Method of assisting in the control of a prime mover of a vehicle, apparatus for assisting in the vehicle, and a vehicle comprising such an apparatus

摘要

Method and apparatus for assisting in the control of a prime mover of a vehicle. A target speed that must be reached by the vehicle at a target position on a current path of the vehicle is determined. At least one coasting profile is estimated for at least part of the vehicle path before the target position. The coasting profile(s) are estimated at least partly based on a geometry (such as elevation) of the vehicle path. Coasting profile(s) that meet at least one predetermined coasting requirement is determined. A coasting signal is output based on the determined coasting profile. Based on the coasting signal, the prime mover may be controlled to place the vehicle into a coasting mode based on the at least one determined coasting profile. Alternatively, based on the coasting signal, feedback is provided to a vehicle user to place the vehicle into a coasting mode, such that the vehicle if placed in the coasting mode by the user will coast in accordance with the at least one identified coasting profile.