Abstract: According to a torque converter lockup control, a lockup actuator, including a lockup solenoid, is operative responsive to an output command signal issued by a controller to adjust lockup clutch engagement force to a commanded value. The lockup clutch engagement force is a force with which the lockup clutch is engaged. The controller determines the commanded value as a function of a deviation between a current value of slip speed within the torque converter and a desired value thereof. For preventing the lockup clutch from shifting deeply into its converter position when the deviation persists to stay in the neighborhood of zero, the controller sets a limit to the determined commanded value during operation of the lockup clutch in the slip lockup mode.

Abstract: Described are apparatus and method for monitoring revolution speed values detected by corresponding revolution speed sensors too determine whether at least any one of an engine revolution speed sensor, a continuously variable transmission input axle revolution speed sensor, and a continuously variable transmission output axle revolution speed sensor has failed according to detected values of the engine revolution speed sensor, the input axle revolution speed sensor, and the output axle revolution speed sensor and a detected value of an instantaneous gear shift ratio when a lock-up mechanism is in a lock-up state. If all of three formulae on predetermined correlations are established, all of the sensors are determined to be normally operated. If any one or two of the three formulae are not established, the failure one of the three sensors is identified. The three correlation formulae are based as follows: 1) N.sub.E =N.sub.PRI ; 2) N.sub.PRI =N.sub.SEC .times.CN; and 3) N.sub.E =N.sub.PRI .times.C.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for controlling the operation of an automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle comprising a device for shifting the transmission from a first transmission gear speed to a second transmission gear speed in accordance with a predetermined transmission shift pattern; a device for detecting an engine condition of the vehicle; and a device for automatically shifting back the transmission from the second transmission gear speed to the first transmission gear speed based on the engine condition within a predetermined time period after the shifting of the transmission from the first transmission gear speed to the second transmission gear speed is initiated.

Abstract: In an engine provided with a throttle valve actuator which controls the opening/closing of the throttle valve, a target throttle valve opening degree is determined based the amount of accelerator pedal depression. Following a speed change command being issued in an automatic transmission the target throttle position is gradually decreased until an inertial phase is detected. The target throttle opening is then returned to that which corresponds to the accelerator pedal depression by the driver.

Abstract: A steering wheel control system (10) that employs a method for passing push-button commands from a steering wheel to a vehicle system, wherein the method is not dependant upon the contact resistance of a sliding contact (32) located in the steering wheel column. The control system (10) includes a constant current source circuit (20) that generates a unique constant current corresponding to each command. The sliding contact (32) passes the constant current between the steering wheel and the vehicle system, and a calibrated resistance circuit (40) converts the unique constant current into a discrete voltage. The discrete voltage is also converted into a digital signal for use by a microcontroller (60) to activate the vehicle systems. The use of constant currents therefore avoids operational problems associated with decreases in the overall system noise margin due to large voltage drops across the sliding contact (32).

Abstract: A control for determining the state of adjustment or misadjustment of a master friction clutch (14) in a vehicular automated mechanical transmission system (10). A system controller (24) receives input signals (26) indicative of the engaged or disengaged condition of the master clutch, the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft (IS) and the engaged or disengaged condition of the mechanical transmission (16). When the master clutch and the transmission both are disengaged, the rate of change of input shaft speed (dIS/dt) is compared to a predetermined reference value, and if the rate of deceleration of the input shaft speed is less than said reference value, significant master clutch misadjustment is determined and corrective action is initiated. Corrective action may include causing a display (48) to signal the operator that the master clutch is improperly adjusted and/or operating an input shaft brake (50) in a fault-tolerant mode.

Abstract: A control system/method for controlling engine (12) flywheel (T.sub.FW) torque in a vehicular powertrain system (10) including an electronically controlled engine and a torque load limited drivetrain system (11) is provided. The control will sense values of a control parameter (GR, OS) indicative of potential overloading of the drivetrain at maximum engine flywheel torque and will cause engine flywheel torque to be limited to a value less than the maximum value thereof. Flywheel torque is determined as a function of torque values available on the vehicle electronic data link (DL).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rotatably positioning a machine housing is disclosed. A pump produces pressurized fluid to a motor that responsively rotates the machine housing. A control valve regulates fluid flow from the pump to the motor. A position sensor detects the rotational position of the housing and responsively produces an actual position signal. A device produces a signal indicative of a desired rotational position of the housing. A controller compares the desired and actual position signals, responsively produces an error signal, multiplies the error signal by a variable gain value representative of the housing acceleration and delivers a control signal to the control valve to rotate the housing to the desired position.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a driver presence sensor and engine running detection circuitry. When the detection circuitry determines that the engine of the vehicle is not running, the navigation system enters a low power mode. When the presence of the driver is detected, the navigation system begins power up, switching from a low power to a full power operational mode. If the detection circuitry does not determine that the engine is running within a predetermined time period, the navigation system reenters the low power mode. The detection circuitry monitors the vehicle's electrical system and determines that the engine is running when an AC content exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has a main transmission section and a splitter section. The electronic control for this transmission is operable to either provide the actuation of the splitter system or not allow that actuation. Thus, the operator of the vehicle is able to request either a smaller number of available speed ratios or a larger number of available speed ratios by selecting the appropriate electronic control. The vehicle manufacturer is able to tailor the vehicles to have a transmission which is appropriate to the needs of its customer without having to change the transmission. Moreover, upon resale, a transmission that was initially provided with only a smaller number of speeds may be easily upgraded to provide additional speeds. The control is further reprogrammable to either provide or not provide actuation of the splitter gear. The control may be actuated remotely, such as by a satellite, to provide the additional speed ratios based upon expected driving conditions.

Abstract: A speed change ratio of a continuously variable transmission comprising a V-belt looped around a pair of variable pulleys for varying the speed change ratio according to a first and second oil pressures. A speed change control valve converts a first oil pressure from an oil pressure supply unit to a second oil pressure based on a speed change ratio command value. The speed change ratio command value is calculated by a microprocessor according to a real speed change ratio and dynamic characteristics of the transmission. By calculating the dynamic characteristics according to the real speed change ratio and the first oil pressure, a set response of the transmission is always obtained regardless of fluctuations of the first oil pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control an automatic transmission of an automobile. When a feedback control is executed by the automatic transmission while the speed is being changed, the control operation may often lose stability due to a large deviation between a target value and a practical value at the start of the feedback control operation being caused by a change in the opening degree of the throttle and a change in the oil temperature in the automatic transmission. To solve such a technical problem, the control apparatus which detects that the automatic transmission is changing the speed, operates the output shaft torque of the automatic transmission, recognizes a point of inflection of the output shaft torque while the speed is being changed, sets a target output shaft torque of the automatic transmission, and sets an initial target value at a moment of the point.

Abstract: A system for controlling running safety of a vehicle having at least a brake, a steering mechanism manipulated by a vehicle operator, a laser radar for detecting an obstacle present ahead on a course of travel of the vehicle, and a brake actuator mechanism actuating the brake independently of the vehicle operator manipulation. In the system, a first threshold value (defined in terms of relative distance between the vehicle and the obstacle) for avoiding contact with the obstacle by steering and a second threshold value for avoiding contact by operating the brake actuator mechanism are determined and are compared with the detected relative distance.

Abstract: A regional attribute for a region in which a vehicle is traveling is detected by a vehicle navigation device, and vehicle drive force characteristics such as a throttle gain of an electronic throttle or a speed change pattern of an automatic transmission are modified according to the regional attribute. An operation amount of an accelerator operated by a driver is detected, and by not modifying the drive force characteristics when the accelerator operation amount is not zero, abrupt change of drive force is avoided, and the sense of discomfort experienced by a driver due to abrupt change of drive force is eliminated.

Abstract: An intersection information supply apparatus includes a table indicating relationships between approaching directions of a vehicle to an intersection and signal forms, an approaching direction detecting unit detecting an approaching direction in which the vehicle is approaching the intersection, a transmission unit transmitting a signal having a signal form indicated in the table so as to correspond to the approaching direction detected by the approaching direction detecting unit, a signal obtaining unit selectively obtaining, from among signals externally arriving at the vehicle, a signal having a signal form indicated in the table so as to correspond to an approaching direction relevant to the approaching direction detected by the approaching direction detecting unit and an information output unit outputting information about presence of another vehicle when the signal obtaining unit obtains the signal.

Abstract: A communications device for a control device is provided which includes a signal line communicating with the control device, and a transmitter that transmits a pulse signal including digital information to the control device through the signal line. The transmitter varies a duty ratio of the pulse signal so that the duty ratio corresponds to the logical value 1/0 of the digital information. The control device reads a binary signal from the signal line at a predetermined frequency based on a first processing program, and processes the binary signal according to the first processing program. The control device detects passage of a leading edge of the pulse signal from a change in the received binary signal, and reproduces the digital information based on the binary signal read at a time when a first predetermined time elapses after the passage of the leading edge of the pulse signal is detected. The first predetermined time is set to be intermediate between the varied duty ratios.

Abstract: A vehicle power shift transmission (PST) is controlled by a transmission control system which implements a control method. The PST is part of the driveline of the vehicle and is shifted by an actuating mechanism. The driveline includes an engine, the PST, a clutch, a synchronized shift transmission that can be shifted by a shift lever and driven vehicle wheels. In order to simplify the operator's tasks, during the shift of the synchronized shift transmission the gear of the PST is automatically shifted so that the resulting difference in the gear ratio of the complete transmission before and after the shift is minimized. The gear of the PST is selected and shifted automatically so that the rotational speeds on both sides of the clutch differ as little as possible.

Abstract: A controller for a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and an automatic transmission, includes an engine controller through which variables that influence the torque of the engine are controlled, a transmission controller through which shift processes of the automatic transmission are controlled, and an interface which connects the engine controller and the transmission controller to one another and through which data are transmitted to give the vehicle good handling. The interface is used to transmit a status signal which signals to the transmission controller that catalytic converter regeneration is taking place, and through which a shift process in the transmission is changed in the transmission controller.

Abstract: A powertrain system for a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes a heat engine, such as a diesel engine, and an electric machine, which operates as both an electric motor and an alternator, to power the vehicle. The hybrid vehicle also includes a manual-style transmission configured to operate as an automatic transmission from the perspective of the driver. The engine and the electric machine drive an input shaft which in turn drives an output shaft of the transmission. In addition to driving the transmission, the electric machine regulates the speed of the input shaft in order to synchronize the input shaft during either an upshift or downshift of the transmission by either decreasing or increasing the speed of the input shaft. When decreasing the speed of the input shaft, the electric motor functions as an alternator to produce electrical energy which may be stored by a storage device.

Abstract: A network monitor in a multiplex control system monitors the condition of the network and individual modules of the system by causing individual modules in the system to generate, at regular time intervals, a unique identifying message and to monitor the identifying messages to individually determine the condition of the system.

Abstract: A method for influencing the drive torque in a drive train comprising at least one electric motor at least indirectly driving one driven wheel, an internal combustion engine, and an electric machine allowing mechanical coupling to said engine operating a generator and a motor. Each selected motor allows electric coupling to the generator.The system creates a device for presetting a driver's desire for movement of the vehicle, coupled at least indirectly to an actuator of the internal combustion engine. According to the invention, the electric motors are operated as generators, at least upon release of the system for presetting a driver's desire. Drawn from the driven wheels by the electric motors is a first output portion that is generated in generator mode and fed to the electric machine for driving the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A power train control module cut off device is provided including a power train control module mounted within a vehicle for allowing the operation of the vehicle only upon the interconnection therewith. The power train control module has an I/O port connected thereto with a plurality of contacts. Next provided is a wire harness having a first end connected to the vehicle and a second end with an I/O port connected thereto with a plurality of contacts. An interconnection assembly is included with a housing having a pair of end faces. One of the end faces has a first I/O port mounted thereon with a plurality of contacts for connecting to the I/O port of the power train control module. Another one of the end faces has a second I/O port mounted thereon with a plurality of contacts for connecting to the I/O port of the wire harness. The housing has an interior space in which there is a switching mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has a main transmission section and a splitter section. The electronic control for this transmission is operable to either provide the actuation of the splitter system or not allow that actuation. Thus, the operator of the vehicle is able to request either a smaller number of available speed ratios or a larger number of available speed ratios by selecting the appropriate electronic control. The vehicle manufacturer is able to tailor the vehicles to have a transmission which is appropriate to the needs of its customer without having to change the transmission. Moreover, upon resale, a transmission that was initially provided with only a smaller number of speeds may be easily upgraded to provide additional speeds. In a second embodiment of this invention, the control is reprogrammable to either provide or not provide actuation of the splitter gear.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle operable during gear shifting of the automatic transmission effected when the accelerator pedal of the vehicle has been depressed, for changing the output torque of the engine to reduce a shock generated during the gear shifting. Required output torque of the engine for performing the gear shifting is calculated based on a gear shifting duration from the time the gear shifting is started to the time hydraulic pressure for operating a clutch of a lower-speed position of the clutches to be selected by the gear shifting rises. A torque correction amount is calculated based on the difference between the calculated required output torque of the engine and the actual output torque of the engine assumed during the gear shifting. When the gear shifting is started, the output torque of the engine is increased based on the calculated torque correction amount.

Abstract: Torque which is being transmitted by a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle is regulated in response to processed signals from a control unit which receives signals denoting the driver's desire concerning the acceleration of the vehicle as well as numerous other variables including the position of the gas pedal, the RPM of the engine, the input and/or the output RPM of the transmission and others. The regulation is planned in such a way that the vehicle undergoes a higher than standard acceleration at the desired rate and that the thermal stressing of the clutch is minimized.

Abstract: At a torque converter characteristic assuming unit, during non gear shift, gear ratio and an input shaft torque are assumed and also during gear shift, accessory torque is assumed. So as to correct the accessory torque a deviation between pump torque and engine torque is learned and this value is given to the accessory torque, thereby the input shaft torque can be executed and assumed. A drive shaft torque is obtained from a drive shaft torque calculating unit, a control period of the drive shaft torque is determined, a reference drive shaft torque is determined during torque control period from a reference drive shaft torque setting unit. A deviation between the reference drive shaft torque and the drive shaft torque is obtained from a torque deviation executing unit. An engine controlling unit varies the engine torque by controlling an ignition period so as to decrease substantially zero the deviation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission of an automobile and a method therefor utilize a route guidance system. The apparatus includes a memory which stores road information, a detector for detecting a specific position which is located on a planned driving route from the road information stored in the memory; a position detector for detecting the present position of the automobile; a speed detector for detecting the speed V of the automobile; a sensor for detecting an opening degree .theta. of a throttle of the automobile; a computer for computing a distance "d" between the detected automobile position and the detected specific position; a driving operation detector for detecting an operation by the driver of the automobile; a first gear ratio selecting device for selecting a first gear ratio for the automatic transmission based on the detected speed V and the detected throttle opening degree .theta.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method utilizing a navigation system for controlling a driving force to be exerted at an estimated position at which the vehicle is to pass to reach to a destination at which the vehicle is finally to reach, a running road estimating block estimates a future position of the own vehicle in which the vehicular driving force controlling apparatus is mounted on the basis of a present position of the own vehicle. The estimated future position is a point of a road for the vehicle to pass several seconds after a time at which the own vehicle is placed at the present position specified from a recorded content of an electronic road map stored in, for example, CD-ROM. A driving force predicting block determines a present vehicular load state derived by a running resistance measuring block as a required driving force at the estimated position by correcting the present vehicular load state by a height difference between the estimated position and the present position.

Abstract: An interactive cruise control system and method for providing automatic speed control of a vehicle with improved shifting of an automatic transmission. The system and method controls speed of a vehicle equipped with cruise control and minimizes downshifts in an automatic transmission of the vehicle. Vehicle speed is detected and compared with a setpoint speed which is associated with the cruise control system. Transmission gear shifting is determined based on predetermined shift schedule points. Determined transmission gear downshifts are prevented for a kickdown delay period based on vehicle speed loss and the presence of vehicle deceleration. Also provided is an overspeed reduction method for causing a transmission downshift during an overspeed condition with the throttle closed. Further, the system provides hunting prevention between both second gear and third gear as well as between third gear and fourth gear for a four speed automatic transmission.

Abstract: A drive system provides a smooth start for a vehicle and converts excess kinetic energy accompanying the difference in speed between the engine and the drive wheels occurring during starting into electrical energy for storage in a battery. The drive system includes a gearbox having at least a first gear element connected to an output shaft of an engine, a second gear element connected to a drive wheel of a vehicle and a third gear element for, by applying a braking torque to the third gear element, reducing the speed of rotation input from the first gear element and outputting it to the second gear element. An engaging element provides selective connection to any of the gear elements for mechanically connecting the output shaft of the engine to the drive wheel.

Abstract: An automatic transmission learning control apparatus comprises a memory for storing parameters in memory locations specified for respective throttle valve position ranges. A physical quantity related to a gear shift operation made in an automatic transmission is measured. The parameter stored in the memory location specified by the throttle valve position range including the sensed throttle valve position is updated in a direction to bring the measured physical quantity into agreement with a target value. The parameter stored in the memory location specified by the throttle valve position range including the existing throttle valve position is used to control the gear shift operation. The throttle valve position ranges have a smaller width for a throttle valve position causing a greater rate of change of a torque inputted to the automatic transmission with respect to a throttle valve position change.

Abstract: A control configuration for a motor vehicle includes an engine control and a transmission control which are connected to one another through a communication channel. A transmission is shifted by using electrohydraulic pressure control valves for actuating friction elements in the transmission. The transmission control is mounted at a transmission housing. Solenoids of the electrohydraulic pressure control valves are integrated into the transmission control. Sensor signals which are to be evaluated by the transmission control are transmitted by sensors to the transmission control wirelessly.