Eaton-vorad Technologies, L.l.c.

Eaton Corporation

Shubhayu Chakraborty

William J Mack

A method for implementing an intelligent cruise control using standard engine control modes includes determining the distance and closing rate relative to a forward object or vehicle and using this information to implement a distance control mode and a speed control mode. The distance control mode maintains a selectable headway range relative to a forward object or vehicle and may include accelerating the vehicle or decelerating the vehicle by defueling, engaging an engine brake, or downshifting the transmission when engine speed permits. The speed control mode maintains a selectable cruising speed if no target vehicle is detected. This cruising speed set point also functions as an upper limit while in the distance control mode. The system and method effect the intelligent cruise control functions utilizing control logic external to the electronic engine control module utilizing the engine speed control mode or engine speed and torque limiting control mode of SAE J1922 or SAE J1939 standards. Alternatively, a cruise control limit speed may be broadcast via SAE J1587 to reduce the vehicle speed upon approaching a forward vehicle so as to reduce the need for driver intervention. The invention may periodically switch between engine control modes to avoid any control mode timeout imposed by some engine manufacturers.

System and method for intelligent cruise control using standard engine

A system and method for implementing an intelligent cruise control using standard engine control modes includes a distance sensor to determine the distance and closing rate relative to a forward vehicle and use this information to implement a distance control mode and a speed control mode. The distance control mode maintains a selectable headway range relative to a forward vehicle and may include accelerating the vehicle or decelerating the vehicle by defueling, engaging an engine brake, or downshifting the transmission when engine speed permits. The speed control mode maintains a selectable cruising speed if no target vehicle is detected. This cruising speed set point also functions as an upper limit while in the distance control mode. The system and method effect the intelligent cruise control functions utilizing control logic external to the electronic engine control module utilizing the engine speed control mode or engine speed and torque limiting control mode of SAE J1922 or SAE J1939 standards. Alternatively, a cruise control limit speed may be broadcast via SAE J1587 to reduce the vehicle speed upon approaching a forward vehicle so as to reduce the need for driver intervention. The invention may periodically switch between engine control modes to avoid any control mode timeout imposed by some engine manufacturers.

A system and method for collision warning utilize a sensor to determine an inter-vehicle distance and/or closing rate relative to a forward vehicle. A predicted vehicle road load is determined using a predetermined number of previous road load values which is then utilized to determine whether the vehicle has sufficient deceleration capability so as to avoid a collision without operator intervention. The vehicle road load accounts for various forces both internal and external to the vehicle which resist forward motion including those due to gravity and aerodynamic drag, and those provided by an engine retarder or downshifting of an automatic transmission. The present invention thus avoids spurious collision indications.

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Wixom, MI, United States of America

Shubhayu Chakraborty