Vehicle and control procedure of a vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle (10), comprising:an emergency call unit (200) configured to generate an emergency rescue signal by detecting an emergency situation of the vehicle (10);a head unit (100a, 100b) configured to provide audio information to a user; and a main controller (300) configured to control at least one component included in the vehicle (10); wherein the main controller (300) is configured to store a vehicle identification number in advance, the head unit (100a, 100b) receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300), and the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), wherein the head unit (100a, 100b) transmits an information value indicating when the head unit (100a, 100b) performs wireless communication with an external device to the emergency call unit (200), characterized in that, if it is determined,that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), and wherein, if it is determined that the head unit (100a, 100b) is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and a control method of a vehicle. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Thanks to the development of communication technology, wireless communications are widely used in vehicles. In recent years, driver safety and comfort have increased, as a vehicle can connect to a remote server and exchange a wide range of information.

[0003] An emergency rescue signal (emergency call or e-Call) transmission function is one example of ensuring driver safety through the use of telecommunications. If a problem, accident, or crime occurs in the vehicle, an emergency rescue signal is automatically generated and then transmitted to an emergency call center, police station, or hospital. As a result, immediate action can be taken to address the vehicle's situation.

[0004] Conventionally, only one emergency call unit is installed in a vehicle to transmit an emergency rescue signal. Recently, a study has been conducted on additionally mounting a head unit in the vehicle, wherein the head unit is configured to provide a variety of multimedia or call services to a driver through communication with an external device, such as a portable terminal. The study revealed a problem that a communication error occurs due to a collision between the network specifications of the emergency call unit and the network specifications of the head unit for emergency rescue signal transmission.

[0005] The information contained in this Background of the Invention section is provided only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information constitutes prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. For the prior art, reference is made to US 2017 / 0 136 973 A1, US 2016 / 0 197 783 A1, and US 10 037 683 B1. SHORT SUMMARY

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a vehicle configured to operate a head unit and an emergency call unit without problems in the vehicle, and a control method thereof.

[0007] Further various aspects of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present invention.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle may include an emergency call unit configured to generate an emergency rescue signal by detecting a vehicle emergency situation, a head unit configured to provide audio information to a user, and a main controller configured to control at least one component included in the vehicle. The main controller stores a vehicle identification number in advance, the head unit receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller, and the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit.

[0009] The head unit may include an external head communication device configured to perform wireless communication with an external device.

[0010] The head unit transmits an information value indicating whether the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device to the emergency call unit.

[0011] If it is determined that the head unit is set up to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit, and if it is determined that the head unit is not set up to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller.

[0012] When the information value indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received, the emergency call unit can receive the vehicle identification number from the head unit, and when the information value indicating that the head unit is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received, the emergency call unit can receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller.

[0013] When the information value indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received within a predetermined period of time, the emergency call unit can receive the vehicle identification number from the head unit, and when the information value indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is not received for the predetermined period of time, the emergency call unit can receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller.

[0014] The head unit may store the received vehicle identification number, and when a vehicle identification number request signal is received from the emergency call unit, the head unit may transmit the stored vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit.

[0015] The emergency call unit can receive the vehicle identification number by monitoring a vehicle identification number transmitted from the main controller to the head unit.

[0016] The main controller may include a main memory in which the vehicle identification number is stored in advance and a main processor configured to control at least one component included in the vehicle.

[0017] The emergency call unit, the main controller and the head unit may each comprise an internal communication device configured to transmit and receive the vehicle identification number in the vehicle.

[0018] When the head unit is powered, the head unit can transmit an information value indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device to the emergency call unit.

[0019] A vehicle identification number stored in the emergency call unit and the head unit may be erased if the emergency call unit and the head unit are not supplied with power.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method of a vehicle including an emergency call unit configured to generate an emergency rescue signal by detecting an emergency situation of a vehicle, a head unit configured to provide audio information to a user, and a main controller configured to control at least one component included in the vehicle may include an operation in which the head unit receives a vehicle identification number stored in advance in the main controller from the main controller, and an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit.

[0021] The head unit can be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external device.

[0022] The control method further includes, prior to receiving the vehicle identification number from the main controller, an operation in which the head unit transmits to the emergency call unit an information value indicating whether the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device.

[0023] The reception of the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit includes an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit when it is determined that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, and an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller when it is determined that the head unit is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device.

[0024] The reception of the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit may include an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit when the information value is received indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, and an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller when the information value indicating that the head unit is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received.

[0025] The reception of the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit may include an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit when the information value indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received within a predetermined period of time, and an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller when the information value indicating that the head unit is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is not received for the predetermined period of time.

[0026] The control method may further include, prior to the emergency call unit receiving the vehicle identification number, an operation in which the head unit receives a vehicle identification number request signal from the emergency call unit, and an operation in which the head unit transmits the received vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit.

[0027] Receiving the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit may include an operation in which the emergency call unit receives the vehicle identification number by monitoring a vehicle identification number transmitted from the main controller to the head unit.

[0028] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or more particularly set forth in the accompanying drawings incorporated herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example exterior of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view illustrating an exemplary interior of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a control block diagram illustrating the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process for performing communication among components included in the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a view exemplifying an interior of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a control block diagram illustrating the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process for performing communication among components included in the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the above drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features intended to illustrate the principles of the disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the dedicated application and the operating environment.

[0029] In the figures, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) will be described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is / are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0031] In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description. Well-known functions or structures are not described in detail since they would obscure the one or more embodiments with unnecessary detail. Terms such as "unit," "module," "element / component," and "block" may be embodied in hardware or software. According to embodiments, a plurality of "unit," "module," "element / component," and "block" may be embodied as a single component, or a single "unit," "module," "element / component," and "block" may comprise a plurality of components.

[0032] It is understood that when an element is referred to as a “connected” other element, it may be connected to the other element directly or indirectly, where the indirect connection includes a “connection via a wireless communications network.”

[0033] In addition, where a section “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless otherwise described, the section may further comprise other elements without excluding the other elements.

[0034] When an element is "on top of" another / further element throughout the description, this includes not only when the element is in contact with the other element, but also when another element is between the two elements.

[0035] It is understood that while the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, they should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0036] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] An identification code is used to simplify the description but is not intended to illustrate the order of each step. Each step may be performed in a different order than that shown, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of an exterior of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a view illustrating an exemplary interior of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] With reference to Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle 10 may include a body 1 forming an exterior of the vehicle 10, vehicle wheels 51 and 52 that move the vehicle 10, a drive 60 that rotates the vehicle wheels 51 and 52, doors 71 and 72 that close the interior of the vehicle 10 from the outside, a windshield 31 that provides a driver inside the vehicle 10 with a view in front of the vehicle 10, and side mirrors 81 and 82 that provide the driver with a view of a rear side of the vehicle 10.

[0041] The vehicle wheels 51 and 52 may include a front wheel 51 mounted at a front of the vehicle 10 and a rear wheel 52 mounted at a rear of the vehicle 10, and the drive 60 may supply torque to the front wheel 51 and the rear wheel 52 so that the body 1 is moved forward and backward thereby. The drive 60 may use an internal combustion engine configured to generate torque by burning fossil fuel or an electric motor configured to generate torque by receiving power from a battery.

[0042] The doors 71 and 72 may be pivotally mounted on a right side and a left side of the body 1. When the doors 71 and 72 are open, a driver can enter the vehicle 10, and when the doors 71 and 72 are closed, the interior of the vehicle 10 can be locked from the outside.

[0043] The windshield 31 may be mounted on an upper portion of the front of the vehicle 10 to allow the driver within the vehicle 10 to obtain visual information regarding the front of the vehicle 10 and may be referred to as a “windshield.”

[0044] The side mirrors 81 and 82 may include a left side mirror 81 mounted on the left side of the body 1 and a right side mirror 82 mounted on the right side of the body 1, and may enable the driver inside the vehicle 10 to obtain visual information regarding the lateral side and rear of the vehicle 10.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 10 includes a head unit 100.

[0046] The head unit 100, which is embedded / built into or attached to a dashboard 32 of the vehicle, can be embodied as an audio-video-navigation (AVN) device. The AVN device is a device configured to integrally perform an audio function, a video function, and a navigation function. Furthermore, the AVN device can perform a call function as well as the above-mentioned functions.

[0047] An AVN display 101 and an AVN input 102 configured to provide the audio function, the video function, and the navigation function to a driver may be mounted on the AVN device. The AVN display 101 and the AVN input 102 mounted on the AVN device may be mounted on a center console 33 corresponding to the center portion of the instrument panel 32 of the vehicle 10, but their mounting is not limited thereto.

[0048] The AVN display 101 may selectively display at least one of an audio screen image, a video screen image, and a navigation screen image, and further display a plurality of control screens related to the vehicle 10 and a screen related to an additional function.

[0049] The AVN display 101 may be implemented by any of a variety of display devices, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED), plasma display panel (PDP), organic light emitting diode (OLED), and cathode ray tube (CRT).

[0050] The AVN input 102 may be provided as a fixed key in an area adjacent to the AVN display 101. If the AVN display 101 is implemented as a touch screen, the AVN input 102 may alternatively be provided as a touch panel on a front surface of the AVN display 101.

[0051] Furthermore, the head unit 100 may be implemented as an audio device that serves only as a vehicle audio device for playing music to a user or tuning a radio frequency. In this case, an audio device does not include a communication module configured to communicate with the outside, which is different from the AVN device.

[0052] A description of the head unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0053] A central jog shuttle input or input device 42 may be provided between a driver's seat 21 and a passenger seat 22. The user can input a control command of the AVN device by rotating or pressing the central input device 42 or by sliding the central input device 42 up, down, left, or right.

[0054] A steering wheel 34 may be mounted on the instrument panel 32 on the side of the driver's seat 21, and a start button 35 configured to turn an ignition of the vehicle 10 on / off may be mounted on an area adjacent to the steering wheel 34.

[0055] Fig. 3 shows a control block diagram illustrating the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process for performing communication among components included in the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] With reference to Fig. 3, the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a head unit 100a, an emergency call unit 201 and a main controller 300.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the head unit 100a of the vehicle 10 may be a device having an external head communication device 130a configured to perform wireless communication with an external device based on a unique identification value of the vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as vehicle identification number), and the head unit 110a may be the above-mentioned AVN device in connection with Fig. 2 correspond.

[0058] The head unit 100a may include a head controller 110a, an internal head communication device 120a, and an external head communication device 130a.

[0059] The head controller 110a is a component that controls overall components of the head unit 100a. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the head controller 100a can generate a control signal to control the internal head communication device 120a and the external head communication device 130a of the head unit 100a. Furthermore, the head controller 110a can receive a signal from the internal head communication device 120a and the external head communication device 130a.

[0060] The head controller 110a may be implemented using a memory that stores an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the head unit 100a and data related to programs implementing the algorithm, and a processor that performs the above-mentioned operation using the data stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be implemented on separate chips or a single chip.

[0061] The head controller 110a may control the internal head communication device 120a such that the internal head communication device 120a transmits an information value indicating that the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a to an emergency call unit 200.

[0062] For example, when the ignition of the vehicle 10 is turned on or when the head unit 100a is supplied with power, the head controller 110a may control the internal head communication device 120a so that the internal head communication device 120a transmits "1", which corresponds to a reference flag indicating that the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a, to the emergency call unit 200.

[0063] When the internal head communication device 120a receives a vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 of the vehicle 10, the head controller 110a may receive the vehicle identification number from the internal head communication device 120a and store the received vehicle identification number in memory. The vehicle identification number stored in the head controller 110a may be erased when the head controller 110a is not supplied with power.

[0064] The head controller 110a may control the internal head communication device 120a so that the internal head communication device 120a transmits the stored vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit 200.

[0065] Furthermore, the head controller 110a can transmit the stored vehicle identification number to the external head communication device 130a, and the head controller 110a can control the external head communication device 130a so that the external head communication device 130a transmits the stored vehicle identification number to the outside. The outside can correspond to a variety of devices / devices, such as an external server, another vehicle, or a portable terminal located outside the vehicle 10 and configured to perform wireless communication.

[0066] For example, when a user inputs a vehicle check command through an input device such as the AVN input 102 or the central input device 42, the head controller 110a may control the external head communication device 130a so that the external head communication device 130a transmits the vehicle identification number to the service center.

[0067] The head controller 110a may transmit a plurality of pieces of information contained in an external signal transmitted via the external head communication device 130a to the internal head communication device 120a, or the head controller 110a may process a plurality of pieces of external information contained in an external signal and then transmit the processed external information to the internal head communication device 120a. Furthermore, the head controller 110a may control the internal head communication device 120a so that the internal head communication device 120a transmits the external information to each component of the vehicle 10.

[0068] The internal head communication device 120a may receive a variety of internal information from components of the vehicle via an in-vehicle network and transmit the internal information to the head controller 110a, or the internal head communication device 120a may transmit control data generated based on a control signal of the head controller 100a to other components of the vehicle via the in-vehicle network.

[0069] For this purpose, the internal head-end communication device 120a may include one or more components configured to enable components of the vehicle 10 to communicate with each other. For example, the internal head-end communication device 120a may include a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication module for transmitting a signal to a component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus or receiving a signal from another component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus, or may use a communication method corresponding to an internal emergency communication device 220 and an internal main communication device 330.

[0070] The internal head communication device 120a may transmit an information value indicating that the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a to the emergency call unit 200 based on the control signal of the head controller 110a.

[0071] For example, the internal head communication device 120a may transmit to the emergency call unit 200 according to the reference flag “1”.

[0072] The internal head communication device 120a may receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 of the vehicle 10 and then transmit the received vehicle identification number to the head controller 110a.

[0073] The internal head communication device 120a may transmit the vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit 200 in response to the control signal of the head controller 110a.

[0074] The external head communication device 130a may receive a variety of external information from outside the vehicle 10 via the wireless communication network and transmit the external information to the head controller 110a, or the external head communication device 130 may transmit control data generated based on a control signal of the head controller 110a to the outside of the vehicle 10 via the wireless communication network.

[0075] The external head communication device 130a may include at least one component configured to wirelessly communicate with the outside. For example, the external head communication device 130a may include a near-field communication module and / or a wireless communication module.

[0076] The wireless communication module may include a wireless communication module that supports a variety of wireless communication methods, e.g., a WiFi module, a wireless broadband module, GSM (global system for mobile) communication, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0077] The short-range communication module may include a plurality of short-range communication modules configured to transmit and receive a signal using a wireless communication module in the short range, e.g., Bluetooth module, infrared communication module, radio frequency identification (RFID) communication module, WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network) communication module, NFC communication module, and ZigBee communication module.

[0078] The external head communication device 130a can transmit the vehicle identification number transmitted from the head controller 110a to the outside.

[0079] Furthermore, the external head communication device 130a can receive an external signal from outside and transmit the received signal to the head controller 110a.

[0080] The emergency call unit detects an emergency situation, such as a collision or rollover of the vehicle 10, and selects whether to deploy the airbag or generate an emergency rescue signal (emergency call or e-call). The emergency call unit 200 transmits the generated emergency rescue signal (emergency call or e-call) to an external organization, such as a medical center, an insurance company, or an emergency call center.

[0081] The emergency rescue signal may include a unique vehicle identification number assigned to the vehicle 10 to enable the vehicle 10 to be identified by the outside of the vehicle 10. Since the vehicle identification number is stored in the main controller 300, a process is required for the emergency call unit 200 to first acquire the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 when the emergency call unit 200 is turned on. However, like the emergency call unit 200, the head unit 100a configured to perform wireless communication with the outside may also perform wireless communication based on the vehicle identification number. Accordingly, the head unit 100a is required to acquire the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 when the head unit 100a is turned on.As a result, an error may occur due to a collision on the network between the emergency call unit 200 and the head unit 100a.

[0082] With reference to Fig. 4, in order to prevent the network collision error, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call unit 200 of the vehicle 10 needs to receive the vehicle identification number (VIN) not from the main controller 300 but from the head unit 100a.

[0083] With further reference to Fig. 3, the emergency call unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an emergency call controller 210, an internal emergency communication device 220, and an external emergency communication device 230.

[0084] The emergency call controller 210 may detect / identify the occurrence of an emergency situation by detecting a situation such as a collision or rollover of the vehicle 10 and may deploy an airbag when an emergency occurs.

[0085] For example, the vehicle 10 may be equipped with an airbag sensor configured to detect the movement of the vehicle 10 by measuring the acceleration of the vehicle 10. If, based on the detection result of the airbag sensor, it is determined that the movement of the vehicle 10 exceeds a predetermined value, the engine controller 210 may determine that an emergency situation, such as a collision or rollover of the vehicle 10, is occurring.

[0086] Furthermore, the emergency call controller 210 may control the external emergency communication device 230 such that the external emergency communication device 230 transmits the emergency rescue signal to the outside when an emergency occurs.

[0087] As mentioned above, the emergency rescue signal may include the vehicle identification number. For this purpose, the emergency call controller 210 may control the external emergency communication device 230 so that the external emergency communication device 230 transmits the vehicle identification number received from the head unit 100a via the internal emergency communication device 220 to an outside party, such as a medical center, an insurance company, or an emergency response center.

[0088] Furthermore, the emergency call controller 210 may store the vehicle identification number received from the head unit 100a via the internal emergency complication device 220 in a memory of the emergency call controller 210. The vehicle identification number stored in the memory of the emergency call controller 210 may be erased when no power is supplied to the emergency call unit 200.

[0089] As opposed to Fig. 2, the head unit 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention does not necessarily need to include the external head communication device 130a. In this case, the head unit 100 does not require the vehicle identification number, and thus the emergency call unit 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention can receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 instead of the head unit 100.

[0090] Accordingly, the emergency call unit 200 can determine whether the head unit 100 requires the vehicle identification number or not. To determine whether the head unit 100 requires the vehicle identification number, the emergency call unit 200 can receive an information value indicating whether the head unit 100 includes the external head communication device 130a.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call controller 200 may determine whether the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a based on the information value received via the internal emergency communication device 220, and if it is determined that the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a, the emergency call controller 210 may control the internal head communication device 120a such that the internal head communication device 120a receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit 100a.

[0092] For example, when the emergency call controller 210 receives "1" corresponding to the reference flag, the emergency call controller 210 can determine that the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a, and when the emergency call controller 210 receives "0" corresponding to the reference flag, the emergency call controller 210 can determine that the head unit 100 does not include the external head communication device 130a.

[0093] If the emergency call controller 210 does not receive the information value indicating whether the head unit 100 includes the external head communication device 130a from the head unit 100 for a predetermined period of time, the emergency call controller 210 may determine that the head unit 100 does not include the external head communication device 130a.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the emergency call controller 210 receives the information value indicating that the external head-mounted communication device 130a is included from the head unit 100, the emergency call controller 210 may control the internal emergency communication device 220 such that the internal emergency communication device 220 transmits a vehicle identification number request signal to the head unit 100a to receive the vehicle identification number from the head unit 100a. Alternatively, the emergency call controller 210 may directly obtain the vehicle identification number transmitted from the main controller 300 to the head unit 100a by monitoring a signal transmission and reception process between the head unit 100a and the main controller 300.

[0095] The emergency call controller 210 can be implemented using a memory that stores an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in the emergency call unit 200 and data related to programs implementing the algorithm, and a processor that performs the above-mentioned operation using the data stored in the memory. The memory and processor can be implemented on separate chips or a single chip.

[0096] The internal emergency communication device 220 may receive internal information from components of the vehicle 10 via an in-vehicle network and transmit the internal information to the emergency call controller 210, or the internal emergency communication device 220 may transmit control data generated based on a control signal of the emergency call controller 210 to other components of the vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network.

[0097] For this purpose, the internal emergency communication device 220 may include one or more components configured to enable components of the vehicle 10 to communicate with each other. For example, the internal emergency communication device 220 may include a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication module for transmitting a signal to a component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus or receiving a signal from another component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus, or may use a communication method corresponding to the internal head communication device 120a and an internal main communication device 330.

[0098] The internal emergency communication device 220 can receive the vehicle identification number from the head unit 100a.

[0099] To receive the vehicle identification number from the head unit 100a, the internal emergency communication device 220 may be on standby based on the control signal from the emergency controller 210 until the vehicle identification number is transmitted to the internal emergency communication device 220. Alternatively, the internal emergency communication device 220 may directly receive the vehicle identification number transmitted to the head unit 100a from the main controller 300 by monitoring a signal transmission and reception process between the head unit 100a and the main controller 300.

[0100] The internal emergency communication device 220 may receive an information signal indicating whether the head unit 100 includes the external head communication device 130a.

[0101] The external emergency communication device 230 may receive external information from outside the vehicle 10 via the wireless communication network and transmit the external information to the emergency call controller 210, or the external emergency communication device 230 may transmit control data generated based on a control signal of the emergency call controller 210 to the outside of the vehicle via the wireless communication network.

[0102] The external emergency communication device 230 may include at least one component configured to wirelessly communicate with the outside. For example, the external emergency communication device 230 may include a short-range communication module and / or a wireless communication module. The external emergency communication device 230 may be separate from the external head-mounted communication device 130a of the head unit 100a and use a communication method that is the same as or different from the external head-mounted communication device 130a.

[0103] The wireless communication module may include a wireless communication module that supports a variety of wireless communication methods, e.g., a WiFi module, a wireless broadband module, GSM (global system for mobile) communication, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0104] The short-range communication module may include a plurality of short-range communication modules configured to transmit and receive a signal using a wireless communication module in the short range, e.g., Bluetooth module, infrared communication module, radio frequency identification (RFID) communication module, WLAN (Wireless Local Access Network) communication module, NFC communication module, and ZigBee communication module.

[0105] When the emergency situation occurs, the external emergency communication device 230 may transmit the vehicle identification number to the outside in response to the control signal of the emergency call controller 210.

[0106] The external emergency communication device 230 can receive an external signal from the outside thereof and transmit the received external signal to the emergency call controller 210.

[0107] The external signal transmitted and received by the external emergency communication device 230 may include a plurality of radio signals for emergency rescue of the vehicle 10 or the passengers in the vehicle 10.

[0108] The main control may be implemented by an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to control / regulate operation of the drive system, the powertrain, the propulsion device, the steering system, the braking system, the suspension system, the transmission device, the fuel system, the plurality of safety devices, and the plurality of sensors of the vehicle 10.

[0109] Main controller 300 may be implemented using a memory that stores an algorithm for controlling the operation of components in main controller 300 and data related to programs implementing the algorithm, and a processor 310 that performs the above-mentioned operation using the data stored in the memory. Memory 320 and processor 310 may be implemented on separate chips or a single chip.

[0110] The main controller 300, the head controller 110a of the head unit 100a, and the emergency call controller 210 of the emergency call unit 200 may be implemented as a separate hardware component or a software component provided as a hardware component and performing each function.

[0111] The main controller 300 may include an internal main communication device 330 that transmits and receives internal information with other components in the vehicle 10.

[0112] The main processor 310 is a component that controls overall components of the main controller 300. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main processor 310 may generate a control signal to control the main internal communication device 330 based on the vehicle identification number pre-stored in the main memory 320. Furthermore, the main processor 310 may receive an internal signal from the main internal communication device 330.

[0113] Upon receiving the vehicle identification number request signal from the head unit 100a, the main processor 310 may control the main internal communication device 330 such that the main internal communication device 330 transmits the vehicle identification number stored in the main memory 320 to the head unit 100a.

[0114] Main memory 320 stores the vehicle identification number in advance, and the vehicle identification number represents a value inherently assigned to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the vehicle identification number may be a value stored in advance during the manufacturing process of the vehicle 10 or the repair process.

[0115] The vehicle identification number stored in the main memory 320 does not necessarily need to be erased even if the main controller 300 is not supplied with power.

[0116] The main memory 320 may be implemented using at least one of a non-volatile memory element, e.g., a cache, a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), and a flash memory, a volatile memory element, e.g., a random access memory (RAM), or a storage medium, e.g., a hard disk drive (HDD) and a CD-ROM. The implementation of the memory is not limited to this.

[0117] The main internal communication device 330 may receive a variety of internal information from components of the vehicle via an in-vehicle network and transmit the internal information to the main processor 310, or the main internal communication device 330 may transmit control data generated based on a control signal of the main processor 310 to other components of the vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network.

[0118] For this purpose, the internal main communication device 330 may include one or more components configured to enable components of the vehicle 10 to communicate with each other. For example, the internal main communication device 330 may include a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication module for transmitting a signal to a component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus or receiving a signal from another component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus, or may use a communication method corresponding to the internal head communication device 120a and the internal emergency communication device 220.

[0119] The main internal communication device 330 may receive the vehicle identification number request signal from the head unit 100a and transmit the vehicle identification number to the head unit 100a based on the control signal of the main processor 310.

[0120] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 10 does not necessarily need to include the external head-mounted communication device 130a, and in the present case, the emergency call unit 200 does not need to receive the vehicle identification number from the head-mounted unit 100.

[0121] Fig. Fig. 5 is a view exemplifying an interior of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 6 is a control block diagram illustrating the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a process for performing communication among components included in the vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the head unit 100b of the vehicle 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention, unlike the head unit 100a of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, does not necessarily have to include an external head communication device 130a. For example, the head unit 100b may be used as the above-mentioned audio device with respect to Fig. 2 must be realized.

[0123] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the head unit 100b may include a head controller 110b and an internal head communication device 120b.

[0124] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the head controller 110b may generate a control signal to control the internal head communication device 120b in the same manner as the head controller 110a according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the head controller 110b may control the internal head communication device 120b such that the internal head communication device 120b transmits an information value indicating that the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130a to the emergency call unit 200.

[0126] For example, when the ignition of the vehicle 10 is turned on or when power is supplied to the head unit 100b, the head controller 110b may control the internal head communication device 120b such that the internal head communication device 120b transmits to the emergency call unit 200 according to a reference flag “0” indicating that the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130b.

[0127] Since the head controller 110b does not require the vehicle identification number according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is not absolutely necessary for the head controller 110b to control the internal head communication device 120b so that the internal head communication device 120b transmits the vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit 200.

[0128] A description regarding the head controller 110b according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the head controller 110a according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0129] The internal head communication device 120b may receive information from components of the vehicle 10 via an in-vehicle network and transmit the internal information to the head controller 110b, or the internal head communication device 120b may transmit control data based on a control signal from the head controller 110b to other components of the vehicle 10 via the in-vehicle network.

[0130] For this purpose, the internal head-end communication device 120b may include one or more components configured to enable components of the vehicle 10 to communicate with each other. For example, the internal head-end communication device 120b may include a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication module for transmitting or receiving a signal to or from another component in the vehicle 10 via the CAN bus.

[0131] The internal head communication device 120b may transmit an information value indicating that the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130b to an emergency call unit 200 based on the control signal of the head controller 110b.

[0132] For example, the internal head communication device 120b may transmit “0” corresponding to the reference flag to the emergency call unit 200.

[0133] Since the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130b, the head controller 110b does not necessarily need to transmit the reference flag even though the ignition of the vehicle 10 is turned on or the head unit 100b is supplied with power.

[0134] Since the head unit 100b does not require the vehicle identification number according to another embodiment of the present invention, the internal head communication device 120b according to another embodiment of the present invention does not need to receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300, unlike the internal head communication device 120a according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] A description regarding the internal head communication device 120b according to the other embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the internal head communication device 120a according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0136] With reference to Fig. 7, the head unit 100b of the vehicle 10 according to the other embodiment of the present invention does not require the vehicle identification number and therefore requests the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300. Accordingly, a network collision error between the head unit 100b and the emergency call unit 200 cannot occur.

[0137] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call unit may directly receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller.

[0138] With further reference to Fig. 6, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call controller 210 of the emergency call unit 200 may control the external emergency communication device 230 such that the external emergency communication device 230 transmits the vehicle identification number received from the main controller 300 via the internal emergency communication device 220 to an outside such as a medical center, an insurance company, or an emergency center.

[0139] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the emergency call controller 210 may store the vehicle identification number received from the main controller 300 via the internal emergency communication device 220 in a memory of the emergency call controller 210. The vehicle identification number stored in the memory of the emergency call controller 210 may be erased when the emergency call unit 200 is not supplied with power.

[0140] As mentioned above, the emergency call controller 210 may determine whether the head unit 100 includes the external head communication device 130a based on the information received via the internal emergency communication device 220, and if it is determined that the head unit 100 does not include the external head communication device 130a, the emergency call controller 210 may control the external emergency communication device 230 such that the external emergency communication device 230 receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300.

[0141] For example, when the emergency call controller receives “0” corresponding to the reference flag, the emergency call controller 210 may determine that the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130a.

[0142] If the emergency call controller 210 does not receive the information value indicating whether the head unit 100b includes the external head communication device 130a from the head unit 100b for a predetermined period of time, the emergency call controller 210 may determine that the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130a.

[0143] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the emergency call controller 210 receives the information value indicating that the external head-unit communication device 130a is excluded from the head unit 100b, or when the emergency call controller 210 does not receive the information value for the predetermined period of time, the emergency call controller 210 may control the internal emergency communication device 220 such that the internal emergency communication device 220 transmits a vehicle identification number request signal to the main controller to receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300.

[0144] A description regarding the emergency call controller 210 according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the emergency call controller according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0145] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the internal emergency communication device 220 may transmit the vehicle identification number request signal to the main controller 300 in response to the control signal of the emergency call controller 210 and receive the vehicle identification number.

[0146] A description regarding the internal emergency communication device 220 and the external emergency communication device 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the internal emergency communication device 220 and the external emergency communication device 230 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0147] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the main processor 310 of the main controller 300 receives the vehicle identification number request signal from the emergency call unit 200, the main processor 310 may control the main internal communication device 330 such that the main internal communication device 330 transmits the vehicle identification number stored in the main memory 320 to the emergency call unit 200.

[0148] A description regarding the main controller 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the main controller 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description will be omitted.

[0149] At least one component can be added or deleted that affects the performance of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 6. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the relative position of the components may be changed according to the performance or structure of the system.

[0150] Meanwhile, some of the Fig. 3 and Fig. The components shown in Figure 6 may be software and / or hardware components such as Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

[0151] Hereinafter, a control method of the vehicle 10 according to one embodiment and a control method of the vehicle 10 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described.

[0152] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] According to an embodiment of the present invention, first, when the head unit 100a, the emergency call unit 200, and the main controller 300 of the vehicle are supplied with power, the emergency call unit 200 may be in standby until an information value indicating that the head unit 100a includes the external head communication device 130a is received from the head unit 100a (1111).

[0154] Subsequently, when the emergency call unit 200 receives the reference flag “1” corresponding to the information value from the head unit 100a (1112), the emergency call unit 200 may be in the standby state to receive the vehicle identification number from the head unit 100a.

[0155] The head unit 100a, which is supplied with power, can transmit the reference flag “1” to the emergency call unit 200 and transmit the vehicle identification number request signal to the main controller 300 (1113).

[0156] The head unit 100a may receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 (1114) and store the received vehicle identification number therein (1115).

[0157] The head unit 100a may transmit the stored vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit 200 (1116) and the emergency call unit 200 may receive and store the vehicle identification number therein (1117).

[0158] According to the embodiment described above, the emergency call unit 200 receives the vehicle identification number directly from the head unit 100a. Alternatively, the emergency call unit 200 may additionally obtain the vehicle identification number transmitted from the main controller 300 to the head unit 100a by monitoring a process in which the vehicle identification number is transmitted from the main controller 300 to the head unit 100a.

[0159] According to another in Fig.9, since the head unit 100b of the vehicle 10 does not include the external head communication device 130a, the emergency call unit 200 may be on standby to receive an information value indicating that the head unit 100b does not include the external head communication device 130a from the head unit 100b when the head unit 100b, the emergency call unit 200, and the main controller 300 of the vehicle 10 are supplied with power (1211).

[0160] Subsequently, when the emergency call unit 200 receives the reference flag “0” corresponding to the information value from the head unit 100b (1212), or when the emergency call unit 200 does not receive the information value for the predetermined period of time, the emergency call unit 200 may transmit the vehicle identification number request signal to the main controller 300 (1213).

[0161] The head unit 100b may receive the vehicle identification number from the main controller 300 (1214) and store the received vehicle identification number therein (1215).

[0162] As can be seen from the above description, according to the control device, the vehicle and the control method of the vehicle, the head unit and the emergency call unit can smoothly perform the communication with the external device and check the vehicle without the network error.

[0163] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code and, when executed by a processor, may generate a program module to perform the operations of the encompassed embodiments. The recording medium may be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0164] Computer-readable recording media includes all types of recording media that store instructions that can be decoded by a computer. For example, there may be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0165] For ease of explanation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "upward", "downward", "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "front", "backward", "rearward", "inside", "outside", "inward", "outward", "internal", "external", "forward" and "backward" are used to describe features of the embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as illustrated in the figures.

[0166] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application in order to enable others skilled in the art to make and use various embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the present invention be determined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (10), comprising: an emergency call unit (200) configured to generate an emergency rescue signal by detecting an emergency situation of the vehicle (10); a head unit (100a, 100b) configured to provide audio information to a user; and a main controller (300) configured to control at least one component contained in the vehicle (10); wherein the main controller (300) is arranged to store a vehicle identification number in advance, the head unit (100a, 100b) receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300), and the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), wherein the head unit (100a, 100b) transmits an information value indicating when the head unit (100a, 100b) is to perform wireless communication with an external device to the emergency call unit (200), characterized by that, when it is determined that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), and wherein, when it is determined that the head unit (100a, 100b) is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300). [2] The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the head unit (100a, 100b) comprises an external head communication device (130a) configured to perform wireless communication with an external device. [3] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein, when the information value is received indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), and wherein, when the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300). [4] Vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein, if the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received within a predetermined period of time, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), and wherein, when the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is not received for the predetermined period of time, the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300). [5] The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the head unit (100a, 100b) stores the received vehicle identification number and, when a vehicle identification number request signal is received from the emergency call unit (200), the head unit (100a, 100b) transmits the stored vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit (200). [6] The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the emergency call unit (200) receives the vehicle identification number by monitoring the vehicle identification number transmitted from the main controller (300) to the head unit (100a, 100b). [7] The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the main controller (300) comprises a main memory (320) in which the vehicle identification number is stored in advance, and a main processor (310) configured to control at least one component included in the vehicle (10). [8] The vehicle (10) of claim 1, wherein the emergency call unit (200), the main controller (300) and the head unit (100a, 100b) each comprise an internal communication device (120a, 330) configured to transmit and receive the vehicle identification number in the vehicle (10). [9] The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein, when the head unit (100a, 100b) is supplied with power, the head unit (100a, 100b) transmits the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device to the emergency call unit (200). [10] The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle identification number stored in the emergency call unit (200) and the head unit (100a, 100b) is erased when the emergency call unit (200) and the head unit (100a, 100b) are not supplied with power. [11] A control method of a vehicle (10), comprising an emergency call unit (200) configured to generate an emergency rescue signal by detecting an emergency situation of the vehicle (10); a head unit (100a, 100b) configured to provide audio information to a user; and a main controller (300) configured to control at least one component included in the vehicle (10), the control method comprising: Transmitting an information value by the head unit (100a, 100b) indicating when the head unit (100a, 100b) performs wireless communication with an external device to the emergency call unit (200); Receiving, by the head unit (100a, 100b), a vehicle identification number stored in advance in the main controller (300) from the main controller (300); and Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b), characterized by that receiving the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit (200) comprises: Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b) when it is determined that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device, and Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300) when it is determined that the head unit (100a, 100b) is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device. [12] The control method according to claim 11, wherein the head unit (100a, 100b) is arranged to perform the wireless communication with an external device. [13] The control method according to claim 11, wherein receiving the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit (200) comprises: Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b) when the information value is received indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device; and Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300) when the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is not configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received. [14] The control method according to claim 11, wherein receiving the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit (200) comprises: Receiving, by the emergency call unit (200), the vehicle identification number from the head unit (100a, 100b) when the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is received within a predetermined period of time; and Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number from the main controller (300) when the information value indicating that the head unit (100a, 100b) is configured to perform wireless communication with an external device is not received for the predetermined period of time. [15] The control method of claim 11, further comprising: before receiving the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit (200), receiving by the head unit (100a, 100b) a vehicle identification number request signal from the emergency call unit (200); and Transmission by the head unit (100a, 100b) of the received vehicle identification number to the emergency call unit (200). [16] The control method according to claim 11, wherein receiving the vehicle identification number by the emergency call unit (200) comprises: Receiving by the emergency call unit (200) the vehicle identification number by monitoring the vehicle identification number transmitted from the main controller (300) to the head unit (100a, 100b).

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