LOST TARGET FUNCTION FOR ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
First Claim
1. An adaptive cruise control system for a user vehicle, the system comprising:
- a target vehicle sensor operable to detect a target vehicle; and
an adaptive cruise control unit coupled to the target vehicle sensor and including a timer module,wherein the adaptive cruise control unit is operable to control a velocity of the user vehicle in at least a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode, andin the normal mode, the adaptive cruise control unit outputs signals to control the velocity of the user vehicle to maintain a user-set velocity,in the following mode, the adaptive cruise control unit outputs signals to control the velocity of the user vehicle to maintain a particular distance from the target vehicle, andin the lost target mode, which is entered upon the adaptive cruise control unit no longer detecting the target vehicle, the adaptive cruise control unit maintains a current velocity level for a delay time using the timer module.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An adaptive cruise control system for a user vehicle, the system comprising:
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a target vehicle sensor operable to detect a target vehicle; and an adaptive cruise control unit coupled to the target vehicle sensor and including a timer module, wherein the adaptive cruise control unit is operable to control a velocity of the user vehicle in at least a normal mode, a following mode, and a lost target mode, and in the normal mode, the adaptive cruise control unit outputs signals to control the velocity of the user vehicle to maintain a user-set velocity, in the following mode, the adaptive cruise control unit outputs signals to control the velocity of the user vehicle to maintain a particular distance from the target vehicle, and in the lost target mode, which is entered upon the adaptive cruise control unit no longer detecting the target vehicle, the adaptive cruise control unit maintains a current velocity level for a delay time using the timer module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An adaptive cruise control method for vehicles, the method comprising:
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outputting control signals to a velocity controller to maintain a user vehicle at a set velocity in a first mode of an adaptive cruise control; detecting a target vehicle and, in response, switching the adaptive cruise control from the first mode to a second mode; outputting control signals to the velocity controller to maintain the user vehicle at a set distance from the target vehicle in the second mode of the adaptive cruise control; ceasing to detect the target vehicle and, in response, switching the adaptive cruise control from the second mode to a third mode; setting a lost target timer with a delay time; outputting control signals to the velocity controller to maintain a current velocity of the user vehicle until the lost target timer indicates that the delay time elapsed. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An adaptive cruise control unit for a user vehicle comprising:
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a microcontroller operable to detect a target vehicle; a speed module operable to indicate to the microcontroller whether a velocity of the user vehicle is within a range of a user-set velocity; a distance module operable to indicate to the microcontroller whether a distance between the user vehicle and the target vehicle is within a predetermined range; and a timer module operable to indicate to the microcontroller that a delay time has elapsed; wherein the microcontroller is operable to determine that the target vehicle is no longer detected, in response to determining the target vehicle is no longer detected, control the timer module to start a delay timer and maintain the velocity of the user vehicle at a current level; upon receiving an indication that the delay time has elapsed from the timer module, adjust the velocity of the user vehicle to be within the range of the user-set velocity. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification