Device for controlling distance

US6789637B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Robert Bosch GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Hermann Winner · Bietigheim, DE
• Ralph Lauxmann · Ditzingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 14, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 23, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S2013/9325
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The device ascertains a setpoint distance or a setpoint time gap with respect to a vehicle driving ahead as a function of the traveling speed, the distance control taking a minimum distance or a minimum time gap, specifiable by the driver, into consideration when determining the setpoint distance or the setpoint time gap. Since the driver's impression of distance is dependent on the visibility at the moment, in response to poor visibility (bad weather, darkness), the distance control increases the setpoint distance or the setpoint time gap ascertained for normal visibility.