The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 1999
Filed:
Feb. 24, 1997
Shuzo Moroto, Aichi-ken, JP;
Takahiro Iwami, Aichi-ken, JP;
Mitsugi Yamasita, Aichi-ken, JP;
Hideki Nakashima, Aichi-ken, JP;
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.; and a second gear ratio selecting device for selecting a second gear ratio based on the detected speed V, the distance 'd', the detected operation by the driver and the first gear ratio selected by the first gear ratio selecting device. As a result, it is possible to carry out gear change control taking anticipated changes in the driving conditions into account, thus enabling smooth and comfortable driving. Further, since the driver of the automobile can have advance voice notice of control operations, it is possible to avoid confusion caused by sudden unexpected changes.