Vehicle control apparatus
US9043092B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/021
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle control apparatus capable of automatic steering control while reducing discomfort or stress on vehicle occupants. In the apparatus, a lane detection unit detects a lane in which the vehicle is traveling. An offset setting unit sets an offset within the lane suitable for making a driver feel less stressed. An occupant detection unit detects the presence of a designated occupant of a seat opposite a driver's seat. An offset adjustment unit, when the designated occupant is detected, adjusts the offset set by the offset setting unit to be decreased. A vehicle-path estimation unit estimates a vehicle path in the lane such that the vehicle can travel along the vehicle path from a current lateral position to a target lateral position of the vehicle. An automatic steering control unit automatically controls steering so that the vehicle travels along the estimated vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.