Patent ID: 7401868

Claim:
A method for optimizing a braking sequence in a vehicle with automatic transmission ( 3 ) and gearbox ( 9 ), automatic cruise control, and at least two different braking systems ( 48 , 6 ), said method comprising: controlling acceleration and braking using the automatic cruise control to achieve a set speed; taking into account the distance to the vehicle in front; using a computer program for conducting data simulations on a continuous basis of how the vehicle will be driven in the future in consideration of at least a set of different combinations of engine speed at which a gear change takes place, a gear change schedule and the braking sequence; and selecting the braking sequence with associated gear change schedule that will be optimal for the given conditions; wherein when selecting the gear change schedule and braking sequence, the cruise control chooses to brake primarily with the braking system ( 48 , 6 ) that has the least tendency to wear.