Title of Invention

A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TRANSMISSION OF A VEHICLE

Abstract The invention relates to a system for controlling a transmission (18) of a vehicle having a telematics system (46), comprising: a grade module (50) that determines a current grade (60) based on an altitude signal (58) received from the telematics system (46); a force balance module (52) that computes a vehicle mass (76) based on a force balance equation and the current grade (60); and a transmission control module (54) that controls the transmission based on the vehicle mass (76).
Full Text


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to transmission control systems and more
particularly to methods and systems for controlling a transmission based on
altitude data from a telematics system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
Vehicle manufacturers are now incorporating the use of a
GPS receiver in their vehicles as part of an onboard communication between
the vehicle and a central communication receiving location. The onboard
communication system automatically locates the vehicle and provides the
vehicle driver with assistance in a variety of circumstances This type of
information is typically provided to the driver for road side assistance or map
direction purposes.
Telematics systems, such as ONSTAR ® provided by
General Motors, incorporate a GPS receiver that uses a satellite to provide
real time information to the system. For instance, the GPS receiver
determines the current longitude, latitude, and altitude of the vehicle. It would
be advantageous for other control systems within the vehicle to make use of
the data determined by the telematics systems.


US5319555 describes a vehicle automatic transmission control system for
controlling the speed change ratio based on driving resistance. According to this
prior invention, the driving resistance is calculated in an equation in which
motive force-driving resistance=vehicle mass acceleration using the law of
motion. In the first embodiment, the calculation is carried out, without using a
torque sensor, by applying an adjustment for torque consumption by a device
such as an air conditioner and a torque loss caused by braking. In the second
and third embodiments, the driving resistance is calculated using a torque
sensor. Thus, with the arrangement, the driving resistance can be accurately
determined applying appropriate adjustment, a gear ratio to be shifted is
properly determined in any traveling condition including hill climbing.
US2002128775 discloses a navigation system for tracking the position of an
object comprising a GPS receiver responsive to GPS signals for periodically
providing navigation state measurement updates to a navigation processor The
system also comprises a dead-reckoning sensor responsive to movement of the
object for providing movement measurements to the navigation processor. The
navigation processor determines object navigation states using the navigation
state measurement updates and propagates the object navigation states
between measurement updates using the movement measurements
US6625535 teaches a method and apparatus for adapting powertrain braking to
mass, grade, and brake temperature. Vehicle mass is determined using a vehicle
speed sensor and an tractive effort model based on engine-torque delivered,
torque converter multiplications, and transmission ratio and tire rolling radius
effects. Road grade is continuously calculated and altitude change is calculated
based on grade and distance traveled. To achieve an ideal amount of powertrain


braking, powertrain braking is directed towards a designed coast performance
target based on deceleration as a function of vehicle speed. Fuzzy logic is used
to evaluate driver intentions, grade load conditions, terrain conditions, brake
conditions and other vehicle information to determine the actual, optimal
powertrain braking control.; A real time brake thermal model is developed to
provide increased powertrain under extreme brake conditions. The powertrain
braking efforts are limited when restricted by available tractive efforts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a control system for controlling a transmission
of a vehicle including a telematics system is provided. The system includes: a
grade module that determines a current grade based on an altitude signal
received from the telematics system; a force balance module that computes a
vehicle mass based on a force balance equation and the current grade; and a
transmission control module that controls the transmission based on the
vehicle mass.
In other features, a method of controlling a transmission is
provided. The method includes: receiving an altitude signal generated by a
telematics signal; computing at least one of a vehicle mass and an
aerodynamic drag factor based on the altitude signal; and controlling the
transmission based on the at least on of vehicle mass and aerodynamic drag
factor.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any
way.
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle including a
telematics system.
Figure 2 is a diagram depicting forces acting on a vehicle.
Figure 3 is a dataflow diagram illustrating a transmission control system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should
be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference
numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein,
the term module refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an
electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that
executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic
circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described
functionality.


Referring now to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 includes an engine
12, that combusts an air and fuel mixture within cylinders (not shown) to
produce drive torque. Air is drawn into the engine 12 through a throttle 14. A
torque converter 16 transfers and multiplies torque from the engine 12 to a
transmission 18. The transmission 18 operates in one or more gear ratios to
transfer torque to a dnveline 20.
An accelerator pedal 22 enables a driver of the vehicle 10 to
adjust the position of the throttle 14 to achieve a desired speed. An
accelerator pedal position sensor 24 generates a pedal signal indicating a
position of the accelerator pedal 22 A control module 26 receives the pedal
signal and adjusts the position of the throttle 14 accordingly. The control
module 26 adjusts fuel delivery to the engine 12 based on the airflow.
Similarly, a brake pedal 28 allows the driver to enable a brake system 40.
The brake system 40 applies a braking torque to counter the drive torque. A
brake pedal sensor 30 senses the position of the brake pedal 28 and
generates a brake pedal signal accordingly. The control module 26 receives
the signal and controls the brake system 40 of the vehicle 10 A vehicle
speed sensor 42 generates a vehicle speed signal by sensing a rotational
speed of at least one of a wheel (not shown) and a driveshaft 44. The control
module 26 computes a vehicle speed from the vehicle speed signal and
based on the position of the vehicle speed sensor 42
The vehicle 10 is shown to include a telematics system 46.
The telematics system is operable to facilitate communication between one or
more satellites and the vehicle 10. The telematics system 46
includes a GPS receiver operable to determine a current altitude of the


vehicle 10 and generate an altitude signal. The control module 26 receives the
altitude signal and controls one or more vehicle components based on the
altitude. In various embodiments, the control module 26 receives the altitude
signal, computes at least one of vehicle mass, grade, and an aerodynamic
drag factor, and controls the transmission based on the computed values.
The more precise computed values allows the control module 26 to better
control particular transmission functions such as powertrain braking, tow/haul,
and neutral idle control.
Referring now to Figure 2, a diagram illustrates potential forces that act on a
vehicle 10 and trailer 48 while resting or traveling on a
grade. From the altitude signal, a current grade can be computed By
incorporating the current grade into a force balance equation generated from
the potential forces, actual values for various unknown parameters such as
vehicle mass and an aerodynamic drag factor can be determined. The
computed actual values will improve transmission control. For example, the
tow/haul control can be enabled based on the actual vehicle mass. The
neutral idle control can be enabled based on an accurate grade value. And
the powertram braking control can be enhanced based on the vehicle mass
and actual grade.
With reference to Figure 2, FBRAKES represents the braking
force provided by the braking system 40 of Figure 1. FGRADE represents the
force due to gravity acting on the vehicle 10 and trailer 48 while on the grade.
FACCEL represents the force due to acceleration. FROLLING represents the
frictional force. FAERO represents the aerodynamic force. FTE represents the
tractive effort force Balancing the forces provides-


The actual grade (GACTUAL) can be computed based on a change in altitude
(ACHANGE) and a distance traveled (DTRAVELED) and provided:

Based on the force balance equation (1) and the actual
grade (GACTUAL)/ vehicle mass (M) can be determined as follows. For vehicle
mass computations, the brake system 40 of Figure 1 must not be applied.
Thus, FBRAKES equals zero. FAERO IS computed from an aerodynamic drag
factor (ADFACTOR) and vehicle speed (V) as shown as:

ADFACTOR can initially be set to a predetermined value. Thereafter ADFACTOR
can be computed, as will be discussed in more detail below. FGRADE and
FROLUNG are functions of vehicle mass (M) as shown as:

Where G represents a predetermined gravity constant and R represents a
predetermined friction constant. FTE IS computed based on an estimated
engine torque 66, gear ratio 68, tire size 70, and torque converter status 72.
Substituting in the above equations provides:


This equation provides for a more accurate mass computation. A more
accurate mass computation can enhance powertrain braking functionality and
allow tow/haul mode to be automatically entered without requiring driver
initiation.
Based on the force balance equation (1), the aerodynamic drag factor (ADFACTOR)
can be determined as follows. When the brake system
40 of Figure 1 is not applied, FBRAKES equals zero. Thus providing:

Substituting mass (M) times acceleration (A) for FACCEL provides:

M can initially be set to a predetermined value. Thereafter, M can be
computed as discussed above. Solving for FAERO yields:

FTE, FROLUNG, and FGRADE can be computed as described above Provided
equation (3) above ADFACTOR can be calculated as follows-

Thus, the ADFACTOR can be filtered and further refined as the mass calculation
is updated to reflect the actual mass. The ADFACTOR IS then used to
compensate for changing aerodynamics of the vehicle 10 and trailer 48


Referring now to Figure 3, a dataflow diagram illustrates
various embodiments of a transmission control system that may be embedded
within the control module 26. Various embodiments of transmission control
systems according to the present disclosure may include any number of sub-
modules embedded within the control module 26. The sub-modules shown
may be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly control functions of the
transmission 18 based on the altitude signal. Inputs to the system may be
sensed from the vehicle 10, received from other control modules (not shown)
within the vehicle 10, and/or determined by other sub-modules (not shown)
within the control module 26. In various embodiments, the control module 26
of Figure 3 includes a grade module 50, a force balance module 52, and a
transmission control module 54.
The grade module 50 receives as input distance traveled 56
and the altitude signal 58 received from the telematics system 46 of Figure 1.
The grade module computes a grade 60 based on equation (2) as discussed
above. The force balance module 52 receives as input the grade 60, vehicle
speed 62, acceleration 64, engine torque 66, gear ratio 68, tire size 70, and
torque converter (TC) status 72. Based on the received inputs and the force
balance equation (1), the force balance module computes a vehicle mass 76
and an aerodynamic drag factor 74 as discussed above. The aerodynamic
drag factor 74 and vehicle mass 76 can be fed back into the force balance
module 52 for use in subsequent computations.
The transmission control module 54 controls the
transmission 18 of Figure 1 via transmission control signals 80 based on the
grade 60, the aerodynamic drag factor 74 and the vehicle mass 76 In various


embodiments, the transmission control module 54 includes at least one of a
powertrain braking module 82, a tow/haul module 84, and a neutral idle
module 86. The powertrain braking module 82 controls the transmission 18 of
Figure 1 to provide a braking torque during powertrain braking conditions
based on the vehicle mass 76. The neutral idle module 86 controls the
transmission 18 of Figure 1 to a geared neutral state during idle periods
based on the vehicle mass 76 and the grade 60. The tow/haul module 84
controls shift patterns of the transmission 18 of Figure 1 while towing various
loads based on the vehicle mass 76.
Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present disclosure can
be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure has
been described in connection with particular examples thereof, the true scope
of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will
become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the disclosure.

WE CLAIM :
1. A system for controlling a transmission (18) of a vehicle having a
telematics system (46), comprising:
a grade module (50) that determines a current grade (60) based on an
altitude signal (58) received from the telematics system (46);
a force balance module (52) that computes a vehicle mass (76) based
on a force balance equation and the current grade (60); and
a transmission control module (54) that controls the transmission
based on the vehicle mass (76).
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the force balance module
(52) computes on aerodynamic drag factor (74) based on the current
grade (60) and a force balance equation.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the force balance module
(52) initially computes the aerodynamic drag factor (71) based on an
initial predetermined vehicle mass value and thereafter based on the
computed vehicle mass.
4. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the force balance module
(52) initially computes the vehicle mass based on an initial
aerodynamic drag factor and thereafter based on the computed
aerodynamic drag factor.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the force balance module
(52) computes the at least one of vehicle mass and aerodynamic drag
factor (AD FACTOR) based on at least one of a braking force, a
gravitational force (F GRADE), an acceleration force (64), a frictional
force (FROLLING) a tractive effort force (FTE), and an aerodynamic
force (FAERO) wherein the gravitational force is based on the current
grade (60).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the force balance module
(52) computes the vehicle mass (M) based on tractive effort force
(FTE), aerodynamic force (FAERO), acceleration (A), a friction constant
(R), the current grade (GACTUAL), and a gravity constant (G).
7. The system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the force balance module
(52) computes the vehicle mass (M) based on the following equation :
M= (FTE-FAERO)/(A + R + Sin(GACTUAL) * G).
8. The system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the force balance module
(52) computes the aerodynamic drag factor (ADFACTOR) based on
tractive effort force (FTE), fnctional force (FROLUNG), vehicle mass (M),
acceleration (A), gravitational FORCE (FGRADE), and velocity (V).
9. The system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the force balance module
(52) computes the aero dynamic drag factor (ADFACTOR) based on the
following equation:
ADFACTOR = FTE - FROLLING - (M * A) - FGRADE/V2

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the transmission control
module (54) comprises a tow/haul sub-module (84) that controls shift
patterns of the transmission (18) based on the vehicle mass (76).
11. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the transmission control
module (54) comprises a powertrain braking sub-module (82) that
controls a powertrain braking function of the transmission (18) based
on the vehicle mass (76).
12. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the transmission control
module (54) comprises neutral idle sub-module (86) that controls a
neutral idle state of the transmission (18) based on the current grade
(60) and the vehicle mass (76).
13. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the grade module (50)
computes the grade (60) based on a change in the altitude signal (58)
over a time period and a distance traveled over the time period.
14. A method of controlling a transmission, comprising:
receiving an altitude signal generated by a telematics signal;
computing at least one of a vehicle mass and an aerodynamic drag
factor based on the altitude signal; and
controlling the transmission based on the at least on of vehicle mass
and aerodynamic drag factor.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14 comprising computing a current
grade based on the altitude signal and wherein the computing
comprises computing the at least one of vehicle mass and
aerodynamic drag factor based on the current grade.
16. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the computing comprises
computing the at least one of vehicle mass and aerodynamic drag
factor based on a force balance equation.
17. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the computing comprises
computing the at least one of vehicle mass and aerodynamic drag
factor based on at least one of a braking force, a gravitational force,
an acceleration force, a frictional force, a tractive effort force, and an
aerodynamic force wherein the gravitational force is based on the
current grade.
18. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the computing comprises
initially computing vehicle mass based on a predetermined
aerodynamic drag factor and thereafter based on a computed
aerodynamic drag factor.
19. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the computing compnses
initially computing aerodynamic drag factor based on a predetermined
vehicle mass value and thereafter based on a computed vehicle mass.

20. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the controlling comprises
controlling at least one of a neutral idle function, a powertrain barking
function, and a tow/haul function based on at least one of vehicle
mass and current grade.



ABSTRACT

TITLE "A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A
TRANSMISSION OF A VEHICLE."
The invention relates to a system for controlling a transmission (18) of a vehicle
having a telematics system (46), comprising: a grade module (50) that
determines a current grade (60) based on an altitude signal (58) received from
the telematics system (46); a force balance module (52) that computes a vehicle
mass (76) based on a force balance equation and the current grade (60); and a
transmission control module (54) that controls the transmission based on the
vehicle mass (76).

Documents:

01511-kol-2007-abstract.pdf

01511-kol-2007-assignment.pdf

01511-kol-2007-claims.pdf

01511-kol-2007-correspondence others 1.1.pdf

01511-kol-2007-correspondence others.pdf

01511-kol-2007-description complete.pdf

01511-kol-2007-drawings.pdf

01511-kol-2007-form 1.pdf

01511-kol-2007-form 2.pdf

01511-kol-2007-form 3.pdf

01511-kol-2007-form 5.pdf

01511-kol-2007-priority document.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(16-01-2013)-AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(16-01-2013)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(16-01-2013)-FORM 3.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(16-01-2013)-OTHERS.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-DRAWINGS.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-FORM 1.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-FORM 2.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-FORM 3.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-FORM 5.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-08-2011)-PA.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-(30-8-2011)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-CANCELLED COPY.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 1.2.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-FORM 18.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-FORM 26.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GPA.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 3.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-FORM 5.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION-COMPLETE.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1511-KOL-2007-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract-01511-kol-2007.jpg


Patent Number 255347
Indian Patent Application Number 1511/KOL/2007
PG Journal Number 07/2013
Publication Date 15-Feb-2013
Grant Date 13-Feb-2013
Date of Filing 02-Nov-2007
Name of Patentee GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
Applicant Address 300 GM RENAISSANCE CENTER, DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 RICHARD L. TIBERG 12406 RIGECREST LANE, MILFORD, MICHIGAN 48380
PCT International Classification Number F16H59/60; F16H59/52; H04J3/16, G06G7/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 11/561,506 2006-11-20 U.S.A.