System and method for managing diesel power vehicle filling distance

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods that may be implemented in a vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control for performing adaptive cruise control if a slope of a surface traveled by a subject vehicle has changed and / or a pitch of the subject vehicle has changed. A substantially constant following distance is maintained in the subject vehicle relative to the preceding target vehicle. The systems and methods disclosed herein may maintain such substantially constant following distances by managing engine torque. Although there is a change in the driving surface slope of the vehicle under test and / or a change in the pitch of the vehicle under test, the vehicle under test can be changed according to the torque map of the vehicle under test. Data received in an electronic control unit of a vehicle under test is received by a sensor for detecting a surface slope and a sensor for detecting a pitch of the vehicle, which may be located on the vehicle under test. Such engine torque management effective for maintaining a substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle is achieved.

Description

Citation of Related Applications

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 881,247, filed on August 4, 2022. That patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing the distance between a subject vehicle having an activated adaptive cruise control feature and a target vehicle ahead of the subject vehicle. The present invention relates to systems and methods for managing vehicle following distance by managing the amount of torque requested in the subject vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Conventional cruise control can be used to maintain a preset substantially constant vehicle speed. Early forms of conventional cruise control used cables to adjust the throttle position to maintain a substantially constant vehicle speed. As technology advanced, cruise control systems began to operate electronically. In vehicles containing gasoline engines, the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) will send command signals to modify the opening of the throttle as needed to maintain a preset vehicle speed substantially constant. In vehicles containing diesel engines, the vehicle's ECU will send command signals to adjust the amount of fuel injected into the engine cylinders as needed to maintain a preset vehicle speed substantially constant.

[0004] Conventional adaptive cruise control (ACC) may also be used to maintain a substantially constant vehicle speed. Conventional ACC additionally includes the capability to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle in a subject vehicle with activated ACC. Conventional ACC accomplishes this using a series of radar sensors that detect the speed and distance of the target vehicle and modify the speed of the subject vehicle as needed to maintain a substantially constant following distance.

[0005] Therefore, if the target vehicle decelerates, the ACC system can detect such deceleration by using radar sensors. These radar sensors can transmit the deceleration to the ECU of the test vehicle. Then, in a vehicle containing a gasoline engine, the ECU can transmit a command signal to the throttle valve actuator to adjust the degree of throttle valve opening to achieve a corresponding deceleration of the test vehicle. Conversely, if the ACC in a vehicle containing a gasoline engine detects that the target vehicle has moved to a different lane by using radar sensors, or detects that other conditions allow acceleration, the ECU can transmit a command signal to the throttle valve actuator to adjust the degree of throttle valve opening to achieve a corresponding acceleration of the test vehicle until a preset vehicle speed is reached.

[0006] Similarly, in a vehicle including a diesel engine, when the subject vehicle detects that the preceding target vehicle has decelerated, the ECU of the subject vehicle may transmit a command signal to the fuel injector to reduce the volume of fuel injected into the engine cylinder of the subject vehicle. Alternatively, when the subject vehicle detects that the target vehicle has switched to a different lane, or detects that other conditions warrant acceleration, the ECU may transmit a command signal to the fuel injector to increase the volume of fuel injected into the engine cylinder.

[0007] Torque is a factor that affects vehicle speed. Torque is the product of the force applied to the engine's crankshaft times the distance that force travels. Every vehicle engine has a peak torque. If the actual torque exceeds the peak torque, the engine may no longer operate optimally.

[0008] When the driver of the vehicle depresses the accelerator pedal to command acceleration, the ECU will send a command to increase the engine torque. The ECU can achieve the increase in torque in a variety of ways. The change in torque can be achieved by, for example, modifying the degree to which the throttle valve is opened and / or changing the amount of time the throttle valve is open in a gasoline engine, and by the volume of fuel injected into the cylinders of the engine block in a modified diesel engine. These same kinds of methods can be used when the driver reduces the force on the accelerator pedal in order to achieve a reduction in torque.

[0009] In a vehicle that includes a gasoline engine, the ECU maintains an engine torque map. The torque map includes a series of values ​​that are related to the engine speed (i.e., the number of revolutions per minute or "RPM" of the crankshaft), the throttle position, and the engine torque. Based on the torque map, for a given engine speed and throttle position, a corresponding reference engine torque can be determined. Using sensors on the engine to infer the actual engine torque, it can then be determined whether the engine is operating properly relative to the torque applied to the crankshaft of the engine. If there is a significant difference between the reference torque and the actual torque, the engine may not be operating properly.

[0010] In a similar manner, in a vehicle containing a diesel engine, the ECU maintains a fuel map that indicates the volume of fuel that should be injected into the engine cylinders to produce a certain reference torque.

[0011] When the driver of a gasoline-powered vehicle lifts his or her foot off the accelerator pedal, it is the engine torque map that determines how much the throttle valve should be closed. Similarly, when the driver of a vehicle containing a diesel engine lifts his or her foot off the accelerator pedal, it is the fuel map that determines the degree of reduction in fuel that will be injected into the engine cylinders.

[0012] When the driver of a gasoline powered vehicle presses the accelerator pedal, it is the engine torque map that determines how much the throttle valve should open. Similarly, when the driver of a diesel engine vehicle presses the accelerator pedal, it is the fuel map that determines the increase in the volume of fuel to be injected into the engine cylinders.

[0013] Thus, within the ECU of a vehicle containing a gasoline engine, it is the engine torque map that determines the throttle position required to meet the driver's torque demand. In the ECU of a vehicle containing a diesel engine, it is the fuel map that determines the volume of fuel to be injected into the engine cylinders to meet the driver's torque demand.

[0014] As described above, when ACC is activated, there are situations where it may be necessary for the subject vehicle to decelerate in order to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle. However, depending on, for example, the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling, a different deceleration response may be required. When the subject vehicle is traveling on a downwardly sloping surface, because of the acceleration generated due to gravity acting on the subject vehicle, the vehicle traveling on the downwardly sloping surface may require a higher torque reduction percentage than a vehicle traveling on a surface having a positive slope or traveling on a flat or substantially flat surface in order to maintain a substantially constant following distance.

[0015] Similarly, depending on the pitch of the subject vehicle, the ACC system may require different deceleration responses. A vehicle exhibiting negative pitch may require a higher torque reduction percentage than a vehicle exhibiting positive pitch because of the acceleration due to gravity acting on the subject vehicle exhibiting negative pitch.

[0016] Thus, information regarding the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling and information regarding the pitch of the subject vehicle may inform identification of a new torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle.

[0017] In a vehicle equipped with a conventional ACC system, in order to accurately adjust the desired torque value given a downwardly sloping surface or a decrease in vehicle pitch (i.e., so as to maintain a substantially constant following distance behind the target vehicle), the system may not request an optimal new desired torque value when traveling on an upwardly sloping surface or a substantially flat surface, or when the vehicle pitch increases. This is because the conventional ACC system cannot adequately control factors such as changes in the slope of the surface and changes in the pitch of the subject vehicle. Instead, the torque reduction model programmed into the conventional ACC system is calibrated based on a downwardly sloping environment and, therefore, may overcompensate with respect to torque reduction when the subject vehicle is traveling on an upwardly sloping or substantially flat surface, or when the vehicle pitch increases. Summary of the invention

[0018] One aspect of the present disclosure advantageously provides a system that can be implemented in a subject vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control technology, the system being used to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle despite changes in the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling and changes in the pitch of the subject vehicle. One aspect of the present disclosure advantageously provides such a system, wherein, upon receiving data for detecting the slope of the driving surface and the pitch of the vehicle from sensors on the subject vehicle, an electronic control unit of the subject vehicle identifies a new desired torque value and implements a change in the volume of fuel injected into the engine cylinders (in a diesel engine), or a change in the throttle position (in a gasoline engine), as required, to achieve the new desired torque. One aspect of the present disclosure advantageously provides a related method of operating a subject vehicle using the system of the present disclosure when ACC has been activated so as to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle.

[0019] According to various aspects of the systems that can be implemented by the present disclosure, the slope detection sensors discussed herein may be, but are not limited to being positioned on the frame of a vehicle, within approximately six inches of the transmission of such vehicle and / or within approximately six inches of the wheel well of such vehicle. In the case where the systems and methods of the present disclosure are deployed in a truck weighing more than approximately 10,000 pounds (sometimes referred to as a "heavy truck" by those skilled in the art), the slope detection sensors discussed herein may be located on the transmission of the vehicle and / or elsewhere on the powertrain of such vehicle. The above positioning also applies to the pitch detection sensors contemplated by the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily understand suitable locations for placing replacements for such slope detection sensors and pitch detection sensors.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, throttle valve actuators that may be used in conjunction with the systems and methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, stepper motors and servo motors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 Depicted is a left side view of a vehicle traveling on a substantially flat surface and equipped with sensors for determining the slope of the surface, as contemplated by the systems and methods of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 Depicted is a left side view of a vehicle traveling on an upwardly sloping surface and equipped with sensors for determining the slope of the surface, as contemplated by the systems and methods of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 Depicted is a left side view of a vehicle traveling on a downwardly sloping surface and equipped with sensors for determining the slope of the surface, as contemplated by the systems and methods of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting the steps of a method according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following disclosure relates to systems and methods that can be implemented in a vehicle equipped with ACC, where the ACC feature is activated, for managing vehicle following distance by managing torque and torque reduction in the subject vehicle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate additional embodiments of the systems and methods of the present disclosure that extend beyond the examples of the present disclosure.

[0026] In reading this disclosure, singular forms should be read as contemplating and disclosing plural alternatives. Likewise, plural forms should be read as contemplating and disclosing singular alternatives. Conjunctions should be read as inclusive unless otherwise indicated.

[0027] Expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as permitting any one of A, B, or C (alone or in combination with the remaining elements). Additionally, such groups may include multiple instances of one or more elements of the group, which may be included with other elements of the group. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all numbers, measurements, and values ​​are approximate results.

[0028] The terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure should be interpreted broadly. The terms are intended to be understood to correspond to the definitions provided in this specification. Technical dictionaries and common meanings understood in the applicable field are intended to supplement these definitions. In the event that a suitable definition cannot be determined from the specification or from a technical dictionary, such terms should be understood according to their common meaning. However, any definition provided in this specification will take precedence over all other sources.

[0029] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages described in the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0030] For the purpose of clearly describing the components, features, and method steps discussed throughout this disclosure, some frequently used terms will now be defined. The term "subject vehicle" as used throughout this disclosure shall mean a vehicle equipped with ACC and operating with ACC activated, including the systems of the present disclosure and / or operating according to the methods of the present disclosure. The term "target vehicle" as used throughout this disclosure shall mean a vehicle located at a certain distance in front of the subject vehicle and relative to the target vehicle, the speed of the subject vehicle is calibrated to maintain a substantially constant following distance.

[0031] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail, but are not limited thereto. In the following disclosure, systems and methods for controlling vehicle following distance by managing torque and torque reduction in a subject vehicle will be discussed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative labels for components, features, and method steps may be provided, consistent with the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The inclusion of any alternative labels should not be construed by the skilled reader as limiting in any way.

[0032] ACC systems are commonly found in many different makes and models of vehicles today. The ACC system in the test vehicle can be used to maintain a substantially constant following distance behind a preceding target vehicle located in front of the test vehicle. When a vehicle with an activated conventional ACC system is traveling on a downwardly sloping surface, the ACC system can reduce the desired torque value to offset (off-set) the acceleration caused by gravity due to the downward slope of the surface. In view of the increase in speed caused by the downwardly sloping surface, such offset may be necessary to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle. Such reduced desired engine torque can be transmitted to the ECU. Then, in a gasoline-powered vehicle, the ECU can adjust the throttle position to achieve the new desired torque. Alternatively, in a vehicle containing a diesel engine, the ECU can modify the volume of fuel injected into the engine cylinder of the vehicle to achieve the new desired torque.

[0033] In a gasoline powered vehicle, the modified throttle valve position for achieving a new desired torque value may be determined by a torque map. Such a torque map may be programmed into the ECU. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the torque map may be used to identify the necessary throttle valve position for a desired engine torque output at a given engine speed (i.e., revolutions per minute of the crankshaft).

[0034] In a vehicle containing a diesel engine, the modified fuel volume injected into the engine cylinders to achieve a new desired torque value can be determined by a fuel map. Such a fuel map can be programmed into the ECU. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a fuel map can be used to identify the necessary fuel volume that must be injected into the engine cylinders for a desired engine torque output.

[0035] When the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling changes, conventional ACC systems request a new desired torque that is calibrated for a downward slope. Therefore, this new requested torque is not optimal for an upwardly inclined and substantially flat surface. The system and method of the present disclosure solves this problem by utilizing a sensor that is communicatively and operatively connected to the ECU and transmits data to the ECU regarding the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling. Using this information regarding the slope of the surface, the ECU can identify a more appropriate new desired torque when the slope of the driving surface changes.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the system and method of the present disclosure includes a series of sensors that detect the pitch of the vehicle under test. When the pitch of the vehicle changes, a new desired torque will be identified to counteract the force causing the change in pitch. Using this information about the pitch of the vehicle under test, the ECU can identify a new desired torque that is more appropriate than a conventional ACC system when there is a change in pitch.

[0037] The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be utilized with a subject vehicle.The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to maintain a substantially constant following distance behind a target vehicle.

[0038] Components of the system of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, an ECU.

[0039] The components of the system of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, a radar sensor capable of detecting a following distance relative to a target vehicle and capable of detecting a speed of the target vehicle. Such sensors may be communicatively and operatively connected to the ECU. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate suitable locations for placing such radar sensors throughout the vehicle under test. Without limitation, such radar sensors may be located behind the grille of the vehicle under test.

[0040] The components of the system of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, sensors capable of detecting the slope of the surface on which the test vehicle is traveling. Such sensors may be communicatively and operatively connected to the ECU. Such sensors may be located at any position in the entire test vehicle that is substantially stable when the test vehicle is driven. Without limitation thereto, such sensors may be located on the frame of the vehicle, within approximately six inches of the transmission of such vehicle and / or within approximately six inches of the wheel well of such vehicle. In the case where the system and method of the present disclosure are deployed in a truck weighing more than about 10,000 pounds (sometimes referred to as a "heavy truck" by those skilled in the art), the slope detection sensor discussed herein may be located on the transmission of the vehicle and / or elsewhere on the powertrain of such vehicle. Those skilled in the art will readily understand suitable locations for placing the replacement of the slope detection sensor and pitch detection sensor discussed herein.

[0041] The components of the system of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, sensors capable of detecting the degree of throttle valve opening in the vehicle under test. Such sensors may be communicatively and operatively connected to the ECU. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the appropriate locations for placing such sensors.

[0042] The components of the system of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, a throttle valve actuator. Such a throttle valve actuator may include, but is not limited to, a stepper motor or a servo motor. A person skilled in the art will readily understand the appropriate location for placing such a throttle valve actuator.

[0043] The system of the present disclosure and the related method of the present disclosure are intended to operate in a vehicle equipped with an ACC when such ACC has been activated.

[0044] According to the system and method of the present disclosure, and with reference to Figure 1-Figure 3 When a vehicle encounters a change in slope on the surface on which it is traveling, the sensors transmit signals to the ECU to convey data regarding the change in slope of the surface. Based on the data received from such sensors regarding the change in road slope, the ECU can calculate a new desired torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle.

[0045] When the ECU receives such road slope data, in a vehicle including a gasoline-powered engine, the ECU can calculate a new desired torque value according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure, and can output a command signal to the throttle valve actuator to modify the throttle valve opening to a position corresponding to the new desired torque value. Such modified throttle valve position can be determined according to a torque map programmed into the ECU.

[0046] In the case of utilizing the systems and methods of the present disclosure in conjunction with a vehicle including a diesel engine, when the ECU receives data indicating a change in the slope of the road, the ECU can calculate a new desired torque value and can output a command signal to the fuel injector to modify the volume of fuel to be injected into the engine cylinder to correspond to the new desired torque value. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that different types of fuel injectors can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods of the present disclosure. Without limitation, such fuel injectors can include a sequential fuel injection system; a direct fuel injection system; a single-point fuel injection system; or a multi-point fuel injection system.

[0047] Such modifications to the throttle position or to the amount of fuel to be injected into the engine cylinders may be implemented to achieve a new desired torque value. Such new torque values ​​may be necessary in order to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle when the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling has changed.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, the systems of the present disclosure may include sensors capable of detecting the pitch of the test vehicle, either instead of or in addition to sensors for detecting the slope of the surface on which the test vehicle is traveling.

[0049] According to such an embodiment, when the pitch of the vehicle under test changes, the sensor located on the vehicle under test transmits a signal to the ECU to convey data about the change in pitch of the vehicle. Such a sensor can be located at any position on the vehicle under test that can maintain the effectiveness of the sensor. Figure 1-Figure 3 . In accordance with aspects of the systems enabled by the present disclosure, the pitch detection sensors discussed herein may be, but are not limited to being positioned on the frame of a vehicle, within approximately six inches of a transmission of such vehicle and / or within approximately six inches of a wheel well of such vehicle. In the event that the systems and methods of the present disclosure are deployed in a truck weighing more than approximately 10,000 pounds (sometimes referred to as a "heavy truck" by those skilled in the art), the pitch detection sensors discussed herein may be located on the transmission of the vehicle and / or elsewhere on the powertrain of such vehicle. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate alternative suitable locations for placing such sensors.

[0050] Based on data relating to changes in vehicle pitch, the ECU may calculate a new desired torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle.

[0051] When the ECU receives such vehicle pitch data, in a vehicle including a gasoline-powered engine, the ECU can output a command signal to the throttle valve actuator according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure, which command signal requires the throttle valve opening to be adjusted to a position corresponding to the new desired torque value.

[0052] When the ECU receives such vehicle pitch data, in a vehicle including a diesel engine, the ECU can output a command signal according to the systems and methods of the present disclosure requiring that the volume of fuel injected into the cylinders of the engine be modified to a volume corresponding to the new desired torque value.

[0053] Such modifications to throttle position and fuel injection volume may be implemented to achieve a new desired torque value. Such new torque values ​​may be necessary to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to a target vehicle when the pitch of the subject vehicle has changed.

[0054] Although various aspects of the system and method implemented by the present disclosure have been described above, the description of the present disclosure is intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is limited by the scope of the claims, rather than by the illustrations and examples provided in the above disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional aspects of the system and method implemented by the present disclosure can be implemented in alternative embodiments after having the benefits of the above disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments and modifications are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system, which can be implemented in a subject vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control technology, for maintaining a substantially constant following distance from a target vehicle, the system comprising: (a) a diesel engine comprising a plurality of fuel injectors; (b) electronic control units; (c) a first set of sensors located throughout the subject vehicle, the first set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting a following distance relative to the target vehicle and a speed of the target vehicle; as well as (d) a second set of sensors located throughout the subject vehicle, the second set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting the slope of a surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling; wherein when the subject vehicle encounters a change in the slope of the surface on which it is traveling, the second set of sensors transmits a signal to the electronic control unit, the signal conveying data regarding the change in the slope of the surface; wherein the electronic control unit calculates a new desired torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle based on data received from the second set of sensors regarding the change in slope; and The electronic control unit outputs a command signal to adjust the volume of fuel injected into the cylinder of the engine to a volume corresponding to the new desired torque value.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on the frame of the test vehicle.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on a transmission of the test vehicle.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors comprises a sequential fuel injection system.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors includes a direct fuel injection system.

6. A system, which can be implemented in a subject vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control technology, for maintaining a substantially constant following distance from a target vehicle, the system comprising: (a) a diesel engine comprising a plurality of fuel injectors; (b) electronic control units; (c) a first set of sensors located throughout the subject vehicle, the first set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting a following distance relative to the target vehicle and a speed of the target vehicle; and, (d) a second set of sensors located throughout the subject vehicle, the second set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting the pitch of the subject vehicle; Wherein, when the pitch of the tested vehicle changes, the second group of sensors transmits signals to the electronic control unit to convey the change of the pitch of the vehicle; wherein the electronic control unit calculates a new desired torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle based on data received from the second set of sensors regarding changes in vehicle pitch; and The electronic control unit outputs a command signal to adjust the volume of fuel injected into the cylinder of the engine to a volume corresponding to the new desired torque value.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on the frame of the test vehicle.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on a transmission of the test vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors comprises a sequential fuel injection system.

10. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors includes a direct fuel injection system.

11. A method, implementable in a subject vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control technology, for maintaining a substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle, the method comprising: (a) providing a diesel engine, the diesel engine comprising a plurality of fuel injectors; (b) providing an electronic control unit; (c) providing a first set of sensors, the first set of sensors being located throughout the subject vehicle, the first set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting a following distance relative to the target vehicle and a speed of the target vehicle; (d) providing a second set of sensors located throughout the subject vehicle, the second set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting the slope of the surface on which the subject vehicle is traveling; and (e) activating adaptive cruise control in the test vehicle; wherein when the test vehicle encounters a change in the slope of the surface on which it is traveling, the second set of sensors transmits a signal to the electronic control unit, the signal conveying data regarding the change in the slope of the surface; wherein the electronic control unit calculates a new desired torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle based on data received from the second set of sensors regarding the change in slope; and The electronic control unit outputs a command signal to adjust the volume of fuel injected into the cylinder of the engine to a volume corresponding to the new desired torque value.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on the frame of the test vehicle.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on a transmission of the test vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors comprises a sequential fuel injection system.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors includes a direct fuel injection system.

16. A method, implementable in a subject vehicle equipped with adaptive cruise control technology, for maintaining a substantially constant following distance relative to a preceding target vehicle, the method comprising: (a) providing a diesel engine, the diesel engine comprising a plurality of fuel injectors; (b) providing an electronic control unit; (c) providing a first set of sensors, the first set of sensors being located throughout the subject vehicle, the first set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting a following distance relative to the target vehicle and a speed of the target vehicle; (d) providing a second set of sensors, the second set of sensors being located throughout the subject vehicle, the second set of sensors being communicatively and operatively connected to the electronic control unit, wherein the sensors are capable of detecting the pitch of the subject vehicle; as well as (e) activating adaptive cruise control in the test vehicle; Wherein, when the pitch of the tested vehicle changes, the second group of sensors transmits signals to the electronic control unit to convey the change of the pitch of the vehicle; wherein the electronic control unit calculates a new desired torque value required to maintain a substantially constant following distance relative to the target vehicle based on data received from the second set of sensors regarding changes in vehicle pitch; and The electronic control unit outputs a command signal to adjust the volume of fuel injected into the cylinder of the engine to a volume corresponding to the new desired torque value.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on the frame of the test vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The second set of sensors is located on a transmission of the test vehicle.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors comprises a sequential fuel injection system.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of fuel injectors includes a direct fuel injection system.

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