Abstract: Provided is a tire contact state estimating method using a tire for estimating a contact state (20) having a block row, in which a plurality of blocks having different lengths in a tire circumference direction are arrayed in the tire circumference direction, and having a tread pattern, in which the kicking ends of two adjacent blocks of the block row are formed at a constant period. The method detects the periodic vibrations, which are generated when the kicking ends to be propagated from the tire (20) to the knuckle (23) leave the road surface sequentially, by an acceleration sensor (11) attached to a knuckle (23), thereby to determine the frequency waveform of the vibrations. The method detects such a vibration level of the frequency waveform in a detection frequency band as is calculated from both a wheel speed (V) measured by a wheel speed sensor (12) and that period, thereby to estimate the grounding state of the tire from the magnitude of that vibration level.

Abstract: The invention provides a sleep analysis system and a method for analysis thereof. The sleep analysis system includes an analysis device and a sleep sensing apparatus. The sleep sensing apparatus includes an ECG signal collector, a multi-axial accelerometer, a wireless transmitting unit, and a control unit. The ECG signal collector is used for collecting an ECG signal associated with a subject. The multi-axial accelerometer is used for detecting a multi-axial accelerometer signal associated with the subject. The control unit controls the wireless transmitting unit to transmit the ECG signal and the multi-axial accelerometer signal to the analysis device for analyzing sleep of the subject.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor with silicon-containing components from whose sensitive detection element electrical signals relevant to a present analyte can be read out by means of a silicon semiconductor system. The invention is characterized in that the silicon-containing components are covered with a layer made of hydrophobic material in order to prevent unwanted signals caused by moisture.

Abstract: A method for communicating data is provided that includes collecting data associated with an individual using an accelerometer. The accelerometer is operable to monitor activity associated with the individual. The method also includes communicating the data to a computing device, which can receive the data and perform any number of operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for control of friction at the nanoscale. A method of controlling frictional dynamics of a plurality of particles using non-Lipschitzian control includes determining an attribute of the plurality of particles; calculating an attribute deviation by subtracting the attribute of the plurality of particles from a target attribute; calculating a non-Lipschitzian feedback control term by raising the attribute deviation to a fractionary power ?=(2m+1)/(2n+1) where n=1, 2, 3 . . . and m=0, 1, 2, 3 . . . , with m strictly less than n and then multiplying by a control amplitude; and imposing the non-Lipschitzian feedback control term globally on each of the plurality of particles; imposing causes a subsequent magnitude of the attribute deviation to be reduced.

Abstract: By detecting that a differentiation value of the absolute value of acceleration is lower than a negative threshold value DAth1 in a negative direction from a first stage (S1: Stationary state) where the differentiation value of the absolute value of acceleration is approximately 0, it is considered that the stage is in a second stage (S2: Fall start state). When the absolute value of acceleration after that has become lower from a threshold value Ath1, it is considered that the fall detection device has entered a third stage (S3: Low gravity state). When the low gravity state has continued for a given time T3, it is considered that the stage is in a fourth stage (S4: Falling state), and a fall detection signal is output. Thus, the processing load when the determination is performed by software is reduced and the prediction of a fall can be performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital acquisition device for an amplitude modulation signal of a carrier. The acquisition device digitally acquires a useful signal. The useful signal modulates the amplitude of a carrier HF1 which has a frequency and a phase that are known. A modulation of the amplitude of the carrier by the useful signals forms a signal to be processed. According to the invention, the device has a summing device for creating an aggregate signal from a sum of the signal to be processed and a neutralizing signal. The neutralizing signal is a product of the carrier HF1 and of a neutralizing coefficient that can evolve over time, produced by a controlled-gain amplifier device. A load amplifier device amplifies the aggregate signal and produces an amplified aggregate signal. A quadrant comparison device QC is provided for the signal of the amplified aggregate signal and the sign of the carrier which delivers a comparison signal. A sampling device produces a bitstream from the comparison signal.

Abstract: A system includes a moveable body and a first device for mounting on the movable body. The first device includes an orientation sensor, an inertial position sensor, a first processor, a frequency agile RF transceiver, and a memory device.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for preventing damage to a device as the result of a free fall. First a free fall of the device is identified, and a measure is then taken to protect the device from damage. The free fall is identified by detecting the ambient pressure. The device may have a hard disk in which the write/read head of the hard disk is parked and/or locked when the free fall is identified.

Abstract: A Driveline Angle Analyzer (DAA) for determining a torsional acceleration and inertias of a vehicle driveline by entering measurements of a vehicle driveline configuration into a graphical user interface program. The user selects the driveline configuration of interest from a plurality of driveline configurations. Then, the user enters information, such as driveline measurements relating to the selected driveline configuration. To aide in gathering the correct information, the user can print out a worksheet for the selected driveline configuration. After the user inputs the information for the selected driveline configuration, the user can select a corrective mode that allows the user to improve the selected driveline configuration. For example, the user can change the angle of a component with the surrounding components by changing their angles and/or length while enabling the components to stay connected to each other, thus maintaining the vehicle's driveline geometry.

Abstract: A system, device, and corresponding method for enabling a user to accurately control, monitor, and evaluate performance of a vehicle. A portable programmable computer device that a user can readily install by plugging it into a diagnostic connector port of the vehicle. The system includes a detector for detecting the start time of first movement of the vehicle independent of the on board diagnostic system. Velocity data from the onboard diagnostic system is time stamped by a clock in the device and stored. Velocity curves are generated from the velocity data and time stamps. Wheel spin is accounted for by smoothing the velocity curve to determine a point of inflection in the velocity indicative of termination of wheel spin and creating correcting velocity and acceleration curves by solving equations from the inflection point backwards on the curve down to time zero. From the corrected curves, an accurate distance is calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus can be assembled between a pump and a motor driving the pump for a measuring torque and speed. The apparatus can include a housing having a motor attachment port and a pump attachment port. A primary coil is supported by the housing. A shaft has a first outer end and second outer end and an inner portion located within the housing. The first and second outer ends are connectible to a motor and a pump to suspend the shaft between the motor and the pump only by the outer ends of the shaft. A strain gauge transducer component is operably associated with the shaft. A secondary induction coil is mounted on the shaft and is located sheathed within the primary coil for providing power to the strain gauge transducer component. A wireless output of readings from the strain gauge transducer component is provided.

Abstract: A method of indicating a deceleration of a watercraft is disclosed. The method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft. The spray of water extends above a water level of a body of water in which the watercraft operates. The spray of water is created when the reverse gate of the watercraft is in a lowered position and the watercraft is decelerating. An alternate method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft only when decelerating the watercraft. A watercraft for carrying out at least one of the methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a closing velocity of a door of a vehicle having a body is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a door-closing member, an actuator, and a sensor assembly. The door-closing member is movably coupled to the base. The actuator is coupled to the base and the door-closing member and is configured to move the door-closing member. The movement of the door-closing member causes the door of the vehicle to move relative to the body of the vehicle at a predetermined velocity. The sensor assembly is coupled to the base and configured to detect a position of the door of the vehicle relative to a selected portion of the vehicle and generate a signal representative thereof.

Abstract: A flight instrument, having an electronic display, is configured to fit within a standard instrument mount and within an array of standard instrument mounts. The instrument has the ability to emulate any standard or other instrument. This instrument can share its installed optional sensors with other instances of itself that do not include the optional sensors by way of network interfaces. The instrument can contain emulation for all standard instruments and have a menu to select which to display.

Abstract: A device electronically tracks the use of a key to open or close a lockset and retain information of the key to allow a user to query the device and receive information with respect to the last recorded status. The device includes an actuating arrangement to allow tracking of the acceleration of the key during a locking or unlocking motion. These tracked signals are evaluated relative to at least two known signals indicative of a locking movement or an unlocking movement. The user is able to query the device at a later point in time and receive timing information of the present status and timing information between changes in status.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining a position and/or a speed includes a scale having marks arranged at spacings from one another, and a scanning head, with the scale and the scanning head being arranged for movement relative to one another along a movement direction. The scanning head is constructed to determine a first spacing of the scanning head in the movement direction relative to a first one of the marks, and a second spacing of the scanning head in the movement direction relative to a second one of the marks, with the position and/or the speed being determined on the basis of the first spacing and the second spacing.

Abstract: An example geolocation system for mounting on a mammal incorporates simple sensing sleeves on the calves of the body support members, combined with an accelerometer based gravity direction and force sensing at the center of mass of the body. The example system is connected to a digital processing unit and a battery power supply to integrate the sensing to determine kinetic and potential energy of the body locomotion over time in a method that integrates out the aperiodic motion of the body about the center of mass, and uses the residual motion to measure the center of mass locomotion from a known point.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor structure for improving the off-axis sensitivity is provided in which a structure for detecting an off-axis acceleration component applied to the angular velocity sensor structure is directly adapted to the sensor structure, thereby measuring the off-axis acceleration component actually applied to the sensor structure without distortion.

Abstract: A device for displaying a medical image is provided. The device includes a processing unit, a display, a remote control, a communication interface, and a software module. The processing unit is operable to process the medical image information. The display is operable to display the medical image information. The remote control is operable to register a user movement by at least one motion-sensitive sensor. The communication interface is operable to transfer the user movement to the processing unit. The software module is associated with the processing unit. The software module is operable to reconcile the user movement with the medical image information so that the user movement is reproduced as a virtual movement of the displayed medical image information.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having an accelerometer device and a supporting element in the accelerometer device, having a first body of semiconductor material integrating a sensor element that detects movements of the first body and generates a signal correlated to the detected movement; a second body of semiconductor material that integrates a conditioning electronics and that is electrically connected to the first body; and conductive bumps that provide electrical connection of the first and second bodies to the supporting element. In particular, the conductive bumps connect the first and second bodies to the supporting element without the interposition of any packaging.

Abstract: A method of determining a speed of a wheel that involves providing a resolver having a rotor and a stator which resolver produces at least one output signal, operatively connecting the rotor to a wheel such that the resolver is rotated by the rotation of the wheel, producing digital signals indicative of a position of the rotor relative to the stator based on the at least one output signal, and calculating a velocity of the wheel from the digital signals. The digital signals may be used alone or in conjunction with analog wheel speed signals. Also a speed sensor for practicing this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microstructured sensor, having at least one measurement chip in which there is formed a first measurement area having a first measurement structure and a second measurement area having a second measurement structure, the measurement areas being offset to one another in a lateral direction, one cap chip that is fastened in vacuum-tight fashion to the measurement chip in a connecting area, one intermediate space, formed between the measurement chip and the cap chip, that is sealed outwardly by the connecting area and in which the measurement areas are situated, and at least one contact area, formed on the measurement chip, and left exposed by the cap chip, for the contacting of the measurement chip. The sensor can be in particular a gas sensor for measuring a gas concentration, or an acceleration sensor.

Abstract: Sensing vehicle speed is disclosed. A speed sensor is self powered. The speed sensor measures a speed data of multiple vehicles with one Doppler pulse. A sample is taken of speed sensor data from the speed sensor. The sample of speed sensor data is processed to calculate speed. The calculated speed is wirelessly transmitted to a server.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical component is described, the micromechanical component having a medium. The medium has settable and changeable volume-elastic properties and generally completely encloses a sensor module and/or a module housing. The medium preferably has a low-pass response.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first electronic component having a terminal member and a second electronic component connected with the first electronic component. The terminal member includes a trunk portion, an external terminal portion that extends in a straight direction from the trunk portion to be connected with a lead wire at its connection end and a U-shaped internal terminal portion that has one side extending from the trunk portion and the other side extending in a direction opposite to the straight direction and connected with the second electronic component at its connection end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method of displaying visual information, comprising a plurality of visual elements placed on a plurality of display modules, which are positioned so as to be cognitively perceived as forming an integrated, unified visual informational message, and that utilizes the principles of geometric perspective or of optical illusions to create interesting and effective messages, and that may incorporate other visual effects, to create a messaging system that is able to publicly convey commercial messages as well as road conditions and other information. Said devices may be applied to roadsides, as well as corridors, sidewalks, sides of buildings, bridges, aisles, and similar locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a gyro-sensor, by which a gyro-sensor can be calibrated using data which is obtained by measuring an angular velocity and a gyro output value of a moving body equipped with the gyro-sensor. The method includes measuring an angular velocity of a moving body and an average output value of the gyro-sensor when the moving body, equipped with the gyro-sensor, rotates, obtaining data about a characteristic equation of the gyro sensor using the measured angular velocity and the average output value and storing the data, and calibrating the gyro-sensor using the stored data about the characteristic equation.

Abstract: A sensor package comprising a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) motion sensor, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the MEMS motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, wherein the sensor package can wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless receivers and, if present, with one or more other sensor packages. A process comprising attaching one or more sensor packages to one or more vehicles or devices (mobile or stationary), each sensor package comprising a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) motion sensor, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the MEMS motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the MEMS motion sensor; sensing the motion of the one or more vehicles or devices to which each sensor package is attached; and transmitting motion data from the sensor package to a wireless receiver or to another sensor package.

Abstract: As an embodiment of the present invention, in a navigation system using an acceleration sensor, when position information cannot be obtained from a GPS processing section, a velocity detecting unit performs an operation using detected acceleration ?G, a measurement time mt, a velocity V0 at a time t0, gravity acceleration g and an amount of height change Dh, according to Expression (11). By using the relationship among a gravity acceleration component gf, the gravity acceleration g, the amount of height change Dh and distance Dm shown in Expression (4), the gravity acceleration component gf can be offset by the amount of height change Dh. Therefore, velocity V can be calculated with high accuracy without receiving the effect of the gravity acceleration component gf.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle housing having a tubular portion. A bimetallic sensor mount having a first region of corrosion resistant material and a second region of weldable material is welded to the tubular portion. A differential unit including a side gear is disposed in a central cavity of the axle housing. An axleshaft having a shaft portion and a target portion with a plurality of teeth is disposed in the tubular portion of the axle housing. The shaft portion is coupled to the side gear. A sensor is coupled to the sensor mount and extends through an aperture in the mount and the tubular portion to locate an end portion of the sensor a predetermined distance from the teeth of the target portion. A method of making an axle assembly having a sintered bimetallic sensor mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of estimating one of mechanical supporting states of a housing for an electronic apparatus, a drive signal is supplied to an oscillation device from which first oscillation is applied to the housing. A sensor detects a second oscillation transferred through the housing in response to the first oscillation to generate an oscillation signal, and a measurement response characteristic is obtained based on the drive signal and the oscillation signal, and is compared with reference response characteristics which are correlated with the mechanical supporting states, respectively, to estimate one of the mechanical supporting states of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to construction principles, operating and manufacturing methods for inertial sensors, i.e., sensors for rapidly detecting movement and acceleration in all degrees of freedom in space, and for separately detecting the position with respect to the perpendicular under the action of acceleration due to gravity. Use is made of the knowledge that to maintain a common convection zone of two or more sensor elements, the power fractions supplied to these elements vary with change in position, movement and acceleration.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which can communicate with terminals, includes a terminal environment acquiring portion which acquires terminal environment information from a terminal intended to input transmission information, the terminal environment information is an information about an environment of the terminal; a keyword reading portion which reads a plurality of keywords from a keyword recording portion based on the terminal environment information acquired by the terminal environment acquiring portion, the keyword recording portion records associating keywords in transmission information which has been inputted through terminals with terminal environment information of the terminals through which the transmission information has been inputted; and a keyword presenting portion which presents the plurality of keywords read by the keyword reading portion as selection candidates to the terminal intended to input transmission information.

Abstract: A fall detecting method and a device for detecting a fall with high accuracy even when an object touches a human or a thing while falling. The fall detecting device comprises output detecting means for generating an acceleration detection output after comparing the magnitude of acceleration detected by a three-axis acceleration sensor with a certain threshold, output interruption correcting means for generating an output interruption corrected acceleration output which is corrected for an interruption when a fall acceleration output recovers within a first predetermined time after the fall acceleration output interrupts, and output continuation time judging means for generating a fall judgment output when the output interruption corrected acceleration output continues for a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time.

Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a sensor circuit board 30 which is mounted with sensors 33, 34 for detecting a predetermined physical quantity; a control circuit board 20 which controls an operation of an electric component on the basis of the physical quantity detected by the sensors 33, 34; and a housing 40 which accommodates the sensor circuit board 30 and the control circuit board 20, wherein at least one of the sensor circuit board 30 and the control circuit board 20 is mounted to a circuit board support stepped portion 47 formed in an inner surface of the housing 40 so that the sensor circuit board 30 and the control circuit board 20 are arranged in a layered state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety means for weapons. The safety means comprises an electronic control unit for the authentication of an authorized user and the control of a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism mechanically engages with at least one mechanical part of the ignition chain so that said ignition chain is interrupted and firing is prevented. The safety mechanism comprises an actuator for releasing said engagement of the safety mechanism in case the electronic control unit identifies an authentication signal. The safety means according to the present invention is provided in a retrofit main component part of a weapon, which replaces a corresponding original main component part of the weapon. The safety means is preferably controllable by a transponder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CPR sensor that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate having one or more sensor arrays, a power source, an output interface and a processor or analog circuit, all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate. The substrate can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array, the power source, and the processor or analog circuit. Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays measure one or more of the following compressions characteristics: compression depth, compression force, compression frequency and compression acceleration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a number of inventions directed, generally, to the application of image processing techniques to traffic data acquisition using video images. The inventions reside in a traffic monitoring system, the basic function of which is for traffic data acquisition and incident detection. More specifically, the application of image processing techniques for the detection of vehicle, from sequence of video images, as well as the acquisition of traffic data and detection of traffic incident. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of processing images received from a video based traffic monitoring system. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a Region Of Interest (ROI) for detection of a moving vehicle and a further aspect is directed to a method of detecting day or night status in a traffic monitoring system. It's The application of various algorithms to a video based traffic monitoring system is also considered inventive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device comprising a transmitter (1) for measuring a position and/or a rotational speed of a rotary element (2), a housing (3), and a plate (4) comprising a recess for receiving a transmitter (1), the transmitter (1) being rotatably arranged in relation to the plate (4). The transmitter (1), the plate (4) and the housing (3) are arranged in such a way that when the housing (3) is connected to the base body (5), the housing (3) presses the plate (4) against the base body (5). In this way, the transmitter (1) is pressed against the base body and the housing is pressed against the plate. The invention also relates to a method for fixing a housing of the above-mentioned measuring device. The angular position of the housing can be modified independently of the angular position of the transmitter in relation to a base body.

Abstract: A system for detecting at least one of an environmental condition and a physical condition of a user, the system including a removable apparatus that may be placed in contact with the user when a change in at least one environmental condition is expected, a probe as part of the removable apparatus for detecting the change in the at least one environmental condition, a power source as part of the removable apparatus for powering the probe, a monitoring unit, and a communication system for communicating between the removable apparatus and the remote monitoring unit.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor of the present invention is a heat sensing type acceleration sensor, and includes a heating chip formed with a heating element on a surface thereof, and a sensor chip formed with a thermocouple element on a surface thereof and disposed so that the surface faces the surface of the heating chip.

Abstract: In an acceleration sensor detecting inclined displacement of a predetermined article from a basic position, the acceleration sensor (10) includes a sensor chip having a detection plane including one detection axis or two crossing detection axes detecting the inclined displacement. An axis orthogonal to the detection plane of the sensor chip is disposed in parallel with a standard plane of the article in the basic position. Then, the sensor chip obtains an output signal according to the inclined displacement of the standard plane.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for balancing the read and write requirements of applications running in a computerized system against the requirements to protect a motion sensitive device in the system and requirements to protect data. The apparatus includes an application interface, a motion policy module, and a control module. The application interface delivers configuration parameters and system information to the motion policy module which establishes a policy for controlling the motion sensitive devices. The control module is configured to selectively communicate with one or more applications running in the computerized system and motion sensitive devices on the system. The control module executes actions to protect motion sensitive devices and system data and to maintain data read and write rates on the system in accordance with the configured protection policies and inputs from motion sensor devices.

Abstract: Single chip 3-axis thermal accelerometer devices include a substrate, at least one cavity etched in the substrate, a fluid disposed in the cavity, a bridge structure suspended over an opening of the cavity, and a plurality of heater elements and temperature sensing elements disposed on the bridge structure. The substrate has a substantially planar surface defined by X and Y coordinate axes, and the bridge structure is suspended over the opening of the cavity in the X-Y plane. In one embodiment, the bridge structure is configured to position at least two of the temperature sensing elements out of the X-Y plane. The heater and temperature sensing elements are disposed on the bridge structure in optimized arrangements for providing reduced temperature coefficients and for producing output voltages having reduced DC offset and drift.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the tread on a vehicle tyre, measuring tyre pressure and calculating other parameters such as vehicle weight. The vehicle is driven in a longitudinal direction so that the tyre passes over a first lateral sensor (6) that extends across the footprint of the tyre, the first sensor comprising an array of individual force sensing elements (11), which provide outputs indicative of tyre pressure at points across the footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are sampled at intervals as the tyre moves over them, so as to build up data relating to the entire footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are of relatively high resolution to detect areas within the tyre footprint where there is tread cut into the tyre, so that the extent of tread coverage can be assessed. Tyre pressure is also determined. The tyre then passes over a series of second lateral sensors (7) spaced at intervals to assess the tyre around its circumference.

Abstract: An orientation sensing apparatus includes a rotatable first member, an orientation sensor device fixed with the first member for generating orientation data relating to an orientation sensor device orientation, and a rotation sensor device for generating rotation data relating to rotation of the first member. A method for determining an orientation includes assembling a set of sensor data including the orientation data and rotation data and processing the set of sensor data to generate a set of corrected orientation data. The set of corrected orientation data includes the orientation data which has been corrected using the rotation data to reduce the effects of rotation of the first member and misalignment of the gravity sensor device. One or more sets of corrected orientation data may be processed to determine an inclination orientation of the first member or a toolface orientation of a second member which is connected with the first member.

Abstract: A variable capacitor including at least two interdigitized combs provided with teeth, the cross section of the end of a tooth adjacent to the other comb being greater than the cross section of the end of a tooth remote from the other comb. The variable capacitor can be used in gyrometers and accelerometers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring the speed and direction of rotation of an object (3) near to which it is placed. It comprises: a magnetic detection device (2) that delivers, in response to a rotation of the object (3) generating a magnetic field variation, signals representative of its speed and its direction of rotation, a conductor (4) intended to be connected to a power source to supply current to the magnetic detection device (2) at least, current receptor means (6) placed between the magnetic detection device (2) and the conductor (4) that create, from signals coming from said magnetic detection device (2), a modulation of the current (Iout) flowing in the conductor (4), said modulated current (Iout) reflecting both the speed and the direction of rotation of the object (3). Application particularly in the oil industry.

Abstract: Early detection of an abnormality in a vehicle speed detection system. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) has an input shaft connected to an engine and an output shaft connected to a rear wheel. A change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts is electronically controlled. The vehicle speed detection system outputs a vehicle speed signal. An electronic control unit (ECU) detects an abnormality in the vehicle speed detection system based on at least one of a rotational speed of the engine, a rotational speed of the input shaft, and a rotational speed of the output shaft, as well as based on the vehicle speed signal outputted from the vehicle speed detection system.