Adaptive Cruise Control Target Selection for Distant Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive cruise control systems face challenges in accurately determining the relevance of distant vehicles, leading to ambiguous acceleration instructions and passenger discomfort due to imprecise sensor data, which can cause unnecessary braking and driver concern.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling an adaptive cruise control system that includes detecting a second vehicle, determining a relevance indicator based on its trajectory probability, adjusting a severity index, and using a corrected relevance index to control the ACC system, thereby reducing unnecessary braking and enhancing passenger comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the ACC system targets distant vehicles based on sensor data, then the vehicle can maintain cruise control function, but the determination of acceleration instructions becomes ambiguous due to imprecise sensor data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecruise control functionVSAvoidsensor data precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary assessment mechanism that evaluates whether a detected vehicle is a suitable target for ACC regulation. This intermediary step filters out ambiguous cases where sensor precision is insufficient, preventing inappropriate target selection while maintaining cruise control functionality for valid targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If the ACC system regulates on a distant vehicle, then the cruise control operates automatically, but the driver may wonder or worry about the regulation reason

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic cruise controlVSAvoiddriver understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously assesses target vehicle suitability and can adjust or terminate regulation when the target becomes ambiguous or inappropriate. This feedback loop ensures the driver receives appropriate information about ACC decisions, preventing confusion or worry about unwarranted regulation actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the distance between vehicles is large and speed difference is small, then the gap remains stable, but this prolongs the ambiguity period for target vehicle selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle gap stabilityVSAvoidtarget selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary assessment criteria to evaluate potential target vehicles before final selection. By pre-evaluating whether a detected vehicle meets ACC target criteria (considering distance, speed difference, and trajectory), the system avoids prolonged ambiguity periods and makes timely target selection decisions even when gap stability is high.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4444589B1Method for controlling an adaptive cruise control system of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4444589B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4444589B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4444589B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling an adaptive cruise control system, referred to as an ACC system, of a first vehicle (10). A second vehicle (11) travelling in front of the first vehicle (10) in the direction of travel of the first vehicle (10) is detected. A relevance indicator associated with the second vehicle (11) is determined. A severity score is determined based on the speed deviation between the first and second vehicles and the distance between the first and second vehicles. The relevance score is corrected based on the severity score, and the ACC system is controlled as a function of the corrected relevance indicator.