Vehicle Speed Control System With Multiplex Switch Decoding

The field of the invention relates to providing operator initiated commands to a speed control system and decoding of those commands.

Various approaches are known to provide operator actuable switches and decoding of switch status for providing speed control commands or modes. Typically, actuation of the set switch causes vehicle speed to be stored as the reference speed at the time of actuation. Thereafter, a servo controls the engine throttle in response to a difference between vehicle speed and reference speed for maintaining vehicle speed at the reference speed. Continued actuation of an accel switch results in incrementation of the reference speed to provide vehicle acceleration during switch actuation. The set and accel switches may be the same switch and the speed controller would then distinguish between the set mode and accel mode by decoding switch actuation time.

Continuing with typical speed control commands, actuation of the vehicle brakes results in a standby mode wherein speed control operation is temporarily disabled. Speed control operation is subsequently restored at the previous reference speed upon actuation of a resume switch.

It is also known to provide a single multiplex output from all the operator actuable switches and decode various speed control commands from the single output as shown in Carp. U.S. Pat. No. 3,599,052. The '052 patent shows a number of operator actuable switches mounted on the steering wheel which communicate with the speed controller via a single line.

Speed controllers are also known which set an error flag when the vehicle brake is depressed concurrently with any of the speed control switches. Resumption of speed control operation is prevented when such error flag is in a set state. The error flag is then cleared when all speed control switches are detected as being in a neutral or idle state thereby enabling resumption of speed control operation upon actuation of the appropriate switch.

Suzuki et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,739 discloses a speed control system wherein control of the actuator (based upon a deviation between reference speed and vehicle speed) is disabled when the resume switch is toggled to the active position and subsequently enabled when the resume switch is toggled back to the inactive position. Another Suzuki patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,890) resets the reference speed to zero when the resume switch is toggled on and the vehicle brakes are applied.

Suzuki et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,434,469 discloses an acceleration switch, which is independent of the set switch, and circuitry for disabling power to the accelerator circuitry when the brakes and accelerator switch are concurrently activated.

Frantz U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,231 discloses a speed control system in which a resume flag is set whenever the resume mode is entered. Subsequent resume operations are prevented if the resume flag remains set. The resume flag is cleared only after application of the vehicular brakes and verification that the resume switch is in the off state.

The inventors herein have recognized prior approaches teach specific decoding systems for a particular mode of operation. Combining such specific systems into an overall decoding system results in redundancy and added complexity.

The disadvantages of prior approaches are overcome by a control system for providing a plurality of command signals to a vehicular speed control system. In one particular aspect of the invention, the control system comprises: first reference means coupled to a voltage source for providing a first voltage reference; switching means including a plurality of operator actuable momentary switches for changing the first voltage reference to one of a plurality of preselected voltages corresponding to actuation of one of the switches; second reference means coupled to the voltage source for providing a second voltage reference; conversion means for scaling each of the preselected voltages by the second voltage reference to generate a corresponding plurality of processing signals, the conversion means also scaling the first voltage reference by the second voltage reference to generate an idle signal when all of the momentary switches are deactuated; and decoding means for detecting each of the processing signals to generate a corresponding one of the command signals only after detecting the idle signal.

An advantage of the above aspect of the invention over prior approaches is that any combination of multiple switch actuation is prevented. A further advantage is that decoding of switch actuation is independent of variation in battery voltage or electronic noise within the vehicle electrical system.

The objects and advantages described herein will be more fully understood by reading an example of an embodiment in which the invention is utilized to advantage, referred to herein as the Description of the Preferred Embodiment, with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an electro-mechanical schematic of a speed control system which utilizes the invention described herein to advantage;

FIGS. 2A-2B are a flowchart showing process steps performed by a microcomputer to generate various speed control commands by decoding a plurality of operator actuable switches shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing process steps performed by a microcomputer to generate a throttle position command during speed control operations;

FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of quadratic speed control operation;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing process steps performed by a microcomputer in controlling a stepper motor coupled to the engine throttle in response to a throttle position command;

FIGS. 6A-6B are a flowchart showing process steps performed by a microcomputer to initialize speed control operation;

FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of generating an initial throttle position for initializing speed control operation;

FIGS. 8A-8C are graphical illustrations of the speed control initialization described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of process steps performed by a microcomputer in adaptively learning an initial target throttle position;

FIGS. 10A-10B are a flowchart of process steps performed by a microcomputer in controlling speed control operation during a particular embodiment of a resume mode;

FIGS. 11A-11C are a graphical illustration of speed control operation during the resume mode of operation described with reference to FIGS. 10A-10B; and

FIGS. 12A-12C are another graphical illustration of speed control operation during the resume mode of operation described with reference to FIGS. 10A-10B.

Speed control system 10 is first described in general terms with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. 1. More detailed description is provided later herein with particular reference to FIGS. 2-12. Speed control system 10 controls the engine throttle (not shown) via cable drum 12, connected to throttle cable 14. In general, speed control system 10 is responsive to: vehicle speed sensor 18; brake light switch 24; and brake dump switch 26 which is responsive to a predetermined hydraulic fluid pressure in the brake line such as, for example, 100 psi. The above inputs are filtered and buffered in a conventional manner by input signal conditioning circuitry 28. In addition, as described in greater detail later herein with particular reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, speed control system 10 is responsive to multiplex switch assembly 30 mounted on the vehicle steering wheel (not shown). In this particular example, multiplex switch assembly 30 includes the following operator actuable momentary switches: ON/OFF switch 32, COAST switch 34, SET/ACCEL switch 36, and RESUME/CANCEL switch 38.

Microcomputer 42, a conventional microcomputer such as the 6805 series, is shown responsive to the above described inputs for controlling stepper motor 50 which in turn controls cable drum 12 via reduction gearing 54 and electromagnetic clutch 56. In this particular example, electromagnetic clutch 56 includes clutch plates 58a and 58b wherein clutch plate 58b is displaced against a return spring (not shown) in response to the flow of electrical current through coil 60.

Continuing with FIG. 1, coil 60 is shown having one end connected to an electrical ground via clutch driver 64, a field effect transistor in this particular example, which is responsive to microcomputer 42. The other end of coil 60 is coupled to battery power V.sub.B via brake dump switch 26. During deactivation of speed control operation, such as when ON/OFF switch 32 is depressed in the OFF position or brake light switch 24 is closed, microcomputer 42 instructs stepper motor 50 to turn to an idle position and thereafter opens electromagnetic clutch 56 via clutch driver 64. In addition, electromagnetic clutch 56 becomes immediately disengaged upon actuation of brake dump switch 26 when a predetermined pressure is achieved in the brake system.

The operation of multiplex switch assembly 30 and decoding of switch actuation by microcomputer 42 to provide corresponding speed control commands (i.e., speed control operating modes), is now described with continuing reference to FIG. 1 and reference to FIGS. 2A-2B. For the particular embodiment shown herein, multiplex switch assembly 30 receives electrical power V.sub.B ') at node 64 via the relay coil of electrical horn assembly 66 through slip ring 70. Electrical ground is shown received at node 72 of multiplex switch assembly 30 via slip ring 74. Switch assembly 30 includes output node 80 which is coupled to node 82 of bridge circuit 86 via slip ring 88. As described in greater detail later herein, a multiplexed output signal or voltage is provided at node 80 by multiplex switch assembly 30. Microcomputer 42 decodes the multiplexed output signal to provide the appropriate command signals. In this particular example, one of five preselected voltages is provided at node 82 (V.sub.82) by actuation of either momentary switch 32, 34, 36, or 38.

ON/OFF switch 32 is shown as a single pole double throw momentary switch having its pole connected to node 80, its "ON" position connected to node 64, and its "OFF" position connected to electrical ground at node 72. COAST switch 34 is shown as a momentary switch connected in series with resistor 94 between node 80 and node 72. SET/ACCEL switch 36 is shown as a momentary switch connected in series with resistor 96 between node 80 and node 72. RESUME/CANCEL switch 38 is shown as a momentary switch connected in series with resistor 98 between node 80 and node 72. Horn switch 92 is connected in series between nodes 64 and 74.

Electrical bridge 86 is shown including two resistive voltage dividers coupled between electrical ground and node 102 which in turn is coupled to V.sub.B. The first voltage divider includes resistor 114 (R114) coupled between node 102 and node 82, and resistor 116 (R116) coupled between electrical ground and node 82. The second resistive voltage divider includes resistor 120 (R120) and resistor 122 (R122) interconnected with node 104. Nodes 82 and 104 are shown connected to respective A/D inputs A/D.sub.1 and A/D.sub.2 of microcomputer 42.

Operation of multiplex switch assembly 30 and bridge 86 in producing preselected voltages at node 82 corresponding to speed control commands is now described. During actuation of ON/OFF switch 32 to the "ON" mode, voltage V.sub.B ' is coupled to node 82. When ON/OFF switch 32 is actuated in the "OFF" mode, electrical ground is coupled to node 82. When all switches of multiplex switch assembly 30 are deactuated (i.e., none are depressed) node 80 is floating such that the voltage at node 82 of electrical bridge 86 is V.sub.B * R116/(R114 +R116). That is, the voltage at node 82 is determined by dividing V.sub.B by the first resistive voltage divider including resistors 114 and 116. This voltage is therefore a reference voltage designating the concurrent deactuated or idle position of momentary switches 32, 34, 36 and 38.

During momentary depression of COAST switch 34, resistor 94 is coupled in parallel with resistor 116 of electrical bridge 86. Accordingly, the voltage at node 82 during depression of COAST switch 34 is represented by:

where .parallel.R116 R94 represents the resistance of the parallel combination of R116 and R94.

While SET/ACCEL switch 36 is held in the depressed position, resistor 96 is coupled in parallel with resistor 116. During such momentary depression, the voltage at node 82 is represented by:

Similarly, during depression of RESUME/CANCEL switch 38, resistor 98 is coupled in parallel with resistor 116. Thus, the voltage at node 82 is then represented by:

The voltage at node 104 (V.sub.104) of bridge 86 is a system reference voltage determined by dividing V.sub.B by the second resistive voltage divider including resistors 120 and 122 (i.e., V.sub.B * R120/R120+R122). Any variation in battery voltage, voltage transients or noise on the voltage line will affect both V.sub.82 and V.sub.104 in a proportionate manner. As described below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, microcomputer 42 scales V.sub.82 by V.sub.104 to cancel the effects of voltage variations and noise from V.sub.82.

The operation of microcomputer 42 in decoding multiplex switch assembly 30, and providing speed control commands is now described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. Each block shown is representative of process steps performed by microcomputer 42 during each of its background loops. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the process shown may be performed by other components such as analog circuitry or discrete logic components commonly referred to as Integrated Circuits.

At the start of each background loop the brake light signal is sampled in step 152. In the event of a brake light signal, the Brake Flag is set and the STANDBY COMMAND generated (see steps 154 and 156). During the STANDBY mode, stepper motor 50 is phase stepped to an idle throttle position and electromagnetic clutch 56 then opened. Thereafter, resumption of speed control operation occurs with either a SET COMMAND or a RESUME COMMAND.

If the brake light signal is not present, step 158 compares actual vehicle speed (v) to peselected range .DELTA. around reference speed ms which is stored in memory. When vehicle speed is beyond this preselected range, a STANDBY COMMAND is generated (steps 156 and 158). When vehicle speed is within the preselected range, the digital representation of V.sub.82 and V.sub.104 is sampled during step 162. Command signal V.sub.c is then generated in step 164 by scaling V.sub.82 with V.sub.104 to eliminate the effects of voltage variations and noise at node 82 as previously described herein. Accordingly, command signal V.sub.c is a digital representation or coding of V.sub.82 which in turn is a voltage representation of switch actuation in multiplex switch assembly 30.

During steps 168, 170 and 172 an ON Flag is set and the ON COMMAND generated when the digital representation of V.sub.82 is greater than V.sub.104. Stated another way, speed control operation is enabled when the above comparison indicates that ON/OFF Switch 32 is momentary actuated in the ON position.

Command signal V.sub.c is then compared to a digital representation of the voltage, or voltage range, associated with momentary actuation of ON/OFF switch 32 in the OFF position (V.sub.OFF) during step 176. If V.sub.c is equal to V.sub.OFF, the ON Flag is cleared and the OFF COMMAND generated during steps 178 and 180. Stepper motor 50 is then sequenced to an idle position and electromagnetic clutch assembly 56 opened. Speed control operation cannot thereafter be reactuated until an ON COMMAND is received.

When command signal V.sub.c is not equal to signal V.sub.OFF and the ON Flag was previously set (see steps 176 and 184), command signal V.sub.c is compared to signal V.sub.Set which is a digital representation of the voltage at node 82 during actuation of SET/ACCEL switch 36 (see step 186). If command signal V.sub.c and signal V.sub.Set are equal, the previous state of signal V.sub.c is then checked for an idle switch condition (V.sub.Idle) corresponding to concurrent deactuation of all momentary switches in multiplex switch assembly 30 (see step 188). Should the previous state be other than an idle switch position, two switches may be concurrently actuated by the operator, in which case further speed control processing is exited.

If command signal V.sub.c is equal to (see step 186), and the previous state of command signal V.sub.c was at an idle position (see step 188) indicating that all switches were previously deactuated, then the Brake Flag is checked during step 190. It is noted that the Brake Flag is set during application of the vehicular brakes (see steps 150 and 152) and cleared when command signal V.sub.c is detected at an idle position indicating that all momentary switches were concurrently deactuated (see steps 230 and 232).

Returning to step 190, when the Brake Flag is detected as being cleared, command signal V.sub.c is checked to see if it was also at V.sub.Set during the previous background loop. If it was not, then a SET COMMAND is generated (see steps 192 and 194). On the other hand, if command signal V.sub.c was also at V.sub.Set during the previous background loop, an ACCEL COMMAND is generated (see steps 192 and 196). Stated another way, detection of continued depression of SET/ACCEL switch 36 results in an ACCEL COMMAND.

As described in greater detail later herein with particular reference to FIG. 3, the SET COMMAND begins initializing speed control operation to achieve the vehicle speed present at the time SET/ACCEL switch 36 is depressed. During continued depression of the switch, speed control system 10 accelerates the vehicle by incrementing the set speed in a preprogrammed manner.

Decoding the actuation of COAST switch 34 occurs during process step 200. After the digital representation of the voltage at node 82 associated with such actuation is detected (V.sub.Idle), the previous state of command signal V.sub.c is checked in step 202. When a previous idle condition of all switches is detected, and the Brake Flag is in a cleared condition (see step 204), a COAST COMMAND is generated. Otherwise, processing for the particular background loop ceases. During speed control coast operation, stepper motor 50 is turned to idle. Release of COAST switch 34 results in reinitializing speed control operation at the vehicle speed which occurred at the time of such release.

Decoding actuation of RESUME/CANCEL switch 38 and subsequent generation of the RESUME COMMAND begins with step 210. After affirmative comparison of signal V.sub.c with signal V.sub.Rsm, the previous state of command signal V.sub.c is checked for an idle condition during step 212. If all switches were previously deactuated and the Brake Flag is in the cleared state (see step 214), the Standby Mode is then checked during (see step 216). If previously in the Standby Mode, the RESUME COMMAND is then generated during step 218. However, if speed control was not previously in the Standby Mode (i.e., speed control in control mode), then depression of RESUME/CANCEL switch 38 is interpreted as a Cancel and the Standby Mode generated (step 220).

During operation in the Resume mode, speed control operation is reinitialized to achieve the desired or set speed which was stored prior to application of the vehicular brakes. A detailed description of Resume operation is described later herein with particular reference to FIGS. 10A-10B, 11A-11C, and 12A-12C.

Continuing with FIGS. 2A-2B, detection of concurrent deactuation of all switches in multiplex switch assembly 30 (i.e., V.sub.c =V.sub.Idle) during step 230 results in clearing the Brake Flag in step 232. In view of the above described process steps, neither the SET, ACCEL, COAST, or RESUME COMMANDS can be generated unless the Brake Flag is cleared. Stated another way, these commands cannot be generated until each switch of multiplex switch assembly 30 is concurrently at an idle position. Further, each previous state of signal V.sub.c must be at an idle position (see steps 188, 202 and 212). Accordingly, speed control operation is prevented when any of the switches remains in an actuated position such as when the vehicular operator inadvertently holds down a momentary switch or concurrently actuates two switches. However, once such switch returns to normal operation, speed control processing will then continue.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the Control Mode, or steady-state, speed control operation is now described. The Control Mode is entered after initializing operations during the Set, ACCEL, or Resume Mode, as described in greater detail later herein. During the Control Mode, feedback speed control operations maintain the vehicle at the set or desired speed. Upon recognition of the control mode in step 240 speed error signal v.sub.e is computed in step 246 by subtracting actual vehicle speed v from reference speed ms which is stored in memory location m. Gain constants k.sub.p (Proportional term), k.sub.q (quadratic term), and k.sub.I (integral term) are set in step 248 as a function of vehicle speed. In this particular example, each gain constant is one of three values each associated with one of three speed ranges. These speed ranges are designated as a high speed range , a medium speed range (v.sub.m), and a low speed range (v.sub.1).

During process steps 250-254, proportional, quadratic, and integral speed control are derived from error speed signal v.sub.e. In process step 250 the proportional speed control term is provided by multiplying proportional gain constant k.sub.p times speed error signal v.sub.e. This proportional term provides relatively fast speed control response to a speed error.

The integral control term is computed in step 252 by integrating speed error signal v.sub.e, multiplying this integral by integral term k.sub.I, and adding an initial throttle position designated as TP.sub.i. The computation of initial throttle position TP.sub.i is described later herein with particular reference to FIG. 6. This integral control term provides speed control system 10 with stable steady-state operation.

As shown in process step 254, the quadratic speed control term is calculated by multiplying quadratic constant k.sub.q times the product of error signal v.sub.e and the absolute value of error signal v.sub.e. This particular multiplication is used to advantage for generating a quadratic control term having the sign of error signal v.sub.e. The quadratic, integral, and proportional control terms are then added in step 258 to generate throttle position command signal TP. As described later herein with particular reference to FIG. 5, throttle position command signal TP causes stepper motor 50 to turn to the commanded throttle position.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the advantages of the quadratic control term are described. Quadratic control term k.sub.q * v.sub.e * .vertline.v.sub.e .vertline. is plotted as a function of speed error signal v.sub.e. It is noted that at low speed error signals (such as v.sub.e less than 1 mph), the quadratic control term is relatively small due to its squaring feature. On the other hand, the quadratic control term contributes substantially at higher speed error signals. To prevent excessive contribution at high speed error signals, the quadratic control term is clipped or limited at predetermine positive and negative limits. An advantage of the quadratic control term utilized herein is that small speed error signals are essentially ignored thereby providing a more stable speed control system. On the other hand, large corrections are quickly provided for significant speed errors thereby achieving a speed control system with a relatively fast response time.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram showing the process steps for phase control of three-phase stepper motor 50 is now described. During step 272 throttle position command TP is provided in a manner described later herein with particular reference to FIG. 4. In step 274 throttle position command TP is compared to total phase count .PHI..sub.c which, as described below, infers the actual position of stepper motor 50 and accordingly the throttle plate (not shown). The difference between throttle position TP and phase count .PHI..sub.c is representative of the angular position which stepper motor 50 must be incremented or decremented to in order to achieve the throttle position commanded by microcomputer 42. In response, a sequence of phase pulses (.PHI..sub.1, .PHI..sub.2, and .PHI..sub.3) is generated during step 276 for turning stepper motor 50 to throttle position TP. As phase pulses .PHI..sub.1, .PHI..sub.2, and .PHI..sub.3 are generated for turning stepper motor 50 in discrete phase steps, each pulse is counted to provide a total phase count .PHI..sub.c in step 278 which is related to the actual position of stepper motor 50. The above described process then continues the next background loop of microcomputer 42 when a new throttle position command is received.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B and 7, initialization of speed control operation is described in response to a SET COMMAND. Upon recognition of the SET COMMAND in step 282, a rounded off value of actual vehicle speed at the time of actuation of SET/ACCEL switch 36 is stored as a set or desired speed in the rs memory location (see step 284). Stepper motor 50 is then zeroed or turned to an idle position and electromagnetic clutch assembly 56 engaged during steps 288 and 290.

Referring to process steps 292-304 in FIG. 6A and also referring to the graph shown in FIG. 7 a description is provided for initializing speed control system 10 with an initial throttle position computed as follows. Throttle position is calculated by assuming a straight line relationship between vehicle speed and throttle position as illustrated by line 280 in FIG. 7. This illustrative line is shown having a slope "a" and an offset value c.sub.i which intersects the throttle position axis. Offset c.sub.i corresponds to the throttle position at idle after slack and mechanical stacking in the throttle cable and associated mechanical linkage have been taken in. Accordingly, initial throttle position TP.sub.i is calculated as follows: TP.sub.i =a * rs+c.sub.i (see step 292 in FIG. 6).

Referring back to FIG. 6A, the integrator memory is initialized with initial throttle position TP.sub.i in step 294 a SET COMMAND (as described in greater detail later herein, a similar initializing process occurs after a RESUME COMMAND or ACCEL COMMAND). Stepper motor 50 is then advanced until its angular position, as represented by phase count .PHI..sub.c, reaches initial throttle position TP.sub.i as shown by process steps 298 and 300. Actual vehicle speed existing at that time is then stored as initial reference speed ms.sub.i during process step 304. As described in greater detail later herein, reference speed ms is incremented in a preprogrammed manner until desired speed rs is achieved.

The above operation is illustrated by the waveforms shown in FIGS. 8A-8C for a hypothetical speed control operation. It is noted that after operator actuation of SET/ACCEL switch 36 at time t1 the vehicle speed droops as the operator releases the accelerator pedal (see FIG. 8B). Concurrently, the integrator storage location is initialized with target throttle position TP.sub.i and stepper motor 50 turned to target throttle position TP.sub.i (see FIG. 8C). Stated another way, stepper motor 50 is advanced until its total phase count .PHI..sub.c reaches target throttle position TP.sub.i at time t2. Actual vehicle speed at such time is then stored as initial reference speed ms.sub.i. As described in greater detail below, reference ms is then incremented in a preprogrammed manner and closed loop speed control operation is concurrently commenced to gradually increase vehicle speed until desired speed rs is achieved at time t3.

Referring to FIG. 6B, speed error signal v.sub.e is generated by subtracting actual vehicle speed (v) from reference speed ms as reference speed ms is being incremented (step 308). Proportional gain constant k.sub.p, quadratic gain constant k.sub.q, and integral gain constant k.sub.I are set in a manner described later herein with particular reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. During steps 312, 314, 316, and 318 throttle position (TP) is determined in the same manner as previously described herein with particular reference to process steps 250, 252, 254, and 258 shown in FIG. 3. That is, the throttle position commanded of stepper motor 50 is generated as follows:

The programming for incrementing reference speed ms is provided in steps 322-334. In general, a preselected number of ramps are utilized dependent upon vehicle speed. If vehicle speed is less than initial reference speed ms.sub.i plus predetermined deviation .DELTA..sub.1 (such as one mile per hour), then initial reference speed ms.sub.i is incremented at predetermined Rate 1. When vehicle speed is less than desired speed rs by predetermined amount .DELTA..sub.3 such as three miles per hour, (see process step 324), but greater than initial reference speed ms.sub.i plus .DELTA..sub.1 (see process step 326), then reference speed ms is incremented at predetermined Rate 2.

When vehicle speed v is equal to desired speed rs (see step 322), reference speed ms is set equal to desired speed rs during step 330. As shown in the hypothetical example in FIG. 8B, ms is incremented at Rate 3 from ms.sub.i to rs for providing gradual vehicle acceleration to reference speed rs. Subsequently, the control mode is entered as indicated by process step 336 in FIG. 6.

Updating of offset value c.sub.i during the Control mode for use in subsequent calculation of target throttle position TP.sub.i is now described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9. It is noted that speed control during the Control mode of operation was previously described with reference to FIG. 3. Referring first to FIG. 9, the contents of the integrator storage location are sampled during step 352 each background loop upon entering the control mode (see step 350). Since the integrator contents represent the integral of speed error signal v.sub.e plus the initial throttle position, this value (I.sub.i+1) is approximately equivalent to the actual throttle position. During step 354, the product of desired speed rs times slope "a" of the curve represented in FIG. 9 is subtracted from sampled integrator value I.sub.i+1 to generate an updated offset value c.sub.i+ 1. Offset value c.sub.i+ 1 is then stored during step 356 for use in a subsequent calculation of target throttle position TP.sub.i as previously described herein with reference to process step 292, 294, 298, and 300 shown in FIG. 6A.

The above described steps for adaptively learning offset value c.sub.i+1 and utilizing such value to compute a target throttle position (TP.sub.i) may be better understood by reviewing the hypothetical example of operation presented in FIG. 7. As previously discussed herein, line 280 represents an estimate of throttle position versus vehicle speed. Offset value c.sub.i represents throttle position at idle. However, initial reference line 280 represents only a best guess relationship, it will vary between different vehicles, vehicle accessories, and throttle cable slack.

During each background loop of microcomputer 40 (FIG. 9), the integrator storage location is sampled I.sub.i+1) This value, as previously discussed, represents actual throttle position. Thus, line 280 should be shifted in a parallel manner such that it intersects sampled integrator value I.sub.i+1. Stated another way, offset value c.sub.i is replaced by updated offset c.sub.i+1 as a function of sampled integrator value I.sub.i+1 (i.e., c.sub.i+1 equals I.sub.i+1 -a*rs). Accordingly, offset value c.sub.i is adaptively learned or updated such that line 280 becomes shifted to line 280' which in this example represents a true relationship between vehicle speed and throttle position for the particular vehicle upon which speed control system 10 is installed.

Referring to the example shown in FIG. 7, speed control system 10 maintains vehicle speed at reference speed rs.

In accordance with the description provided above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, speed control system 10 is initialized with an adaptively learned target throttle position such that desired speed rs is achieved in a stable manner with minimal undershoot, overshoot, or abrupt changes in vehicle speed. In addition, the adaptive learning process of target throttle positioning enables speed control system 10 to automatically adapt to different vehicles, and to variations among the same vehicle upon which it may be installed.

Operation during the resume mode is now described with reference to the flowchart of process steps Performed by microcomputer 42 shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, and the graphical representation of a hypothetical resume operation shown in FIGS. 11A-11C. After a RESUME COMMAND is recognized in step 382, stepper motor 50 is turned to an idle position (see step 384) and electromagnetic clutch assembly 56 activated (see step 388).

During step 392, initial throttle position TP.sub.i is computed by multiplying vehicle speed existing at the time resume switch 38 is depressed times slope value "a" and adding adaptively learned offset value c.sub.i. The integrator memory is then initialized with the computed initial target position TP.sub.i (see step 394). Stepper motor 50 is advanced until it reaches a phase count associated with target throttle position TP.sub.i (see steps 398 and 400). Actual vehicle speed v is then stored as reference speed ms.sub.i in step 404.

During step 408, speed error signal v.sub.e is computed by subtracting vehicle speed from reference speed ms. Proportional gain constant k.sub.p, quadratic gain constant k.sub.q, and integral gain constant k.sub.I are set in step 410. During steps 412, 414, 416, and 418 throttle position TP is determined in the same manner as previously described herein with particular reference to process steps 250, 252, 254, and 258 shown in FIG. 3.

The operation of microcompter 42 for incrementing reference speed ms to achieve resume or set speed rs is now described with continuing reference to FIGS. 10A-10B, FIGS. 11A-11C, and FIGS. 12A-12C. FIGS. 11A-11D represent a hypothetical resume operation wherein reference speed ms is greater than actual vehicle speed v (i.e., v.sub.e >zero) throughout resume operations. On the other hand, FIGS. 12A-12C represent a more complex hypothetical resume operation wherein actual vehicle speed v exceeds reference speed ms (i.e., v.sub.e <zero) during a portion of resume operation.

Resume speed control operation is first described of conditions when vehicle speed v is less than reference speed ms (i.e., v.sub.e >zero). After a determination is made that the speed error signal v.sub.e is positive (see step 430) and reference speed ms is less than set speed rs (see step 432), vehicle speed v is compared to various speed ranges (see steps 434, 436, and 438). More specifically, when vehicle speed v is less than predetermined value .DELTA..sub.3 from set speed rs and within predetermined value .DELTA..sub.1 from initial reference speed ms.sub.i, reference speed ms is incremented at predetermined rate R.sub.1 as shown by steps 434, 436, and 438. When vehicle speed v exceeds initial reference speed ms.sub.i plus .DELTA..sub.1 (see step 436), and is less than reference speed rs minus .DELTA..sub.3 (see step 434), reference speed ms is incremented at rate R.sub.2 (see step 440). If vehicle speed v is greater than set speed rs minus .DELTA..sub.3 (see step 434), reference speed ms is incremented at rate R.sub.3 (see step 442) until reference speed ms reaches set speed rs (see steps 432 and 446).

When reference speed ms reaches set speed rs, the throttle angle is greater than that required to maintain set speed rs because the vehicle has been accelerating. Speed overshoot would therefore result unless corrected for. Process steps 450, 452, and 454 prevent or substantially reduce such overshoot. More specifically, a new target throttle position is calculated based upon set speed rs during step 450 where TP.sub.i =c.sub.i +a * rs. Since the adaptive learning previously described herein with particular reference to FIG. 9 has updated offset c.sub.i, the calculated target throttle position should be highly accurate. This calculated target throttle position reinitializes the integrator storage position when reference speed ms is incremented to set speed rs thereby preventing speed overshoot. Afterwards, the control mode is entered as shown by step 454.

The operation presented above may be better understood by referring to the graphical representation of an example of resume operation presented in FIGS. 11A-11C. Upon depression of resume switch 38 at time t.sub.1 (see FIG. 11A), the integrator storage location is initialized with target throttle position TP.sub.i calculated as a function of vehicle speed v at time t.sub.1 (see FIG. 11C). Stepper motor 50 is then advanced until phase count .PHI..sub.c reaches target throttle position TP.sub.i at time t.sub.2 (FIG. 11C).

Referring to FIG. 11B, reference speed ms is initialized with vehicle speed v when stepper motor 50 reaches target throttle position TP.sub.i at time t.sub.2. Initial reference speed ms.sub.i is then gradually advanced at rate R.sub.1 until vehicle speed v reaches initial reference speed ms.sub.i plus .DELTA..sub.1 at time t.sub.3. Subsequently, reference speed ms is incremented at rate R.sub.2 until vehicle speed v reaches set speed rs minus .DELTA..sub.3 at time t.sub.4. Thereafter, reference speed ms is incremented at rate R.sub.3 until it reaches set speed rs at time t.sub.5. The integrator storage location is then reset with a target throttle position based on set speed rs (TP.sub.i =a * rs+c.sub.i). As shown in FIG. 11C, this integrator resetting operation reduces throttle position thereby reducing or eliminating any speed overshoot.

Speed control operation when speed error signal v.sub.e is negative (i.e., v>ms) during a portion of resume operation is now described with continuing reference to FIGS. 10A-10B, and reference to the hypothetical example graphically shown in FIGS. 12A-12C. Such operation occurs under resume speed control operation while the operator is accelerating or while traveling downhill. Vehicle speed is first compared to an upper reference speed ums (see step 460) which, in this particular example, is generated by adding a predetermined value .DELTA..sub.m to reference speed ms during each background loop of microcomputer 42. When vehicle speed v is greater than ums, reference speed ms is incremented to upper reference speed ums as shown in steps 460 and 462. When vehicle speed v is less than upper reference speed ums and is also less than set speed rs minus .DELTA..sub.3 (steps 460 and 464), then reference speed ms is updated with vehicle speed v (step 468). Referring to steps 464, 470, and 472, reference speed ms is incremented at rate R.sub.3 when vehicle speed is within a predetermined range .DELTA..sub.3 of set speed rs. When vehicle speed v reaches rs (step 470), reference speed ms is set to set speed rs and the integrator storage location reset as previously described herein with relation to process steps 450, 452, and 454. That is, the integrator is reinitialized with a target throttle position as a function of set speed rs (TP.sub.i =a * rs+c.sub.i).

The above described resume operation having a negative speed error during a portion of the resume mode may be better understood by the hypothetical example of operation shown in FIGS. 12A-12C. Resume switch 38 is shown actuated at time t.sub.1 in FIG. 12A. As shown in FIG. 12C, the integrator storage location is then set with a target throttle position calculated in relation to vehicle speed v existing at time t.sub.1 (TP.sub.i =a * v+c.sub.i) in the manner previously described. In response, stepper motor 50 is turned to target throttle position TP.sub.i. Upon reaching the target throttle position at time t.sub.2 reference speed ms is initialized with vehicle speed v (see FIG. 12B). Reference speed ms is then incremented as described below and feedback speed control commenced based upon speed error signal v.sub.e (v.sub.e =ms-v).

Referring to the example presented in FIG. 12B, line 470 represents reference speed ms incremented at rates R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 under hypothetical conditions where vehicle speed v is less than reference speed ms. Similarly, line 472 represents upper reference speed ums which is incremented at rates R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 under hypothetical conditions where vehicle speed v is less than upper reference speed ums. Line 474 represents actual vehicle speed v for the example presented herein. And, the solid portions of lines 470, 472, and 474 represent the actual reference speed ms utilized for speed error control in the particular example presented herein.

Continuing with FIG. 12B, reference speed ms is increased at rate R.sub.1 until it is greater than initial reference speed ms.sub.i plus .DELTA..sub.1 as shown at time t.sub.3. Thereafter, reference speed ms is increased at rate R.sub.2. As shown in the previous example presented herein with reference to FIGS. 11A-11C, reference speed ms would increase at rate R.sub.2 until vehicle speed v reaches set speed rs minus .DELTA..sub.3. However, as shown in the particular example presented in FIG. 12B, vehicle speed v exceeds reference speed ms at time t.sub.4. Reference speed ms is therefore set to vehicle speed v at time t.sub.4.

Vehicle speed v is shown exceeding upper reference speed ums at time t.sub.5. This may be an indication of acceleration while traveling downhill. Accordingly, reference speed ms is then limited to upper reference speed ums (line 472) at time t.sub.5. Between times t.sub.6 and t.sub.8, vehicle speed v is again shown occurring between upper reference speed ums and the lower or base reference speed shown by line 470. Reference speed ms is therefore set to vehicle speed v (line 474). After time t.sub.8, vehicle speed v is shown falling below reference line 470. Accordingly, reference speed ms is incremented at rate R.sub.3 as shown by line 470 until it reaches set speed rs at time t9 Upon reaching set speed rs, the integrator storage location is reset with a target throttle position based upon set speed rs as previously described herein (TP.sub.i =a * rs+c.sub.i).

In accordance with the resume operation described herein with reference to steps 460-472 and 446-454 presented in FIG. 10 and FIGS. 12A-12C, smooth resume operation is provided which adapts to actual vehicle speed under conditions of operator acceleration and downhill operation. In addition, the unique manner of initializing the integrator with throttle position based upon vehicle speed v and reinitializing the integrator with target throttle position based upon set speed rs, provides smooth and stable operation with minimal undershoot or overshoot.

This concludes the Description of the Preferred Embodiment. The reading of it by those skilled in the art will bring to mind many alterations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, speed control operation is illustrated during various modes of operation such as the Resume Mode whereas the teachings of the invention are applicable to other modes of operation wherein the desired speed is altered. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the following claims.