The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 27, 1996
Filed:
Feb. 16, 1994
Simon P Gilling, Milton Keynes, GB;
Douglas Ponsford, Coventry, GB;
Reza Shokoufandeh, Coventry, GB;
Lucas Industries Public Limited Company, Solihull, GB;
Abstract
A vehicle cruise controller is provided which monitors the range to and relative speed of a target vehicle ahead of the vehicle being controlled by the cruise controller. A radar provides measurements of range and relative speed. The range measurement is compared by a subtracter with a desired range which is a function of vehicle speed, so as to form a distance error. The relative speed signal represents a speed error. An acceleration demand is formed as a function, for example, a weighted sum, of the distance and speed errors. More significance is given to the distance error when the target is relatively close. This is achieved by varying the gain of a multiplier. The acceleration demand may be supplied to vehicle brake and drive systems, but preferably the acceleration demand is compared with actual vehicle acceleration to provide the advantages of closed loop control.