GB2618562A

GB2618562A - Control system for a vehicle and method

Info

Publication number: GB2618562A
Application number: GB2206818.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Holton Tim
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-10
Filing date: 2022-05-10
Publication date: 2023-11-15

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a speed control system for a vehicle (10) which is configured to cause the vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value. The speed control system comprises one or more controllers (15). The speed control system is configured to receive a pitch rate signal indicative of a rate of change of pitch of a vehicle and a driving surface gradient signal indicative of a gradient of a driving surface upon which the vehicle is being driven. The speed control system determines if the vehicle is cresting in dependence on the rate of change of pitch exceeding a predetermined value; and the gradient value of the driving surface being below a predetermined value. The speed control system is configured to limit the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting.

Description

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a control system for a vehicle and method. Aspects of the invention relate to a speed control system for a vehicle, a system for controlling a speed of a vehicle, a vehicle, a method of controlling a speed of a vehicle and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium.

The content of W02013/124321 is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a speed control system for a vehicle, in particular a speed control system for causing a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value. It is desirable to provide an improved speed control system for assisting a driver negotiate terrain with obstacles such as slopes that must be negotiated.

When negotiating terrain where a path ahead of a vehicle includes a crest of a slope that causes a lowering of the nose of the vehicle, a driver may wish to reduce the speed of the vehicle as the vehicle negotiates the crest. The speed reduction may be helpful in enabling a driver to survey the terrain ahead of the vehicle and plan a path for the vehicle as it negotiates the terrain.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a speed control system, a system for controlling a speed of a vehicle, a vehicle and a method of controlling a speed of a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a speed control system for a vehicle, the speed control system configured to cause the vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the speed control system comprising one or more controllers, the speed control system configured to: receive a pitch rate signal indicative of a rate of change of pitch of a vehicle; receive a driving surface gradient signal indicative of a gradient of a driving surface upon which the vehicle is being driven; and determine if the vehicle is cresting in dependence on: the rate of change of pitch exceeding a predetermined value; and the gradient value of the driving surface being below a predetermined value, wherein the speed control system is configured to limit the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting.

Embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that, by limiting speed when the speed control system determines that the vehicle is cresting terrain, a driver workload is reduced since the driver is not required to take action to cause the vehicle to slow in order to survey terrain ahead of the vehicle before the vehicle negotiates the terrain. Rather, the speed control system determines when it is appropriate to slow the vehicle and takes appropriate action. Furthermore, vehicle composure is enhanced since the speed control system causes limiting of vehicle speed to take place at an appropriate moment during the course of negotiating terrain.

Some embodiments of the present invention have the advantage that driver discomfort may also be reduced. It is to be understood that, if the speed control system does not intervene to limit vehicle speed when cresting, a driver may be distressed by the speed of the vehicle, considering that the speed is too great for the type of terrain and thereby losing confidence in the speed control system.

The applicant has recognised that, when the limiting of vehicle speed is triggered responsive to certain conditions being met in respect of rate of change of pitch and driving surface gradient, user enjoyment may be enhanced by reducing the likelihood that the speed control system falsely detects cresting, inconveniencing a user by limiting speed unnecessarily.

It is to be understood that by pitch is meant a pitch attitude of a vehicle.

It is to be understood that cresting corresponds to a lowering of vehicle pitch, i.e., a nose of the vehicle is moving in a downward direction relative to a tail of the vehicle.

It is to be understood that in some embodiments a positive gradient corresponds to an uphill gradient and a negative gradient corresponds to a downhill gradient.

Optionally, the speed control system is configured to limit speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting by at least one of: application of brake torque by means of a vehicle braking system; and reducing an amount of positive drive torque applied to one or more wheels of the vehicle.

Optionally, the speed control system is configured wherein the amount by which speed is limited is selected in dependence on the driving surface gradient.

For example, the speed may be limited to a lower value for a lower grip driving surface, such as grass, gravel or snow, than for a higher grip driving surface such as tarmac or concrete.

This feature has the advantage that the speed control system may limit speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting by application of brake torque or reducing propulsive drive torque to an extent appropriate to the driving surface gradient.

Optionally, the amount by which speed is limited is selected in dependence on the substantially instantaneous driving surface gradient.

Thus, the amount by which speed is limited is selected in dependence on the driving surface gradient corresponding to the current location of the vehicle, although it is to be understood that there may be a delay associated with acquiring and processing sensor data to obtain such data. Thus, if the gradient changes whilst the speed is being reduced, the amount of brake torque and/or the reduction in propulsive drive torque applied may be changed in a corresponding manner.

Optionally, the speed control system is configured to calculate an estimated driving surface gradient value based on the driving surface gradient signal, the speed control system being configured to limit speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting in dependence on the estimated driving surface gradient value. The estimated driving surface gradient may be an average driving surface gradient over a predetermined prior period of time or distance travelled such as a moving average value.

Optionally, the speed control system is configured to limit vehicle speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting for at least one of a predetermined speed limit period following the determination that the vehicle is cresting; and a predetermined speed limit distance following the determination that the vehicle is cresting.

The predetermined speed limit period may be any suitable time period such as 1s, 2s, 5s, lOs or any other suitable value. The predetermined speed limit distance may be any suitable distance such as a single wheelbase, twice the wheelbase, three times the wheelbase or any suitable distance. It is to be understood that by wheelbase is meant the centre-to-centre distance from a front wheel of the vehicle to a rear wheel of the vehicle in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Optionally, the speed control system is configured wherein when vehicle speed is limited in response to a first determination that the vehicle is cresting, the speed control system will not subsequently limit vehicle speed in response to a second, subsequent determination that the vehicle is cresting, unless the second determination occurs no less than: a predetermined crest detection period following the first determination that the vehicle is cresting; and/or a predetermined crest detection distance following the first determination that the vehicle is cresting.

The predetermined crest detection period may be any suitable time period such as 2s, 5s, 105 or any other suitable value. The predetermined crest detection distance may be any suitable distance such as a single wheelbase, twice the wheelbase, three times the wheelbase or any

suitable distance.

In one embodiment, the predetermined speed limit period is 2s and the predetermined crest detection period is 4s.

In one embodiment, the predetermined speed limit distance corresponds to substantially twice the wheelbase of the vehicle and the predetermined crest detection distance corresponds to substantially four times the wheelbase.

Optionally, the speed control system being configured to limit the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting comprises the speed control system being configured to output a cresting speed limit value corresponding to a required limit of the speed of the vehicle.

Optionally, the cresting speed limit value is dependent at least in part on the driving surface 35 gradient Optionally, the speed control system is configured wherein the cresting speed limit value decreases as a function of increasing driving surface gradient in a downhill direction.

Optionally, the cresting speed limit value is dependent at least in part on a user-selectable input indicative of a desired level of occupant comfort.

Optionally, the speed control system is configured wherein the cresting speed limit value decreases as a function of increasing level of desired occupant comfort.

In an aspect of the invention there is provided a system for controlling a speed of a vehicle comprising: a speed control system as claimed in any preceding claim; and at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of vehicle pitch and/or rate of change of vehicle pitch.

In some embodiments the one or more sensors may comprise an accelerometer or a gyroscope. Other suitable sensors are known to the skilled person and may be utilised in further embodiments.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the speed control system of a preceding aspect or the system of the preceding aspect.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling a speed of a vehicle implemented by a speed control system, comprising causing the vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the method further comprising: receiving a pitch rate signal indicative of a rate of change of pitch attitude of a vehicle; receiving a driving surface gradient signal indicative of a gradient of a driving surface upon which the vehicle is being driven; and determining if the vehicle is cresting in dependence on: the rate of change of pitch attitude exceeding a predetermined value; and the gradient value of the driving surface being below a predetermined value, the method comprising limiting the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, causes the one or more electronic processors to carry out the method of a preceding aspect.

In an aspect of the invention there is provided a speed control system for a vehicle, comprising: means for automatically causing the vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value; means for receiving pitch rate information indicative of a rate of change of pitch attitude of a vehicle; means for receiving driving surface gradient information indicative of a gradient of a driving surface upon which the vehicle is being driven; and means for determining when the vehicle is cresting, the means for determining when the vehicle is cresting being configured to determine that the vehicle is cresting when the pitch rate information indicates that a change of vehicle pitch attitude exceeds a predetermine rate in a direction corresponding to a lowering of pitch attitude, and the gradient value of the driving surface is below a limit value, where an uphill gradient corresponds to a gradient value greater than zero and a downhill gradient corresponds to a gradient value less than zero, wherein the speed control system is configured to cause vehicle speed to be limited when it is determined that the vehicle is cresting.

Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle having a speed control system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a steering wheel of a vehicle having a speed control system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a speed control system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ascending a slope toward a crest; Figure 5 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ascending a slope toward another crest; Figure 6 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention negotiating a horizontal driving surface toward a further crest; Figure 7 shows a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention ascending a slope toward a crest, beyond which a further crest is present; Figure 8 is a plot of a cresting speed limit value as a function of driving surface gradient and comfort parameter setting; Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating operation of the speed control system upon detecting a crest; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of an electronic controller comprised by a vehicle control unity (VCU) and configured to implement the speed control system of the VCU.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The content of W02013/124321 is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 has a prime mover or motor 11 in the form of an internal combustion engine. The engine 11 is coupled to a transmission 12 by means of a coupling 13. The coupling 13 is arranged to allow the transmission 12 progressively to reach a speed compatible with motor speed when the vehicle 10 is accelerated from rest. The coupling 13 is typically a friction clutch, torque converter or the like. The transmission 12 is arranged to drive a pair of rear wheels 10RW and optionally a pair of steerable front wheels 10FW in addition. An accelerator pedal 1 allows a driver to control an amount of torque developed by the motor 11 under the control of a powertrain controller 17 whilst a brake pedal 2 allows a driver to apply a braking system under the control of a brake controller 16. A driving mode selector 19 is provided by means of which a driver may select an on-road driving mode or one of a plurality of off-road driving modes which include a grass/gravel/snow (GGS) driving mode, sand (S) driving mode and a mud and ruts (MR) driving mode. In some embodiments the selector also allows an 'automatic response mode' to be selected in which the vehicle 10 determines automatically the optimum driving mode at any given moment in time. The driving modes may be referred to as "terrain response" (or "TR") modes.

The vehicle 10 has a vehicle control unit (VCU) 15 that is operable to implement a low-speed vehicle speed control function or system. The low-speed vehicle speed control function may also be referred to as an 'off-road' or 'off-highway' cruise control function or system. The low-speed vehicle speed control function is operable provided vehicle speed VREF does not exceed a predetermined maximum speed. In the present embodiment the predetermined maximum speed is 30 km/h. Above 30 km/h the VCU 15 is operable to implement a higher-speed speed control function or system. The VCU 15 may be described as implementing a low-speed speed control system or a higher-speed speed control system. Both the low-speed speed control system and higher-speed speed control system functionality is controlled by a user by means of input controls mounted to a steering wheel 171 of the vehicle 10. The steering wheel 171 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. It is to be understood that the low-speed vehicle speed control function or system may be useful when driving in off-highway driving conditions whilst the higher-speed speed control function or system may be useful when driving in on-highway driving conditions such as on a relatively smooth, dry tarmac or concrete driving surface.

The input controls include a 'set-speed' control 173, actuation of which sets the value of a parameter driver_set_speed to be substantially equal to the current vehicle speed. Depression of a '+' (or 'plus') button 174 allows the set-speed to be increased whilst depression of a (or 'minus') button 175 allows the set-speed to be decreased. In some embodiments, if the speed control function is not active when the '+' button 174 is depressed, the speed control function is activated.

In the present embodiment, the VCU 15 is configured to implement an active speed control system (or 'active cruise control') when the higher-speed speed control system is operating.

The active speed control system is configured to cause the vehicle 10 to maintain a predetermined distance behind a lead vehicle in certain situations as will be explained. The wheel 171 also has a pair of following distance control buttons 178, 179 for setting a value of a parameter distance_ following, being the distance the driver desires the vehicle 10 to maintain behind the lead vehicle. The VCU 15 is operable to control the vehicle 10 to maintain a distance behind a lead vehicle that is substantially equal to a distance represented by a parameter distance_following. A first of the buttons 178 is operable to increase the value of the parameter distance_following, and therefore the distance between the vehicle 10 and the lead vehicle, whilst a second of the buttons 179 is operable to decrease the value of the parameter distance_following. The vehicle 10 has a radar module 5 mounted to a front thereof and arranged to project a radar beam in a direction ahead of the vehicle 10. The module 5 is arranged to detect radiation reflected by a lead vehicle and to determine a distance of the lead vehicle from vehicle 10 (being a 'host' vehicle). The module 5 is provided with a signal indicative of a current speed of the host vehicle 10. From this signal and data in respect of a variation in distance of the lead vehicle from the host vehicle 10 as a function of time, the module 5 is able to calculate a speed of the lead vehicle. Other arrangements for determining distance from the lead vehicle and speed of the lead vehicle are also useful. In some embodiments, active speed control functionality is not provided and the following distance control buttons 178, 179 are omitted. In some embodiments, the radar module 5 is omitted.

The higher-speed speed control system is not the subject of the present application. The remainder of the present description relates to the low-speed speed control system unless otherwise stated.

When the low-speed speed control system is activated, the VCU 15 controls the speed of the vehicle 10 in accordance with a target speed value which is set substantially equal to a driver selected set-speed, driver set_speed, or a lower value if this is desirable as described in more detail below. The VCU 15 does this by calculating a maximum allowable speed of the vehicle 10 at a given moment in time, max_set_speed. The VCU 15 sets the value of max_set_speed to the value of driver set-speed, driver set_speed, unless a lower value is desirable as described in more detail below. The VCU 15 controls the speed of the vehicle 10 in accordance with max_set-speed, being a target speed value for the vehicle, by causing vehicle speed VREF to be equal to the value of max_set_speed. Thus, the VCU 15 limits the speed of the vehicle 10 to the value of max_set_speed.

The VCU 15 then outputs to the powertrain controller 17 and brake controller 16 a target value of acceleration at a given moment in time, acc_tgt, in order to cause vehicle speed, as determined by reference to the vehicle reference speed VREF, to maintain the desired value. If the driver over-rides the speed control system and VREF exceeds 30km/h, the speed control system suspends operation until VREF falls to 30km/h or less.

The driver may set the value of driver_set_speed of the low-speed speed control system to the current vehicle speed, VREF (provided VREF does not exceed 30km/h), by depressing the 'set-speed' control 173 whilst the vehicle 10 is travelling. When the VCU 15 detects that the 'set-speed' control 173 has been pressed, the VCU 15 takes a snapshot of the current speed of the vehicle 10, VREF, and sets the value of driver_set_speed to correspond to the current speed. (It is to be understood that, if VREF exceeds 30 km/h and the set-speed control 173 is pressed, the higher-speed speed control system is activated. In the present embodiment the low-speed speed control system will not automatically reactivate once the speed falls below 30km/h if the higher-speed speed control system has been activated since the value of driver_set_speed has been set to a value exceeding 30 km/h).

As described above, when the vehicle 10 is travelling along a road and the higher-speed speed control system is active, i.e. VREF and driver set_speed exceed a minimum allowable set-speed set_speed_min, in the present embodiment 30 km/h, the VCU 15 is operable to allow the user to command the VCU 15 to maintain the current vehicle speed by depressing set-speed control 173. In the absence of traffic ahead of the vehicle 10 or other factors requiring a lower speed (see below), the VCU 15 controls the speed of the vehicle 10 VREF to maintain VREF substantially equal to the set-speed value driver_set_speed.

In the present embodiment, if the VCU 15 detects (by means of radar module 5) the presence of a lead vehicle ahead of the vehicle 10, the VCU 15 is operable to reduce the speed of the host vehicle 10 according to the speed of the lead vehicle in order to maintain a distance behind the lead vehicle that is no less than a prescribed distance. The prescribed distance may be set by a driver by means of 'following distance' control buttons 178, 179 as noted above. This function is only available in the higher-speed speed control system is active.

The vehicle 10 has a human machine interface (HMI) in the form of a touchscreen 18 by means of which the VCU 15 may communicate with a user. As described above, when the low-speed speed control system is active, the VCU 15 is operable to calculate a maximum allowable value of set-speed, max_set_speed, in dependence on the terrain over which the vehicle is travelling. Thus, the VCU 15 is operable to limit the maximum speed at which it will control a vehicle 10 to operate in dependence on the terrain. Embodiments of the invention allow improved vehicle composure when operating in off-highway conditions with reduced driver intervention. That is, because the VCU 15 determines the maximum allowable value max_set_speed of the set-speed and limits the set-speed accordingly, a driver is not required to intervene in order to reduce the value of vehicle set-speed when the prevailing terrain so warrants, and to increase the set-speed when the prevailing terrain allows.

FIG. 3 illustrates a manner in which the VCU 15 determines a value of max_set_speed. The VCU 15 includes a 'max set speed calculation' portion (or 'engine') 15a, a 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion (or 'engine') 15b and a 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion (or 'engine') 15c. Additionally, an input to the 'max set speed calculation' portion (or 'engine') 15a comprises a 'lateral acceleration limit calculation' portion 15d.

The 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c is configured to calculate a desired value of acceleration of the vehicle 10 at a given moment in time, acc_tgt, based at least in part on input signal max_set_speed' received from the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a. The 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c outputs the value of desired acceleration at a given moment in time, acc_tgt, to the powertrain controller 17 and brake controller 16 as noted above, which attempt to cause actual vehicle acceleration to be equal to acc_tgt as quickly as possible, within any given comfort limits. The brake controller 16 or powertrain controller 17 may alter the speed by causing a braking or brake torque to be applied to wheels of the vehicle by means of a vehicle braking system. Alternatively, or in addition, the reduction in acceleration or speed of the vehicle 10 may be by way of reducing an amount of positive drive torque applied to one or more wheels of the vehicle 10. The VCU 15 controls the rate of acceleration (positive or negative) at a given moment in time by controlling the value of acc_tgt output by the vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c in order to cause the speed of the vehicle, VREF, to become equal to the speed indicated by the max_set_speed signal output by the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a. In some embodiments, including the embodiment of FIG. 3, the 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c also receives the value of a comfort parameter COMFORT indicative of a level of comfort required by an occupant of the vehicle as explained in further detail below. In turn, the 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c adjusts the maximum allowable rate of change of acceleration (or 'jerk') at a given moment in time in dependence on the value of comfort parameter in order to enable control over occupant comfort. Thus, for higher required levels of occupant comfort, the 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c reduces the maximum allowable value of jerk in order to enhance occupant comfort. Thus, when a change in vehicle acceleration is required, the 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c limits the rate of change of acceleration in order to enhance occupant comfort. The maximum allowable amount of jerk may be referred to as a 'jerk limit value'.

The 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a of the VCU 15 is configured to receive inputs corresponding to a number of vehicle parameters in addition to the current value of driver_set_speed. As described above, the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a outputs a value of max_set_speed that is no greater than the value of driver_set_speed but may be lower if the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a determines that driving conditions so demand, as described in further detail below. The parameters are: (a) a current vehicle reference value of surface coefficient of friction 'pmeas' being a value calculated by the VCU 15 based on values of one or more parameters such as an amount of torque applied to a wheel at which excessive wheel slip was induced; (b) a value of expected surface coefficient of friction corresponding to a currently selected vehicle driving mode pTRmode' being a prescribed value for each driving mode (c) a current value of steering angle, corresponding to a steerable road wheel angle or, in some embodiments, a steering wheel position 'STEERING ANGLE, 5'; (d) a current yaw rate of the vehicle (determined by reference to an output of an accelerometer), 'YAW RATE'; (e) a current measured value of lateral acceleration, 'MEASURED LAT.ACC.', (also determined by reference to an output of an accelerometer); (f) a current measured value of surface roughness, 'SURFACE ROUGHNESS', (determined by reference to suspension articulation). In some embodiments, the VCU 15 may also receive (g) a signal indicative of a current location of the vehicle, GPS LOCATION', (determined by reference to a global satellite positioning system (GPS) output or other global navigation satellite systems or other positioning systems); and/or (h) information obtained by means of a camera system or imaging system, 'CAMERA'. The information obtained by means of a camera system may include for example an alert in the event that it is determined that the vehicle 10 may be about to depart from an off-road lane or track.

The 'lateral acceleration limit calculation' portion 15d of the VCU 15 is configured to determine, from the reference value of surface coefficient of friction, pmeas, and expected value of surface coefficient of friction, pTRmode, a maximum allowable rate of lateral acceleration max_lat_acc of the vehicle 10 during the course of a journey. The VCU 15 employs this value of max_lat_acc to limit the value of max_set_speed when the vehicle is cornering, so as to prevent understeer.

In the present embodiment the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a of the VCU 15 is also operable to calculate a radius of curvature of a path of the vehicle 10 over terrain based on steering angle. The VCU 15 compares this radius of curvature with the vehicle yaw rate and measured lateral acceleration. If the VCU 15 detects the presence of understeer the VCU 15 is operable to reduce the value of max_set_speed accordingly. In some embodiments where a signal indicative of a current location of the vehicle is received, the VCU 15 may also take into account a path of travel of the vehicle determined by reference to the location signal in order to increase a reliability of the determination of the amount of understeer present, if any.

In some embodiments, yaw rate and measured lateral acceleration are not employed in determining the amount of understeer present. Other arrangements are also useful.

The 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a of the VCU 15 also determines the value of max_set_speed according to a value of surface roughness of the terrain over which the vehicle is driving. The value of max_set_speed may be reduced as the surface roughness increases.

In the present embodiment, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 also receives a driving surface gradient signal, GRADIENT, indicative of the gradient of the driving surface over which the vehicle 10 is travelling and a pitch rate signal, PITCH RATE, indicative of a rate of change of pitch of the vehicle 10. The 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 is configured to generate a value of maximum vehicle speed, cresting_set_speed, at a given moment in time, being a speed limit value or 'cresting speed limit value' of the vehicle 10 when it is determined that the vehicle 10 is cresting. The 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b outputs the value of cresting_set_speed to the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a.

If the cresting acceleration demand calculation portion 15b determines that the vehicle is not cresting, the value of parameter cresting_set_speed is set to correspond to the maximum allowable value of vehicle when the off-road speed control system is operating, VREFmax. As noted above, in the present embodiment this speed is 30km/h but other values of maximum speed may also be useful in some embodiments.The value of cresting_set_speed is set to this value so that the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15c does not cause a reduction in the value of max_set_speed in response to the value of cresting_set_speed when the vehicle is not cresting.

The 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 is configured to determine whether the vehicle is cresting in dependence on the driving surface gradient signal ('GRADIENT') and the pitch rate signal (PITCH RATE').

In particular, the cresting acceleration demand calculation portion 15b of the VCU 15 is configured to determine that the vehicle is cresting when the following conditions are met that: (a) a rate of change of pitch of the vehicle, as determined by reference to the pitch rate signal, exceeds a predetermined value for a predetermined period; and (b) a gradient value of the driving surface, as determined by reference to the driving surface gradient signal, is below a predetermined value.

The gradient value of the driving surface may herein be referred to as the driving surface gradient value.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined value of rate of change of pitch of the vehicle is 5 degrees per second, the predetermined period is 1 second and the predetermined value of gradient of the driving surface is +5%. Thus, it is to be understood that in order for the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 to determine that the vehicle is cresting, the driving surface gradient must be less than a value of +5% (being an uphill gradient), i.e. the driving surface must have a gradient of less than a 5% uphill gradient). It is to be understood that the driving surface gradient condition will be met, for example, if the driving surface gradient is +4%, substantially zero (corresponding to a horizontal surface) or negative, corresponding to a downhill slope. Other predetermined values of rate of change of pitch, predetermined period and predetermined gradient may be useful in some embodiments.

As noted above, it is to be understood that, when the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 determines that the vehicle is not cresting, it outputs a value of cresting_set_speed that corresponds to the maximum permissible value of vehicle speed, VREFmax. This is so as to cause the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a to ignore the 'max cresting set speed calculation' signal when calculating the value of max_set_speed.

In some embodiments, when the VCU 15 determines that the conditions for a determination that the vehicle is cresting are met, the VCU 15 sets the value of cresting_set_speed to a fixed, predetermined value.

In the present embodiment, the value of cresting_set_speed is itself dependent on at least one parameter. In the present embodiment, when the VCU 15 determines that the conditions for a determination that the vehicle is cresting are met, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 calculates a value of cresting_set_speed that is dependent on the following parameters: (1) a current value of driving surface gradient, the value of cresting_set_speedbeing lower as a function of increasingly negative driving surface gradient; (2) the driving mode (TR mode') in which the vehicle is currently operating; and (3) a value of comfort parameter 'COMFORT' (indicative of a level of comfort required by an occupant of the vehicle), the value of cresting_set_speed being lower as a function of increasing level of required comfort.

It is to be understood that the value of cresting_set_speed may be set in dependence on the driving mode according to an empirically determined look up table (LUT). In the present embodiment, when the selected driving mode (TRmode) is the sand mode, no limit is set on vehicle speed in response to a determination that the vehicle is cresting, whilst a limit is set in all other driving modes, such as the GGS driving mode and highway driving mode. In the present embodiment the value of cresting_set_speed calculated in driving modes other than the sand mode is substantially the same, for a given set of conditions including the value of VREF, gradient and rate of change of pitch. In some alternative embodiments, the value of cresting_set_speed calculated by the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b in at least two driving modes other than the sand mode may be different for a given set of conditions In the present embodiment, the VCU 15 is configured to receive an input indicative of a desired level of occupant comfort via touchscreen 18 although other input devices may be useful such as a rotary dial. In the present embodiment, the comfort signal indicates whether the comfort setting has a value of 0 (zero), 1, 2, 3 or 4. A value of zero is considered to correspond to an 'off' condition of the comfort setting, indicating that no account is to be taken of passenger comfort when setting the value of cresting_set_speed. In the present embodiment, the VCU determines a value of cresting_set_speedaccording to driving surface gradient, and then reduces the value of cresting_set_speed by a factor so as to cause a progressively lower value of cresting_set_speed the higher the value of comfort setting. The input indicative of a desired level of occupant comfort described in the present embodiment is user-selectable, and thus may be referred to as a user-selectable input indicative of a desired level of occupant comfort or a desired value of occupant comfort parameter or a comfort parameter or a level of desired occupant comfort or a value of comfort parameter or being indicative of a level of comfort required by an occupant of the vehicle.

It is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the vehicle 10 is not provided with the capability to allow a driver to input a desired value of occupant comfort parameter.

It is to be understood that, in the present embodiment, the VCU 15 is configured not to allow the value of max_set speed to be reduced below a predetermined minimum value so as not to inconvenience a user. In the present embodiment the predetermined minimum value is 2 km/h. Other values may be useful in some embodiments.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the VCU 15 is configured to determine that the vehicle is cresting when cresting conditions (a) and (b) above are met, and calculate a value of cresting_set_speed that depends on parameters (1)-(3) above.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion of the VCU 15 calculates a value of parameter cresting_set_speed and outputs the value to the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a. In the present embodiment, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion of the VCU 15 calculates a value of parameter cresting_set_speed and outputs the value to the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a for a predetermined period, referred to as a predetermined speed limit period, following the determination that the vehicle is cresting. The predetermined speed limit period is 2s in the present embodiment but in some embodiments may be any other suitable time period such as 1s, 5s, lOs or any other suitable value.

In an alternative embodiment, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion of the VCU 15 calculates a value of parameter cresting_set_speed and outputs the value to the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a for a predetermined distance of travel of the vehicle 10, referred to as a predetermined speed limit distance, following the determination that the vehicle is cresting. The predetermined speed limit distance may be any suitable distance such as a single wheelbase, twice the wheelbase, three times the wheelbase or any suitable distance. It is to be understood that the distance need not be a whole or number of whole wheelbase(s) to be considered a suitable distance. It is to be understood that by wheelbase is meant the centre-to-centre distance from a front wheel of the vehicle to a rear wheel of the vehicle 10 in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a vehicle 10 ascending a slope towards a crest C, beyond which the driving surface is substantially level (horizontal). As the vehicle 10 traverses the crest C, the VCU 15 detects a reduction in gradient of the driving surface and a lowering of vehicle pitch (i.e., vehicle pitch attitude). If the rate of change of pitch exceeds the predetermined value of 5 degrees per second and the gradient of the driving surface is less than a 5% (uphill) gradient, i.e., the gradient is less steep than 5%, horizontal or is a downhill gradient, the VCU 15 determines that the vehicle 10 is cresting and begins to calculate a value of cresting_set_speed in dependence on parameters (-0-(3) above.

FIG. 5 illustrates a vehicle 10 ascending a slope towards a crest C, beyond which the driving surface has a negative (downhill) gradient. As the vehicle 10 traverses the crest C, the VCU 15 detects a reduction in gradient of the driving surface and a lowering of vehicle pitch (i.e., vehicle pitch attitude). If the rate of change of pitch exceeds the predetermined value of 5 degrees per second and the gradient of the driving surface is less than a 5% (uphill) gradient, i.e., the gradient is less steep than 5%, horizontal or is a downhill gradient, the VCU 15 determines that the vehicle 10 is cresting and begins to calculate a value of cresting_set_speed in dependence on parameters (1) -(3) above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a vehicle 10 negotiating a path across a substantially horizontal driving surface (i.e., having a gradient of substantially 0%) toward a crest C, beyond which the driving surface has a negative (downhill) gradient. Cresting condition (b), that the gradient value of the driving surface, as determined by reference to the driving surface gradient signal, is equal to or below 5%, is therefore met. As the vehicle 10 traverses the crest C, the VCU 15 detects a lowering of vehicle pitch (i.e., vehicle pitch attitude). If the rate of change of pitch exceeds the predetermined value of 5 degrees per second, the VCU 15 determines that cresting condition (a) is met and that the vehicle 10 is therefore cresting. The VCU 15 then begins to calculate a value of cresting_set_speed in dependence on parameters (1)-(3) above.

FIG. 7 illustrates the path of a vehicle 10 over two crests spaced a relatively short distance apart. The vehicle 10 is shown climbing a hill towards a first crest Cl. As the vehicle negotiates the crest Cl, at position X1 the conditions are met at which the VCU 15 determines that the vehicle 10 is cresting. The VCU 15 therefore calculates a value of speed limit, cresting_set_speed, to be imposed on the vehicle as it negotiates the crest.

After passing position X1, the VCU 15 starts a timer. The VCU 15 continues to calculate a value of cresting_set_speed in dependence on the value of parameters (a)-(c) described above. After the predetermined speed limit period has elapsed On the present embodiment, 2s), the vehicle 10 terminates calculating a value of cresting_set_speed in dependence on the value of parameters (a)-(c) described above, and sets the value acc_demand to the maximum allowable value of vehicle acceleration, VREFmax, as described above. The 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a thus ignores the value of cresting_set_speed received in determining the value of max_set_speed, and causes vehicle speed to revert to the lower of the current value of driver set speed and the prevailing value of max_set_speed.

With further reference to FIG. 7, position X2 is a location of the vehicle 10 at which conditions (a)-(c) are again met for the VCU 15 to make a second determination that the vehicle is cresting. However, if the time taken to travel from position X1 to position X2 is less than the predetermined crest detection period following the first determination that the vehicle is cresting at location X1, in the present embodiment 4s, the VCU 15 resets the timer and begins timing again until the predetermined speed limit period has elapsed, starting from position X2. If the predetermined crest detection period has expired when the vehicle reaches location X2, the VCU 15 responds in the manner described above with respect to its arrival at position X1.

That is, the VCU 15 starts the timer and imposes a deceleration on the vehicle by calculating a value of tgt_crest_acc in dependence on the value of parameters (a)-(c).

FIG. 8 illustrates the determination of the value of cresting_set_speed by the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15. In FIG. 8 the horizontal axis is the surface gradient, with 0% representing a zero gradient condition ('O% Flat Road'). On the horizontal axis, the surface gradient increases in an uphill direction when moving to the left of the 0% Flat Road condition and the surface gradient increases in a downhill direction when moving to the right of the 0% Flat Road condition.

As described above, when the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b of the VCU 15 determines that the vehicle is not cresting, the value of parameter cresting_set_speed output from the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b is set to the maximum allowable value of vehicle speed when under the control of the speed control system, VREFmax. The value of max_set_speed output by the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b is therefore unaffected by the value of cresting_set_speed.

As noted above, it is to be understood that the speed control system implemented by the VCU 15 is configured such that the vehicle acceleration calculation portion 15c cannot cause vehicle speed to fall to a value less than a predetermined minimum value. In the present embodiment, the predetermined minimum value is 2 km/h but other values may be useful in some embodiments.

In the event that the conditions for cresting are met, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b calculates a value of cresting_set_speed as described above and also illustrated in FIG. 8.

As can be seen in FIG. 8, the value of cresting_set_speed is set to increasingly lower values for a given driving surface gradient in dependence on the value of the comfort parameter. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when the value of comfort parameter is zero (corresponding to an 'off' condition) or has a value of '1', the value of cresting_set_speed changes from VREFmax to increasingly lower values once the gradient reaches a value of 2% in a downhill direction (i.e., a gradient of minus 2% or '-2%'). These conditions are indicated by trace 'A' and the corresponding line labelled 'Comfort = 0, 1' in FIG. 8.

In the case that the value of comfort parameter is '2', the value of cresting_set_speed changes from VREFmax to increasingly lower values once the gradient reaches a value of 0%. This condition is indicated by trace 'B' and the line labelled 'Comfort = 2' in FIG. 8.

In the case that the value of comfort parameter is '3' or '4', the value of cresting_set_speed changes from VREFmax to increasingly lower values once the gradient falls below a value of +5%. The rate of decrease of cresting_set_speed is more severe in the case that the comfort parameter has a value of '4', i.e., the gradient of the plot of cresting_set_speed as a function of gradient is steeper, resulting in a lower speed for a given gradient than in the case that the comfort parameter has a value of '3' or less. This condition is indicated by trace 'C' and the corresponding one of the lines labelled 'Comfort = 3' or 'Comfort = 4' in FIG. 8.

In the present embodiment, in the event that the comfort parameter is set to a value of '4', being the highest required value of occupant comfort, the VCU 15 is configured to determine that the vehicle is cresting when the pitch rate in a downward direction is at a lower value than in the case of lower values of comfort parameter. This condition is indicated by the line labelled 'Comfort = 4' in FIG. 8 as noted above. In the present embodiment, when the comfort parameter is set to a value of '4', the VCU 15 is configured to require that the pitch rate exceeds a value of 3 degrees per second in order to determine that the vehicle is cresting, in addition to the gradient being less than 5%. Other values of pitch rate may be useful in some embodiments such as 2 degrees per second, 2.5 degrees per second, 4 degrees per second or any other suitable value. Other values of gradient may also be useful in some embodiments.

It is to be understood that different values of pitch rate may be required before cresting is determined when the value of comfort parameter has other values, such as when the value is 1,2 or 3.

As noted above, the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b receives the value of comfort parameter and determines the value of cresting_set_speed in dependence in part on the comfort parameter. The 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c also receives the comfort parameter signal, COMFORT. The 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c adjusts the rate at which the value of target acceleration, acc_tgt, changes when a change in the value of acc_tgt is required, in dependence on the value of the comfort parameter, in order to limit the maximum value of jerk experienced at a given moment in time. The maximum allowable value of jerk (i.e., the jerk limit value) is lower for higher levels of required occupant comfort.

FIG. 9 illustrates the manner in which the VCU 15 limits vehicle speed when a change in vehicle speed is required following the detection of a crest.

At step S101 the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b determines whether a crest has been detected based on driving surface gradient and pitch rate as described above. If a crest has not been detected, step 5101 is repeated. If a crest has been detected, the method continues at step 5103. The At step 5103 the VCU 15 resets a timer and begins counting.

At step S105 the 'max cresting set speed calculation' portion 15b calculates a maximum allowable set speed value during cresting, cresting_set_speed, in response to the determination that the vehicle is cresting. The value of cresting_set_speed is calculated in dependence on the driving surface gradient, driving mode (TR mode) and value of comfort parameter.

At step 5107 the value of cresting_set_speed is output to the 'max set speed calculation' portion 15a.

At step S109 the VCU 15 determines whether the timer has reached the predetermined speed limit period of 2s. If the timer has not yet reached this period, the method continues at steps Sill else the method continues at step 5101.

At step S111 the VCU 15 determines whether a second crest has yet been detected. If a second crest has been detected the method continues at step SS103 else the method continues at step 5105.

It is to be understood that the amount by which the 'vehicle acceleration calculation' portion 15c changes the value of acc_tgt is arranged such that the amount of jerk experienced by the vehicle does not exceed a predetermined jerk amount. As described above, in the present embodiment, the predetermined jerk amount is dependent on the value of comfort parameter, the predetermined jerk amount being lower for higher levels of required comfort. As also described above, in the present embodiment higher values of comfort parameter correspond to higher levels of required comfort.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an electronic controller 15' comprised by VCU 15 and configured to implement the speed control system of the VCU 15.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A speed control system for a vehicle, the speed control system configured to cause the vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the speed control system comprising one or more controllers, the speed control system configured to: receive a pitch rate signal indicative of a rate of change of pitch of a vehicle; receive a driving surface gradient signal indicative of a gradient of a driving surface upon which the vehicle is being driven; and determine if the vehicle is cresting in dependence on: the rate of change of pitch exceeding a predetermined value; and the gradient value of the driving surface being below a predetermined value, wherein the speed control system is configured to limit the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting.
2. A speed control system according to claim 1 configured to limit speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting by at least one of: application of brake torque by means of a vehicle braking system; and reducing an amount of positive drive torque applied to one or more wheels of the vehicle.
3. A speed control system according to claim 2 configured wherein the amount by which speed is limited is selected in dependence on the driving surface gradient.
4. A speed control system according to claim 3 wherein the amount by which speed is limited is selected in dependence on the substantially instantaneous driving surface gradient.
5. A speed control system according to claim 3 or claim 4 configured to calculate an estimated driving surface gradient value based on the driving surface gradient signal, the speed control system being configured to limit speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting in dependence on the estimated driving surface gradient value.
6. A speed control system according to any preceding claim configured to limit vehicle speed in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting for at least one of: a predetermined speed limit period following the determination that the vehicle is cresting; and a predetermined speed limit distance following the determination that the vehicle is cresting.
7. A speed control system according to any preceding claim configured wherein when vehicle speed is limited in response to a first determination that the vehicle is cresting, the speed control system will not subsequently limit vehicle speed in response to a second, subsequent determination that the vehicle is cresting, unless the second determination occurs no less than: a predetermined crest detection period following the first determination that the vehicle is cresting; and/or a predetermined crest detection distance following the first determination that the vehicle is cresting.
8. A speed control system according to any preceding claim wherein the speed control system being configured to limit the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting comprises the speed control system being configured to output a cresting speed limit value corresponding to a required limit of the speed of the vehicle.
9. A speed control system according to claim 8 configured wherein the cresting speed limit value is dependent at least in part on the driving surface gradient.
10. A speed control system according to claim 9 configured wherein the cresting speed limit value decreases as a function of increasing driving surface gradient in a downhill direction.
11. A speed control system according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the cresting speed limit value is dependent at least in part on a user-selectable input indicative of a desired level of occupant comfort.
12. A speed control system according to claim 11 configured wherein the cresting speed limit value decreases as a function of increasing level of desired occupant comfort.
13. A system for controlling a speed of a vehicle comprising: a speed control system as claimed in any preceding claim; and at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of vehicle pitch and/or rate of change of vehicle pitch.
14. A vehicle comprising the speed control system of any of claims 1 to 12 or the system of claim 13.
15. A method of controlling a speed of a vehicle implemented by a speed control system, comprising causing the vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the method further comprising: receiving a pitch rate signal indicative of a rate of change of pitch attitude of a vehicle; receiving a driving surface gradient signal indicative of a gradient of a driving surface upon which the vehicle is being driven; and determining if the vehicle is cresting in dependence on: the rate of change of pitch attitude exceeding a predetermined value; and the gradient value of the driving surface being below a predetermined value, the method comprising limiting the speed of the vehicle in dependence on the determination that the vehicle is cresting.
16. A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more electronic processors, causes the one or more electronic processors to carry out the method of claim 15.