Vehicle running control apparatus, vehicle running control method, and computer program product having the method stored therein

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle running control apparatus, and more particularly to a vehicle running control apparatus and method in which a vehicle to be controlled is caused to run with a transmission mechanism, a throttle mechanism and a brake mechanism controlled so that a distance between the vehicle to be controlled and an object such as a preceding vehicle existing in front of the vehicle to be controlled is matched with a desired distance.

[0003] In recent years, there have been developed a vehicle running control apparatus provided with a vehicle speed control function (or cruise control function) of performing the running of a vehicle to be controlled with a vehicle speed kept constant as well as a headway distance control function (or adaptive cruise control function) of performing the running of the vehicle with a safe headway distance kept between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle by use of a radar system which is mounted on the vehicle to be controlled and detects a headway distance to the preceding vehicle. As has been disclosed by, for example, JP-A-7-76237, a follow-up running for a preceding vehicle is performed by controlling a vehicle speed so that a headway distance detected by a radar sensor keeps a safe headway distance corresponding to the vehicle speed. In the case where there is no preceding vehicle within the safe headway distance, an acceleration running is performed up to a preset desired speed (or target speed command) and a keep-speed running is thereafter performed in accordance with the desired speed. Also, there is an apparatus in which when a host vehicle to be controlled is running on a curved road and a preceding vehicle having been able to be measured by a radar system moves out of a measurable range so that the measurement becomes impossible, the speed of the preceding vehicle is estimated and the speed of the host vehicle is controlled by use of the estimated speed.

[0004] JP-A-9-323628 corresponding to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/871,887 filed on Jun. 9, 1997 has disclosed an apparatus in which a vehicle speed control is performed while maintaining a headway distance to a preceding vehicle at a required value. JP-A-10-76867 corresponding to the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/923,414 filed on Sep. 4, 1997 has disclosed a running control system in which a running control map corresponding to the running condition of a vehicle provided with an automatic cruising device is prepared so that an area of the running control map is selected in accordance with a relative speed and headway distance to a preceding vehicle.

[0005] The radar systems used in the above-mentioned apparatuses include three typical systems as enumerated in the following. The first system is a laser radar. The principle of the laser radar will now be described in brief. A short pulse-like laser beam is periodically transmitted (or emitted) from a laser diode, and a laser beam reflected by a reflecting plate such as a reflector mounted at the rear of a vehicle is received by a photodiode. A distance to the reflecting plate is measured from the product of a time from the transmission to the reception and the light velocity. Since an object having the reflecting plate mounted thereon is detected, it is easy to detect, for example, a motor vehicle or an auto-bicycle. On the other hand, under a condition in which the visibility with the naked eyes is unavailable owing to, for example, rain, fog or the like, a detectable distance becomes remarkably short as compared with that at the time of fine weather. This is because there is used a laser beam which is easy to handle and has a wavelength close to visible light. Also, since the principle of measurement is based on the measurement of a time from transmission to reception, what can directly be detected is only a distance.

[0006] The second system is a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. An electromagnetic wave or a radio wave signal having a continuously changing frequency are transmitted and an electromagnetic wave signal reflected from an object (or receive wave) are received. The transmit wave and the receive wave are mixed to obtain a signal which has a frequency corresponding to a distance to the object reflecting the transmit wave and a signal which has a frequency corresponding to a relative speed. Thereby, it is possible to detect the distance and the relative speed directly. For example, provided that the center frequency of the transmit wave is 60 GHz, a modulation band is 75 MHz and a frequency for causing a frequency change is 750 Hz, a distance detection range of the radar is 150 m and the resolution of the relative speed is 3.75 m/s. The wavelength is long as compared with that in the laser radar and an object existing in the front can be detected even under a condition in which the visibility with the naked eyes is unavailable.

[0007] The third system is a two-frequency continuous wave (or two-frequency CW) radar. Two different frequencies f₁and f₂are transmitted in a time-shared switching manner so that a relative speed and a distance to an object are detected from a Doppler frequency or a frequency change which is included in waves reflected from the object (or receive waves). For example, provided that a first frequency of the transmit waves is 60 GHz and a second frequency thereof is 60 GHz+250 kHz, a distance detection range of the radar is 150 m. Similarly to the FMCW system, the wavelength is long as compared with that in the laser radar and an object existing in the front can be detected even under a condition in which the visibility with the naked eyes is unavailable. Also, there is a feature that the resolution and accuracy of the relative speed are better or equal to or smaller than 0.3 m/s. However, since the frequency change caused by the Doppler effect is used as the principle of measurement, it is not possible to detect an object when the relative speed is zero.

[0008] JP-A-8-166444 has disclosed a distance measurement equipment based on the two-frequency CW system.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows an example of a headway distance control. In the case where there is a difference between a required (or target) headway distance D_rand a measured headway distance D_mat time 0, a vehicle A to be controlled is accelerated to increase a vehicle speed V_o, thereby making the deviation of D_mfrom D_rsmall and the vehicle A is thereafter decelerated so that V_obecomes approximately equal to the speed V_pof a preceding vehicle B. Shortly or at time t_a, D_rand V_ocome to the same as D_mand V_p, respectively, so that the vehicle A runs with a headway distance to the preceding vehicle B kept at the required distance D_r. Namely, the headway distance control eliminates the deviation of the measured distance D_mbetween the vehicle A and the preceding vehicle B from the required distance D_rtherebetween and makes a relative speed V_rof zero.

[0010] In the case where the headway distance control is performed by use of the two-frequency CW system selected from among the three radar systems in light of the ability of detection of an object in the front even at the time of unavailable visibility with the naked eyes and the better resolution and accuracy of the relative speed, there is the following problem. When a relative speed is zero, the two-frequency CW radar is disabled to detect a headway distance to a preceding vehicle and the relative speed since a frequency shift caused by the Doppler effect is not generated, as mentioned above. Namely, when the headway distance control is best operated, the two-frequency CW radar is disabled to detect the preceding vehicle.

[0011] The present invention provides a technique of controlling the running of a vehicle to maintain a required headway distance and a desired relative speed so that the relative speed of the vehicle to an object does not come to zero.

[0012] In a vehicle running control technique according to the present invention, the change of a difference in frequency between an electromagnetic wave signal transmitted from a vehicle and an electromagnetic wave signal reflected from an object is detected. Information concerning the running of the vehicle and including a distance between the vehicle and the object and the relative speed of the vehicle to the object is generated on the basis of the detected frequency difference change. A desired speed (or speed command) for generating a change in frequency difference is generated on the basis of the running information so that the speed of the vehicle is controlled on the basis of the desired speed.

[0013] According to the present invention, the relative speed of a vehicle to an object does not come to zero even when the running of the vehicle is being controlled so that a required headway distance and a desired relative speed are maintained. Therefore, it is possible to detect the object always by use of the Doppler effect included in a reflected electromagnetic wave signal.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a desired speed for correction setting unit is provided for causing a difference between the speed of a vehicle to be controlled and the speed of a preceding vehicle always so that a relative speed does not come to zero. When the absolute value of the relative speed becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the desired speed for correction setting unit generates a desired speed for correction (correction speed command) and adds it to an ordinary desired speed so that the vehicle to be controlled is caused to run with the value of addition taken as a new desired speed. In this case, the desired speed for correction is generated with a smooth signal having a low frequency in order that acceleration or deceleration caused by the desired speed for correction is not felt by a driver. The desired speed for correction may be generated with either a signal having a single frequency or a signal having a plurality of frequencies superimposed. Also, parameters used for generation of the desired speed for correction may be either a relative speed or the deviation of a measured distance from a required distance.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a required distance for correction setting unit is provided for causing a difference between the speed of a vehicle to be controlled and the speed of a preceding vehicle always so that a relative speed does not come to zero. When the absolute value of the relative speed becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the required distance for correction setting unit generates a required distance for correction (correction target distance) and adds it to an ordinary required distance so that the vehicle to be controlled is caused to run with the value of addition taken as a new required distance. Similarly to the first embodiment, the required distance for correction may be generated with a signal having a single frequency or a plurality of frequencies superimposed in order that acceleration or deceleration caused by the required distance for correction is not felt by a driver. Also, parameters used for generation of the required distance for correction may be either a relative speed or the deviation of a measured distance from a required distance.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a headway distance control;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle running control apparatus according to the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a processing performed by a relative speed conversion unit and a distance conversion unit shown in FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a required distance setting unit and a desired speed setting unit shown in FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing that processing for speed control based on a relative speed which is performed by a desired speed for correction setting unit and a vehicle speed control unit shown in FIG. 2;

[0021] FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation when a desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set in accordance with equation (4) (n=0) in the processing shown in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIG. 7 shows an example of the operation when the desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set in accordance with equation (4) (n=2) in the processing shown in FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing that processing for speed control based on a deviation between a required distance D_rand a measured distance D_mwhich is performed by the desired speed for correction setting unit and the vehicle speed control unit shown in FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation when a desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set in accordance with equation (4) (n=2) in the processing shown in FIG. 8;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a vehicle running control apparatus according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing that processing for speed control based on a relative speed which is performed by a required distance setting unit, a required distance for correction setting unit and a desired speed setting unit shown in FIG. 10;

[0027] FIG. 12 shows an example of the operation when a required distance for correction ΔD_ris set in accordance with equation (6) (n=2) in the processing shown in FIG. 11;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing that processing for speed control based on a deviation between a required distance D_rand a measured distance D_mwhich is performed by the required distance setting unit, the required distance for correction setting unit and the desired speed setting unit shown in FIG. 10; and

[0029] FIG. 14 shows an example of the operation when a required distance for correction ΔD_ris set in accordance with equation (6) (n=2) in the processing shown in FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicle running control apparatus according to the present invention. Two electromagnetic wave signals including different frequencies f₁and f₂in a millimeter wave band are transmitted by a transmitter 100 inclusive of an antenna toward a preceding vehicle B from a vehicle A to be controlled. The reflected electromagnetic wave signals from the preceding vehicle B are received by a receiver 101 inclusive of an antenna. The reflected waves being subjected the Doppler effect corresponding to a difference in speed between the vehicles A and B are received as frequencies f₁+df₁and f₂+df₂different from the frequencies of the transmit waves. On the basis of the frequencies and phases of the transmit and receive waves, a distance detection unit 205 including a frequency change detection unit 201, a relative speed conversion unit 202, a phase difference detection unit 203 and a distance conversion unit 204 detects a measured headway distance D_mand a measured relative speed V_r. The detection of the headway distance D_mand the relative speed V_rin the distance detection unit 205 can be realized using that technique for measurement of a headway distance and a relative speed based on a two-frequency CW system which has been disclosed by an article written by authors including a part of the present inventors and entitled “An Adaptive Cruise Control System Using A Millimeter Wave Radar”, Intelligent Vehicle '98, October 1998. The disclosure of this article is incorporated herein by reference. Also, a required distance setting unit 207 sets a required (or target) headway distance D_ron the basis of a vehicle speed V_odetected by a vehicle speed detection unit 210. A desired speed setting unit 208 sets a desired speed (or speed command) V_don the basis of the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_r. A desired speed for correction setting unit 206 generates a desired speed for correction (or correction speed command) ΔV_don the basis of the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_r. A vehicle speed control unit 209 determines a required throttle opening angle (or throttle opening angle command), a required speed change (or speed change command) and a required brake (or brake command) from the vehicle speed V_o, the desired speed V_dand the desired speed for correction ΔV_dto drive a throttle 211, a transmission 212 and brakes 213.

[0031] The functions of all or a part of the blocks or units 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by a microcomputer (not shown) mounted on the vehicle. The microcomputer is commercially available and includes a CPU, a memory capable of storing control programs and control data, an interface for input/output of signal for the exterior, and a bus for connecting these components. A procedure for a vehicle running control according to the present invention is described in the form of computer readable code data and is stored into a recording medium. The recording medium may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or another type of information recording medium having a computer readable structure.

[0032] The relative speed conversion unit 202 and the distance conversion unit 204 performs a processing for detection of a distance and a relative speed in accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 3. In step 301, a phase difference φ between frequency changes caused by the Doppler effect exerted on the two transmit waves f₁and f₂is taken in. The phase difference φ is detected by the phase detection unit 203. In step 302, a measured distance D_mis determined from the phase difference φ by use of equation (1):

[0033] D_m=c·φ/4πΔf  (1)

[0034] where c is the light velocity (3×10⁸m/s) and Δf is a phase difference between the two transmitted frequencies f₁and f₂(for example, 250 kHz). In step 303, a frequency change f_d(or a difference in frequency between the transmit and receive waves) detected by the frequency change detection unit 201 is taken in. In step 304, a relative speed V_ris determined from the frequency change f_dby use of equation (2):

[0035] V_r=c·f_d/2·f₁  (2)

[0036] where c is the light velocity and f₁is the frequency of one of the two transmit waves (for example, 60 GHz).

[0037] The required distance setting unit 207 and the desired speed setting unit 208 performs a processing for determination of a desired speed V_din accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 4. In step 401, a vehicle speed V_ois taken in from the vehicle speed detection unit 210. In step 402, a required distance D_rcorresponding to the vehicle speed V_ois set on the basis of characteristic data 406 stored in a memory. When the vehicle speed V_ois lower than 18 km/h, the required distance D_ris set to 10 m. In a period of time when the vehicle speed V_ois in a range from 18 km/h to 45 km/h, the required distance D_ris set to a value longer than 10 m in proportion to the vehicle speed so that it comes to 25 m when the vehicle speed V_ois 45 km/h. Further, when the vehicle speed V_ois higher than 45 km/h, the required distance D_ris set to a longer value in proportion to the vehicle speed so that it comes to 75 m when the vehicle speed V_ois 90 km/h. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the characteristic 406. In step 403, the measured distance D_mobtained by the distance detection unit 205 in step 302 is taken in. In step 404, the measured relative speed V_robtained in step 304 is taken in. In step 405, a desired speed V_dis determined from the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_m, the measured relative speed V_rand the vehicle speed V_oin accordance with equation (3): $\begin{array}{cc}{V}_d=V_o+K_i{\int }_o^t\left(D_r-D_m\right)dt+K_p\left(D_r-D_m\right)+K_d·V_r& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

[0038] Equation (3) represents a PID control in which the required distance D_ris taken as a required (or target) input, the measured distance D_mand the vehicle speed V_oare taken as variable parameters, and the desired speed V_dis taken as a control output. In equation (3), K_i, K_pand K_drepresenting the gains of a PID control system are values experimentally determined beforehand and t is the time.

[0039] The desired speed for correction setting unit 206 and the vehicle speed control unit 209 performs a processing for vehicle speed control in accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 5. In step 501, the absolute value of the measured relative speed V_ris compared with a preset threshold relative speed V_rth. In the case where |V_r|>V_rth, a desired speed for connection ΔV_dis set to zero (step 502). In this case of |V_r|>V_rth, it is meant that there is a difference in speed between the preceding vehicle B and the vehicle A to be controlled and a difference between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mis decreasing or will increase from now on. In any case, it is necessary to make the vehicle speed V_ohigher or lower than the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle so that the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r. Therefore, the relative speed does not come to zero even if a speed correction is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to detect a relationship between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled.

[0040] On the other hand, in the case where |V_r|≦V_rth, a desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set in step 503 in accordance with equation (4): $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta V_d=V_{\max }\sum _{i=0}^n\frac{1}{{\omega }_i}\sin \left({\omega }_{i}t+{\theta }_i\right)& \left(4\right)\end{array}$

[0041] where V_maxis the maximum speed for correction, ω_iis the angular frequency, t is a time from the setting of the desired speed for correction, θ_iis an initial phase difference, and n is any integer equal to or larger than 0.

[0042] In this case of |V_r|≦V_rth, a difference between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled is small and the vehicle distance control based on equation (3) results in that the measured distance D_msubstantially matches with the required distance D_r. Accordingly, so long as the preceding vehicle does not make a speed change, there results in that the speed V_oof the vehicle to be controlled matches with the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle so that the relative speed V_rcomes to zero. When the relative speed V_rcomes to zero, the detection of the preceding vehicle by the distance detection unit 205 becomes impossible if the desired speed for correction ΔV_dis not set additionally. The desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set with a sine wave signal having a low frequency (for example, equal to or lower than 1 Hz) in order that a different feeling is not given to the driver. In the case where the state of |V_r|≦V_rthcontinues over a long time, the driver has the different feeling if a single frequency is used. In this case, it is preferable to superimpose plural or n sine wave signals (n≧2) having different frequencies as shown in the block of step 503 in FIG. 5.

[0043] In step 504, a desired torque for speed control (or speed control target torque) T_dis determined in accordance with equation (5): $\begin{array}{cc}{T}_d=K_j{\int }_o^t\left(V_d+\Delta V_d-V_o\right)dt+K_q·V_o& \left(5\right)\end{array}$

[0044] Equation (5) represents a PI control in which the sum of the desired speed V_ddetermined in step 405 and the desired speed for correction ΔV_ddetermined in step 502 or 503 is taken as a desired (or target) input, the vehicle speed V_ois taken as a variable parameter, and the desired driving torque T_dis taken as a control output. In equation (5), K_jand K_qare preset control constants (for example, K_j=93 and K_q=365). In step 505, the desired torque for speed control T_dis compared with a preset desired torque threshold T_th. Though the value of the threshold T_thmay change in accordance with the running resistances of the vehicle (including a resistance resulting from the gradient of a road surface, a frictional resistance, an air resistance, and so forth), it is set to about zero under a normal running condition. T_this a threshold for making the selection of whether a required throttle opening angle or a required brake should be taken as a main control parameter for vehicle speed control. In the case where T_d≧T_th, steps 506 to 508 are carried out. In the case where T_d<T_th, steps 509 to 511 are carried out. In the case of T_d≦T_th, a control of acceleration mainly using the required throttle opening angle and deceleration based on an engine brake is performed. In step 506, the required throttle opening angle is set. A desired engine torque is calculated from the present transmission gear ratio and the desired torque for speed control T_dand the required throttle opening angle is set from the target engine torque and an engine rotation speed. This is realized utilizing a relationship between the engine rotation speed, the throttle opening angle and the engine torque. To determining the required throttle opening angle in step 506, the method disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,157 may be utilized. Next or in step 507, a required speed change is set. The required speed change is set so that a down shifting is made in the case where the desired torque for speed control T_drequires deceleration based on the engine brake. In step 508, a required brake is set. In the instant case, since there is no need to operate the brake, the required brake is set to release the brake.

[0045] On the other hand, in the case where T_d<T_th, a deceleration control is performed mainly using the brake. Since the deceleration is made controlling the brake, the setting is made so that the throttle turns to full close (step 509). In step 510, a transmission gear ratio is set. In step 511, a required brake is set in accordance with the desired torque for speed control T_d. The throttle 211, the transmission 212 and the brake 213 are driven on the basis of the required throttle opening angle, the required speed change and the required brake, respectively, thereby controlling the vehicle speed.

[0046] In lieu of the torque control in step 504, the throttle, the transmission and the brake may be controlled directly with the desired speed V_dand the desired speed for correction ΔV_dbeing taken as desired values for control.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows an example of the operation of the running control according to the present embodiment when the desired speed for correction ΔV_dincluding a signal having a single frequency (0.05 Hz) in the case of n=0 in equation (4) is used. There are shown the time-dependent changes of the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_m, the measured relative speed V_r, the desired speed V_d+ΔV_d, the speed V_oof the vehicle to be controlled and the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle. At time 0, the required distance D_ris 50 m and the measured distance D_mmatches with the required distance D_r. If the required distance is changed at time t₁from 50 m to 25 m, the desired speed V_dis increased and the vehicle speed V_obegins to increase (acceleration). In that time, the preceding vehicle continues its running at a constant speed (V_p=20 m/s). With a control by which the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r, each of the deviation of the measured distance D_mfrom the required distance D_rand the measured relative speed V_rbecomes small so that the absolute value of the measured relative speed becomes smaller than V_rthin due course or at time t₂. Starting from time t₂, the desired speed for correction ΔV_dtakes a value unequal to zero so that the desired speed V_d+ΔV_dbegins to make a slow oscillation, as shown in FIG. 6. The desired speed V_dturns to a signal having a low frequency and a small amplitude superimposed thereon (for example, 0.05 Hz and |ΔV_d|<0.3 m/s) and the vehicle speed V_ois controlled so that it is matched with the desired speed V_d+ΔV_d. As the vehicle speed V_ochanges at a low frequency, each of the measured headway distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_rchanges at a low frequency. Thereby, a relative speed exists always and it is therefore possible to detect the preceding vehicle always by the distance detection unit 205.

[0048] FIG. 7 shows an example of the operation of the running control according to the present embodiment when the desired speed for correction ΔV_dincluding a signal having three frequencies (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 Hz) superimposed in the case of n=2 in equation (4) is used. There are shown the time-dependent changes of the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_m, the measured relative speed V_r, the desired speed V_d+ΔV_d, the speed V_oof the vehicle to be controlled and the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle. At time 0, the required distance D_ris 50 m and D_mmatches with D_r. When the required distance is changed at time t₃from 50 m to 25 m, the desired speed V_dis increased and the vehicle speed V_obegins to increase (acceleration) so that the measured distance D_mbecomes short. In that time, the preceding vehicle continues its running at a constant speed (20 m/s) and the desired speed for correction ΔV_dis zero. With a control by which the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r, each of the deviation of the measured distance D_mfrom the required distance D_rand the measured relative speed V_rbecomes small so that the absolute value of the measured relative speed V_rbecomes smaller than V_rthin due course or at time t₄. Then, the desired speed for correction ΔV_dtakes a value unequal to zero so that the desired speed V_d+ΔV_doscillates, as shown in FIG. 7. With this desired speed, the vehicle speed V_ochanges with an amplitude of ±0.3 m/s so that the measured relative speed does not come to zero, thereby making it possible to detect the preceding vehicle always by the distance detection unit 205. Also, a signal having a complicated period as compared with the case of FIG. 6 (n=0) can be used as the desired speed for correction ΔV_d.

[0049] The desired speed for correction setting unit 206 and the vehicle speed control unit 209 can also perform a processing for speed (or headway distance) control in accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 8. The flow shown in FIG. 8 includes the replacement from step 501 of FIG. 5 to step 801 and the other steps are the same as steps 502 to 511 shown in FIG. 5 In step 801, the absolute value of a deviation between the required distance Dr and the measured distance D_mis compared with a preset threshold distance deviation D_th. In the case where |D_r−D_m|≧D_th, a desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set to zero (step 502). In this case of |D_r−D_m|≧D_th, it is meant that there is a difference in speed between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled and a difference between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mis decreasing or will increase from now on in accordance with the speed control based on equation (3). In any case, it is necessary to make the vehicle speed V_ohigher or lower than the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle so that the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r. Therefore, the relative speed does not come to zero even if a speed correction is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to detect a relationship between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled. On the other hand, in the case where |D_r−D_m|<D_th, a desired speed for correction ΔV_dis set in step 503 in accordance with equation (4). In this case, a difference between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled is small and the measured distance D_msubstantially matches with the required distance D_r. Accordingly, by continuing the running without make a large change of the vehicle speed V_o, the vehicle can run with the required distance D_rkept. It is of course that if the desired speed for correction ΔV_dis not set, the relative speed V_rcomes to zero and therefore the detection of the preceding vehicle by the distance detection unit 205 becomes impossible.

[0050] FIG. 9 shows an example of the operation of a control in which the desired speed for correction ΔV_dincluding a signal having three frequencies (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 Hz) superimposed in the case of n=2 in equation (4) is used. There are shown the time-dependent changes of the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_m, the measured relative speed V_r, the desired speed V_d+ΔV_d, the speed V_oof the vehicle to be controlled and the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle. At time 0, the required distance D_ris 50 m and D_mmatches with D_r. When the required distance is changed at time t₅from 50 m to 25 m, the desired speed V_dis increased and the vehicle speed V_obegins to increase (acceleration). The preceding vehicle continues its running at a constant speed (V_p=20 m/s). In that time, the desired speed for correction ΔV_dis zero. With a speed control by which the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r, each of a deviation between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_rbecomes small. When |D_r−D_m|<D_this satisfied in due course or at time t₆, the desired speed for correction ΔV_dtakes a value unequal to zero so that the desired speed V_d+ΔV_doscillates, as shown in FIG. 9. With this desired speed, the vehicle speed V_ochanges within a range of ±0.3 m/s so that the measured relative speed V_rdoes not come to zero, thereby making it possible to detect the preceding vehicle always by the distance detection unit 205.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a vehicle running control apparatus according to the present invention. A distance detection unit 205 detects a measured headway distance D_mand a measured relative speed V_r. Also, a required distance setting unit 207 sets a required headway distance D_ron the basis of a vehicle speed V_odetected by a vehicle speed detection unit 210. A required distance for correction setting unit 1001 generates a required distance for correction (or correction target distance) ΔD_ron the basis of the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_r. A desired speed setting unit 1002 sets a desired speed V_don the basis of the required distance D_r, the required distance for correction ΔD_r, the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_r. A vehicle speed control unit 209 determines a required throttle opening angle, a required speed change and a required brake from the vehicle speed V_oand the desired speed V_dto drive a throttle 211, a transmission 212 and a brake 213.

[0052] The required distance setting unit 207, the correction target distance setting unit 1001 and the desired speed setting unit 1002 performs a processing for speed control in accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 11. Steps 401 to 404 in the flow shown in FIG. 11 are the same as those in FIG. 4. In step 401, a vehicle speed V_ois taken in from the vehicle speed detection unit 210. In step 402, a required distance D_rcorresponding to the vehicle speed V_ois set. In step 403, a measured distance D_mis taken in from the distance detection unit 205. In step 404, a measured relative speed V_ris taken in. The steps to this point are the same as those in the processing flow shown in FIG. 4. In step 1101, the absolute value of the measured relative speed V_ris compared with a preset threshold relative speed V_rth. In the case where |V_r|>V_rth, a required distance for connection ΔD_ris set to zero (step 1102). In this case, it is meant that a difference between the required distance and the measured distance is decreasing or will increase from now on in accordance with the speed control. Accordingly, the relative speed does not come to zero and it is therefore possible to detect a relationship between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled. On the other hand, in the case where |V_r|≦V_rth, a required distance for correction ΔD_ris set in step 1103 in accordance with equation (6): $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta D_r=D_{\max }\sum _{i=0}^n\frac{1}{{\omega }_i}\sin \left({\omega }_{i}t+{\theta }_i\right)& \left(6\right)\end{array}$

[0053] where ω_iis the angular frequency of the required distance for correction and D_maxis an amplitude when the angular frequency is ω_o. The amplitude is set so that it becomes smaller as each angular frequency ω_ibecomes larger.

[0054] In step 405, a desired speed V_dis determined from the required distance D_r, the required distance for correction ΔD_r, the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_r. Then, the same processings as those in steps 504 to 511 shown in FIG. 5 are performed so that the vehicle speed V_oapproximates to the desired speed V_d. As a result, the matching is obtained between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_m.

[0055] FIG. 12 shows an example of the operation when the required distance for correction ΔD_rincluding a signal having three frequencies (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 Hz) superimposed in the case of n=2 in equation (6) is used. There are shown the time-dependent changes of the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_m, the measured relative distance V_r, the desired speed V_d, the speed V_oof the vehicle to be controlled and the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle. At time 0, the required distance D_ris 50 m and the measured distance D_mmatches with the required distance D_r. If the required distance D_ris changed at time t₇from 50 m to 25 m, the desired speed V_dis increased and the vehicle speed V_obegins to increase (acceleration). In that time, the preceding vehicle continues its running at a constant speed (20 m/s) and the required distance for correction ΔD_ris zero. With a speed control by which the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r, each of a deviation between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_rbecomes small so that the absolute value of the measured relative speed V_rbecomes smaller than V_rthin due course or at time t₈. The required distance for correction ΔD_ris set on the basis of equation (6) and the required distance D_r+ΔD_roscillates, as shown in FIG. 12. With this change of the required distance, the vehicle speed V_ochanges within an amplitude range of ±0.3 m/s so that the measured relative speed does not come to zero, thereby making it possible to detect the preceding vehicle always by the distance detection unit 205.

[0056] The required distance setting unit 207, the required distance for correction setting unit 1101 and the desired speed setting unit 1002 can also perform a running control processing in accordance with a flow shown in FIG. 13. The flow shown in FIG. 13 includes the replacement from step 1101 of FIG. 11 to step 1301 and the other steps are the same as steps 401 to 404, 1102, 1103 and 405 shown in FIG. 11. In step 1301, the absolute value |D_r−D_m| of a deviation between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mis compared with a preset threshold distance deviation D_th. In the case where |D_r−D_m|≧D_th, a required distance for correction ΔD_ris set to zero (step 1102). In this case of |D_r−D_m|≧D_th, it is meant that a difference between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mis decreasing or will increase from now on in accordance with the speed control. In any case, it is necessary to make the vehicle speed V_ohigher or lower than the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle so that the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r. In other words, there is a relative speed even if a distance correction is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to detect a relationship between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled. On the other hand, in the case where |D_r−D_m|<D_th, a required distance for correction ΔD_ris set in step 1103 in accordance with equation (6). In this case, the measured distance substantially matches with the required distance and a difference in speed between the preceding vehicle and the vehicle to be controlled is small. Accordingly, by causing the vehicle to run without make a large change of the vehicle speed V_o, the vehicle can run with the required distance kept. Herein, if the required distance for correction ΔD_ris not set, the relative speed comes to zero and therefore the detection of the preceding vehicle by the distance detection unit 205 becomes impossible.

[0057] FIG. 14 shows an example of the operation when the required distance for correction ΔD_rincluding a signal having three frequencies (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 Hz) superimposed in the case of n=2 in equation (6) is used. There are shown the time-dependent changes of the required distance D_r, the measured distance D_m, the measured relative speed V_r, the desired speed V_d, the speed V_oof the vehicle to be controlled and the speed V_pof the preceding vehicle. At time 0, the required distance D_ris 50 m and the measured distance D_mmatches with the required distance D_r. If the required distance D_ris changed at time t₉from 50 m to 25 m, the desired speed V_dis increased in accordance with the speed control and the vehicle speed V_obegins to increase (acceleration). In that time, the preceding vehicle continues its running at a constant speed (V_p=20 m/s) and the required distance for correction ΔD_ris zero. With a control by which the measured distance D_mis matched with the required distance D_r, each of a deviation between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mand the measured relative speed V_rbecomes small so that the absolute value of the deviation between the required distance D_rand the measured distance D_mbecomes smaller than D_thin due course or at time t₁₀. The required distance for correction ΔD_ris set on the basis of equation (6) and the required distance D_r+ΔD_roscillates, as shown in FIG. 14. With this change of the required distance, the vehicle speed V_ochanges within an amplitude range of ±0.3 m/s so that the measured relative speed does not come to zero, thereby making it possible to detect the preceding vehicle always by the distance detection unit 205.

[0058] The present invention can be applied to not only a two-frequency CW radar system used in the foregoing embodiments but also a radar system using three or more electromagnetic wave signals having different frequencies and a frequency modulated CW radar system using one electromagnetic wave signal having a continuously changing frequency, thereby making it possible to improve the accuracy of detection of each of a headway distance and a relative speed to a preceding vehicle.

[0059] With the use of the present invention, it becomes possible to make the control of a vehicle speed in a headway distance control so that there is a relative speed to a preceding vehicle always. Therefore, it is possible to measure a relation with the preceding vehicle always by use of CW radar. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform the headway distance control continuously. Also, it is possible to provide information of the preceding vehicle always to a driver.