Patent ID: 7010414

Claim:
A method for calculating an approximate value of a running average throttle position value from a plurality of sample throttle position values taken at a plurality of time intervals during operation of an engine, wherein said plurality of sample throttle position values includes an oldest sample throttle position value, the method comprising: calculating a value of said throttle position by summing a predetermined number of said sample throttle position values taken over a predetermined period of time to provide a first sum, and dividing said first sum by said predetermined number to provide a first filtered output value; obtaining a new sample throttle position value at a time interval after said predetermined period of time; calculating a second sum from said first sum by: subtracting the oldest sample throttle position value, subtracting said first filtered output value, and adding twice the value of said new sample throttle position value; calculating a second filtered output value by dividing said second sum by said predetermined number of said sample throttle position values, wherein said second sum represents the approximate value of the running average throttle position value.