Abstract: A cruise control capable of maintaining the speed of a vehicle at a set cruise speed is selected when the headway distance to a preceding vehicle is equal to or greater than a set distance. Headway distance control, maintaining the headway distance to the preceding vehicle at a required value, is selected when the headway distance is smaller than a set distance. Fleet driving, in which the vehicle runs at the same set speed as that of the preceding vehicle, is enabled by increasing the vehicle speed upper limit existing under the headway distance control above a set cruise speed.

Abstract: A plant controller controls a plant modeled in a discrete-time system. The controller uses a frequency-shaping response-designating control algorithm having a filtering function to cause a difference between output of the plant and a target value to converge. Thus, the plant is robustly controlled without causing undesired frequency components. When the plant is an engine, the engine is modeled using a ignition timing corrective quantity as input and a rotational speed as output. The controller performs the frequency-shaping response-designating control algorithm to determine the ignition timing corrective quantity. The frequency-shaping response-designating control may be frequency-shaping sliding-mode control.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine control is generally in accordance with RPM and torque modes. Transition from RPM to torque control is accomplished by employing a mass airflow term accounting for any nonequivalence between RPM mode and torque mode mass airflows corresponding respectively to an RPM mode mass airflow and a closed-throttle mass airflow contribution to a total torque mode mass airflow.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a multicylinder internal combustion engine, where a cylinder-equalization control is performed to adjust cylinder-specific torque contributions to the overall torque of the internal combustion engine, a functioning monitoring is performed for the cylinder-equalization control, and, in response to disturbances in the area of the cylinder-equalization control, at least one error signal may be generated to indicate the existence of a disturbance.

Abstract: An engine control system for maintaining the operator-commanded speed setting of an internal combustion engine over a range of engine loads and for easy starting and improved efficiency over a range of ambient and engine operating temperatures. The engine control system includes a governor assembly driven by the engine, the governor assembly supplying an output to a sensor assembly through a mechanical coupling member operator. The sensor assembly provides an engine speed control signal which corresponds to operator commanded engine speed and actual engine speed. The engine speed control signal is provided to a throttle actuator to control actual engine speed is controlled to correspond with the operator-commanded engine speed regardless of loads imposed on the engine.

Abstract: A control system for general-purpose spark-ignition internal combustion engine to be used for a portable generator, etc., having one or two cylinders and an actuator connected to the throttle valve to open or close the throttle value. In the system, an adaptive controller with a parameter identification mechanism is provided which receives a detected engine speed and a desired engine speed as inputs, and computes a command value to be supplied to the actuator, using an adaptive parameter identified by the parameter identification mechanism, such that the detected engine speed is brought to the desired speed. In the system, the desired engine speed is determined such that the desired engine speed per unit time is not greater than a prescribed value and the command value is determined to be within the upper and lower limits of the throttle value.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle are suggested. A decentral torque coordination is provided. In addition to the resulting input quantity of the first coordinator, also, if required, resulting minimum quantities and/or maximum quantities are transmitted from a first coordinator to a second coordinator.

Abstract: The method and apparatus (130) control a drive unit (30) with an internal combustion engine (35), so that changes of an output variable of the drive unit (3) during load change are limited. The method includes formulating a desired behavior of the output variable for the load change; changing the desired behavior of the output variable by changing an air supply of the internal combustion engine and forming at least a first preliminary value for adjusting the output variable by filtering the desired behavior according to an inertia of an air system for the air supply of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the smoke emissions of a railroad locomotive during throttle notch changes. For certain throttle notch increases the present invention advances the engine timing angle and controls application of the load at the new throttle notch position, according to certain predetermined parameters. These strategies, when used together or separately, minimize visible smoke during transient operation.

Abstract: A carburetor is provided that supplies an appropriate amount of fuel at engine start-up and in a specific range of rotational speed, and allows stable engine operation at a target rotational speed. The carburetor comprises a first fuel system (F1) for metering fuel from the constant fuel chamber (18) with a metering needle (32) linked to a throttle valve (5), and delivering the fuel to an air intake passage (2); and a second fuel system (F2) for controlling fuel compressed by a fuel pump (8) with an electromagnetically driven control valve (52) and delivering the fuel to the air intake passage (2); by supplying pressured fuel controlled by the control valve (52) in a predetermined specific range of rotation and controlling the rotational speed during start-up and warm-up, a target rotational speed can be maintained.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle 10 and a method for operating the hybrid electric vehicle 10 is provided. Combustion is made to occur within the internal combustion engine 24 only after the crankshaft 25 of the engine 24 has been rotated by an electric motor or generator 30 to a certain speed and according to a certain ramped or partially ramped profile 114, 112, thereby reducing the amount of emissions from the engine 24, allowing for a more efficient torque transfer to wheels 42, and allowing for a smoother operation of the vehicle 10. The fuel injectors 13, throttle plate 11, and spark plugs 15 are also controlled in order to allow emissions to be reduced during activation of the engine and to allow the catalytic converter 7 to be heated in order to allow these emissions to be further reduced as the engine 24 is operating.

Abstract: A diagnostic function for an internal-combustion engine whose power is set by way of a power-determining signal that is determined from a first signal from a determination device, and a second signal determined by a torque controller, based on engine torque. A selection device sets either the determination device or the torque controller to be dominant for the power determining signal. When the values of the engine torque are not plausible, an error mode is set. With the setting of the error mode, the dominance is retained when the determination device is dominant. When the torque controller is dominant, a change of the dominance takes place.

Abstract: A carburetor with a single fuel system that is capable of ensuring stable engine operation and lower fuel consumption. The fuel system comprises an electrical fuel control C that, in addition to mechanically coordinating the fuel flow rate with air intake by way of a metering needle 22 that operates in coordination with the throttle valve 3, opens and closes opening/closing valve 30 and cuts off and delivers fuel to the air intake passage 2 so as to maintain a required target rotational speed with little fuel consumption in a specific region of the degrees of opening of the throttle valve 3. Stable operation with minimal fluctuations in the rotational speed is ensured by cutting off the fuel when the rotational speed rises above the target rotational speed, and delivering the fuel when the rotational speed falls below the target rotational speed.

Abstract: A travel following system includes a lower limit vehicle speed setting device, an upper limit vehicle speed setting device, a vehicle speed control device, and a control start commanding device. The vehicle speed control device is adapted to discontinue vehicle speed control at a vehicle speed between the lower limit vehicle speed and a vehicle speed in a stopped state. The vehicle speed control device is also adapted to ensure that vehicle speed control is discontinued when the vehicle speed becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit vehicle speed, and vehicle speed control is suspended until operation of the control start commanding device. Thus, a moderate tension is provided to the driver during operation of the travel following system so that braking operation can be easily conducted and starting of the vehicle based on the driver's will can be carried out without switching operation by the driver.

Abstract: An engine control system and method according to the invention controls torque in an internal combustion engine. Engine parameters are measured and an engine torque is estimated. A desired air per cylinder of the engine is calculated. A desired manifold absolute pressure of a manifold of the engine is calculated based on a function of engine torque. A desired RPM of the engine is calculated based on a measured engine RPM and a reference torque of the engine. A desired area is calculated based on the desired manifold absolute pressure. The desired area is implemented into the controller to control torque output of the engine.

Abstract: A hybrid automobile runs by transmitting a power from an engine and a power from a motor-generator MG2, and can store a part of the power from the engine and an electric power generated by a motor-generator MG1. In this hybrid automobile, a power requirement Pr* of a drive shaft is set based on an accelerator opening, and a battery charge electric power Pbi is set based on SOC, and the sum of the power requirement Pr* and the battery charge electric power Pbi are set as an engine target power Pe*. When the engine target power Pe* is less than a predetermined minimum value Plow, the engine target power Pe* is changed to the minimum value Plow. Further, in accordance with this change, the battery charge electric power Pbi is also changed, and the engine and the motor-generators MG1, MG2 are operated.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicle includes receiving vehicle position information from a positioning system and combining the position information with information from a map database and a driver behavior model to control the vehicle's speed and braking for not only the current roadway the vehicle is operating on but also on upcoming road sections.

Abstract: The invention includes a target-engine-speed acquisition element that acquires a target engine speed necessary to reduce engine speed, thereby stopping the engine at a target stop position; a crank-angle acquisition element that acquires a crank angle indicative of the position of a crankshaft; and a target-engine-speed correction element that corrects the target engine speed according to the acquired crank angle. Because the target engine speed is corrected according to the crank angle, the engine can be stopped at the target stop position even if the friction in the engine, the electric motor, etc. varies, the temperature or viscosity of the lubricating and cooling oils varies, or the vehicle is accelerated or decelerated during the reduction of the engine speed.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the engine of a vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal and an engine speed control circuit comprising in particular: a circuit for closed-loop control of the engine speed, a circuit for interpreting the position of the accelerator pedal, which supplies an engine speed setpoint to the circuit for closed-loop control of the engine speed depending on the position of the accelerator pedal, a circuit for estimating loads external to the vehicle, a circuit for estimating maximum speed likely to be reached by the engine as a function of the estimate of external loads and this maximum speed is supplied by the circuit for interpreting the position of the accelerator pedal and makes the engine speed setpoint very independently of the position of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A control system for a throttle valve actuating device is disclosed. The throttle valve actuating device includes a throttle valve of an internal combustion engine and an actuator for actuating the throttle valve. A control object model is defined by modeling the throttle valve actuating device. The throttle valve actuating device is controlled based on a controlled object model so that an opening of said throttle valve coincides with a target opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for protecting an engine are disclosed which are capable of preventing damage to the engine or associated parts thereof. The engine is provided with an electronic control fuel injection system. A quasi-abnormality of at least one of variables in connection with the engine and the associated parts thereof, such as an engine cooling water, a fuel pressure or the like is detected by a sensor. When the quasi-abnormality of the variable and such a quasi-abnormal state lasts for a predetermined period of time, a throttle opening of an electronic control throttle is regulated so as to limit an engine rotational speed to a low rate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of a engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air-fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e. without fuel injection.) In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: auto speed control, sensor diagnostics, air-fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, and default operation. In addition, the engine control method also disables the split air/lean operating mode under preselected operating conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling manifold absolute pressure in a hybrid electric vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine in parallel with an electric motor/generator. The method includes the steps of monitoring the torque demand on the hybrid electric vehicle, monitoring the manifold absolute pressure magnitude and change rate of the internal combustion engine, supplying torque from the internal combustion engine to meet the torque demand; and supplying torque from the motor/generator to load-level the torque supplied from the internal combustion engine and to maintain the manifold absolute pressure of the internal combustion engine within an acceptable range and rate.

Abstract: Although there are various combinations of engine speed and transmission state that correspond to a selected vehicle speed and load, there is one combination that best achieves a predetermined criteria. The present invention relates to a vehicle including a control system that electronically controls engine speed and transmission state in order to best achieve the predetermined criteria, such as fuel economy. There is an electronic control module including a power train algorithm that is in control communication with the transmission and the engine. The predetermined criteria is achieved by establishing a limited engine speed range that is less than an entire engine speed range, and restricting engine speed, via the power train algorithm, to the limited engine speed range. The power train algorithm is also operable to determine a combination of the engine speed, within the limited engine speed range, and transmission state that corresponds to a selected vehicle speed and the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: To avoid a sudden change in torque when switching over the valve lift of discretely adjustable inlet valves, the valve lift is firstly only adjusted for a section of cylinders, while the valve lift for the remaining section of cylinders is switched over after a delay. Therefore with each valve lift adjustment, only a slight change in torque has to be compensated by means of a corresponding change in the efficiency of the cylinders.

Abstract: A vehicle control unit is disclosed which can be coupled between a tachometer sensor and an electronic ignition system on a vehicle. The unit is also coupled to a speedometer sensor to measure the vehicle's speed. The vehicle control unit limits the vehicle speed by monitoring the tachometer signal from the tachometer sensor and passing the tachometer signal to the ignition system if the engine speed is within predetermined limits. The tachometer signal is a pulse train which is used by the electronic ignition system to determine ignition timing. The vehicle control unit limits both vehicle speed and engine speed by disconnecting pulses from the tachometer sensor and generating time-delayed pulses of its own to delay the combustion of fuel until after the instance of maximum fuel compression, thereby reducing engine power when the vehicle or engine speeds exceed predetermined limits.

Abstract: An electronic engine control system includes a P-I-D governor (10) that provides a data output having a proportional component (P), an integral component (I), and a derivative component (D), each of which is derived from closed-loop processing of engine speed error data (NERR). A Cold Adder function (16) provides a further component to the data output, that further component having a data value that is based on engine temperature (EOT) and on elapsed engine running time since the engine was last started.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, in particular for regulating the speed of the internal combustion engine, are described. At least one first governor, specifies a first manipulated variable based on a comparison between a first setpoint value and an actual value. At least one second governor specifies a second manipulated variable based on a comparison between a second setpoint value and the actual value. The first manipulated variable is limited to a first manipulating range and the second manipulated variable is limited to a second manipulating range.

Abstract: A fuel injection quantity control device for controlling an actual revolution speed En of an engine to a target revolution speed Eo, comprises difference computation unit for subtracting the actual revolution speed En from the target revolution speed Eo and finding the difference e therebetween; proportional term computation unit for multiplying the aforesaid difference e by the prescribed proportionality constant Kp and finding a proportional term output value Qp; integral term computation means for finding an integral term output value Qi which is obtained by integrating the product of the aforesaid difference e and the prescribed integration constant Ki; differential term computation unit for finding a differential term output value Qd which is obtained by multiplying the value obtained by differentiating the aforesaid difference e by the prescribed differentiation constant Kd; and injection quantity computation unit for adding up the proportional term output value Qp and the integral term output value Qi

Abstract: A method of controlling the engine speed of an internal combustion engine, the method including the steps of determining the engine speed demanded by an operator of the engine and comparing this demanded engine speed with a predetermined engine speed limit, wherein if the demanded engine speed exceeds the predetermined engine speed limit, the fuelling rate demanded of the operator is only reduced in order to control the engine speed to the predetermined engine speed limit.

Abstract: An engine speed control unit of an internal combustion engine for controlling an engine speed so that it can reach a target value, changes the engine speed so that it can reach a target value in a period of time from the completion of the initial combustion of the engine starting to the idling steady state. The after-start engine speed peak actual value “gnepk”, which is an engine speed in the idling state in a predetermined period of time from the start of the engine, is calculated, and the after-start engine speed peak target value “tnepk” is read in from the map, and the ratio “rnepk” is found. When the ratio “rnepk” is out of the target range, it can be considered that the burning state is bad.

Abstract: An electronically controlled engine speed system for an outboard motor regulates the speed of the engine to ensure proper watercraft speed. A remote input device can program the preferred embodiments of the system. The preferred embodiments of the system recognize an engaged transmission and control engine speed by changing the ignition timing, fuel injection amount, and a throttle bypass valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engine control device and aims to improve engine efficiency by operating the engine in an area where fuel consumption is small (good) and to allow keeping high responsivity of the engine. The object can be achieved by operating to match at a point on a target torque line of a torque diagram and operating an electric motor when a matching point moves on the target torque line in a direction that a load applied to the engine output shaft becomes large.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement control the output quantity (NMOTACT) of a drive unit (1) of a vehicle. The method and arrangement make possible a time-optimal control strategy especially during a shift operation of the vehicle. The output quantity (NMOTACT) is adjusted with the aid of an adjusting quantity (MDES) and tracks an input value (NMOTDES). In at least one pregiven operating state of the vehicle, the actuating quantity (NMOTDES) is brought to a pregiven limit value (MO, MU) when a pregiven control deviation (dnv) of the output quantity (NMOTACT) is exceeded.

Abstract: A method and system of automatically controlling engine speed of a vehicle in a turn employs an engine control system (10) to determine an optimal engine speed for the turn and an actual engine speed as sensed by an engine speed sensor (38). Engine control system (10) determines the difference between optimal engine speed and actual engine speed and compares this difference to current engine load. Based on this comparison, engine control system (10) then determines whether to alter engine speed and, if so, determines an amount to reduce the difference between optimal engine speed and actual engine speed.

Abstract: A travel following system includes a lower limit vehicle speed setting means and an upper limit vehicle speed setting means for previously setting a lower limit vehicle speed and an upper limit vehicle speed to control the vehicle speed by a vehicle speed control means, and a control start commanding means for instructing the vehicle speed control means to start the vehicle speed control upon operation by the driver. The vehicle speed control means is adapted to discontinue a vehicle speed control at a vehicle speed between the lower limit vehicle speed set by the lower limit vehicle speed setting means and a vehicle speed in a stopped state, thereby permitting a vehicle speed control conducted by the driver, and to carry out the vehicle speed control at a vehicle speed exceeding the lower limit vehicle speed in a state in which an accelerating or decelerating operation is not conducted by the driver.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine include determining a driver-demanded torque, determining a first torque based on the driver-demanded torque and a torque converter model, and determining a second torque based on an engine speed error between a current and target engine speed multiplied by a calibratable gain factor based on the speed ratio of the torque converter. The engine is then controlled to deliver the sum of the first and second engine torques to improve system response to part-throttle acceleration requests, particularly for vehicle launch and drive away.

Abstract: The strategy controls operation of an internal combustion engine in the time period before an oxygen sensor is warmed up sufficiently to provide reliable feedback measurements. It involves using a target speed-time (or event) goal, and then applying feedback, feedforward, and/or adaptive controls on the difference between the target and a measured engine speed. The target speed time (or event) can be programmed into an engine controller as a lookup table. The actual engine speed at each desired time or event can then be compared to the desired speed to obtain a difference value. Fueling, or any other speed control parameters, can be modified based on the difference value using feedback or feedforward routines to correct the measured value toward the target. The fueling or other control parameters can also be adapted for the next start based on any corrections.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle 10 and a method for operating the hybrid electric vehicle 10 in which combustion is made to occur within the internal combustion engine 24 only after the crankshaft 25 of the engine 24 has been rotated by an electric motor or generator 30 to a certain speed and according to a certain ramped or partially ramped profile 114, 112, thereby reducing the amount of emissions from the engine 24, allowing for a more efficient torque transfer to wheels 42, and allowing for a more smoother operation of the vehicle 10. The fuel injectors 13, throttle plate 11, and spark plugs 15 are also controlled in order to allow emissions to be reduced during activation of the engine and to allow the catalytic converter 7 to be heated in order to allow these emissions to be further reduced as the engine 24 is operating.

Abstract: An engine control system (10, 12) and method for improving stability of engine running speed when torque subtractions (TTS) from gross torque change while the engine (14) is running at a constant speed, such as at low idle speed. Engine speed error data (Nerror) is processed according to one or more control functions (52, 54, 56) each having gain determined by the torque subtraction data value via function generators (58, 60, 62) to develop fueling adjustment data (P-FGT, I-FGT, D-FGT) for compensating desired engine fueling (MFDES) for the torque subtraction data (TTS).

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an engine, in which a control module calculates a setpoint torque based on an accelerator position and calculates an air mass and a fuel mass from this setpoint torque. In the process, a setpoint value for lambda (ratio of air mass to fuel mass) is taken into account when the fuel mass is calculated. A monitoring module calculates a monitoring value for the air mass from the fuel mass and compares it to a measured air mass for fault detection.

Abstract: A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, is provided including a controller 24. The controller 24 is electrically coupled to a radar system and a navigation system. The detection system 28 detects an object and generates an object profile. The navigation system 34 generates a navigation signal. The controller 24 in response to the object profile and the navigation signal, generates a predicted future path profile and inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22 in response to the predicted future path profile. An additional feature of the invention is that the controller 24 may also be electrically coupled to a yaw rate sensor 30. The yaw rate sensor 30 senses the yaw rate of the vehicle 22 and generates a yaw rate signal. The controller 24 in response to the yaw rate signal inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22.

Abstract: To realize fleet driving, the upper-limit value of the vehicle speed placed under headway distance control with adaptive cruise control is increased than a value moderately greater than the set vehicle speed and the ACC allowing for the differences in vehicle speed between vehicles is conducted.

Abstract: A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control system, is provided including a navigation system 34. The navigation system 34 includes a global positioning system 38. The navigation system 34 detects a ramp and generates a navigation signal including navigation data and map data. A controller 24 is electrically coupled to the navigation system 34. The controller 24 in response to the navigation signal adjusts the speed of the vehicle 22.

Abstract: A vehicle cruise control apparatus is provided for controlling a vehicle to run at a set speed desired by a driver. The apparatus stores a state in which the driver inputs a set speed (for example, the number of times the driver inputs the set speeds and a period at which the driver inputs the set speeds), and calculates a target acceleration/deceleration from the input state and a vehicle speed deviation (calculated by subtracting the actual vehicle speed from the set speed).

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an accelerator pedal (1) provide a signal to the driver of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine the entry into an uneconomical driving pattern via the accelerator pedal. A reset force (FPED) is applied to the accelerator pedal (1). A desired value (FPEDSOLL) for the reset force is increased in dependence upon a drop below a pregiven value for a degree of efficiency of the engine.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an operating variable of an internal combustion engine are suggested. A controller is provided which, in dependence upon a control deviation, generates an output signal for controlling the operating variable with this output signal being generated in accordance with at least one changing parameter. In dependence upon the operating mode (stratified operation, homogeneous operation, homogeneous lean operation), the value of this at least one parameter is switched over to values adapted specifically to the path in the particular mode of operation.

Abstract: There is described a control device for controlling the speed of an engine of a vehicle, and having a tracer block which receives a target engine speed indicating the desired engine speed, and a maximum engine torque, and supplies a reference engine speed indicating the behaviour of the engine speed during a transient speed state towards the target engine speed, and an open-loop torque indicating the drive torque which must be produced by the engine during the transient speed state for the engine speed to follow the reference engine speed; an observer block which receives a measured engine speed indicating the engine speed, and a combustion torque indicating the drive torque generated by fuel combustion, and supplies an observed engine speed representing an estimate of engine speed made on the basis of a system model and as a function of the combustion torque and the measured engine speed, and an observed resisting torque representing an estimate of the total resisting torque acting on the drive shaft of the

Abstract: A signal generator for an internal combustion engine for obtaining precise information on a rotational direction of the engine when the engine runs at extremely low speed, comprising: a rotor having a first series of reluctor corresponding to a cylinder of the engine, and a second series of reluctor having a predetermined phase relationship relative to the first series of reluctor; and a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the first series of reluctor and the second series of reluctor, respectively of the rotor to generate pulses, wherein a positional relationship between the first and the second series of reluctors, and a positional relationship between the first and the second sensors are set so that a difference occurs in a phase relationship between an output pulse of the first sensor and that of the second sensor in forward rotation and in reverse rotation of the engine.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system for a host vehicle is arranged to calculate a target vehicle speed, to calculate a target driving force based on the target vehicle speed, to limit a rate of increase of the target driving force when a direction of a wheel driving torque applied to driving wheels is changed from a decelerating direction to an accelerating direction, and to control a throttle opening of an engine based on the limited target driving force.