Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus which overrides a guidance control system so as to disengage the automatic steering control feature when an emergency condition is determined to exist. A sensor is coupled to the steering system which detects movement of the steering wheel. When movement of the steering wheel is sufficiently abrupt, the logic of the override system generates an override signal. The override signal is communicated to the guidance control system so as to return control of the vehicle to the user. The sensor is connected to either the steering wheel itself or to the hydraulic system. When the vehicle includes an electro-hydraulic system, the logic system may be directly connected to the electrical circuits of the electro-hydraulic system. Multiple sensors may be used for activation of the override. In one embodiment a sensor is coupled to the braking system for sensing depression of the brake pedal. In another embodiment, a sensor is coupled to the clutch system for sensing depression of the clutch petal. In an alternate embodiment, the speed and rate of turn of the vehicle are compared to the turn rate profile of the vehicle to determine whether an emergency condition exists. In yet another embodiment, a tilt rate sensor is also used to determine if an emergency condition exists.

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First Claim