System and method for intelligent cruise control using standard engine control modes

A system for controlling vehicle speed to maintain a desired following distance in a vehicle with an engine controlled by an electronic control module having a plurality of engine control modes selectable via a communications interface, the system comprising:

• a sensor for detecting a forward vehicle and determining an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the forward vehicle;
• and
• control logic in communication with the sensor and in communication with the electronic control module for effecting a distance control mode when the forward vehicle is detected, the distance control mode including selecting at least one device for effecting a change in the vehicle speed based on the inter-vehicle distance and the desired following distance, determining a desired vehicle parameter value based on the inter-vehicle distance and the desired following distance, selecting one of the plurality of engine control modes via the communications interface, and communicating the desired vehicle parameter value to the electronic control module via the communications interface to control the vehicle speed, wherein the desired vehicle parameter value represents a desired engine speed.

A system for controlling vehicle speed to maintain a desired following distance in a vehicle with an engine controlled by an electronic control module having a plurality of engine control modes including an engine speed control mode selectable via a communications interface, the system comprising:

• a sensor for detecting a forward vehicle and determining an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the forward vehicle;
• and
• control logic in communication with the sensor and in communication with the electronic control module for effecting a distance control mode when the forward vehicle is detected, the distance control mode including selecting at least one device for effecting a change in the vehicle speed based on the inter-vehicle distance and the desired following distance, determining a desired vehicle parameter value based on the inter-vehicle distance and the desired following distance, selecting the engine speed control mode via the communications interface, and communicating the desired vehicle parameter value to the electronic control module via the communications interface to control the vehicle speed.

A system for controlling vehicle speed to maintain a desired following distance in a vehicle with an engine controlled by an electronic control module having a plurality of engine control modes including an engine speed and torque limit control mode selectable via a communications interface, the system comprising:

• a sensor for detecting a forward vehicle and determining an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the forward vehicle;
• and
• control logic in communication with the sensor and in communication with the electronic control module for effecting a distance control mode when the forward vehicle is detected, the distance control mode including selecting at least one device for effecting a change in the vehicle speed based on the inter-vehicle distance and the desired following distance, determining a desired vehicle parameter value based on the inter-vehicle distance and the desired following distance, selecting the engine speed and torque limit control mode via the communications interface, and communicating the desired vehicle parameter value to the electronic control module via the communications interface to control the vehicle speed.