Patent ID: 8954255
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: B60W

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: in response to receiving a selection of a desired speed for a vehicle; utilizing a terrain-based speed profile and a terrain-based work function for the vehicle for maintaining the vehicle at the desired speed, including the desired speed and a selected speed range, for a current driving mode, wherein the terrain-based speed profile includes a terrain-based driving preference for a type of driving, the type of driving accounting for an amount of hysteresis in adjusting the speed of the vehicle relative to the desired speed; assessing, by at least one programmable logic circuit, discrete logic circuit or computer circuit, the status of expected energy-efficiency obstacles associated with a roadway corresponding to the terrain-based speed profile; maintaining, by the at least one programmable logic circuit, discrete logic circuit or computer circuit, the vehicle at the desired speed automatically; in response to the step of assessing the status of expected energy-efficiency obstacles, automatically adjusting the speed of the vehicle relative to the desired speed to facilitate fuel economy based on the terrain-based speed profile and the terrain-based work function; and wherein the desired speed and selected speed range for the current driving mode are provided by respective user-operated inputs, whereby the desired speed is in the selected speed range for the current driving mode.