, Gerald L., Friedrich, Mark Peter
• Granted Patent: US 6,604,043 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/96
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 31/0008 including means for detecting potential obstacles in vehicle path
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2201/02 Active or adaptive cruise control system; Distance control
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2720/106 Longitudinal acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/16 Control of distance between vehicles, e.g. keeping a distance to preceding vehicle

Abstract

In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for controlling vehicle deceleration are provided. The method includes determining a speed of the vehicle, and setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed determined. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving an input signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed.

Claims

1. In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method for controlling vehicle deceleration, the method comprising:

determining a speed of the vehicle; and

setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed determined.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed includes adjusting the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration in an inverse relationship to the vehicle speed.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein adjusting the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration comprises decreasing the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration as the vehicle speed increases.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein adjusting the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration comprises increasing the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration as the vehicle speed decreases.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is capable of varying continuously.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is capable of varying in a range between about 0.2 g and about 0.3 g.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is an exponential function of the vehicle speed.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is defined by the equation:

MAXDECEL=0.2+160/(VEHSPD+40)²,

where MAXDECEL is the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration, and VEHSPD is the vehicle speed.

9. In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a system for controlling vehicle deceleration, the system comprising:

a receiver capable of receiving an input signal indicative of a speed of the vehicle; and

a controller capable of setting a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein, to set a maximum allowed vehicle deceleration based on the vehicle speed, the controller is capable of adjusting the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration in an inverse relationship to the vehicle speed.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein, to adjust the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration, the controller is capable of decreasing the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration as the vehicle speed increases.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein, to adjust the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration, the controller is capable of increasing the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration as the vehicle speed decreases.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is capable of varying continuously.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is capable of varying in a range between about 0.2 g and about 0.3 g.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is an exponential function of the vehicle speed.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration is defined by the equation:

MAXDECEL=0.2+160/VEHSPD+40)²,

where MAXDECEL is the maximum allowed vehicle deceleration, and VEHSPD is the vehicle speed.