Apparatus and method for automatically controlling vehicular velocity and inter-vehicle distance

摘要

An inter-vehicle distance (L) from the vehicle to a preceding vehicle is detected. A target velocity (V*) is calculated to make the inter-vehicle distance substantially equal to a target inter-vehicle distance (L*). The velocity (Vs) of the vehicle is detected and is adjustably controlled to make it substantially equal to the target velocity (V*). A target braking pressure (PB*) for a brake system is calculated in accordance with a target deceleration variable ( alpha *) calculated on the basis of the target velocity (V*) and the detected velocity (Vs). A limitation is placed on the rate of increase in the target braking pressure when it is in excess of a predetermined braking pressure threshold value (Ps).