AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING VEHICLE SPEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH A SET-SPEED

摘要

A method of operating an automatic speed control system of a vehicle in accordance with a set-speed. The method comprises receiving electrical signal(s) representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake command to slow the vehicle to a stop, and in response, suspending automatic speed control in accordance with said set-speed and commanding the application of a retarding torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a stop, while maintaining the speed control system in an active state. The method further comprises receiving electrical signal(s) representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake release command, and in response, and while maintaining the speed control system in an active state, automatically commanding the generation of drive torque sufficient to propel the vehicle in an intended direction and automatically controlling the speed of the vehicle in accordance with said set-speed.

主权项

1. A method of operating an automatic speed control system of a vehicle in accordance with a set-speed, comprising:
receiving at least one electrical signal representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake command to slow the vehicle to a stop; in response to the brake command, suspending increases in drive torque to the wheels of the vehicle for the duration of the brake command and applying a retarding torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle to bring the vehicle to a stop, while maintaining the speed control system in an active state; gradually reducing over time the drive torque from a drive torque level being applied when the vehicle is brought to a stop; receiving at least one electrical signal representative of a vehicle occupant-initiated brake release command; and in response to the brake release command, and while maintaining the speed control system in an active state, automatically commanding the generation of a drive torque sufficient to propel the vehicle in an intended direction of travel and automatically controlling the speed of the vehicle in accordance with said set-speed.