Abstract: A method of generating a metric data set for determining a performance of a catalytic converter includes sampling data from a post catalytic converter oxygen sensor to provide a raw data set and generating a revised data set based on the raw data set. Data within the revised data set is eliminated based on characteristics of data points of the revised data set and the revised data set is filtered to provide the metric data set.

Abstract: A signal conditioning device, user interface, and method of conditioning a signal. The signal conditioning device includes a processor, a first input coupled to the processor and an output coupled to the processor. Instructions are stored within the processor that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide a signal incident at the output that corresponds to a signal incident at the input.

Abstract: An engine misfire detection system includes a database of engine fingerprints, each fingerprint corresponding to a known misfire condition. A technician uses software to compare the fingerprints in the database to an engine with a combustion inefficiency to determine which cylinder in the engine has the combustion inefficiency. The fingerprints are generated by evaluating an output from a lambda sensor and a timing reference. An alternate embodiment associates oxygen sensors with each of the cylinders in the engine and infers combustion inefficiency when a given sensor detects a peak in the amount of oxygen.

Abstract: In an on-vehicle electronic control unit, error in output voltages from a constant voltage power supply circuit (C.V.P.S.) for use in a reference power supply of an A/D converter, occurs due to temperature rise. Whereby, there is a problem of the decrease of an A/D conversion accuracy. A C.V.P.S. supplies a voltage to analog sensors and to an AD converter. Furthermore, an output from a temperature sensor that is disposed in the neighborhood of the C.V.P.S. is stored in a memory as a contrast temperature data T at a time point of shipping. In addition, voltage fluctuation characteristic data due to the change of temperatures of the C.V.P.S. and detection fluctuation characteristic data accompanied by the change of voltages of the analog sensor group have preliminarily been stored, and the fluctuations in digital converted values accompanied with the change of temperatures in the neighborhood of the C.V.P.S. are compensated.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining degradation of a diesel particulate filter in an engine exhaust system. The method uses information indicative of a regeneration rate, such as regeneration duration. From this, it is possible to determine when particulate filter operation has degraded.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an ignition switch that selectively initiates an ignition signal and an operating mode of an engine. A powertrain relay selectively generates a PR load signal based on the ignition signal and the operating mode. A control module enables an ignition signal diagnostic system when the operating mode is a RUN mode, the ignition signal is generated and the PR load signal is generated.

Abstract: A vehicle control system has an ECU for controlling an actuator and a sensor ECU that receives a crankshaft signal of a vehicle engine. These ECUs exchange information via an intra-vehicle communication network for attaining distributed functions. The sensor ECU calculates a crankshaft angle on the basis of a received camshaft signal and crankshaft signal and outputs the calculated crankshaft angle to a TCM ECU. The TCM ECU determines operation timing of an igniter on the basis of the received crankshaft angle and outputs the operation timing of the igniter to an ignition ECU. The ignition ECU controls the igniter on the basis of the received timing. As a result, temporal deviation between the crankshaft angle and the control timing of the actuator is suppressed.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an engine increases an intake air quantity just before engine stop to increase a compression pressure in a compression stroke. As the compression pressure is increased, a negative torque in the compression stroke increases and obstructs engine rotation, and brakes the engine rotation. Thus, a range of crank angle, in which torque is below engine friction, that is, in which engine rotation can be stopped, is reduced. As a result, variation in engine rotation stop position is reduced to be within a small range of crank angle. Information of engine rotation stop position is stored, and the stored information of engine rotation stop position is used at the start of an engine to accurately determine an initial injection cylinder and an initial ignition cylinder to start the engine.

Abstract: A throttle area compensation system for use with an electronic throttle control of a vehicle includes a compensation datastore of compensation values indexed by pre-compensated throttle area. A compensation vector learning module receives a pre-compensated throttle area and at least one sensed vehicle condition, and informs the compensation datastore based on the pre-compensated throttle area and the sensed vehicle condition. A throttle area compensation module communicates with the compensation datastore, receives the pre-compensated throttle area, and determines a compensated throttle area based on the pre-compensated throttle area and a corresponding compensation value of the compensation data store.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, fuel is injected directly into a combustion chamber by an injector that has a piezoactuator. An electrical charge conveyed to and/or removed from the piezoactuator is ascertained by a method that is calibrated at least once during an operating time span of the internal combustion engine. To allow the calibration to be carried out or performed as often as possible, the method for ascertaining the electrical charge transferred to and/or removed from the piezoactuator may be calibrated during at least one triggering off-time (dtK) of the piezoactuator while the internal combustion engine is operating.

Abstract: In a method for determining the charge of an activated carbon container of a tank venting system of a gasoline engine on the basis of the thermal influence of the tank venting system on the exhaust gas of the engine, an exhaust gas temperature measured downstream of a catalytic converter of the engine with the tank venting system activated is compared with a calculated or measured exhaust gas temperature obtained for the same location with the tank venting system inactivated and divided by the exhaust gas temperature measured with the tank venting system activated so as to obtain a temperature quotient on the basis of which the charge of the carbon container is determined.

Abstract: In a diagnosing process in which a target air-fuel ratio in an air-fuel ratio feedback control is forcibly changed, and based on a response time of a detection signal from an air-fuel ratio sensor to the change, a response characteristic of the air-fuel ratio sensor is diagnosed. When the diagnosis is finished, an air-fuel ratio feedback control signal is returned stepwise to a value immediately before the starting of diagnosis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for determining maximum available engine output torque includes an engine speed sensor and a control computer produce a fueling command for fueling an internal combustion engine. The computer is configured to produce a maximum available engine output torque value as a function of the engine speed signal and the fueling command. In an alternate embodiment, the system includes a control computer configured to produce the maximum available engine output torque value as a function of engine speed, at least one engine intake parameter associated an intake manifold coupled to the engine, and an engine exhaust parameter associated with an exhaust gas structure coupled to the engine. In either case, an application control strategy is responsive to the maximum available engine torque value to control an engine-driven accessory as a function thereof.

Abstract: A method of resetting an active emissions system error indictor associated with a vehicle. The method comprises performing a first requesting step and a second requesting step until the active emissions system error indicator resets in response to the first or second requesting steps. In one embodiment, the first requesting step comprises requesting a first type of information (e.g., information from a first vehicle oxygen sensor) from a vehicle computer associated with the vehicle, and the second requesting step comprises requesting a second type of information (e.g., information from a second vehicle oxygen sensor) from the vehicle computer. In a particular embodiment of the invention, an electronic tool, such as a bi-directional scan tool, is used to perform the first and second requesting steps.

Abstract: A method of protecting an asset having engine which includes the steps of providing a kill switch cooperating with the engine on the asset, providing a communications receiver connected to the kill switch, providing a security system having a security panel for a protected premises, providing a communications transmitter connected to the security panel, and transmitting a signal sequentially from the security panel to the transmitter, then to the receiver and then to the kill switch. The invention also includes apparatus for protecting an associated asset having engine which includes a kill switch cooperating with the engine on the associated asset, a communications receiver connected to the kill switch, a security system having a security panel for an associated protected premises, and a communications transmitter connected to the security panel.

Abstract: Limp home control methods are provided for situations of a disconnected battery power line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a parameter associated with a delivery of fuel in an engine. The method and apparatus includes determining an initial parameter value associated with the delivery of fuel, determining at least one compensation factor based on a heating effect of a fuel and a fuel system, and applying the at least one compensation factor to the initial parameter value to derive a compensated parameter value.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for diagnosing cylinder misfiring in an internal combustion engine. A control computer is configured to periodically diagnose whether each cylinder of the engine is firing or misfiring, and to log information relating to such cylinder firing or misfiring.

Abstract: A control system with multiprocessor architecture for an internal combustion powertrain is disclosed. The control system has a computing unit capable of executing both basic control functions of the powertrain and ancillary control functions not directly related to the control of the powertrain. The computing unit comprises a main processor, which is dedicated to executing basic functions for controlling the powertrain, at least one auxiliary processor, which is dedicated to executing ancillary control functions, a number of memories, a series of peripheral devices, at least one peripheral bus connection, to which the peripheral devices are connected, and an intelligent main bus connection of the cross-bar bus type to allow the processors to communicate with the memories and with the peripheral bus connection.

Abstract: In an electronic control unit for a vehicle, control data is stored in a volatile memory until a predetermined time passes after an ignition switch is turned off. This makes it possible to greatly reduce the frequency at which data is written into a nonvolatile memory. When the predetermined time has passed after the ignition switch is turned off, the control data stored in the volatile memory is written into the nonvolatile memory. Thereafter, the power supply from a power supply circuit to the volatile memory is stopped. Consequently, it is possible to store the control data reliably in either the volatile memory or the nonvolatile memory. It is also possible to reduce the dark current in the volatile memory.

Abstract: An engine control unit which can solve current leakage from an ignition system or the like due to attachment of water drops or the like when washing a vehicle. A power circuit receiving power supply from a battery, supplying the power to an engine control unit, and maintaining supply of a power to the engine control unit even when the power supply from the battery is stopped, a unit disconnection detecting circuit for detecting that the engine control unit is disconnected from the battery, and an EEPROM are provided, and when disconnection of the engine control unit is detected, an engine stop flag is stored in the EEPROM, and when the engine control unit is connected and a power is supplied from the battery, the engine is not permitted to start for a certain period of time if the engine stop flag is stored in the EEPROM.

Abstract: Having the ability to quickly and easily test whether a variable valve mechanism is operating properly can avoid unnecessary down time and the expense associated with potentially replacing a good component on an internal combustion engine. A test can include inducing a misfire in a cylinder of the engine at least in part by commanding a change to a state of a variable valve mechanism at a predetermined timing. For instance, in the case of a diesel engine, a variable valve mechanism can be tested by closing an intake valve late so as to reduce a cylinder compression ratio to a point that autoignition of fuel does not occur, resulting in a misfire. If a misfire is detected, either audibly by a person or possibly electronically via a sensor, then proper activation of the variable valve mechanism is confirmed.

Abstract: A system for detecting conditions indicative of substandard performance of cylinders in an internal combustion engine includes an engine control unit disposed in operable communication with the engine and a computer disposed in informational communication with the engine control unit. A method for utilizing the system includes comparing fuel requirements of the engine operating under power of all cylinders and under the successive arrest of each of the cylinders or sets of cylinders. The process is repeated until each cylinder or set of cylinders is arrested and all of the data can be compiled and considered to determine the performance of each cylinder or set of cylinders. The system measures the required fuel with all cylinders operating and enables a recommendation to be made with respect to corrective or maintenance measures that should be undertaken with respect to the isolation of the individual cylinder(s) which may be determined to be weak or non-functioning.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has cylinders within which combustion occurs and an exhaust system through which products of combustion are exhausted from the cylinders. A temperature sensor and an electric heater are disposed in temperature sensing relation to the exhaust gas flow. A processor develops temperature data obtained from the temperature sensor, and power data representing power required to heat the electric heater to a temperature in excess of temperature of exhaust gas flow past the heater. The processor processes the temperature data, the power data, and data representing mass flow through the engine upstream of the temperature sensor and heater according to an algorithm for yielding data representing difference between mass flow of exhaust gas past the temperature sensor and heater and mass flow upstream of the temperature sensor and heater. The measurement may then be used to measure leakage from the exhaust system by subtracting it from flow measurement in a different location.

Abstract: A vehicular engine control unit has multi-CPU configuration. A main CPU executes a control processing subject to a monitoring processing and transmits monitoring data to a sub-CPU. The sub-CPU executes the monitoring processing based on the received monitoring data. The control processing executed by the main CPU and a control characteristic may be changed or modified in accordance with an engine capacity, a vehicle equipment or the like. Similarly, the monitoring data stored in a memory connected with the main CPU is also changed in accordance with the control characteristic and the like. Therefore, the sub-CPU can be commonly used for several arrangements or the control characteristics of the main CPU.

Abstract: An engine control device is provided to reliably detect an abnormality in crank pulses. The device determines that there is an abnormality in crank pulses when the situation, in which a standard pitch crank pulse counter T does not reach a prescribed value T0 between irregular pitch crank pulses (interval abnormality), repeatedly occurs at least a prescribed value CNT0 times, when an irregular pitch is not detected for a prescribed period of time for the crank pulse counter T to count up to TMAX or longer, or when the situation, in which a prescribed number or more of clank pulses are not detected for a prescribed period of time, repeatedly occurs at least a count-up value KMAX of times.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a variable valve actuation device for lifting an intake valve. The device is capable of changing the amount of opening of the intake valve. The device is configured to calculate a first estimated value Gao of the amount of intake air from a parameter regarding the operation state of the engine at the time of opening the intake valve; calculate a second estimated value Gac of the amount of intake air from a parameter regarding the operation state of the engine at the time of closing the intake valve; and calculate an actual amount of intake air Ga based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value.

Abstract: Diagnostic codes from a vehicle or other system in transit are transmitted to an opportunity server, which forwards the codes to a supplemental diagnostic service provider. The diagnostic service provider determines if supplemental diagnostics software functions are available, and if so, downloads them to the vehicle. After executing the supplemental diagnostics, the vehicle reports updated codes to the opportunity server. Multiple cycles of selection, downloading and execution of supplemental diagnostics may be performed until fault isolation is achieved, following which the opportunity server issues requests for bids to potential repair service provides. Responding offers are received, coalesced and presented to the operator. The operator of the vehicle is presented with one or more coalesced offers, upon selection of which, a service is scheduled.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for a temperature sensor which detects a temperature that changes depending on an operating condition of an internal combustion engine. Determining that the temperature sensor fails, if the execution condition of the failure determination is satisfied and a temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the determination period, is less than a failure determination threshold value, when the starting of the engine in the preceding engine operation cycle was a cold start.

Abstract: An arrangement for authorizing transfer of software into one or more embedded systems includes a service/recalibration tool connectable to one or more embedded control units. A service technician or other operator of the tool obtains a hardware identification code corresponding to an identifier associated with an embedded control unit, or to an identifier associated with the tool, and also establishes a download number corresponding to the desired number of downloads when the identifier is associated with the tool, and a software identification code corresponding to an identifier of software to be transferred from the tool to the embedded control unit, and provides this information to a provider of the software who creates one or more passwords based thereon. The service technician may then use the one or more passwords to transfer one or more password-protected portions of the software from the tool into the one or more embedded control units.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting the rotation direction of a piston engine, internal combustion engine or piston compressor. The piston engine includes at least one cylinder, a piston movable back and forth in the cylinder, a cylinder chamber formed inside the cylinder which is delimited by an inner cylinder wall and the piston, an inlet channel opening into the cylinder chamber via at least one inlet valve, an outlet channel opening into the cylinder chamber via at least one outlet valve, and at least one triggerable throttling device situated in the inlet channel. To detect the rotation direction in a reliable, timely, and simple manner, the pressure prevailing in the inlet channel is measured when a rotary motion is detected, compared with a predefinable threshold value, and the rotation direction is determined based on the comparison result, the throttling device being closed at least for the pressure measurement time.

Abstract: Fuel properties estimating apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a controller to determine an estimated component concentration of a component in a fuel. The controller calculates an air-fuel correction quantity in accordance with an actual air fuel ratio of the engine; and calculates an air-fuel ratio sensitivity correction quantity from the air-fuel ratio correction quantity and a fuel properties correction quantity calculated from a most recent value of the component concentration. The controller then determines a new value of the estimated component concentration in accordance with the air-fuel ratio sensitivity correction quantity.

Abstract: A malfunction diagnosis system is provided to aid a technician or engineer in diagnosing an internal combustion engine. The diagnostic system comprises an electronic control unit that is operatively coupled to a data storage device and to one or more engine sensors. The electronic control unit is configured to collect data from the one or more engine sensors, compare the collected data with predetermined engine parameter values, and store the collected and compared data in the data storage device in various formats. A computer is selectively coupled to the data storage device. The computer program is configured to display specific sets of data and to clearly display any faulty engine parameter values resulting from the collected data comparison.

Abstract: An engine is automatically stopped when a predetermined amount of time has passed with a predetermined stopping condition being fulfilled, even if learning is not yet complete, when an automatic stopping condition of the engine and a learning execution condition of a control amount of the engine during idling have been fulfilled. However, the engine is prohibited from automatically stopping until the learning is complete when the learning history of the control amount has been cleared by battery disconnection or the like and is not stored. Accordingly, it is possible to both simultaneously control an idling stop when the engine is idling and learn the control amount, as well as minimize a strange sensation felt by the driver that arises from an idling stop not being performed.

Abstract: To detect a stroke reliably at the time of the start of the engine when a stroke cannot be detected based on crank pulses alone. A stroke is detected based on a difference ?N between the engine rotational speeds at top and bottom dead centers and a flag FN is changed depending upon whether a temporary stroke set before a stroke has been detected and the detected stroke coincide with each other or not. Simultaneously, a stroke is detected based on a difference ?P between the intake air pressures at two bottom dead centers and a flag Fp is changed depending upon whether a temporary stroke set before a stroke has been detected and the detected stroke coincide with each other or not. Then, when the flags FN and Fp coincide with each other, the stroke detection is completed. When the detected stroke differs from the temporary stroke, the stroke is shifted by a phase of 360° and the crank pulses are renumbered.

Abstract: In a diagnosis control for periodically detecting a pressure in a fuel tank during an operation of an engine is stopped, to diagnose whether or not the leakage occurs in a fuel vapor purge system, the power supply to a sensor detecting the pressure in the fuel tank is intermittently performed at each detection period.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling a fuel injector. A fuel shot is injected during a zero fuel condition. A rail pressure drop corresponding to the fuel shot is determined. A change in engine speed corresponding to the fuel shot is determined. An adjustment to the fuel injection as a function of the rail pressure drop and the corresponding change in engine speed is determined.

Abstract: A deterioration failure diagnostic apparatus for an exhaust gas sensor has a higher detection precision and a wider detection range against the deterioration failure of the exhaust gas sensor. An exhaust gas sensor is disposed in an exhaust gas pipe of an internal-combustion engine for producing an output corresponding to components of exhaust gas of the engine. The apparatus has a device for producing a detecting signal, which is multiplied to a basic fuel injection amount used at a normal operation to produce a fuel injection amount to be used for determining a condition of the exhaust gas sensor. The apparatus includes a device for extracting a frequency response corresponding to the detecting signal from an output of the exhaust gas sensor. The output is in response to the calculated fuel injection amount. The condition of the exhaust gas sensor is determined based on the extracted frequency response.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine such as an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: checking the operability of at least one component by a diagnostic function (D); causing the diagnostic function (D) to transmit data (CB) that the diagnostic function (D) could have found a fault to a central function (CF) in a format uniform for all diagnostic functions (D); and, causing the central function (CF) to process the data (CB).

Abstract: A diagnostic system for an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinder banks. The system includes a throttle position sensor mounted in each of the cylinder banks, for detecting a throttle opening of a throttle valve of an associated one of the cylinder banks. The throttle openings of the cylinder banks are controlled in accordance with a common target. An ECU makes a check to determine whether the detected throttle openings are same. The ECU determines in accordance with the comparison whether or not there is abnormality in at least one of the throttle valves and the throttle position sensors.

Abstract: A microprocessor base interengageable engine generator set control and profile throttle control devices that provide directional communication and control via common J1939 protocol of electronic engine control units. Such engine and throttle control units provide critical engine information and control using manufacturers proprietary codes that are readable by the interface engine control or independent throttle control input parameters. Engine commands are issued by programmable software and operational input in response to information received and analyzed thereby for ultimate control for known preset parameters in multiple manual and non-fully automatic modes of the profile throttle control device.

Abstract: A system for processing sensed vehicle data includes a sensor for sensing data related to at least one characteristic of a passing vehicle and a host unit that receives sensed data from the sensor. The sensor and the host unit are integrated into a single housing. The host stores data and communicates with peripheral devices and/or with a central processing facility.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for operating an internal combustion engine assembly (1) which make possible a monitoring and, if required, correction of a quantity of an air system of the engine assembly (1). A physical quantity of the air system is computed from several input quantities with the aid of a physical model (5) of the air system of the internal combustion engine assembly (1). The at least one physical quantity is not an input quantity of the physical model (5). The at least one physical quantity, which is computed by means of the physical model (5), is compared to a measured value for the at least one physical quantity. One of the input quantities or a model internal quantity of the physical model (5) is monitored in dependence upon a deviation between the computed value and the measured value for the at least one physical quantity.

Abstract: A motor control device for a vehicle having a deceleration deactivatable engine which includes at least one deactivatable cylinder which is deactivated during a deceleration traveling of the vehicle, and which is started by a motor when the operation thereof transitions from a deceleration deactivation operation to a normal operation. The motor control device comprises a cylinder deactivation state determining section (S202) for determining whether or not the engine is in a cylinder deactivation state, a cylinder deactivation executing section, a cylinder deactivation operation detecting section (S201) for detecting whether or not the cylinder deactivation executing section is activated, and a starting torque setting section (S201-S204) for setting staring torque for starting the engine by the motor.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for diagnosing a failure of an evaporative fuel processing system. The system includes a fuel tank, a canister having adsorbent for adsorbing evaporative fuel generated in the fuel tank, an air passage connected to the canister and communicating the canister with the atmosphere, a first passage for connecting the canister and the fuel tank, a second passage for connecting the canister and an intake system of an internal combustion engine, a vent shut valve for opening and closing the air passage, and a purge control valve provided in the second passage. A pressure in the evaporative fuel processing system is detected. Negative pressure in the intake system is reserved in a negative pressure reservoir during operation of the engine. The purge control valve and the vent shut valve are closed to introduce the reserved negative pressure into the evaporative fuel processing system, when stoppage of the engine is detected.

Abstract: Fault monitor (20) for error input (ICPC—ERR) to closed-loop control (16) of an engine function, such as a control pressure for a fuel system (12). Error input is derived from the desired and actual data values for the function. An integration function integrates the absolute value of the input data value (22, 24, 26, 28) during a time interval defined by a timing function (38, 40, 42, 44) to provide an integrated data value. A comparison function (34) compares the integrated data value and a data value ICPC—OBD—ERR defining a fault indication.

Abstract: A programmable internal combustion engine, comprising programmable computer processor controlled engine components including electronically controllable valves, fuel injection and air fuel mixture ignition cylinder components, is programmed to dynamically reconfigure an internal combustion engine to run on a range of combustible fuels. Cylinder independent ignition test modes using Spark Ignition, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition and Compression Ignition are performed to determine the best ignition mode and cylinder component states for combusting a given fuel. In situ real-time testing of a given fuel yield results for a dynamic reconfiguration of individual component states providing an engine which can run on a range of combustible fuels and fuel blends.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter based on at least a sensor, such as a differential pressure sensor. Degradation of the sensor is then detected in a variety of ways. One approach takes advantage of the slowly varying flow resistance of the filter compared with the more rapid variations in flow caused by changing engine conditions. Default operation is then taken when a degraded sensor is detected.

Abstract: An air flow sensor failure determination apparatus for determining a failure of an air flow sensor for an internal combustion engine in which an air flow sensor, a throttle and a pressure sensor disposed downstream of the throttle are provided in an air induction passage, the air flow sensor failure determination apparatus comprising a first calculating unit for calculating a first induction air volume based on an output signal from the air flow sensor, a second calculating unit for calculating a second induction air volume based on an output from the pressure sensor, and a determination unit for determining a failure of the air flow sensor based on a comparison between the first induction air volume and the second induction air volume.

Abstract: A system for controlling an engine in a fuel efficient manner includes a memory having stored therein an engine output characteristics map bounded by a maximum engine output curve. The map defines a region of undesirable operation having a first border defined as a function of engine speed and intersecting the maximum engine output curve. A control computer is configured to control engine operation in a fuel efficient manner by limiting engine operation within the map to the first border while also allowing the engine to operate anywhere on the maximum engine output curve. The control computer may be configured to so limit engine operation to the first border only if an engine or vehicle acceleration value is outside of an acceleration range, and further only if an engine work value is greater than an engine work threshold, and otherwise to allow engine operation anywhere on or within the map.