US Patent 7744501 Automatic vehicle stop control method

A stop control method which is intended for a heat engine of a vehicle that is equipped with a reversible electric machine. According to the invention, a decision is made to stop the heat engine as a function of: (i) steady conditions which are essentially stable prior to a stopping phase; and (ii) variable conditions which can change following a positive test on the steady conditions and prior to a stopping phase, said steady conditions being tested prior to the variable conditions. The invention is suitable for motor vehicles.