Abstract: In a system for controlling the output power of a power train an overall control is carried out so that a mismatch is not caused between the output characteristic changeover control of a variable output characteristic engine and the speed change control of an automatic transmission. From the requested driving force and the revolution speed that are respectively found by the requested driving force detection device and the speed detection device the control output determination device finds a combination of at least two of the engine output characteristic, the speed change stage and the engine throttle opening according to the two dimensional map of the requested driving force and the revolution speed, and the changeover executing device conducts total control on the power train so that the combination can be attained. When the power train is controlled totally as the combination, a mismatch between the changeover control of engine output characteristics and the speed change control can be avoided.

Abstract: A variable cam engine wherein each cylinder has at least one valve driven by a multiplicity of cams which give different engine torque outputs. The engine includes a decision-making device which decides change-over of the cams along with a selection of a target cam according to the engine running conditions, a cam change-over mechanism which disengages a current cam from the valve and engages the target cam instead, a measuring device to measure engine parameters having a correlation with the cam change-over, a determining device to determine that a cam change-over has occurred by comparing these parameters with previously set values, and a regulating device which regulates combustion in the corresponding cylinder according to the cam change-over determined by the determining device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling ignition timing for an internal combustion engine to suppress engine knocking in which a periodic pseudo random signal (for example, M-series sequence signal) is superimposed on an ignition signal provided at an ignition timing, and a cross-correlation function between the periodic pseudo random signal .chi. and a knocking signal y is calculated to determine an actual knocking level. The ignition timing is then corrected so that the cross-correlation function coincides with a target value which is defined as a value placed in a vicinity of a knocking limit. The ignition timing for the engine is controlled so as to reach the value in the vicinity of the knocking limit but does not exceed the knocking limit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a variable cam engine of which each cylinder has at least one valve driven by multiplicity of cams which give different engine torque outputs. This invention provides an engine comprising a decision-making device which decides change-over of the cams along with a selection of a target cam according to the engine running conditions, a cam change-over mechanism which disengages a current cam from the valve and engages said target cam instead, a crank shaft angle sensor, a sequential control device which, when the cam change-over is made at an engine speed below a predetermined speed, actuates the cam change-over mechanism at predetermined intervals starting form a specific cylinder and proceeding in turn through the other cylinders, and a regulating device which regulates the combustion in each cylinder corresponding to the cam change-over.

Abstract: A system and method for self diagnosing an engine controlling system such as an ignition system, fuel injection system, and an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system are disclosed in which a periodic pseudo random signal is superposed on a control signal such as an ignition signal, fuel injection signal, or EGR rate controlled value indicating signal during an engine steady state condition, a cross-correlation function is calculated from both the superposed periodic random signal and output signal related to deterioration of the engine controlling system, and a value related to the cross-correlation function is compared with a reference value over which a performance of the engine controlling system cannot be maintained. If the value related to the cross-correlation function exceeds the reference value, the diagnostic system determines the occurrence of deterioration in the engine controlling system.

Abstract: A jolt control wherein the amount of additional intake air is increased and the ignition timing is retarded to compensate for undesired variation in transmission output torque during a gear shift operation.

Abstract: First and second sets of grooves define first and second sets of elongate projections which are respectively subject to compression and elongation when the shaft in which they are defined, is subject to torque. Two yoked coils which are excited with an alternating current, are each disposed close to a set of projections. The compression and elongation of the projections changes the amount of magnetic flux which flows along the projections and therefore the inductance of the coils. The coils form part of a bridge circuit which is sensitive to the change in inductance in a manner which enables the amount of torque to be measured.

Abstract: A torque sensor for use in automotive transmissions includes first and second sets of grooves define first and second sets of elongate projections which are respectively subject to compression and elongation when the shaft in which they are defined, is subject to torque. Two yoked coils which are excited with an alternating current, are each disposed close to a set of projections. The compression and elongation of the projections changes the amount of magnetic flux which flows along the projections and therefore the inductance of the coils. The coils form part of a bridge circuit which is sensitive to the change in inductance in a manner which enables the amount of torque to be measured.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus for assuring stabilized operating performance by detecting the combustion state of gas mixture within an engine cylinder and determining the amount of air supplied to the cylinder in dependence on the detected combustion state.

Abstract: A basic pulse width T.sub.p is determined in accordance with the throttle valve opening and speed of an engine, and the basic pulse width T.sub.p is corrected when the peak value of cylinder pressures exceeds a given range established by the average value of the peak pressure values.

Abstract: An intake air flow rate control method and system for an internal combustion engine includes an open loop control strategy carried out during unstable engine driving conditions. During open loop control, a pulse signal applied to an air flow rate control valve means is determined both as a function of open loop ratio and feedback ratio. The duty cycle of the pulse signal for open loop control is varied corresponding to engine coolant temperature as well as engine load condition. Thus, upon switching control operation from open loop control to feedback control, varying of pulse duty cycle to be applied to the valve means occurs smoothly. Further, in open loop control, the control system smoothly follows variations in engine load conditions.

Abstract: Normally, an air-fuel ratio is controlled in accordance with the engine speed and the intake air quantity of an internal combustion engine with a turbocharger. When the output pressure of the turbocharger increases excessively, an intake relief valve opens to decrease the intake air quantity. In this case, the fuel injection quantity is controlled solely in accordance with the engine speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ignition system spark timing. It is detected whether the engine is in operation with no load or in the remaining operating conditions. A digital processor is provided which uses a mathematical formula or table during no load engine operation to find value of spark advance, which mathematical formula or table is distinct from a mathematical formula or table to be used during the remaining engine operating conditions to find value of spark advance.

Abstract: In a method of supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine during start-up, the occurence of combustion is detected to arrest the change of the fuel supply quantity until steady-state engine operation is achieved. Combustion is detected by comparing sensed engine speed to a minimum engine speed resulting from combustion in the cylinders. Additionally, control values used to derive the start-up fuel quantity are modified so that the fuel quantity increases monotonically from a relatively low initial value until fuel ignition is detected.

Abstract: In order to mathematically detect the gear position of a vehicle transmission system, engine speed and vehicle speed are detected. A first reference level defined by a predetermined ratio of engine speed and vehicle speed is established for determining the gear position by a mathematical operation involving the sensed engine speed and the sensed vehicle speed and the reference level. The first reference level is shifted to a second reference level in accordance with the determined gear position, thereby preventing an erroneous determination of the gear position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling ignition system spark timing. It is detected whether the engine is under cranking or not. Means are included to provide a spark-advance characteristics when the engine is under cranking, which is separate from a spark-advance characteristic provided for the remaining engine operating conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic automatic control method and system for controlling an air flow rate for an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle. The system includes an open loop control and a feedback control which are selectively effected corresponding to engine condition. The system includes an engine or temperature range within which the system controls engine speed. The given temperature range corresponds to a normal ambient temperature range so as to improve warming up efficiency upon starting engine under cold engine conditions. The system further includes a means for determining a feedback control condition to effect feedback control at a specific engine condition.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith an intake air flow rate control system for an internal combustion engine including a means for detecting acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle and controlling the air flow rate in response to required air flow rate which is varied by acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. The means temporarily operates to vary the air flow rate at the time of acceleration or deceleration in which the throttle valve angle sensor turns between on to off or off to on. After increasing or decreasing the air flow rate responsive to acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, the increased or decreased value is gradually returned to the normal control ratio at a given rate and a given timing.

Abstract: An intake air flow rate control method and system for an internal combustion engine includes an open loop control strategy carried out during unstable engine driving conditions. During open loop control, a pulse signal applied to an air flow rate control valve means is determined both as a function of open loop ratio and feedback ratio. The duty cycle of the pulse signal for open loop control is varied corresponding to engine coolant temperature as well as engine load condition. Thus, open switching control operation from open loop control to feedback control, varying of pulse duty cycle to be applied to the valve means occurs smoothly. Further, in open loop control, the control system smoothly follows variations in engine load conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder adapted to intake, during each intake stroke of the cylinder, fuel supplied in a plurality of instalments. Means is provided for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the engine. Adjustments of the control means are produced by generating electrical signals indicative of engine operating conditions, and, with a digital computer, repetitively calculating values corresponding to settings of the control means. The digital computer is programmed to calculate a basic value from an algebraic function describing a desired relationship between the engine conditions and the basic value, detect engine acceleration and deceleration conditions from changes in the engine conditions, and add a positive or negative value to the calculated basic value when the engine is accelerating or decelerating to correct the calculated basic value for the detected acceleration and deceleration conditions.