ACC extended mode operation
First Claim
1. An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system that remains in an operational state during inactivity of an associated set speed cruise control (SSCC) system, including:
- an ACC system in a first vehicle that detects at least one braking initiation condition, and decelerates the first vehicle in response to the at least one braking initiation condition;
wherein the ACC receives a signal indicative of a SSCC system being deactivated upon initiation of a deceleration event, and continues to operate in an extended mode of operation during the deceleration event;
a processor that detects an ACC shutoff trigger eventwherein the ACC system continues to operate at least until the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected; and
wherein the ACC system continues to operate after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event until completion of the deceleration event, if the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected during the deceleration event.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
37 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system that remains in an operational state during inactivity of an associated set speed cruise control (SSCC) system, including:
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an ACC system in a first vehicle that detects at least one braking initiation condition, and decelerates the first vehicle in response to the at least one braking initiation condition; wherein the ACC receives a signal indicative of a SSCC system being deactivated upon initiation of a deceleration event, and continues to operate in an extended mode of operation during the deceleration event; a processor that detects an ACC shutoff trigger event wherein the ACC system continues to operate at least until the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected; and wherein the ACC system continues to operate after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event until completion of the deceleration event, if the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected during the deceleration event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for maintaining adaptive cruise control (ACC) operation after set-speed cruise control (SSCC) deactivation, including:
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determining whether a SSCC system is active in a primary vehicle; activating the ACC system upon a determination that SSCC is active, to maintain the primary vehicle at a predetermined interval behind a forward vehicle; and maintaining the ACC system in an ON state, regardless of SSCC system deactivation, at least until an ACC shutoff trigger event is detected by a processor; continuing to operate the ACC system after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event until completion of a deceleration event, when the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected during the deceleration event. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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16. An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system with extended mode operation, including:
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a sensor that detects the position of a forward vehicle relative to a primary vehicle in which the sensor is installed; and a processor that; receives a measurement signal from the sensor indicating a distance between the primary vehicle and the forward vehicle; transmits a command signal to a braking system that maintains the primary vehicle outside of a predetermined time window behind the forward vehicle; detects an ACC shutoff trigger event; maintains the ACC system in an ON state, regardless of deactivation of a SSCC system in the primary vehicle, at least until the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected; wherein the ACC system continues to operate after detection of the ACC shutoff trigger event until completion of a deceleration event, wherein the ACC shutoff trigger event is detected during the deceleration event. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification