Abstract: A constant-speed running controller which sets a target throttle opening of a throttle valve such that the speed of a vehicle is at a target vehicle speed, detects an amount of accelerator pedal operation as an accelerating pedal opening, adds the set target throttle opening and the detected accelerating pedal opening to generate an opening signal as the addition result, and drives the throttle valve and controls a transmission stage of an automatic transmission in accordance with the opening signal.

Abstract: An improved method for estimating an input torque to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is presented. The method includes calculating torque adaptation coefficients when the torque converter clutch is unlocked, and an accurate torque value can be obtained based on the torque converter characteristics. The adaptation coefficients are then used to correct the transmission torque estimate, which is then used to determine proper CVT clamping forces. This method improves fuel economy, transmission durability, and customer satisfaction.

Abstract: A method and system adjusts powertrain controls to avoid significant deviations from set speed during speed control operation. Low vacuum conditions of a reservoir vacuum resulting from high load conditions are detected and eliminated through the initiation of downshifts. Detection is based on the determination that speed control mode has been initialized, the throttle is extended, vehicle acceleration is low, and there has been a significant deviation from set speed. The downshift creates an increase in engine rpm and a reduction in throttle angle to increase the manifold vacuum and thereby recharge the reservoir vacuum and eliminate the low vacuum condition. The transmission can be returned to normal operation and the pre-adjustment gear upon elimination of the low vacuum condition or the occurrence of a driver override condition.

Abstract: In a vibration restraining apparatus for canceling out front-rear vibrations of a vehicle by controlling the torque of an engine and the speed change ratio of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from a time point preceding the end of a speed shift by half the period of the vehicle front-rear vibrations, a specific vibration period of the vehicle in accordance with a vehicle-carried load is calculated based on changes in the revolution speed of the engine, and a timing of an control output to the engine or the CVT is determined based on the calculated specific vibration period. Even if the number of occupants or the vehicle-carried load changes, the value of the specific vibration period of the vehicle is corrected in accordance with such a change, so that vehicle vibrations can be properly restrained.

Abstract: By preventing engagement of an engaging part (clutch) under appropriate conditions, it is possible to effectively avoid the so-called surging phenomenon. When there is an engaging directive for the clutch, the rotational speed of the engaging element positioned at the output shaft side of the drive/regeneration motor (the clutch output rotational speed) is detected, and the gear ratio of the CVT is detected, and when the product of the rotational speed of the engaging element and the gear ratio of the CVT is equal to or below a predetermined value, complete engagement between the engaging elements is prevented, and control is conducted which makes the gear ratio large.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for regulating an automobile transmission whose ratio can be modified. The gear has a transmission-dependent efficiency characteristic.

Abstract: A system for controlling downhill vehicle operation includes an electronically actuatable engine compression brake unit associated with an internal combustion engine, an electronically controllable turbocharger boost pressure adjustment device, electronically actuatable service brakes and a transmission including a number of automatically selectable gear ratios, wherein each of these components are coupled to a control computer. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the control computer is operable to detect a potential runaway vehicle condition and control any one or combination of engine compression brake activity, turbocharger boost pressure, service brake activity and automatic transmission shifting to thereby provide for a controlled descent down a negative grade and thereby prevent a runaway vehicle condition.

Abstract: A controller determines whether or not the vehicle dynamics controller is operating, and when it is determined that it is operating, a speed change operation by an actuator which changes over a gear position of the automatic transmission is prohibited. This speed change prohibition is continued for a predetermined time even when the vehicle dynamics controller has stopped. In this way, control performance of the vehicle dynamics controller is prevented from becoming unstable due to a speed change of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A lock-up torque converter is equipped with a lock-up clutch. The lockup clutch may engage even when the vehicle is coasting (lock-up coasting). When an accelerator pedal is depressed in a stepwise manner during lock-up coasting, the lock-up clutch is temporarily disengaged. By setting the threshold value used for determination so that it is easier to determine that the accelerator pedal was depressed in a stepwise manner the lower the vehicle speed, the dual objectives of vibration suppression of the drive system and improvement of fuel cost-performance are realized.

Abstract: An ordinary target driving force is generated against a detected value of the vehicle operator depression of an accelerator pedal and a detected value of the vehicle speed. The ordinary target driving force is a driving force required to keep the vehicle rolling on a flat horizontal road at the detected value of vehicle speed with the detected value of the vehicle operator depression of the accelerator pedal. A running resistance increment, i.e., an increase of running resistance from a standard running resistance, is calculated. A preliminary driving force correction is determined in response to the running resistance increment. The preliminary driving force correction is subjected to variation. The preceding old value of a driving force correction is subtracted from a current value of the preliminary driving force to give a variation in driving force correction. This variation is limited to fall in a range between an upper and a lower limit to give a limited driving force correction variation.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a vehicle, including a vehicle velocity sensor; an engine rotational speed sensor; a first clutch switch which becomes off when a clutch is fully engaged, and successively from the fully engaged state becomes on just before the clutch is placed in a partially engaged state; a second clutch switch which becomes off when a clutch is fully released, and successively from the fully released state becomes on just before the clutch is placed in a partially engaged state; and a motor control device for controlling so as to generate electricity by the motor, determining as the approval of the idling power-generating control state, when at least one of the following two conditions is satisfied: the condition that a vehicle velocity is zero and an engine rotational speed exceeds zero, and the condition that a vehicle velocity is zero and the second clutch switch is off.

Abstract: A transmission assembly includes a variable displacement hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the pump, a speed sensor operable to sense the speed of an output shaft of the motor, a first actuator for setting displacement of the pump in a positive displacement range in response to a first actuator command and a second actuator for setting displacement of the pump in a negative displacement range in response to a second actuator command. A controller is operable to transmit first actuator commands to the first actuator and transmit second actuator commands to the second actuator in response to operator inputs. The operator inputs require that the displacement of the pump to move from the positive displacement range to the negative displacement range. The controller generates first actuator commands which cause the first actuator to set the displacement to zero.

Abstract: A control for a vehicle drive line system (10) including an automated vehicle dry master clutch (14) drivingly interposed in between a fuel-controlled engine (12) and the input shaft (20) of a mechanical transmission.

Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle which determines a downgrade or upgrade parameter based on the vehicle acceleration and selects one from among a plurality of shift programs based on the determined grade parameter to determine a gear ratio based on the selected shift program. The system includes a navigation system which determines the instantaneous vehicle position and outputs road information including upgrade/downgrade condition of road including the determined instantaneous vehicle position. In the system, the grade parameter is corrected based on the navigation information and the grade parameter such that the one from among a plurality of shift programs is selected based on the corrected grade parameter, thereby enhancing drivability during downgrade running, without being affected even if the navigation information is temporarily invalid.

Abstract: In a method for online management of a drive train of a motor vehicle having a CVT transmission, in order to establish the engine speed for a required power output, a path through a predetermined composite performance graph—in which a performance quality characteristic is plotted as a function of power output and engine speed—is identified online, said path being optimal with respect to predetermined optimization criteria.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining an effective throttle value of an internal combustion engine for controlling automatic transmission shift points. In one embodiment, the system is operable to determine an effective throttle value as a function of commanded fueling and engine speed under operating conditions wherein engine torque is requested by a system/component other than manual throttle control to thereby provide a throttle value indicative of what throttle position or percentage would be under present operating conditions if engine torque was being requested via manual throttle control. The present invention accordingly overcomes deficiencies in known automatic transmission shift point control systems by continuously computing an equivalent throttle percentage whenever fueling or requested torque values are not dominated by actual throttle (e.g. accelerator pedal) percentage.

Abstract: A closed-throttle downshift control adjusts engine torque to raise the input speed of a transmission to the synchronous speed of the target speed ratio, and adaptively adjusts clutch control parameters to coordinate the off-going clutch release and the on-coming clutch apply, and to complete the shift with minimum driveline torque disturbance. A primary on-coming clutch control fills the on-coming clutch and then raises the on-coming pressure when the input speed reaches the synchronous speed of the target speed ratio. If input synchronization cannot be maintained, a contingent control increases the on-coming clutch pressure to gradually re-establish the input speed synchronization and thereupon engage the on-coming clutch to complete the shift. The fill time or the maintenance pressure of the on-coming clutch is adaptively decreased for reduced driveline disturbance in subsequent shifts of the same type if the output shaft jerk during the primary control exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A control system/method to minimize unwanted shifts in an automated mechanical transmission system (12). Initiation of shifts are prohibited unless throttle position (THL) has achieved a substantially steady-state value (|(d/dt(THL))|<REF1≈0).

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus for vehicles prevents a breakdown of a power train and maintains driving force during running, thereby improving driving performance. The driving force control apparatus is constructed to control the driving force distributed through a differential gear unit to a plurality of wheels. The apparatus is arranged to compute permissible torque that can be permitted to enter the differential gear unit, based on a differential rotational speed of the differential gear unit, compute input torque entered into the differential gear unit, and decrease engine power output so as to keep the input torque into the differential gear unit not more than the permissible torque when the input torque is greater than the permissible torque.

Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle braking operation includes a mechanism for determining desired service brake force, a mechanism for determining vehicle deceleration, an electronically actuatable engine compression brake unit, an electronically controllable turbocharger boost pressure adjustment device and a transmission including a number of automatically selectable gear ratios, wherein each of these components are coupled to a control computer. The control computer is operable to activate the engine compression brakes whenever service brake action is detected, and to modulate the downshift engine speed points of the transmission as a function of the desired brake force. The boost pressure adjustment device and the engine compression brake may optionally be controlled to maintain a vehicle deceleration rate below a deceleration rate threshold. Alternatively, the downshift engine speed points may be controlled to maintain the vehicle deceleration rate below the deceleration rate threshold.

Abstract: A method for operating machine transmission during braking, includes obtaining data relating to brake pedal position, machine velocity, machine engine speed, current transmission operating gear, and lowest operating gear. Next, downshifting thresh holds are set based on whether pedal position is in a downshift mode or a braking mode. Next, the transmission is downshifted if the machine velocity and machine engine speed are less than the downshifting thresh holds, and if the transmission operating gear is not the lowest operating gear. Next, the transmission is neutralized if the pedal position is in a neutralizing mode, if the velocity is less than a neutralizing thresh hold velocity, and if the transmission is in the lowest operating gear. Finally, the above steps are repeated until the transmission is neutralized.

Abstract: A snow removal vehicle is provided comprising an impeller, an engine system, and an engine control system. The engine control system receives feedback information pertaining to operation of the impeller, and controls the engine system based on the feedback information. A method of controlling a snow removal vehicle is provided comprising acquiring feedback information pertaining to operation of an impeller of the snow removal vehicle, analyzing the feedback information with an electronic signal processor, and controlling forward movement of the snow removal vehicle based on the feedback information.

Abstract: An electronic control system for an automatic transmission has an electronic control unit including a CPU and a memory. The control program is programmed based on an object-oriented programming. An object such as a domain control unit or individual control parts are provided for driving a corresponding linear solenoid valve. A shift request output unit determines types of required shift and outputs a shift request message including the shift type. The domain control unit determines a method to be executed in response to the shift type ID. Preferably, the shift request output unit further determines whether the shift is a single shift or a multiple shift and whether the shift is a normal shift or a special shift. These determination results are also included in the shift request message, so that the domain control unit varies the method to control the linear solenoid valves.

Abstract: An engine and a motor are connected to the drive wheels of a vehicle via an automatic transmission. The drive wheels are driven using one of or both of the motor and the engine depending on the running state. The automatic transmission varies the drive ratio by the discharge pressure of the oil pressure pump. The oil pressure pump is driven by a second motor. When the automatic transmission is varying the drive ratio, the discharge of the oil pressure pump is increased by increasing the rotational speed of the second motor and thus the required oil for varying the drive ratio is maintained.

Abstract: The predicted value of a window characteristic during closure is divided into a plurality of discrete segments. The actual system response during a closure without obstruction is then read for each of said discrete segments. A correction value to move away from the predicted value is then set for each of the discrete segments. The correction value is stored in digital form, and utilized to modify the predicted value. The present invention thus fine tunes the predicted value to account to the individual response of the particular system. In this way, the number of false or delayed obstruction readings are reduced compared to the prior art.

Abstract: An automatic control for operating an engine retarder, service brakes, and an automatic transmission associated with earth moving equipment is provided. The automatic control monitors engine speed and responsively produces control signals to maintain engine speed within predetermined limits.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for evaluating vehicle, drive and operation parameters of a vehicle to select and adjust by means of a microprocessor a speed ratio of a gear according to predetermined calculation rules, characteristic values and characteristic fields wherein an acceleration of the vehicle is mathematically calculated from a number of revolutions of a drive train comprising engine and gear, the number of revolutions corresponding to the driving speed. The problem is to provide for different gear types a uniform system which requires only a few parameters adapted to the vehicle for selecting speed ratio and gear shift. This is attained by the fact that a minimum dwelling time (&Dgr;tf) is associated to each speed ratio range. To each change of speed ratio (ig) is further associated an adjustment time (&Dgr;tz) which in the average is required for the gear to complete a speed ratio change (&Dgr;ig).

Abstract: The method for increasing the driving comfort of motor vehicles, specially during load reversal operations, by control of the dynamics of the driver's desired torque consists in that to a first microprocessor (1) signals are fed relative to the accelerator pedal position and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, after which the output signal originating from the first microprocessor (1), together with a manually adjustable torque request signal, are fed to a second microprocessor (2), the output signal of which passes through a filter (5) as driver's desired torque, wherein the filtering time produces a damping of load reversal and jolt between driver's wish and internal engine speed ratio.

Abstract: An informing apparatus is designed for use with a cruise control system having at least one of a function of inter-vehicle control for enabling a present vehicle to follow a preceding vehicle and a function of constant-speed travel control for enabling the present vehicle to travel at a constant speed. In the informing apparatus, a determination is made as to whether or not a main switch is in its ON position. The main switch is designed for setting a state in which the cruise control system can start to operate. A determination is made as to whether or not a set switch is in its OFF position. The set switch is designed for commanding execution of cruise control. A speed of the present vehicle and a setting lower limit vehicle speed are indicated on a contradistinction basis when it is determined that the main switch is in its ON position while the set switch is in its OFF position. The setting lower limit vehicle speed denotes a lower limit of a vehicle speed range in which the cruise control is enabled.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of a vehicle; a recommended gear stage determine device for determining a recommended gear stage of an automatic transmission based on the vehicle speed and road situation; an upper limit gear stage set device for setting an upper limit gear stage on the basis of the recommended gear stage; and a shift device for changing the speed at the upper limit gear stage. The recommended gear stage determine device includes a suppress device for suppressing the number of determinations of the recommended gear stage at a corner.

Abstract: For regulating the driving dynamics of a road vehicle, setpoints for the yaw rate {dot over (&PSgr;)} and the float angle &bgr; of the vehicle are generated continuously by evaluating a simulation computer implemented vehicle model. The simulation computer generates control signals for activating at least one wheel brake of the vehicle based on a comparison of the reference values {dot over (&PSgr;)}SO as a setpoint, and the actual values {dot over (&PSgr;)}I of the yaw rate continuously recorded by a yaw rate sensor. The vehicle model is represented by a linear differential equation system of the form [P]·({overscore ({dot over (X)})})=[Q]·({overscore (X)})+({overscore (C)})·&dgr;(t).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer based control system for controlling hydraulic and electromechanical actuators on a power machine, such as a skid steer loader. The computer based control system is configured to implement a number of features to enhance certain operational aspects of the power machine. One such feature includes an operator actuable selector which provides a selector signal based on an operator input. A controller receives the selector signal and provides an auxiliary output signal to control an auxiliary valve in a selected one of an on/off mode and a proportional mode based on the selector signal.

Abstract: A slip of drive wheels of a vehicle driven via a continuously variable transmission is suppressed due to fuel cut of a multi-cylinder engine. The speed change response characteristics of the transmission are made to vary according to the engine rotation speed when fuel cut is performed. A speed change ratio command value is calculated from a target speed change ratio based on a first-order delay due to a predetermined time-constant. The response of the transmission is thus delayed for low engine rotation speed than for high rotation speed, and undesirable fluctuation of the speed change ratio when the drive wheels slip is prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle and engine control system controls engine torque to maintain positive torque at a transmission input to prevent the transmission gears from separating. By maintaining a positive engine torque, the transmission is prevented from operating in or through the zero torque, or lash, zone. This prevents poor vehicle driveability that would otherwise result from operation in the lash zone. The control systems uses closed loop control based on a desired and actual turbine speed ratio, or slip ratio, to guarantee positive torque applied to the transmission.

Abstract: A control for preventing damage to a vehicular driveline (10) during attempts to launch a vehicle from a stopped condition while engaged in an inappropriate start ratio. The control involves sensing engaged transmission ratio (GR) and vehicle speed (OS) to determine if the vehicle is being launched while the transmission is engaged in an inappropriate start ratio and, if such conditions are sensed, issuing command signals to the engine controller (36) to cause engine output torque to be limited to a predetermined value, preferably a value less than 50% of maximum engine output torque.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic transmission includes a route information detector which detects route information for the vehicle and a transmission which is controlled by the route information detector. The control system also includes a device for detecting the places where it is necessary to decrease speed in the determined traveling distance, a device for calculating the vehicle target speed for each corner, a device for calculating the required vehicle speed at the present position of the vehicle to decrease present vehicle speed to the vehicle target speed for the place where it is necessary to decrease speed. And if the target deceleration from the present speed to the required vehicle speeds lager than a threshold value, the place is regarded as the target place, and it is counted as the target place, and the automatic transmission is shifted down.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a powertrain of a vehicle provided with a drive unit which has the powertrain including an engine or an electric motor and an automatic transmission, and a driving shaft. The control apparatus is provided with first torque estimating means for obtaining a first estimated driving shaft torque, second torque estimating unit for obtaining a second estimated driving shaft torque used to correct said first estimated driving shaft torque, comparison means for comparing said first estimated driving shaft torque with said second estimated driving shaft torque, and driving shaft torque calculating means for calculating a driving shaft torque on the basis of the result of the comparison.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle drive unit, which comprises a drive engine and a transmission with a continuously variable gear ratio, comprises the following steps: a) the required vehicle acceleration (ASOLL) is calculated from a throttle control lever position (XFP, XHG) and the current speed of travel (VFZ), b) a required transmission variation (IGDSOLL1) is calculated from the required vehicle acceleration (ASOLL) and the current rotation speed (NMOT) of the drive engine, c) a limited required transmission variation (IGDSOLL) is determined from the required transmission variation (IGDSOLL1) such that the engine rotation speed (NMOT) does not fall below a value which depends on the position of the power control element (XEP) of the drive engine, d) the continuously variable transmission is varied in accordance with (IGDSOLL); e) the actuation parameter (XEPSOLL) for the power control element of the drive engine is obtained directly from the throttle control lever position (XFP, XHG).

Abstract: A power output device is provided with a planetary gear, an engine having a crank shaft coupled to the planetary gear, a motor secured to a sun gear and a motor secured to a ring gear. Even if there is no need to continue operation of the engine, the engine is not immediately stopped in view of the charge amount of a battery. For example, in the D (drive) range, a processing for stopping rotation of the engine with a predetermined deceleration is performed only if an ABS device is out of operation, the cancellation of reaction force is possible and the vehicle speed is within a predetermined range. Consequently, it is possible to stop the engine while preventing the reaction force from causing a sense of shock to the driver.

Abstract: A control system/method to minimize unwanted upshifts in an automated mechanical transmission system (12). Upshifts are prohibited unless throttle position (THL) has achieved a substantially steady-state value (.vertline.(d/dt(THL)).vertline.<REF-1) or a speed value (ES, IS, OS) exceeds a reference (OS<REF-2).

Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a continuously variable transmission, sensors detect a vehicle speed, an accelerator depression degree and an output rotation speed of the transmission. The minimum required drive shaft drive torque is calculated from the vehicle speed and the accelerator depression degree. A target input rotation speed of the transmission for achieving the minimum required drive shaft drive torque with the least engine fuel consumption is calculated according to the vehicle speed. The input rotation speed is controlled to this target input rotation speed. The target engine output torque to generate the minimum required drive shaft drive torque is calculated, and an engine throttle opening is controlled to obtain this torque. As a result, the required vehicle drive force is obtained with the minimum engine fuel consumption.

Abstract: A control for a motor vehicle includes a transmission control and an engine control which are connected to one another through a communication channel. Functional units of the transmission control which are dependent on data of an engine and of a chassis of the motor vehicle, so-called engine-specific and chassis-specific functional units, are integrated into the engine control. Functional units having a function which is dependent on data of the transmission, so-called transmission-specific components, are contained in a computer-controlled gear shifting configuration. Data which are necessary for controlling the transmission are exchanged between the engine control and the gear shifting configuration through the communication channel 6. A shift point selection control, which can be constructed as a fuzzy control, is contained in the engine control.

Abstract: Unless constantly protected by overhead garages, an automotive vehicle, when parked and with its windows and sunroof opened or closed, is often subjected, respectively, to the risk of freezing or overheating its interior. Such extreme temperatures will reduce the life span of the electronic and mechanical components in or near the vehicle interior. Also, excessively high and low temperatures in the interior of the car would clearly cause a rather discomforting experience for the driver and passengers who subsequently seat themselves in it. This experience is keenly amplified for young children, elderly and those who are physically weak because of their reduced tolerance to discomfort.Briefly, a method and apparatus is provided for automatically adjusting a vehicle's window and sunroof positions after a vehicle operator has left a car unattended. The present invention includes a power window and sunroof system for an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train controller of a motor vehicle which has an engine and an automatic transmission. The drive train controller has an engine controller for controlling variables affecting engine torque and a transmission controller for controlling shifting events of an automatic transmission. There is an interface interconnecting the transmission controller and the engine controller for allowing constant communications between the transmission controller and the engine controller. The transmission controller transmits a correction term M.sub.kor to the engine controller over the interface for controlling a magnitude of the engine torque. The transmission controller transmits a time constant to the engine controller via the interface for controlling the dynamic behavior of the engine torque. In this manner, the transmission shifts smoothly between gears.

Abstract: The drive train controller is used to calculate the position of the accelerator pedal which is interpreted as the wheel torque or transmission output torque desired by the driver, in order to calculate setpoint values for the torque to be output by the drive train. It contains a control circuit in which the desired wheel torque is evaluated, together with further operating parameters of the motor vehicle, in a fuzzy system. It outputs an output signal by which the wheel torque to be exerted on the roadway by the wheels of a motor vehicle is defined.

Abstract: The contents of a ROM are highly reliably changed while the ROM is attached to a substrate. A vehicle control device has an electrically programmable nonvolatile memory storing a vehicle control program. A ROM update process includes a collation in which a check is made to determine whether the updating of the ROM was correctly executed. An abnormal process ensures an output from the control device clearly is an abnormal control amount under even ordinary vehicle drive conditions.

Abstract: A control valve system for a multiple ratio transmission with a high ratio clutch and an intermediate ratio brake servo including a first solenoid operated valve that generates a control pressure for intermediate servo apply and a second solenoid operated valve that generates a control pressure for intermediate servo release and for the high clutch. The second and the first solenoid valves control the intermediate servo stroke phase and the second solenoid valve controls, either closed or open loop, the deceleration of a high clutch drum. Pressures electronically controlled by the solenoid valves are distributed to the clutch and brake servo pressure chambers by a shift valve configuration, whereby high quality upshifts and downshifts are achieved.

Abstract: In a control device for an automatic transmission which holds a line pressure solenoid of an automatic transmission in a stationary ON state while an engine is in a stop state, when a key switch is switched ON, "stationary ON control device" supplies a high voltage to the line pressure solenoid for a short time so as to over-excite it, and a holding magnetization of the line pressure solenoid is then maintained by a low voltage. Subsequently, if it is determined by engine rotation speed detection device that a cell motor is being driven, ordinary control is performed wherein an over-excitation, holding magnetization and OFF cycle is repeated. Further, when a battery voltage drops while the cell motor is being driven so that the line pressure solenoid with holding magnetization switches OFF, recovery device rapidly restores the solenoid to the normal stationary ON state by performing intermittent over-excitation.

Abstract: A remote control system which determines which of at least two different vehicle functions to activate based at least in part on the strength of the received signal. In a first alternative embodiment, a strong received signal unlocks the door, whereas a weak received signal causes the engine to start. Thus, using the same signal the driver can start the engine of the vehicle while a distance from the vehicle, and subsequently unlock the door when the driver has walked near to the vehicle. In a second alternative embodiment, the signal to unlock the door is relatively weak when transmitted, whereas the signal to start the engine is relatively strong when transmitted, so that the engine can be started from a distance, but the doors can only be unlocked when the transmitter is near to the vehicle. The security of the vehicle is thereby enhanced, and the ease of use of the remote control system is increased.

Abstract: The present invention is a control device and a control method for a transmission with a clutch, by which the clutch is smoothly coupled without generation of shocks or the like in a vehicle.