Patent ID: 8589027

Claim:
A steering assist system for a vehicle, comprising: a turning device connected to the vehicle and being operable to influence a heading of the vehicle; a steering device operable to apply a first turning force to the turning device to operate the turning device; a steering sensor configured to detect a steering state of the steering device during which the steering device applies the first turning force to operate the turning device; and an autopilot device configured to automatically navigate the vehicle to a desired heading of the vehicle, the autopilot device including an actuator operable to apply a second turning force to the turning device to operate the turning device; and a steering assist control section configured to control the actuator to apply the second turning force to turn the turning device in the same direction that the first turning force is turning the turning device after a delay period has elapsed from a time that the steering sensor detects the steering state of the steering device and while the steering device is continuing to apply the first turning force to the turning device to operate the turning device.