US 11,999,347 B2
Nighttime driving vehicle speed limiting
Allen Magolan, Brighton, MI (US); and Steve Skikun, Commerce Township, MI (US)
Assigned to FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed by FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 7, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/534,153.
Prior Publication US 2021/0039644 A1, Feb. 11, 2021
Int. Cl. B60W 30/00 (2006.01); B60Q 5/00 (2006.01); B60Q 9/00 (2006.01); B60W 10/18 (2012.01); B60W 10/20 (2006.01); B60W 30/18 (2012.01); B60W 50/08 (2020.01); B60W 50/00 (2006.01); H04W 4/021 (2018.01)
CPC B60W 30/18009 (2013.01) [B60Q 5/00 (2013.01); B60Q 9/00 (2013.01); B60W 10/18 (2013.01); B60W 10/20 (2013.01); B60W 50/082 (2013.01); B60W 2050/0075 (2013.01); B60W 2540/215 (2020.02); B60W 2552/40 (2020.02); B60W 2555/20 (2020.02); B60W 2556/50 (2020.02); B60W 2556/55 (2020.02); B60W 2710/18 (2013.01); B60W 2710/20 (2013.01); B60W 2720/10 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/116 (2013.01); H04W 4/021 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of operating a vehicle comprising:
(a) determining if a vehicle speed is controlled by a driver;
(b) if the vehicle speed is controlled by the driver, determining if the vehicle is operating during night conditions, which includes determining if a light sensor is detecting ambient light below a predetermined level, and if the ambient light is below the predetermined level, then employing a global positioning system and a telematics system to confirm that the vehicle is operating during night conditions; and
(c) if the vehicle is operating during night conditions, activating a night drive mode that limits a maximum speed of the vehicle without regard to road speed limits.