System and method for controlling an automatic transmission for use in an automobile

A transmission control method for controlling an automatic transmission when a new transmission shift request occurs while a prior gear-shifting operation is still being performed, the method comprising:

• (a) performing a first gear-shifting operation;
• (b) determining whether the new transmission shift request exists while the first gear-shifting operation is being performed;
• (c) obtaining a permissible time interval related to the first gear-shifting operation from a time map;
• and
• (d) continuing to perform the first gear-shifting operation during the permissible time interval obtained from the time map, while delaying the new gear-shifting operation of the new transmission shift request.

A system for controlling an automatic transmission, comprising:

• a shift lever whose position is selectable by a driver;
• a transmission stage detection unit for detecting said position of said range shift lever and outputting corresponding signals;
• a transmission control unit for receiving environmental data and signals from said transmission stage detection unit and triggering a gear-shifting operation of the transmission;
• a time map within said transmission control unit including a plurality of permissible time intervals corresponding to all possible gear-shifting operations of the transmission;
• a timer to monitor a lapse of time relative to one of said permissible time intervals and send corresponding signals to a said transmission control unit;
• wherein when the transmission is performing a first gear-shifting operation and a new shift request is generated by said transmission control unit in response to said environmental data or to said signals from said transmission stage detection unit, said transmission control unit allows said first gear-shifting operation to continue only during one of said permissible time intervals and thereafter triggers a second gear-shifting operation of the transmission in response to said new shift request.