Systems and methods are provided for determining a road profile along a predicted path. In one implementation, a system includes at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of a user vehicle; a data interface; and at least one processing device configured to receive the plurality of images captured by the image capture device through the data interface; and compute a profile of a road along one or more predicted paths of the user vehicle. At least one of the one or more predicted paths is predicted based on image data.

A method for open-loop or closed-loop control of a driver assistance system of a vehicle, including: a) using a first sensor device to detect from a roadway at least one lane and a roadway marking that separates the lane from an edge of the roadway; b) using a second sensor device to detect operation of at least one operating device of the vehicle that influences the driving dynamics of the vehicle by virtue of the driver; c) using steering actuators and/or brake actuators to influence the driving dynamics of the vehicle; and d) outputting, if there is a threat of the vehicle leaving the lane, as detected by the first sensor device, a first warning signal. A related driver assistance system is also described.

The present invention provides a vehicle control device in which it is possible to modify the travel trajectory of a vehicle in response to the presence of an obstruction in the vehicle perimeter. In the present invention, the vehicle control device 1 recognizes the surroundings of the vehicle, detects a first branching point in a first route that is preset on a road, and in cases in which a prescribed condition is met by the presence of an obstruction detected from the recognized surroundings when the vehicle is to move along a travel trajectory that is based on at least one second route from among a plurality of second routes that branch from the first branching point, generates a virtual route which branches from the first route at a second branching point differing from the first branching point toward the selected second route, and modifies the travel trajectory on the basis of the generated virtual route.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to identifying and displaying traffic lanes that are available for autonomous driving. This information may be displayed to a driver of a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode, in order to inform the driver of where he or she can use the autonomous driving mode. In one example, the display may visually distinguishing between lanes that are available for auto-drive from those that are not. The display may also include an indicator of the position of a lane (autodrive or not) currently occupied by the vehicle. In addition, if that lane is an autodrive lane the display may include information indicating how much further the vehicle may continue in the autonomous driving mode in that particular lane. The display may also display information indicating the remaining autodrive distance in other lanes as well as the lane with the greatest remaining autodrive distance.

A method for operating a parking brake system includes establishing a parking brake request for a first automated parking brake constructed on a first wheel located on a first side of an axle of a motor vehicle, producing a braking force at the first wheel by activating, in response to the establishing of the parking brake request, the first automated parking brake, and activating a compensation device connecting the first wheel and a second wheel located on a second side of the axle to apply a braking force to the second wheel via the first wheel.

A system for a vehicle is provided. The system may include a memory and at least one processor configured to: access a plurality of images of a forward-facing view from the vehicle, the plurality of images corresponding to image data obtained by a camera; determine from the images a first lane marking on a first side of a lane, the lane through which the vehicle can navigate, and a second lane marking on a second side of the lane opposite of the first side; navigate the vehicle autonomously relatively centered between the first and second lane markings; determine from the plurality of images that an object is on the first side or the second side of the lane, and the object beyond the first or second lane marking; and navigate the vehicle autonomously to travel over a driving path that is offset from a center of the lane.

Apparatus for controlling dynamics of a vehicle determines a current course angle (α) of the vehicle. A desired course angle (α.sub.psi) is defined and assigned to a first point on a temporal profile of a desired driving line. The first point is on the desired driving line at a first preview time from a location assigned to an instantaneous vehicle position. A course angle deviation of the current course angle (α) from the desired course angle (α.sub.psi) is determined. A target angle (α.sub.ta) is defined and assigned to a second point on the temporal profile of the desired driving line. The second point is on the desired driving line at a distance of a second preview time from the location. A steering wheel angle (δ) is determined as a total of the target angle (α.sub.ta) reinforced with a first parameter and the course angle deviation reinforced with a second parameter.

Apparatus for controlling dynamics of a vehicle determines a current course angle (α) of the vehicle. A desired course angle (α.sub.psi) is defined and assigned to a first point on a temporal profile of a desired driving line. The first point is on the desired driving line at a first preview time from a location assigned to an instantaneous vehicle position. A course angle deviation of the current course angle (α) from the desired course angle (α.sub.psi) is determined. A target angle (α.sub.ta) is defined and assigned to a second point on the temporal profile of the desired driving line. The second point is on the desired driving line at a distance of a second preview time from the location. A steering wheel angle (δ) is determined as a total of the target angle (α.sub.ta) reinforced with a first parameter and the course angle deviation reinforced with a second parameter.

Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a driver's slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The systems that may be modified include: visual devices, audio devices, tactile devices, antilock brake systems, automatic brake prefill systems, brake assist systems, auto cruise control systems, electronic stability control systems, collision warning systems, lane keep assist systems, blind spot indicator systems, electronic pretensioning systems and climate control systems.

A steering apparatus for a two-track vehicle may include a steering handle, in the case of whose rotary actuation the steerable vehicle wheels can be turned by a wheel steering angle, and a control device to electrically actuate a steering actuator for setting the wheel steering angle was a function of driving operational parameters and independently of the steering handle and a clutch that provides a releasable mechanical steering connection between the steering handle and the steerable vehicle wheels. An automatic avoidance manoeuvre may be carried out in the case of a risk of collision, in which the control device fully releases the clutch, and the control device actuates the steering actuator such that the vehicle briefly leaves its driving lane and is then brought back into the driving lane. The control device also actuates a braking of the steering handle during the collision avoidance manoeuvre.