Method and device for assisting a lane change of a vehicle

US8543310B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Amin Kashi · Dearborn, US
• Anders Grauers · Partille, SE
• Pradeep Nold · Cologne, DE
• Stefan Kappes · Pulheim, DE
• Maciej Bak · Cologne, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 14, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 24, 2013
• Expiry date: Sep 21, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W2720/106
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for operating an automatic speed control system of an automotive vehicle. Initially, in a normal follow mode, a setpoint distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle is set to a first value d1, and a setpoint vehicle acceleration is into a first value a1. Upon detection of an intention of the vehicle driver to overtake the preceding vehicle (such as switching on a turn indicator), the setpoint distance is reset to a second value d2 that is smaller than d1. The setpoint acceleration may be reset to a second value a2 greater than a1 simultaneously, or the second value a2 may be set upon detection of initiation of a lane change into an overtaking lane (such as turning a steering wheel). The method assists the driver during the execution of an overtaking process, and a safer, more comfortable and free-flowing sequence of the overtaking process is ensured.