Patent ID: 8457843

Claim:
A control device configured to ascertain the ability to implement a predefined setpoint steering angle for controlling a vehicle, comprising: a first signal input configured to receive the predefined setpoint steering angle based on a setpoint travel direction specified by at least one of a driver and an automatic vehicle control system; a second signal input configured to receive at least one steering wheel adjustment force, wherein the adjustment force is ascertained by at least one sensor of the vehicle for adjusting at least one of a steering wheel and a wheel of the vehicle when the instantaneous direction of travel of the vehicle changes according to the setpoint steering angle and the adjustment force is applied to a steering wheel of the vehicle to implement the predefined setpoint steering angle; a comparator configured to (i) compare the adjustment force to at least one predefined comparative value and compare an ascertained actual maximum steering angle to a stored maximum steering angle value, and (ii) provide a comparative signal according to these comparisons; and an evaluation device configured to (i) receive the comparative signal, (ii) determine that the ability to implement the predefined setpoint steering angle for the vehicle does not correspond to a selected standard if at least one of the adjustment force deviates from the at least one predefined comparative value by at least a first predetermined minimum difference and the actual maximum steering angle deviates from the stored maximum steering angle value by at least a second predetermined minimum difference, and (iii) provide an information signal indicative of the determination regarding the ability to implement the predefined setpoint steering angle, wherein the information signal is output to at least one of the automatic vehicle control system, a display device for informing the driver, and an announcement device for informing the driver.