Patent ID: 6962551

Claim:
A method for controlling an at least partially automated vehicular mechanical transmission system comprising a fuel-controlled engine, an engine controller from controlling fueling of the engine in accordance with command output signals, a multiple-speed mechanical transmission having an input shaft driven by the engine and an output shaft and a control unit for receiving input signals and processing same according to predetermined logic rules to issue command output signals, said method characterized by: determining a level of engine fueling required to cause substantially zero torque to the input shaft under current vehicle operating conditions; and controlling said system as a function of said level of engine fueling, wherein said level of engine fueling is the engine fuel required to cause T EG to substantially equal the sum of T BEF , T ACCES and T ACCEL where T EG =gross engine torque; T BEF =base engine friction torque; T ACCES =accessory torque, and T ACCEL =torque to accelerate the engine.