Abstract: A multiplex transmission method in which time-divisional multiplex transmission operations are performed among a plurality of communication nodes, and every time a node transmits a new signal, it changes the state of a re-transmission check bit added to the signal. When a signal is re-transmitted, each node sets the re-transmission check bit to be the same as that of the new signal to be re-transmitted. Each node can properly determine whether or not a reception signal is a new or re-transmission signal for the self node.

Abstract: In a multiplex transmission system wherein data is transmitted among a plurality of control units connected to a multiplex transmission line in decentralized fashion, communication is performed upon changing the period of the data transmission among the control units and the method of transmission, such as the order of priority of transmission, in dependence upon the travelling state of the vehicle equipped with the multiplex transmission system, the operating states of the control units or the control unit which is a party to the communication.

Abstract: In a multiplex transmission system for vehicles, the right to access a bus is divided into a plurality of main time slots, and the individual time slots are subdivided into two subordinate time slots. In each individual main time slot, a communication node having comparatively heavy traffic is assigned to a first of the two subordinate time slots, and a communication node having comparatively light traffic is assigned to a second of the two subordinate time slots.

Abstract: A vehicle control system having plurality of control units, as well as sensors and actuators having a comparatively high degree of importance in terms of control by these control units, which are separately connected to first and second transmission lines. Sensors and actuators having a comparatively low degree of importance are assigned to the second transmission line. The outputs from the comparatively important sensors enter the respective control units directly via the first transmission line. A back-up program for backing up one control unit in case of failure is stored beforehand in another control unit. If the control unit fails, the other control unit performs back-up control to take over its tasks.

Abstract: In a multiplex transmission method, refresh transmission operations at a predetermined period, and event transmission operations are time-divisionally performed in a multiplex transmission mode, and a predetermined non-transmission time is set before start of each refresh transmission operation. When another transmission operation is performed within the non-transmission time, a communication is performed, while the predetermined period of the refresh transmission operations is properly permitted to be delayed to assure the non-transmission time for such a communication state.

Abstract: A system for reporting the occurrence of a failure in a multiplex communication network system in which a plurality of communication nodes are connected to one another and information is exchanged by transceiving frames. In the system, if a failure takes place in any of the communication nodes, the frame which reports the failure occurrence is transmitted to the network while being given the top priority.

Abstract: A method of multiplex transmission for effecting multiplex transmission among a plurality of multiplex nodes is disclosed.

Abstract: In a multiplex transmission method of a multiplex transmission apparatus provides time-divisional multiplex transmission operations among a plurality of communication nodes. A among the plurality of communication nodes predetermined node among the plurality of communication nodes is started requests other communication nodes to transmit connection signals so as to confirm a connection state of communication nodes on the multiplex transmission bus. When the predetermined communication node receives the connection signals from the other nodes within a predetermined period of time, confirmation of the connection state is ended and a multiplex transmission of data is started.

Abstract: A vehicle traction control device having a control device for controlling the torque of the drive wheels by controlling the throttle in order to match the slip rate of the drive wheels with a target slip rate in order to prevent excessive slip caused by excessive torque in the drive wheels. The traction control is provided with a device for determining whether or not the road being driven on is a rough road or not. When the above device sends a signal to the control that the road is rough, the engine gain in the throttle is made smaller when the throttle closed relative to the engine gain and throttle of a normal road. In another embodiment, when the road is rough, the engine gain is made larger when the throttle is opened relative to the engine gain and throttle of a normal road. Also disclosed is a control in which the engine gain in the throttle control is made larger when the throttle is opened and is made smaller when the throttle is closed relative to the engine gain and throttle of a normal road.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering device for a vehicle has a steering control mechanism which steers rear wheels of the vehicle on the following formula:TG.theta..sub.R =-K.sub.F .multidot..theta..sub.F +K.sub.R .multidot.V.multidot..psi.whereTG.theta..sub.R : target steering angle of rear wheels.theta..sub.F : steering angle of front wheelsV: vehicle speed.theta.: yaw rateK.sub.F, K.sub.R : coefficients determined by the properties of vehicle.To achieve slip angle .beta.=0, the device further includes a vehicle condition detecting mechanism which detects various conditions of the vehicle, and a changing mechanism being connected with the steering control mechanism and the vehicle condition detecting mechanism for changing at least one of the coefficients K.sub.F, K.sub.R based on the conditions of the vehicle.