Patent ID: 8849517
Filing Date: 2014-09-30
Classification: B60W,B62D

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: In conjunction with a real steering system of a motor vehicle being acted on by a driving assistance system, a theoretical steering system model of the motor vehicle generating an estimated steering system signal as a function of a first actual steering system signal representing an input action provided to the real steering system by a power steering actuating unit; providing the first actual steering system signal as a position signal of the power steering actuating unit to the theoretical steering system model; acquiring a second actual steering system signal from the real steering system: providing the second actual steering system signal as a position signal of the power steering actuating unit to a comparison unit; providing the estimated steering system signal to the comparison unit; wherein the theoretical steering system model is in simultaneous operation with respect to the real steering system; comparing the estimated steering system signal with the second actual steering system signal representing an input action provided to the real steering system through a steering element of the real steering system for determining the at least one defined difference, wherein the real steering system is manually controllable through the steering element; generating a signal indicating a hands-free driving state in response to the comparing determining that the at least one defined difference exists between the estimated steering system signal and the second actual steering system signal; providing the hands-free driving state indicating signal to the driving assistance system; and changing a state of the driving assistance system from active to inactive in response to the hands-free driving state indicating signal.