Patent ID: 6725145
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: B60K,B60T,B60W,G01C

Abstract:
A curve approach control apparatus comprising:vehicle running condition detecting means for detecting a vehicle running condition as the vehicle approaches a curve on a road where the driver has a choice of going straight or turning into the curve and where a set path for the vehicle is for turning into the curve, a controlling unit for controlling said vehicle based on at least said vehicle running condition so as to enable said vehicle to safely pass through a curve in front of said vehicle in the event the driver decides to turn into the curve instead of traveling straight on said road; comparing means for comparing an actual measured value of a turning motion parameter of said vehicle and an estimated value of a turning motion parameter estimated from said vehicle speed and a curve's radius of curvature, and deciding means for determining a driver's intention based on said comparing means whether the driver intends to travel straight on the road or to turn into the curve in front of said vehicle based on said vehicle running condition, and for determining that the driver intends to travel straight when the actual measured value of a turning motion parameter of said vehicle is less than or equal to the estimated value of the turning motion parameter of the vehicle thereby indicating that a straight travel state is decided by the driver. wherein said controlling unit, based on said deciding means determining a straight travel state, inhibits unnecessary execution of alarm or deceleration for controlling said vehicle in order to enable said vehicle to safely travel straight on said road when said deciding means determines that the driver intends to travel straight on said road and not enter the curve and when said controlling unit determines from running conditions of said vehicle that the driver intends to turn into the curve, said controlling unit permits alarm control and deceleration control.