Method of and apparatus for controlling ignition timing in internal combustion engine

An apparatus for controlling ignition timing in an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• first means for detecting an angular position of an engine crankshaft to generate a signal indicative of engine speed;
• second means for detecting a state of engine load to generate a signal in response thereto;
• third means for detecting a knock condition of the engine to generate a signal in response thereto;
• control means for receiving output signals of the first, second and third means to determine a basic ignition timing of the engine based upon the detected engine speed and engine load, and to retard the basic ignition timing by a predetermined retarding amount when the knock condition is detected, said control means further determining, based upon the detected engine speed, a maximum retarding amount for retarding the ignition timing, a wait period and a maximum advancing amount for advancing the ignition timing, said control means advancing the retarded ignition timing by a predetermined advancing amount when the wait period has lapsed if the knock condition is not detected, said control means further determining whether an accrued amount for retarding or an accrued amount for advancing reaches the respective maximum retarding or advancing amount and when it does, limiting the respective accrued amount to said respective maximum amount, said control means generating a signal in response to the determined ignition timing;
• and
• ignition means for receiving the output signal of the control means to ignite an air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of the engine.