Abstract:
A method for compensating roadway changes in a transmission control system of an automatic vehicle transmission, according to which each change in the roadway is recognized and compensated. Also disclosed is a transmission control system of an automatic vehicle transmission, particularly for carrying out the inventive method, comprising at least one device for detecting and compensating changes in the roadway.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. §120 and §365(c) as a continuation of International Patent Application PCT/DE03/01200, filed Apr. 10, 2003, which application is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority of German Patent Applications 102 15 715.4, filed Apr. 10, 2002, 102 19 255.3, filed April 30, 2002, and 102 52 409.2 filed Nov. 12, 2002, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a transmission control system and method for compensating closed-loop control changes in a transmission control system of an automatic vehicle transmission.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     It has been shown that, especially in an automated shift transmission, the transmission motors, such as the select and shift motors, are driven in different operating modes, for example, position-controlled or speed-controlled mode. The regulations for this are carried out, for example, in off-line mode, and are typically based on simple physical models of the transmission motors and the actuator mechanism. These models are verified using simulations and measurements. In particular, investigations on a test stand and on the vehicles have shown, however, that a changed closed-loop response characteristic can cause discomfort and in unfavorable cases even malfunction or failure of the transmission actuator mechanism. Possible causes for closed-loop control changes are, for example, production-related fluctuations of the motor characteristics when the vehicle is in the new condition. Other causes include the wear and aging of the motors over the entire service life or also temporary temperature effects.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The object of the present invention is to propose a transmission control system and a method for compensating closed-loop control changes in a transmission control system of an automatic vehicle transmission so that closed-loop control changes are taken into account in the transmission control system.  
         [0005]     The objective is achieved according to the invention by a method for compensating closed-loop control changes in a transmission control system of an automatic vehicle transmission in which each closed-loop control change is detected and compensated.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In order to prevent negative effects of closed-loop control changes, a model-assisted strategy for compensating closed-loop control changes may be provided according to the invention presented here that in an advantageous way makes it unnecessary for the control parameters and force requirements implemented in the control software to be adapted when said strategy is employed.  
         [0007]     Within the framework of the invention presented here, a model-assisted compensation strategy, especially for transmission motors and for the actuating mechanism, is proposed with which an identified closed-loop control change may be compensated in relation to a reference model without the parameters and requirements implemented in the software having to be adapted.  
         [0008]     This compensation strategy preferably includes a differentiation between temporarily occurring temperature-related closed-loop control changes and changes of the loop response characteristic that have long term effects and are a function of the operating mode and the hardware. It is conceivable that additional suitable aspects may be taken into consideration in the strategy of the present invention. For example, in the strategy of the invention, also an adaptation of the compensation for the changed closed-loop response characteristic, a limitation of the compensation and/or a memorization of the closed-loop control changes having long-term effect may be considered.  
         [0009]     It is especially advantageous in the compensation strategy according to the invention presented here that this compensation strategy is based on simple parametric models of the transmission motors and/or the actuating mechanism. The model parameters may be identified under consideration of predetermined limit conditions, preferably and online mode, during a gear change, for example, in the position-controlled mode of the transmission motors. For example, a suitable parameter estimating method may be implemented in the control software for this purpose. The voltages U k  that are compensated and limited, for example, to the maximum battery voltage and the measured transmission motor speeds n or the like may be used for the identification. It is also possible that other parameters and variables may be considered in this context.  
         [0010]     The deviations of the identified model parameters from the parameters of the reference model may theoretically be used for the derivation of a complete, especially dynamic compensation strategy. However, because of the simple closed-loop control model, the delays in the acquisition of the motor speeds or the like, a partially static compensation of the closed-loop control changes in a plurality of steps may be expedient.  
         [0011]     After a successfully executed identification, a new loop gain k may first be calculated using the new model parameters in a first step  1 .  
         [0012]     In a second step, loop gain k is appropriately corrected with temperature compensation  7 , which is already implemented in the control software and occurs before the limitation of the position controller voltages U R , which are used as the manipulated variables, to the maximum battery voltage and the conversion to, for example, PWM (pulse width modulation) variables. The correction performed has the objective of dividing the closed-loop control changes having a long-term effect from the temperature-related and temporary changes and compensating for the uncertainties included in temperature compensation  7 . One possible uncertainty may, for example, consist of the fact that the compensation is made on the basis of the transmission temperature, which is calculated in the control software using a temperature model. The temperature conditions on the transmission motors are not known under certain circumstances. From a control technology perspective, the temperature compensation can therefore only assume the function of a precontrol, with which, however, it is at least still possible to compensate for temperature-related closed-loop control changes within a certain context when there is a failure of the identification.  
         [0013]     The filtering of the loop gain K 1  carried out in a third step of the compensation strategy of the invention is used for weighting new gain values and therefore determines the adaptation speed of the compensation of a changed loop-response characteristic, a discrete first order filter preferably being used. However, it is also possible to use other filters for filtering in the compensation strategy of the invention. The filter constant may, for example, be constant or also be predetermined as a function of other boundary conditions. For example, the temperature, its change, or similar parameter may be used as a boundary condition.  
         [0014]     The filtered gain value K 2  may then be limited to a defined value range, which is carried out in a fourth step. In the process, aspects such as the robustness of the control or the protection of the actuator mechanism may be diminished if the dynamics of the closed-loop control are increased; this means that the system is sensitive to disturbances and simultaneously the loop gain is increased by the compensation, which corresponds to an additional excitation of the system.  
         [0015]     The initialization of compensation gain K c  that results from the executed limitation may occur on a one-time basis after startup with loop gain K r  of the reference model. The compensation gain, which normally changes during operation, may preferably be stored in the so-called EEProm within the context of a fifth step, for example, in the “ignition off” state. This stored value may be used, for example, as a starting value in the next “ignition on” state. Closed-loop control changes that occur between the “ignition off” and “ignition on” states due to temperature may then be compensated by the temperature compensation. To take into account the uncertainties in the temperature compensation, possibilities may also be provided in which the gain value is preferably only stored if the transmission temperature is within a defined range and/or if there is a specified number of successfully executed identifications, which is a function of the value of the filter constant. Other possibilities for taking into account the uncertainties in the temperature compensation are also conceivable.  
         [0016]     The primary static compensation of position controller voltage U R , for example, may be carried out in a sixth and final step of the method of the present invention. In this context, the compensated voltage U c  may result from the product of U R  and the ratio K R /K C .  
         [0017]     In order to improve the strategy of the present invention, it may be provided that additional appropriate steps are integrated in the strategy of the invention or also another desired combination of the aforementioned steps is provided.  
         [0018]     The compensation strategy presented here may preferably be used in all vehicles that have an automated shift transmission (ASG). It is also conceivable that the present strategy be used in vehicles having other transmissions.  
         [0019]     It is especially advantageous in the strategy presented here that the compensation may be combined with a suitable adaptation of the control parameters. It is also conceivable that the adaptation of the control parameters or the like is carried out independently of the compensation that is carried out.  
         [0020]     Within the context of an advantageous variant of the present invention, an online identification for the model of each transmission motor may be provided in particular with a robust fault recognition of the incremental position measurement.  
         [0021]     According to the invention presented here, a sufficient quality of the fault recognition may be guaranteed for the incremental position measurement, preferably using an appropriate software measure, such as an online identification for the already implemented model, e.g., of an ASG transmission motor. In this context, it may be provided that during the shift and select operations, especially in the position-controlled model, the signals of the input voltage and/or the speed of the transmission motors is used in order to identify the closed-loop response characteristic of the motors in the online state.  
         [0022]     Preferably, a discrete motor model for the transmission motors, for example, may be used for the transmission motors. The discrete model may preferably be composed of a PT1-element and I-element or the like. In this context, input voltage u k-1  and motor speed N k-1  of a position controller are detected beforehand and used as input variables of the PT1-model. The current modeled motor speed n k  may be converted in the integrator (I-element) into corresponding motor increments x k .  
         [0023]     This results in the following equation for the PT1 -element: n k =A·n k-1 +B·u k-1 .  
         [0024]     For the I-element (integrator) the following equation arises: x k =x k-1 +K·T A ·n k .  
         [0025]     If parameter K (I-element) is represented as a constant ratio between the rotary angle of the motor and the motor increments, parameters A and B of PT1-model, e.g., cannot be constant. They can change accordingly because of variation in the production batch, operating temperature, service life of the motors or the like.  
         [0026]     This means that, in order to realize a robust modeling, parameters A and B are appropriately identified during the operation in the vehicle. In this context, the identification method of the so-called least-squares method or the like may be used. There, in the position-controlled state, motor speed n and motor voltage u are read in during each position controller interrupt of, for example, 5 ms and the multiplied values are totaled corresponding to the following equations:  
                 Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )       =       ∑   0     N   -   1       ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·     n   ⁡     (   i   )                           Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       =       ∑   0     N   -   1       ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·     u   ⁡     (   i   )                           Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )       =       ∑   0     N   -   1       ⁢       u   ⁡     (   i   )       ·     u   ⁡     (   i   )                           Φ   nn     ⁡     (   1   )       =       ∑   1   N     ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·     n   ⁡     (     i   -   1     )                           Φ   un     ⁡     (   1   )       =       ∑   1   N     ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·     u   ⁡     (     i   -   1     )                     
 
         [0027]     In the preceding equations, the number N of the sum is directed toward the duration of the position-controlled mode during a shift. Consequently, the number N corresponds to the quantity of position controller interrupts within the position-controlled mode during a gear change.  
         [0028]     For example, it may be provided that upon termination of the position-controlled shift and select operation the calculated interim values are used to determine parameters A and B of the PT1-element. For this purpose the following equations may be used:  
             A   =           -       Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )         ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   1   )         +         Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   un     ⁡     (   1   )                   Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )         -       [       Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       ]     2                     B   =           -       Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )         ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   1   )         +         Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   un     ⁡     (   1   )                   Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )         -       [       Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       ]     2                   
 
         [0029]     According to a further development of the present invention, a predetermined sequence of the proposed identifications are provided. In order to be able to control and monitor the sequence in a targeted manner, various states of the identification may be defined. The individual states during an identification may be run through in the so-called handshake procedure.  
         [0030]     Appropriate transitional conditions have been specified for the state sequences of the identification strategy.  
         [0031]     In order to detect the aforementioned faults as early as possible, a modeling of the ASG transmission actuators may be implemented. These possible models can, for example, determine the speeds and rotor positions to be expected from the motor voltages and in so doing accordingly compare the modeled variables with those of the incremental position measurement. If the difference of the two values exceeds a predetermined threshold, an error in the incremental position measurement may be assumed. In this context, the confidence measure is set to 1 (guess) and a neutral reference run is summoned, which sets the successful balancing of the confidence measure back to 2 (coarse). When a fault is detected, an entry may be made in the fault store. It is possible that the proposed fault strategy is appropriately modeled in order to improve the fault recognition.  
         [0032]     In measurements in the climatic chamber, it has been shown that the models of the transmission motors are too imprecise, especially at very low temperatures, e.g., at approximately −30° Celsius. At these temperatures, fault detections may occur although no fault in the incremental measurement has actually occurred. A reason for this may be the change in the closed-loop response characteristic of the transmission actuating mechanism when there are temperature changes. The previous model cannot be set for this because the model parameters are constant.  
         [0033]     The same effect is present if transmission motors are used that are at the outermost limits of the manufacturing tolerances, because the determination of model parameters is carried out on the basis of a standardized transmission motor under normal operating conditions. Resulting from this is the requirement that the model parameters must be adapted to the real closed-loop response characteristic present for each of the transmission actuating mechanism. In this way, a long-term robust fault recognition of the incremental position measurement can be realized.  
         [0034]     In an implementation of the proposed strategy, a time window may preferably be provided for the identification. An identification can be carried out, on the one hand, if there is a constant excitation of the system that is supplying current to the motors, and, on the other hand, the identification can be carried out if the movement of the transmission actuating mechanism runs freely in the shift gate. Therefore, the identification should be limited in time during a shift, because, for example, no free-running movement of the motors during the synchronization, and therefore the result of an identification could be distorted. Therefore, the provision of a time window during the identification is especially advantageous. It is also possible to carry out the implementation in another way.  
         [0035]     Another embodiment of the present invention may provide that preferably the current strength or the like is estimated, for example, with an observer on software side, especially in ASG transmission motors.  
         [0036]     According to the present invention, it may be provided that the currents of the ASG transmission motors are preferably estimated by an observer on the software side, and as a result a current limitation on the software side can also be carried out. It is possible that the observer identifies the closed-loop response characteristic of the transmission motors and, e.g., the required current strength accordingly estimates the determined loop parameters, the applied voltage and/or the measured motor speed.  
         [0037]     In this context, the closed-loop response characteristic of the transmission motors may be represented using, e.g., a PT, model having variable parameters that corresponds to equation 1 below. Regarding the movement equation of a DC motor, parameters a and b are identified during a gear change in the position-controlled state: 
 
 {dot over (n)}=a·n+b·u    Equation 1. 
        n: motor speed,     a, b: motor parameters,     u: motor voltage        
 
         [0041]     With the general equations of a DC motor and while disregarding the inductivity, the following equations result:  
                   U   =       R   ·   l     +       k   Φ     ·   ω                   R   =     armature   ⁢           ⁢     resistance   ⁢           [   Ω   ]                   I   =     current   ⁢           ⁢     strength   ⁢           [   A   ]                     k   Φ     =     motor   ⁢           ⁢     constant   ⁢           [     V   ⁢           ⁢   s     ]                   ω   =     motor   ⁢           ⁢       speed   ⁢           [     1   s     ]     .                     Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2             
  J{dot over (ω)}=k   Φ   ·l    Equation 3. 
        J=motor inertia     {dot over (ω)}=motor acceleration.        
 
         [0044]     Using the conversion, the equation and a coefficient comparison with Equation 1 via parameters a and b, the physical parameters can be determined:  
             a   =     -         k   Φ   2       J   ·   R       .               Equation   ⁢           ⁢   4               b   =       60     2   ⁢           ⁢   π       ·         k   Φ       J   ·   R       .               Equation   ⁢           ⁢   5             
 
         [0045]     Under the assumption that the motor inertia J is predetermined, only 2 unknowns result for the predetermined equation system, namely armature resistance R and motor constant k. In this way, the physical parameters are determined via the identified parameters a and b by solving the equations. The following equations result:  
                    k   Φ          =       60     2   ⁢           ⁢   π       ·       a   b     .               Equation   ⁢           ⁢   6                    R        =       1   J     ·       (     60     2   ⁢           ⁢   π       )     2     ·       a     b   2       .               Equation   ⁢           ⁢   7               I   =         U   -         k   Φ     ·       2   ⁢           ⁢   π     60       ⁢   n       R     .             Equation   ⁢           ⁢   8             
 
         [0046]     Therefore it is now possible using the known values of motor voltage U and motor speed n to estimate current strength I via the method of the invention. In this way, the current peaks can be detected accordingly and a correspondingly strong load of the vehicle electrical system is compensated so that no light flickering can occur in headlights or tachometer lighting.  
         [0047]     The object of the present invention may also be achieved via a transmission control of an automatic vehicle according to the invention, especially for carrying out the proposed method, that has at least one device for detecting and compensating closed-loop control changes. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0048]     Additional advantages and advantageous embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the drawings described below. In the drawing:  
         [0049]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a possible embodiment of the method of the invention;  
         [0050]      FIG. 2  shows a detailed illustration according to  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0051]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a signal flow in the transmission control system;  
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a table of the status of a sequence of an identification strategy;  
         [0053]      FIG. 5  shows a view of the state sequences of the identification strategy according to  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 6  shows a view of the transmission conditions of the states according to  FIGS. 4 and 5 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows a select operation in a  5 - 2  shift;  
         [0056]      FIG. 8  shows a shift movement during a  5 - 2  shift;  
         [0057]      FIG. 9  shows a sequence of an identification of the selection actuating mechanism in a  2 - 3  shift;  
         [0058]      FIG. 10  is a diagram with the temperature-dependent model parameters of the shift and select actuator;  
         [0059]      FIG. 11  shows a model of the transmission motors;  
         [0060]      FIG. 12  shows another discrete model of the transmission motors;  
         [0061]      FIG. 13  shows two diagrams with a holding element with discrete sensing; and,  
         [0062]      FIG. 14  shows a simulation of a step-response function of a real and modeled system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0063]     A possible sequence diagram of the compensation strategy is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1 . There, the arrangement of identification and compensation is indicated in a corresponding closed-loop control circuit.  
         [0064]     This compensation strategy includes a differentiation between temporarily occurring temperature-related closed-loop control changes and changes of the closed-loop response characteristic that have a long-term effect and are a function of the operation and the hardware.  
         [0065]     A possible static compensation strategy may preferably include the following steps that are schematically illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the individual steps being consecutively numbered  1  to  6 .  
         [0066]     After a successfully executed identification, a new loop gain k can first be calculated using the new model parameters in a first step  1 ; see  FIG. 2 .  
         [0067]     In a second step  2 , the loop gain k is suitably corrected using temperature compensation  7 , which is already realized in the control software and occurs before the limitation of the position controller voltages U R , which are used as manipulated variables, at the maximum battery voltage and the conversion to, for example, PWM (pulse-width modulation) variables. The executed correction has the objective of the closed-loop control changes having a long-term effect being separated from the temperature-related and temporarily occurring changes and the uncertainties contained in temperature compensation  7  being compensated. One possible uncertainty may be the fact that the compensation is made on the basis of the transmission temperature, which is calculated in the control software using a temperature model. The temperature conditions on the transmission motors under certain circumstances are not known. From a control technology perspective, the temperature compensation may therefore only assume the function of a precontrol, but with which temperature-related closed-loop control changes may be compensated when there is a failure of the identification at least still within a certain context.  
         [0068]     The filtering of loop gain K 1  carried out in a third step  3  of the compensation strategy is used for the weighting of new gain values and therefore determines the adaptation speed of the compensation of a changed closed-loop response characteristic, a first order discrete filter preferably being used. However, it is also possible to use other filters in the compensation strategy according to the invention. The filter constant may, for example, be constant or also be predetermined as a function of other boundary conditions. For example, the temperature, its change or the like may be used as boundary condition.  
         [0069]     The filtered gain value K 2  may then be limited to a defined value range, which is carried out in a fourth step  4 . As a result, aspects like the robustness of the control or the protection of the actuating mechanism and the transmission motors may appropriately be taken into consideration. The robustness of the control may be impaired, for example, if the dynamics of the closed-loop control are increased; this means that the system is sensitive to interferences and simultaneously the loop gain is simultaneously increased by the compensation, which corresponds to an additional excitation of the system.  
         [0070]     The initialization of compensation gain K c  resulting from limitation  4  may preferably occur on a one-time basis with loop gain K r  of the reference model after startup. The compensation gain normally changing during operation may preferably be stored in the so-called EEProm within the context of a fifth step  5 , e.g., in the “ignition off” state. This stored value may be used, for example, as a starting value in the next “ignition on” state. Temperature-related closed-loop control changes occurring between the “ignition off” and “ignition on” states may then be compensated by temperature compensation  7 . To consider the uncertainties in the temperature compensation, possibilities may also be provided in which the gain value is then stored preferably only in the “ignition off” state if the transmission temperature is within a defined range and/or a specified number of successfully executed identifications that depends on the value of the filter constants is present. Other possibilities for taking into consideration the uncertainties in the temperature compensation are also conceivable.  
         [0071]     In a last step  6  of the strategy of the invention, the primary static compensation of position controller voltage U R , for example, may be carried out. The compensated voltage U c  can therefore result from the product of U R  and the ratio K R /K C .  
         [0072]     It has been shown that the previously described online identification for fulfilling the pre-determined requirements is especially advantageous. A corresponding signal flow diagram of the transmission control system for an online identification of the transmission actuating mechanism is shown in  FIG. 3 . The position of the identification in the signal flow plan of the incremental position measurement is depicted in  FIG. 3 . Only if no fault detection is present are motor speed n ist  and motor voltages u ist  determined during the shift and select processes and in each case after a completed shift are the determined model parameters adapted accordingly in the PT 1 -element of the model. This occurs independently of each other both in the shift motor and in the select motor. From this it emerges that the online identification illustrated in  FIG. 3  is usable both for the select actuator and for the shift actuator.  
         [0073]     The identification sequence may be provided, as represented in a  FIG. 4 , as a table. In order to ensure a controlled sequence of the identification, it may be necessary to introduce a status for the identification. Consequently, the individual states of the identification are uniquely identified and the sequence is suitably controlled ( FIG. 4 ).  
         [0074]      FIG. 5  then shows the possible sequences during an identification strategy according to the present invention in the form of a state illustration. In it the possible entry conditions for the individual states are described in a table depicted in  FIG. 6 . The starting state is generally the state  0  (no identification allowed). If the status is set to  0 , the identification can be deactivated. It is conceivable that the identification of the shift and select motor is separately activated. Therefore, it is possible to deactivate the identification for shifts that require no select movements.  
         [0075]     The associated state sequences of the identification strategy of the invention are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , corresponding transitional conditions of the states being indicated in an additional table in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0076]     Moreover, when there is a fault detection of the incremental position measurement via the model of the transmission motors, the identification may, for example, be cut short. In state  2 , the speeds and the motor voltages are acquired and the interim quantities of the identification are calculated. In state  3 , the interim values determined in status  2  are used in order to calculate the model parameters (A, B). If the calculated model parameters are within a plausible range (see  FIG. 7 ), the identification status e.g. may be set to  5 . Thus, the identification may be successfully concluded and the identified model parameters may further be used in an advantageous manner.  
         [0077]     Illustrated in  FIG. 7  is, for example, a select operation of a 5-2 shift. Shown in  FIG. 8  is the complete shift movement during the 5-2 shift. In this context, the individual shifting states are clearly recognizable:  
                                       Disengage gear   (Z_Shift = 0)       Select in neutral range   (Z_Shift = 1)       Synchronization   (Z_Shift = 2)       Engage idle position   (Z_Shift = 4)       Idle position reached   (Z_Shift = 6)       Lever in gear   (Z_Shift = 8).                  
 
         [0078]     For possible faults, the states Sync-Problem ( 3 ) and meshing problem ( 5 ) can also occur.  
         [0079]     In shift state  1 , the free-running select movement of the select motor takes place within the neutral gate, while the shift movement in the direction of neutral gate shift state  0  and shift state=1 occurs. In so doing, the motors should be in position-controlled mode (SelMode=4 and ShfMode=4). In this area the identification and also the modeling of the transmission actuating mechanism may take place. Also the biasing of the shift motor at approximately 2 to 4 volts shows no effect with respect to the identification parameters. Because the motors are also not in position-controlled mode, the identification cannot be started.  
         [0080]     Illustrated in  FIG. 9  is a possible identification strategy for the select actuating mechanism of a 2-3 shift. In changes of the target gear, the identification is activated (SelState=1). If the shift state on shift/select (Z_Shift=1) is provided, the identification may be started. In this context the motor voltages and the motor speeds are read in and the interim quantities are calculated. If the free-running select movement is concluded (Z_Shift=2), parameter A (SelldA) and parameter B (SelldB) may be determined. Thereafter, the identification is, for example, deactivated (SelState=0).  
         [0081]     Within the context of an advantageous further development of the invention, additional strategies may be provided. For example, the correctness of an identification may be checked. The prerequisite of a calculation of the parameters is, for example, the correct determination of the interim quantities. In order to guarantee this, it may be necessary to carry out some security measures before a parameter calculation, exemplary security measures being listed below wherein said list is not necessarily exhaustive: 
        1. Amount of measured data is too small; the interim quantities are calculated via the read-in value pairs of motor voltage and motor speed, for example. If the amount of measured data is insufficient, a reliable cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, a check may be made of whether the number is above a predetermined threshold. This threshold may be set in accordance with experience to, for example, 10 pairs of values. Other values are also possible for the threshold. If the number after a shift is less than 10, no new parameters are identified. The model parameters may then contain their old values. The identification can be cut short, for example, and the parameters therefore are not updated (SelState=4). If the amount of measured data is too little and therefore no identification is carried out, an interruption of the identification may be provoked since the number of value pairs (SelHwN, SelHlwUk) to be measured is increased (minimum number=20 value pairs). Therefore, this shift may result in the identification being cut short because the number of value pairs (while SelState=2) equals 12. Therefore, the SelState on the value 4 is valid (corresponds to errors in the identification). In this context, the parameters may remain constant and contain the already determined value and not updated.     2. An overflow of the interim quantities; the interim quantities are calculated by totaling the measured values. Therefore, the danger may exist that the interim values overflow. In order to detect an overflow, a check may be made before each summation of whether the value range is exceeded. Only if the value range is not exceeded, for example, may the summation be carried out. Otherwise, the summation may be discontinued, and the already calculated values of the interim quantities are still used to determine the current model parameters. In this case, the parameters are not updated. However, if the amount of measured data is sufficient, it may be provided that new parameters are nevertheless calculated after the discontinuation of the identification with the already calculated summation quantities (ShfState =5).        
 
         [0084]     It is also possible that security measures other than the two aforementioned ones are used in the strategy of the invention.  
         [0085]     As far as an initialization is concerned, it may be provided that the model parameters are re-determined, for example, according to the “ignition on” state. This means that they are not stored in the “ignition off” state in the EEProm (electronic memory). This is because the parameters may change significantly in the “ignition off” state, for example, if the vehicle is parked overnight, to the effect that in the “ignition on” state they may no longer be used for fault detection. The following initialization routine may therefore preferably be run through: 
        1. After the first successful identification, the model parameters may be adopted from the identified parameters, i.e., P mod =P ident ;     2. The model for fault recognition of the incremental position measurement is therefore still deactivated;     3. After each successful identification, the model parameters can be filtered;     4. For example, after three successful identifications, the model may be activated for the fault detection.        
 
         [0090]     This means that the model, e.g., after each “ignition on” state may run through a delay of three successful identifications until the parameters have been set to reliable values. Only then may the model and with it the fault detection of the incremental position measurement be activated. It is also conceivable that other initialization routines or even desirable combinations of other possible routines may be used.  
         [0091]     In the filtering already mentioned under 3 in the aforementioned initialization routine, the models of the shift and select actuating mechanisms may be executed only after three successfully executed identifications because of, for example, the robustness of the identified model parameters. Because there is a scant dispersion with respect to the identified parameters, it may be advantageous to weight the newly identified parameters with those of the parameters already previously identified. In this context it is possible to differentiate between model parameters P mod  and identification parameters P ident . The identification parameters are determined using the calculation routine after each shift. The model parameters are the parameters that may be used for the implemented models of the shift and select actuators. They can be calculated, for example, only after each successfully executed identification as follows:  
               P   Mod     =         P   Mod     ×     2   3       +       P   Ident     ×       1   3     .                 Equation   ⁢           ⁢   3.1             
 
         [0092]     This means that the parameters already used in the model are adopted, for example, to a ⅔ extent and the newly determined parameters are preferably adopted to a ⅓ extent in order to calculate the current model parameters.  
         [0093]     In order to verify the robustness of the models with respect to the closed-loop control changes on the basis of temperature differences, shifts can be carried out in a climatic chamber at temperatures of −30° C. to 105° C. In this context, it has been shown that during identical shift cycles the average model parameters A and B are recorded for shift and select actuators at different temperatures. The dispersions regarding the individual identifications are approximately 5-8%. The result of the averaged model parameters is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . It is evident from this that the fault detection of the incremental position measurement can be kept robust in an advantageous manner only through an online identification of the transmission motors and a suitable adaptation of the motor models.  
         [0094]     A special situation is also conceivable in which the identification and modeling strategy is illustrated after a reset. After a reset, the model parameters are reset to 0 and the model is deactivated. This may reduce the uncertainties of the closed-loop response characteristic with respect to the modeling after a reset. After three successful identifications, the model may then be reactivated. In this context, the values of the identified model parameters were also adopted in the output of the long-term measurement in order to be able to set up a long-term observation and diagnosis.  
         [0095]     Overall, it has been shown that the online identification of the actuator model enables a robust fault detection of the incremental position measurement because an identification of the closed-loop response characteristic is carried out during operation. Therefore, closed-loop control changes due to temperature influences, service life and variation in the production batch of the transmission motors are taken into account accordingly. It is possible that an adaptation of the position controller is also carried out via the identified response of the closed-loop control. In this way an optimal transient behavior can be realized. The compensation strategy for the position controller also uses the identified parameters of the transmission actuating mechanism in order to compensate for the changes of the closed-loop control via a change of the position controller voltage.  
         [0096]     To summarize, it may be determined that the developed online identification for the transmission actuators is enabled to adapt the models on the basis of changes of the loop-response characteristic. Therefore, a long-term adaptation and a sufficient robustness of the models is guaranteed.  
         [0097]     The DC motors of the transmission actuators are able to move the shift fingers in the gates via the actuating mechanism. The speed and positions are directly measured via Hall sensors directly at the motors. The transmission actuating mechanism shows with regard to the armature voltage and the motor speed a PT 1 -characteristic if the shift finger runs freely in the shift gate. With regard to the motor position, the motors show a so-called IT 1 -characteristic. This means that a series connection of a PT 1 -element and an integrator is provided. This is also illustrated in  FIG. 11 . There, the closed-loop response characteristic of the transmission actuators is suitably modeled.  
         [0098]     The equations for the motor model depicted in  FIG. 11  are as follows:  
                         
 
 M   m   =C   m   ·i   a    Equation 1.2. 
 
 J   m ·{dot over (ω)} m   =M   m   −d·ω   m    Equation 1.3.
 
         [0099]     Because of the negligibly small inductivity L a  (L a /R a ˜0.0008), the term formed in Equation 1.1 can be set equal to 0. The disregard of the inductivity can also be carried out during the actual controller design. A continuous state representation may be indicated by the following equation:  
                     [           n   .               x   .           ]     =         [             -       c   m   2         R   a     ·     J   m           -     d     J   m             0               N   puls     60         0         ]     ·     [         n           x         ]       +                         ⁢       [               c   m         R   a     ·     J   m         ·     60     2   ⁢           ⁢   π                 0         ]     ·       U   a     .                     Equation   ⁢           ⁢   1.4             
 
 wherein: 
        ω m : speed of motor     n: motor speed of the drive motors [1/min]    x: motor position [increments]    Npuls: number of motor increments per revolution.        
 
         [0104]     A continuous movement equation may then be as follows:  
                         
 
           {dot over (n)}=a   k   ·n+b   k   ·U   a    Equation 1.7. 
 
 {dot over (x)}=K·n    Equation 1.8. 
 
         [0105]     A discrete illustration of the movement equation 1.7 or 1.8 shows the equations already mentioned previously: 
 
 n   k   =A·n   k-1   +B·u   k-1    Equation 1.9. 
 
 x   k   =x   k-1   +K·T   A   ·n   k    Equation 1.10. 
 
 wherein: 
        A: model parameter for the dynamics of the closed-loop control     B: model parameter for the loop gain     TA: sensing time (5 ms)     K: conversion factor between motor speed and motor increment=Npuls/60     n: motor speed (k: current interrupt, k-1: position controller interrupt before)     x: motor increments (k: current interrupt, k-1: position controller before).        
 
         [0112]     Graphically illustrated in  FIG. 12  are exemplary discrete modules of the transmission motors. The dynamic system response may be portrayed, for example, by parameter A while the gain of the system is illustrated by parameter B. The conversion of the motor speeds into increments may be accomplished using an integrator or similar device (equation 1.6). In this context there may be a constant conversion factor K between the number of increments per revolution and a constant sensing time of e.g. 5 ms (reading in the measured data). In  FIG. 12  exemplary discrete modules of movement equations 1.5 and 1.6 are graphically illustrated.  
         [0113]     The differential equation on which the model is based may be derived from a continuous delay element, for example, a PT 1 -element and a zero-order support element. This is graphically indicated in  FIG. 13 , a support element being used with discrete sensing.  
         [0114]     An identification of a first order system (least squares method) is described below. A simple and easy to implement identification method is the so-called least squares method (LS method). A special case may be the method of the least error squares for a first-order system. The following equations result: 
 
 n   u ( k )= A·n   u ( k -1)+ B·u ( k -1)   Equation 2.11. 
 
 n ( k )= n   u ( k )+ z ( k )   Equation 2.2. 
        k: discrete moment     n: speed     u: input voltage     z: interference signal (white noise).        
 
         [0119]     This differential equation 2.1 may result from a continuous delay element, for example, a PT1-element and a zero-order support element. This is graphically indicated in  FIG. 18 , a support member with discrete sensing being used. The output of delay element n u  may preferably also be provided with an interference z according to equation 2.2. This interference z may represent the uncertainties of the system, such as friction or the like, and the signal processing, such as measuring noise or the like. Parameters A and B of the above movement equation 2.1 may be identified in the following manner: 
        1. Summation of interim quantities; during the shift and select operations, the motor voltage and the motor speed of shift and select motor may be read in at discrete sensing times (position controller interrupt of approximately 5 ms). With these values, the following interim quantities may be calculated, the following equations having been used beforehand to some extent:  
                 Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )       =       ∑   0     N   -   1       ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·       n   ⁡     (   i   )       .                 Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.3                   Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       =       ∑   0     N   -   1       ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·       u   ⁡     (   i   )       .                 Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.4                   Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )       =       ∑   0     N   -   1       ⁢       u   ⁡     (   i   )       ·       u   ⁡     (   i   )       .                 Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.5                   Φ   nn     ⁡     (   1   )       =       ∑   1   N     ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·       n   ⁡     (     i   -   1     )       .                 Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.6                   Φ   un     ⁡     (   1   )       =       ∑   1   N     ⁢       n   ⁡     (   i   )       ·       u   ⁡     (     i   -   1     )       .                 Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.7             
    2. A calculation of model parameters may be provided; if the calculation of the interim quantity is concluded after the free-running movement of the shift and select operation, parameters A and B may preferably be calculated by the equations already mentioned:  
             A   =             -       Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )         ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   1   )         +         Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   un     ⁡     (   1   )                   Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )         -       [       Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       ]     2         .             Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.8               B   =             -       Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )         ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   1   )         +         Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   un     ⁡     (   1   )                   Φ   uu     ⁡     (   0   )       ·       Φ   nn     ⁡     (   0   )         -       [       Φ   un     ⁡     (   0   )       ]     2         .             Equation   ⁢           ⁢   2.9             
    3. A modeling of the transmission motor may be provided; the model of the motors may preferably be composed of a PT1-element and an integrator. The current motor speed may then be calculated from the motor speed and the motor voltage of an interrupt of e.g. 5 ms. For this purpose, the equations already mentioned may be used: 
 
 n   k   =A·n   k-1   +B·u   k-1    Equation 2.10. 
 
 x   k   =x   k-1   +K·T   A   ·n   k    Equation 2.11. 
    K: conversion factor (motor actuating mechanism ratio)     TA: sensing time (position controller interrupt; 5 ms)     nk: modeled motor speed     xk: modeled motor increments.        
 
         [0127]     The aforementioned identification strategy may be checked by a simulation. In the simulation a position-controlled operation is carried out. The output voltages and motor speeds may be used for the identification. The identified parameters may be used in a model of the transmission motors. In an additional simulation, it is possible to compare the real and the modeled motor speeds and positions in order to check the precision of the identification. The identification may occur in the discrete illustration while the simulation is carried out using continuous parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to convert the identified parameters into the continuous representation. The real parameters are installed in the model via motor characteristics and default data.  
         [0128]     For example: select motor  
             Ra   =     0.45   ⁢           ⁢   Ω                 Cm   =     0.025   ⁢           ⁢   Vs                 Jm   =     1.6   ×     10     -   5       ⁢           ⁢     kg     m   2                     dreib   =     0.8   ×     10     -   4       ⁢           ⁢   Nms               
 
         [0129]     The continuous illustration is as follows: 
        Real parameters ak=−91.8 bk=3472.2     Identified parameters ak=−91.8 bk=3472.2        
 
         [0132]     Illustrated in  FIG. 14  is a simulated step-response of a real system and a system is having identified parameters A, B. The PT 1 -characteristic can be reproduced exactly. However, in an implementation it should be noted that, on the one hand, the integer arithmetic must be used and, on the other hand, the real system in the vehicle should have no exact PT 1 -characteristic. Illustrated in the simulation in  FIG. 14  is the step-response of a real system labeled with plus signs and a modeled system labeled with zeros.  
         [0133]     The simulation shows that this identification method of a PT1-system has a very high precision with simple programming.  
         [0134]     In summary, it may be determined that the online identification for the transmission actuators is especially advantageous if an adaptation is additionally provided. The loop-response characteristic of the ASG actuating mechanism shows a PT1-characteristic in relation to the armature voltage as an input variable and the motor speed as an output variable during a free-running movement within the shift gate.  
         [0135]     The patent claims submitted with the application are proposed formulations without prejudice to the achievement of further patent protection. The applicant reserves the right to submit claims for further combinations of features previously only disclosed in the description and/or the drawings.  
         [0136]     References used in dependent claims refer to the further development of the subject matter of the principle claim via the features of the particular dependent claim; they are not to be understood as a renunciation of achieving independent protection for the combination of features for the dependent claims that are referenced.  
         [0137]     Since the subject matter of the dependent claims may constitute separate and independent inventions in relation to the state of the art on the priority date, the applicant reserves the right to make them the subject matter of independent claims or division declarations. Furthermore, they may also contain independent inventions that have a design that is independent of the subject matter of the preceding dependent claims.  
         [0138]     The embodiments are not to be understood as a restriction of the invention. Rather, numerous amendments and modifications are possible within the context of the current disclosure, especially those variants, elements and combinations and/or materials that one skilled in the art may learn, for example, by combining individual ones together with those in the general description and embodiments in addition to features and/or elements or methodological steps described in the claims and contained in the drawings with the aim of achieving the objective and leading to a new subject matter or new methodological steps or sequences of steps via combinable features, even as far as production, testing and work procedures are concerned.