Method and apparatus for estimating road surface state and tire running state, ABS and vehicle control using the same

• US 7,203,579 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2002
• Issued: 04/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Bridgestone (Bridgestone Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Bridgestone (Bridgestone Corporation)
• Inventors: Morinaga, Hiroshi, Yokota, Hidetoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Zanelli; Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US10/499,431
• Publication Number:
  US 20050085987A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,572 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0477 Evaluating waveform of pressure readings
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2210/12 Friction
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 2210/13 Aquaplaning, hydroplaning
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/172 Determining control parameters used in the regulation, e.g. by calculations involving measured or detected parameters B60T8/17551 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/1725 Using tyre sensors, e.g. Sidewall Torsion sensors [SWT] for tyre pressure and temperature detection B60C23/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 8/173 Eliminating or reducing the effect of unwanted signals, e.g. due to vibrations or electrical noise

Abstract

The frequency of an information signal indicative of a-vibration of a wheel detected by an acceleration sensor mounted to a wheel; or a change in the pressure of a gas in a tire detected by a pressure sensor installed in the tire, is analyzed. The band value of the obtained vibration spectrum or pressure change spectrum is detected, and a vibration level or pressure change level at the detected frequency band is compared with: a vibration level table showing the relationship between road friction coefficient μ and vibration level; or a pressure change level table showing the relationship between road friction coefficient μ and pressure change level, to estimate a road friction coefficient μ. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the value of road friction coefficient μ accurately and improve the safety of a car.

Claims

1. A method of estimating the condition of a road and the running state of a tire, comprising:

detecting a vibration of a tire, a wheel or a suspension of a running car; and

detecting a vibration level of a vibration spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the detected vibration to estimate the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tires,

wherein the bandwidth of the frequency band for detecting the vibration level is 1 to 100% of that of a detection frequency band, and

wherein the vibration level at a frequency band of at least 10 to 10,000 Hz of the vibration spectrum is detected.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the vibration level is detected at three or more frequency bands.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein an estimated value of a road friction coefficient is calculated from the vibration level based on the following equation:

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is the vibration level at a frequency band (f_i).

4. The method of claim 3, wherein:

a coefficient of correlation between the estimated value of the road friction coefficient a road friction coefficient measured in advance is obtained; and

the frequency band (f_i) used to calculate the estimated value of the road friction coefficient is set to ensure that the coefficient of correlation becomes highest.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, are estimated from data on car speed in addition to the detected vibration level of the vibration spectrum.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein:

a pattern pitch frequency of the tire is detected from the data on car speed;

a hydroplaning vibration level at a frequency band including the pattern pitch frequency of the vibration spectrum is detected; and

when the detected hydroplaning vibration level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is estimated that the tire is hydroplaning.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the threshold value can be changed.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein:

a pattern pitch frequency of the tire is detected from data on car speed;

a hydroplaning vibration level a frequency band including the pattern pitch frequency of the vibration spectrum is detected;

a non-hydroplaning vibration level a frequency band which is not affected by the pattern pitch frequency is obtained; and

when the ratio of the hydroplaning vibration level at the pattern pitch frequency band to the obtained non-hydroplaning vibration level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is estimated that the tire is hydroplaning.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the threshold value can be changed.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein:

a speed of the front wheels and a speed of the rear wheels are detected; and

the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, are estimated from a slip ratio calculated from the detected speed of the front wheels and the detected speed of the rear wheels.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, are estimated from data on the inside pressure of the tire in addition to data on the vibration spectrum.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

a natural vibration frequency of the tire is obtained from data on the vibration spectrum;

the inside pressure of the tire is estimated from the relationship between the vibration frequency of the tire and an inside pressure of the tire obtained in advance; and

the estimated inside pressure of the tire is used as data on the inside pressure of the tire.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the condition of the road at the time of running and the running state of the tire are estimated from data on a load applied to each wheel of a car in addition to data on the vibration spectrum or pressure change spectrum.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein:

an information signal indicative of the vibration is converted into a digital signal and compressed on a tire or wheel side and transmitted to a car body side; and

the compressed signal is restored to its original state and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

15. A method of estimating the condition of a road and the running state of a tire, comprising:

detecting a change in the pressure of a gas filled in the tire of a running car; and

detecting a pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the detected pressure change to estimate the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire.

16. The method of estimating the condition of a road and the running state of a tire according to claim 15, wherein:

an inside pressure of the tire is detected from an absolute value of an output of a pressure sensor installed in the tire; and

a micro-vibration component on the time axis of the output is detected and taken as the change in the pressure of the gas.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein:

a pressure change level at a band synchronous with the revolution of the tire out of a frequency band of 10 to 100 kHz is detected from the pressure change spectrum and compared with a pressure change level at the time of normal operation; and

when the pressure change is 20% or more higher than that at the time of normal operation, it is estimated that some trouble occurs in the tire.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the pressure change level is detected within a frequency range of at least 10 to 10,000 Hz of the pressure change spectrum.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the pressure change level is detected within-three or more frequency bands of the frequency range.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein an estimated value of a road friction coefficient is calculated from the pressure change level based on the following equation:

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is the pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

21. The method of claim 20, wherein:

a coefficient of correlation between the estimated value of the road friction coefficient and another road friction coefficient measured in advance is obtained; and

the frequency band (f_i) used to calculate the estimated value of the road friction coefficient is set to ensure that the coefficient of correlation becomes highest.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, are estimated from data on car speed in addition to the detected pressure change level of the pressure change spectrum.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein:

a pattern pitch frequency of the tire is detected from the data on car speed;

a hydroplaning pressure change level at a frequency band including the pattern pitch frequency of the pressure change spectrum is detected; and

when the detected hydroplaning pressure change level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is estimated that the tire is hydroplaning.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the threshold value can be changed.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein:

a pattern pitch frequency of the tire is detected from the data on car speed;

a hydroplaning pressure change level at a frequency band including the pattern pitch frequency of the pressure change spectrum is detected;

a non-hydroplaning pressure change level at a frequency band which is not affected by the pattern pitch frequency is obtained; and

when the ratio of the hydroplaning pressure change level at the pattern pitch frequency band to the obtained non-hydroplaning pressure change level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, it is estimated that the tire is hydroplaning.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the threshold value can be changed.

27. The method of claim 15, wherein:

a speed of the front wheels and a speed of the rear wheels are detected; and

the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, are estimated from a slip ratio calculated from the detected speed of the front wheels and the detected speed of the rear wheels.

28. The method of claim 15, wherein the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, are estimated from data on a load applied to each wheel of a car in addition to data on the pressure change spectrum.

29. The method of claim 15, wherein:

an information signal indicative of the pressure change is converted into a digital signal and compressed on a tire or wheel side and transmitted to a car body side; and

the compressed signal is restored to its original state and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

30. A road condition and tire running state estimation apparatus comprising:

vibration detection means for detecting a vibration of a tire or a wheel of a running car;

means for detecting a vibration level in a frequency band in a frequency range of at least 10 to 10,000 Hz of a frequency spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the detected vibration; and

means for estimating a condition of a road at the time of running, and a running state of the tire, from the detected vibration level

wherein the vibration detection means is mounted on the same substrate, or in the same housing, as a pressure sensor for monitoring a pressure of a gas filled in the tire.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the vibration detection means, or a substrate mounting the vibration detection means, is mounted to the tire or wheel.

32. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the vibration detection means is driven from a car body side by radio.

33. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein:

a bandwidth of the frequency band is 1 to 100% of that of the frequency range; and

an estimated value of a road friction coefficient is calculated from the detected vibration level based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients, and x_i is the vibration level at the frequency band (f_i).

34. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein:

a signal processing means is provided on a tire or wheel side; and

a vibration information signal detected by the vibration detection means is converted into a digital signal, compressed and transmitted to a car body side, where the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state, and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein an antenna function for carrying out the communication of the data is provided to a tire valve installed in a wheel.

36. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein an antenna for carrying out the communication of the data is installed at the periphery of a wheel rim.

37. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein:

a signal processing means is provided on a tire or wheel side;

the condition of a road at the time of running, and the running state of a tire, are estimated by analyzing the frequency of a vibration information signal detected by the vibration detection means on the tire or wheel side; and

the estimated data on the condition of the road at the time of running and the running state of the tire is transmitted to a car body side.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein an antenna function for carrying out the communication of the data is provided to a tire valve installed in a wheel.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein an antenna for carrying out the communication of the data is installed at the periphery of a wheel rim.

40. The apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising a reset button for initializing vibration information which differs according to the types of a car, wheel and tire, or a system for initializing the vibration information automatically by collating car behavior data information including one or more of wheel speed, car body acceleration and car body rotation angle speed with information from the estimation apparatus.

41. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein each wheel of a car is provided with a load measuring instrument to estimate the condition of a road at the time of running, and the running state of a tire, from data on the load of each wheel.

42. The apparatus of claim 30 and car control means for controlling the running state of a car based on the condition of a road and/or the running state of a tire estimated by the apparatus.

43. A road condition and tire running state estimation apparatus comprising:

vibration detection means for detecting a vibration of the suspension of a running car;

means for detecting a vibration level in a frequency band in a frequency range of at least 10 to 10,000 Hz of a frequency spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the detected vibration; and

means for estimating a condition of a road at the time of running, and a running state of the tire, from the detected vibration level.

44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the vibration detection means is mounted on a hub to which a wheel carrying the tire is mounted.

45. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein:

a bandwidth of the frequency band is 1 to 100% of that of the frequency range; and

an estimated value of a road friction coefficient is calculated from the detected pressure change level based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients, and x_i is the vibration level at the frequency band (f_i).

46. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein:

a signal processing means is provided on a tire or wheel side; and

a vibration information signal detected by the vibration detection means is converted into a digital signal, compressed and transmitted to a car body side, where the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state, and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein an antenna function for carrying out the communication of the data is provided to a tire valve installed in a wheel.

48. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein an antenna for carrying out the communication of the data is installed at the periphery of a wheel rim.

49. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein:

a signal processing means is provided on a tire or wheel side;

the condition of a road at the time of running, and the running state of a tire, are estimated by analyzing the frequency of a vibration information signal detected by the vibration detection means on the tire or wheel side; and

the estimated data on the condition of the road at the time of running and the running state of the tire is transmitted to a car body side.

50. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein an antenna function for carrying out the communication of the data is provided to a tire valve installed in a wheel.

51. The apparatus according to claim 49, wherein an antenna for carrying out the communication of the data is installed at the periphery of a wheel rim.

52. The apparatus according to claim 43, further comprising a reset button for initializing vibration information which differs according to the types of a car, wheel and tire, or a system for initializing the vibration information automatically by collating car behavior data information including one or more of wheel speed, car body acceleration and car body rotation angle speed with information from the estimation apparatus.

53. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein each wheel of a car is provided with a load measuring instrument to estimate the condition of a road at the time of running, and the running state of a tire, from data on the load of each wheel.

54. The apparatus of claim 43 and car control means for controlling the running state of a car based on the condition of a road and/or the running state of a tire estimated by the apparatus.

55. A road condition and tire running state estimation apparatus comprising:

pressure change detection means for detecting a change in the pressure of a gas filled in a tire of a running car;

means for detecting a pressure change level in a frequency band in a frequency range of at least 10 to 10,000 Hz of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the detected pressure change; and

means for estimating a condition of a road at the time of running, and a running state of the tire, from the detected pressure change level.

56. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the pressure of the gas filled in the tire is detected from an absolute value of the output of a pressure sensor installed in the tire and a micro-vibration component on the time axis of the output is detected and taken as a change in the pressure of the gas.

57. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein:

a bandwidth of the frequency band is 1 to 100% of that of the frequency range; and

an estimated value of a road friction coefficient is calculated from the detected pressure change level based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients, and x_i is the pressure change level at the frequency band (f_i).

58. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein:

a signal processing means is provided on a tire or a wheel side; and

a pressure change information signal detected by the pressure change detection means is converted into a digital signal, compressed and transmitted to a car body side, where the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state, and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

59. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein an antenna function for carrying out the communication of the data is provided to a tire valve installed in a wheel.

60. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein:

a signal processing means is provided on a tire or wheel side; and

the condition of a road at the time of running, and the running state of a tire, are estimated by analyzing the frequency of a pressure change information signal detected by the pressure change detection means on the tire or wheel side; and

the estimated data on the condition of the road at the time of running, and the running state of the tire, is transmitted to a car body side.

61. The apparatus according to claim 58, wherein an antenna for carrying out the communication of the data is installed at the periphery of a wheel rim.

62. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein an antenna function for carrying out the communication of the data is provided to a tire valve installed in a wheel.

63. The apparatus according to claim 60, wherein an antenna for carrying out the communication of the data is installed at the periphery of a wheel rim.

64. The apparatus according to claim 55, further comprising a reset button for initializing pressure change information which differs according to the types of a car, wheel and tire, or a system for initializing the pressure change information automatically by collating car behavior data information including one or more of wheel speed, car body acceleration and car body rotation angle speed with information from the estimation apparatus.

65. The apparatus according to claim 55, wherein each wheel of a car is provided with a load measuring instrument to estimate the condition of a road at the time of running and the running state of a tire from data on the load of each wheel.

66. The apparatus of claim 55 and car control means for controlling the running state of a car based on the condition of a road and/or the running state of a tire estimated by the apparatus.

67. A road condition estimation method for:

estimating a value of a road friction coefficient by detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of the tire; and

detecting the vibration level of a vibration spectrum or the pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change,

wherein, an ON/OFF state of a brake switch is detected, and when it is judged that the brake is stepped on, updating of the estimated value of the road friction coefficient is suspended.

68. The method according to claim 67, wherein:

a bandwidth of a frequency band for detecting the vibration level or pressure change level is 1 to 100% of that of a characteristic frequency range; and

a road friction coefficient is estimated from data on the vibration level or pressure change level detected at one or a plurality of frequency bands based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

69. A road condition estimation method for:

estimating a value of a road friction coefficient by detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of the tire; and

detecting the vibration level of a vibration spectrum or the pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change,

wherein, a slip ratio is calculated by detecting a speed of a driving wheel and a speed of a coupled driving wheel, and when the slip ratio exceeds a preset threshold value, updating of the estimated value of road friction coefficient is suspended.

70. The method according to claim 69, wherein:

a bandwidth of a frequency band for detecting the vibration level or pressure change level is 1 to 100% of that of a characteristic frequency range; and

a road friction coefficient is estimated from data on the vibration level or pressure change level detected at one or a plurality of frequency bands based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

71. A road condition estimation method for:

estimating a value of a road friction coefficient by detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of the tire; and

detecting the vibration level of a vibration spectrum or the pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change,

wherein, an engine speed is detected, and when the engine speed exceeds a preset threshold value, updating of the estimated value of the road friction coefficient is suspended.

72. The road condition estimation method according to claim 71, wherein the threshold value of the engine speed is changed according to the connection state of a running gear and clutch.

73. The method according to claim 72, wherein:

a bandwidth of a frequency band for detecting the vibration level or pressure change level is 1 to 100% of that of a characteristic frequency range; and

a road friction coefficient is estimated from data on the vibration level or pressure change level detected at one or a plurality of frequency bands based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

74. The method according to claim 71, wherein:

a bandwidth of a frequency band for detecting the vibration level or pressure change level is 1 to 100% of that of a characteristic frequency range; and

a road friction coefficient is estimated from data on the vibration level or pressure change level detected at one or a plurality of frequency bands based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

75. A road condition estimation apparatus for:

estimating a value of a road friction coefficient by detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of the tire; and

detecting the vibration level of a vibration spectrum or the pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change,

wherein, the apparatus comprises means for detecting an ON/OFF state of a brake switch, and when it is judged that the brake is stepped on, updating of the estimated value of the road friction coefficient is suspended.

76. The apparatus according to claim 75, wherein:

an information signal indicative of the vibration or pressure change is converted into a digital signal and compressed on a tire, wheel or suspension side and transmitted to a car body side; and

the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

77. A road condition estimation apparatus for:

estimating a value of a road friction coefficient by detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of the tire; and

detecting the vibration level of a vibration spectrum or the pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change,

wherein, the apparatus comprises means for detecting speeds of a driving wheel and a coupled driving wheel and means of calculating a slip ratio from the detected speeds of the driving wheel and the coupled driving wheel, and when the slip ratio exceeds a preset threshold value, updating of the estimated value of road friction coefficient is suspended.

78. The apparatus according to claim 77, wherein:

an information signal indicative of the vibration or pressure change is converted into a digital signal and compressed on a tire, wheel or suspension side and transmitted to a car body side; and

the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

79. A road condition estimation apparatus for:

estimating a value of a road friction coefficient by detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of the tire; and

detecting the vibration level of a vibration spectrum or the pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change,

wherein, the apparatus comprises means for detecting an engine speed, and when the engine speed exceeds a preset threshold value, updating of the estimated value of the road friction coefficient is suspended.

80. The road condition estimation apparatus according to claim 79, wherein means for:

detecting the connection state of a running gear and clutch is provided, and the threshold value of the engine speed is changed according to the connection state of the running gear and clutch.

81. The road condition estimation apparatus according to claim 80, wherein:

an information signal indicative of the vibration or pressure change is converted into a digital signal and compressed on a tire, wheel or suspension side and transmitted to a car body side; and

the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

82. The apparatus according to claim 79, wherein:

an information signal indicative of the vibration or pressure change is converted into a digital signal and compressed on a tire, wheel or suspension side and transmitted to a car body side; and

the compressed signal is received and restored to its original state and its frequency is analyzed on the car body side.

83. An ABS brake control method comprising:

detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of a tire;

detecting a vibration level of a vibration spectrum or a pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change to estimate a road friction coefficient continuously; and

changing a threshold value of an oil pressure of a brake for shifting to ABS control according to the estimated value of road friction coefficient right before a driver steps on the brake.

84. The ABS brake control method according to claim 83, wherein:

a bandwidth of a frequency band for detecting the vibration level or pressure change level is 1 to 100% of that of a characteristic frequency range; and

the road friction coefficient is continuously estimated from data on the vibration level or pressure change level detected at one or a plurality of the frequency bands based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

85. An ABS brake control method comprising:

detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of a tire;

detecting a vibration level of a vibration spectrum, or a pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum, obtained by analyzing the frequency of the vibration or the pressure change to estimate a road friction coefficient continuously; and

adjusting a change in the oil pressure of an ABS brake according to the estimated value of road friction coefficient right before a driver steps on the brake.

86. The ABS brake control method according to claim 85, wherein:

a bandwidth of a frequency band for detecting the vibration level or pressure change level is 1 to 100% of that of a characteristic frequency range; and

the road friction coefficient is continuously estimated from data on the vibration level or pressure change level detected at one or a plurality of the frequency bands based on the following equation;

estimated value of road friction coefficient=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}]

wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i).

87. An ABS brake control apparatus comprising:

means for detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of a tire;

means for detecting a vibration level of a vibration spectrum or a pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of an information signal indicative of the detected vibration or the detected pressure change to calculate the estimated value of a road friction coefficient continuously as=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}], wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i);

means for detecting the ON/OFF state of a brake switch; and

means for changing a threshold value of an oil pressure of a brake for shifting to ABS control according to the estimated value of the road friction coefficient right before a driver steps on the brake.

88. A car control apparatus comprising the ABS brake control apparatus of claim 87.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the bandwidth of the frequency band is 1 to 100% of that of the frequency range.

90. An ABS control apparatus comprising:

means for detecting at least one of a tire vibration, a wheel vibration, a suspension vibration and a change in the inside pressure of a tire;

means for detecting a vibration level of a vibration spectrum or a pressure change level of a pressure change spectrum obtained by analyzing the frequency of an information signal indicative of the detected vibration or the detected pressure change to calculate the estimated value of a road friction coefficient continuously as=1/[1+exp{−

(a₀+a₁x₁+a₂x₂+ . . . +a_nx_n)}], wherein a₀ is a constant, a₁, a₂, . . . and a_n are coefficients and x_i is a vibration level or pressure change level at a frequency band (f_i);

means for detecting the ON/OFF state of a brake switch; and

means for adjusting a change in the oil pressure of an ABS brake according to the estimated value of the road friction coefficient right before a driver steps on the brake.

91. A car control apparatus comprising the ABS brake control apparatus of claim 90.