Power controller for vehicle, system including the power controller for vehicle, and power control method for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a power controller of a vehicle, a system including the power controller of the vehicle, and a power control method of the vehicle. The power controller of the vehicle includes: a processor, which switches the power supply of the vehicle based on whether a user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs. The processor determines whether a user is riding in the vehicle based on whether a smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed, or whether the user is sitting in a seat.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0110982 filed on September 6, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle power controller, a system including the vehicle power controller, and a vehicle power control method, and more particularly to a vehicle power controller, system, and method capable of switching the power supply of the vehicle without a start button. Background Art

[0004] Typically, a vehicle's smart key system enables a user to unlock the vehicle's doors and start the vehicle's engine without using a physical key or remote control buttons.

[0005] After the vehicle's low frequency (LF) antenna is driven, the smart key system sends an LF signal to the authentication key (fob key). After receiving the LF signal, the authentication key (fob key) automatically sends a radio frequency (RF) signal. The smart key module authenticates the authentication key through the RF antenna and unlocks the vehicle's doors or switches the vehicle's power to start the engine.

[0006] The power sources of a typical vehicle include BATT, IGN1, IGN2, ACC, and START. The properties of these power sources are determined by the ignition key switch of the ignition key specification or the start button switch of the start button specification. In other words, the conventional smart key system can determine the start button and brake input commands, and can control to switch the power state. Summary of the invention

[0007] An aspect of the present invention provides a power controller of a vehicle for switching a power source of the vehicle based on whether a user rides on the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a power controller of a vehicle may include: a processor and a storage device, wherein the processor switches the power supply of the vehicle based on whether the user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs (one or more); and the storage device stores information for authenticating a smart key inside the vehicle. The processor may determine whether the user is riding in the vehicle based on whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, whether the door of the vehicle is opened or closed, or whether the user is sitting on a seat (one or more).

[0009] In an implementation scheme, in the vehicle's power-off position, when a door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the processor can switch the vehicle's power supply from the vehicle's power-off position to the vehicle's power-on position.

[0010] In an embodiment, in the power-on position of the vehicle, the processor may determine whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time.

[0011] In an embodiment, in the power-on position of the vehicle, when the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, the processor can switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

[0012] In an embodiment, in the power-on position of the vehicle, when a predetermined time has passed after the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle and a brake input occurs, the processor may retry to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle.

[0013] In an embodiment, when the result of retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is that the authentication is successful, the processor can switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

[0014] In an embodiment, when the result of retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is authentication failure, the processor may output a warning based on attempting to start the vehicle without the smart key.

[0015] In an embodiment, in the vehicle's power-off position, when a door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the processor can switch the vehicle's power from the vehicle's power-off position to the accessory power (ACC) position.

[0016] In an embodiment, in the ACC position, the processor may determine whether a user is sitting in the driver's seat, and when the user is sitting in the driver's seat, the processor may switch the power of the vehicle from the ACC position to the ignition (IGN) position.

[0017] In an embodiment, in the IGN position, when the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, the processor may switch the power supply of the vehicle from the IGN position to a drivable position of the vehicle.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle system may include: a smart key and a power controller of the vehicle, the smart key communicating with the vehicle; the power controller of the vehicle communicating with the smart key and switching the power supply of the vehicle based on whether the user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs (one or more of the above). The power controller of the vehicle may determine whether the user is riding in the vehicle based on whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, whether the door of the vehicle is opened or closed, or whether the user is sitting in a seat (one or more of the above).

[0019] In an embodiment, the vehicle system may further include: a door switch and a seat sensor, wherein the door switch is turned on or off according to whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed; and the seat sensor senses whether a user is sitting on a seat of the vehicle.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle power control method may include: determining whether a user is riding in the vehicle based on whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed or whether the user is sitting on a seat; authenticating a smart key present inside the vehicle; and switching the power supply of the vehicle based on whether the user is riding in the vehicle or whether a braking input (one or more of the above) occurs.

[0021] In an embodiment, determining whether a user is riding in a vehicle may include: in the vehicle's power-off position, when a door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, determining that the user is riding in the vehicle.

[0022] In an embodiment, switching the power source of the vehicle may include: when it is determined that the user is riding in the vehicle, switching from a power-off position of the vehicle to a power-on position of the vehicle.

[0023] In an embodiment, switching the power source of the vehicle may include: in a power-on position of the vehicle, determining whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time.

[0024] In an embodiment, switching the power of the vehicle may further include: in the power-on position of the vehicle, when the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, switching the power of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

[0025] In an embodiment, switching the power supply of the vehicle may further include: in the power-on position of the vehicle, when a predetermined time has passed after the smart key has been successfully authenticated inside the vehicle and a brake input occurs, retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle; when the result of the retry to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is a successful authentication, switching the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

[0026] In an embodiment, switching the power source of the vehicle may further include: when a result of retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is an authentication failure, outputting a warning according to attempting to start the vehicle without the smart key. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle system including a power controller of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a power controller for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing that a power controller of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention performs power switching control according to a condition in which a driver rides in the vehicle;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing that a power controller of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention performs power switching control according to a sensed condition that a driver sits on a driver's seat;

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a power control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats, ships, aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum energy sources). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources of power, such as both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0035] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly states otherwise. It will also be understood that when the terms "including" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it is indicated that the features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements and / or components exist, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerical values, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups are not excluded. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the term "including" and variations such as "including" or "including" should be understood to imply the inclusion of the elements but do not exclude any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit", "device", "component" and "module" described in the specification represent units for performing at least one function and operation, and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and their combinations.

[0036] In addition, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as a non-transitory computer readable medium in a computer readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, etc. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed on a network-connected computer system so that the computer readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner, for example, through a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0037] Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each of the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that even if the same or equivalent components are shown on other drawings, they are also represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

[0038] When describing components according to embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and these terms do not limit the nature, order or sequence of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. These terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meanings as the contextual meanings of the relevant fields, and should not be interpreted as having idealized or overly formal meanings, unless explicitly defined in this application as having such meanings.

[0039] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a configuration that is capable of determining whether a user is riding in a vehicle without a vehicle start button by using at least one or more of whether a smart key is authenticated inside a vehicle or whether a door of the vehicle is opened; and automatically switching the power of the vehicle by using at least one or more of the results of determining whether a user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs (when a smart key is present inside the vehicle, whether the smart key is successfully authenticated and is the smart key of an authorized user).

[0040] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 6 Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail.

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle system including a power controller of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary configuration of a power controller for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle system may include: a vehicle power controller 100, a door switch 210, a seat sensor 220, a shift-by-wire (SBW) device 230, a power relay 240, a door handle antenna 310 and a low-frequency antenna 320.

[0043] The power controller 100 of the vehicle can determine whether the user is riding in the vehicle regardless of the start button signal based on whether the door of the vehicle is opened or closed or whether the user is sitting in the seat, and can use at least one or more of the results of determining whether the user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs to control the switching of the power supply of the vehicle. When the user is riding in the vehicle, the power controller 100 of the vehicle can switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-off position to the power-on position. When a brake input occurs, the power controller 100 of the vehicle can determine that the user wants to drive the vehicle, and can switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position to the drivable position. In addition, whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle may include: the result of authenticating whether the smart key present inside the vehicle corresponds to the smart key previously registered by the user.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gear for switching the power supply of the vehicle can be divided into a power-off gear, a power-on gear, or a drivable gear (EV ready gear). The gear for switching the power supply of the vehicle can further include a battery + (B+) gear. B+ is constant power and refers to a power supply that is independent of the position of the ignition key. For example, a device that is independent of whether the position of the ignition key is inside the vehicle when working corresponds to a power condition of B+.

[0045] The power-off position may be a state in which all power sources of the vehicle are disconnected. The power-on position may include ignition 1 (IGN1), ignition 2 (IGN2) and accessory power connection (ACC).

[0046] IGN1 refers to the power conditions required for starting and driving. For example, IGN1 corresponds to the power conditions for operating the engine, automatic transmission, brakes, etc. In addition, IGN2 refers to the power conditions of each auxiliary device required to drive the vehicle. For example, IGN2 corresponds to the power conditions of wipers, air conditioning equipment, sunroof, etc. In addition, ACC refers to the power conditions of each device embedded for the convenience of passengers. For example, ACC corresponds to the power conditions of audio, cigarette lighter, etc.

[0047] In addition, the drivable gear (EV ready gear) is an electric gear for starting the vehicle, and refers to an EV ready gear (drivable state).

[0048] To this end, the power controller 100 of the vehicle may include a communicator 110 , a storage device 120 , a display 130 , and a processor 140 .

[0049] The communicator 110 may be a hardware device implemented using various electronic circuits to send and receive signals through wireless or wired connections. In an embodiment of the present invention, the communicator 110 may perform in-vehicle communication through a controller area network (CAN) communication, a local interconnect network (LIN) communication, an Ethernet communication, etc., and may include various communication units, such as a mobile communication unit for communicating with a cloud server or the like outside the vehicle, a broadcast receiving unit such as a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) module or a handheld digital video broadcasting (DVB-H) module, a short-range communication unit such as a ZigBee module or a near field communication (NFC) module as a Bluetooth module, and a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) unit.

[0050] The storage device 120 may store information for authenticating the smart key, etc. The storage device 120 may include at least one type of storage medium, such as a flash memory, a hard disk memory, a micro memory, a card memory (such as a secure digital (SD) card or an extreme digital (XD) card), a random access memory (RAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a magnetic RAM (MRAM), a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0051] The display 130 can be controlled by the processor 140 to output a warning message and a warning sound about trying to start the vehicle without a smart key inside the vehicle. The display 130 can be implemented as a head-up display (HUD), a combined instrument panel, an audio video navigation (AVN) device, etc. In addition, the display 130 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor LCD (TFT-LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, an active matrix OLED (AMOLED) display, a flexible display, a curved display, and / or a three-dimensional (3D) display. Some of them can be implemented as a transparent display, which is configured as a transparent type or a translucent type to view the outside. In addition, the display 130 can be implemented as a touch screen including a touch panel, which is used as an input device in addition to being used as an output device.

[0052] The processor 140 may be electrically connected to the communicator 110, the storage device 120, the display 130, etc., and may electrically control each component. The processor 140 may be a circuit that executes software instructions and may perform various data processing and calculations described below.

[0053] The processor 140 can determine whether the user is riding in the vehicle based on whether the vehicle door is opened or closed or whether the user is sitting in the seat, and can use at least one or more of the results of determining whether the user is riding in the vehicle or whether a braking input occurs to control switching of the vehicle's power.

[0054] When the vehicle's power switching position is divided into a power-off position, a power-on position or a drivable position (EV ready position), in the vehicle's power-off position, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the processor 140 can switch the vehicle's power from the vehicle's power-off position to the vehicle's power-on position.

[0055] In the power-on position of the vehicle, the processor 140 may determine whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time.

[0056] In the power-on position of the vehicle, when the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, the processor 140 may switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

[0057] In the power-on position of the vehicle, when a predetermined time has passed after the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle and a brake input occurs, the processor 140 may retry to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle. When the result of the retry to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is successful, the processor 140 may switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

[0058] Meanwhile, when the result of retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is authentication failure, the processor 140 can output a warning according to trying to start the vehicle without the smart key. In this case, the processor 140 can output a warning statement or a warning sound through the display 130.

[0059] When the vehicle's power switching gear is divided into a power-off gear, an ACC gear, an IGN gear or a drivable gear (EV ready gear), in the vehicle's power-off gear, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the processor 140 can switch the vehicle's power from the vehicle's power-off gear to the ACC gear.

[0060] In the ACC gear, the processor 140 can determine whether the user is sitting in the driver's seat. When the user is sitting in the driver's seat, the processor 140 can switch from the ACC gear to the IGN gear.

[0061] In the IGN position, when the smart key is authenticated in the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, the processor 140 may switch the power supply of the vehicle from the IGN position to a drivable position of the vehicle.

[0062] refer to Figure 2 The processor 140 may include: an integrated control unit (ICU) 131, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 132 and an integrated body unit (IBU) 133.

[0063] The ICU 131 may be a device for controlling the ignition of the vehicle, and may receive signals from the door switch 210 and the seat sensor 220 , and may also transmit the received signals to the IBU 133 through body-controller area network (B-CAN) communication.

[0064] The VCU 132 may be a module for driving actuators based on information input from various sensors of the EV and controlling to perform stable driving, and may communicate with the IBU 133 through a powertrain-controller area network (PT-CAN).

[0065] The IBU 133 may determine the condition of the driver riding in the vehicle, and may control to switch the power supply of the vehicle. In this case, the IBU 133 may determine the condition of the driver riding in the vehicle using at least one or more of the vehicle's door switch input, the vehicle's brake switch input, whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, and / or the shift position condition. In this case, when the switching position of the vehicle's power supply is divided into a power-on position, a power-off position, or a drivable position (EV-ready position), the IBU 133 may sequentially switch to the power-on position, the power-off position, and the drivable position (EV-ready position) according to the condition of the driver riding in the vehicle.

[0066] Furthermore, the IBU 133 may perform authentication through transmission and reception with the smart key 10 .

[0067] The door switch 210 may detect the opening of each door of the vehicle and may provide the detected information to the power controller 100 of the vehicle.

[0068] The seat sensor 220 may be provided in the driver's seat and may detect that a user sits on the driver's seat and may also provide the detected information to the power controller 100 of the vehicle.

[0069] The shift-by-wire (SBW) device 230 may be an electronic transmission, and may provide information regarding a shift range change to the IBU 133 .

[0070] The power relay 240 may be controlled by the IBU 133 to output power (ACC, ING1 or ING2) or starting power for traveling.

[0071] The door handle antenna 310 may be a smart key antenna and may be disposed at Figure 2 Each of a left door handle 311 and a right door handle 312 of a vehicle is shown.

[0072] The low frequency antenna 320 may be a smart key antenna, and may include at least one or more low frequency antennas 322 to 324 .

[0073] The smart key 10 may perform low frequency / radio frequency (LF / RF) communication with the IBU 133 , and may transmit and receive authentication information.

[0074] In this way, an embodiment of the present invention can use at least one or more of the situation where a user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs to control switching of the vehicle's power supply in a vehicle without a start button, thereby increasing user convenience and saving costs.

[0075] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing power switching control of a power controller of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention according to a condition in which a driver rides in the vehicle.

[0076] exist Figure 3 In the implementation plan, the following situation is taken as an example: the power supply of the vehicle is switched from the power-off position to the power-on position, and from the power-on position to the EV ready position (drivable state).

[0077] First, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, Figure 1 The vehicle power controller 100 in the vehicle can switch the power of the vehicle from the power-off position to the power-on position. In other words, when the user sits in the driver's seat and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when the user sits in a seat other than the driver's seat and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the vehicle power controller 100 can switch the power of the vehicle to the power-on position.

[0078] When a brake input occurs while the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the power controller 100 of the vehicle may switch the power of the vehicle from the power-on position to the EV-ready position. In addition, when the smart key is not authenticated inside the vehicle, or when a brake input occurs after 30 seconds have passed since the smart key was authenticated, the power controller 100 of the vehicle may try to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle again. When the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the power controller 100 of the vehicle may switch the power of the vehicle from the power-on position to the EV-ready position.

[0079] Meanwhile, when a brake input occurs in the power-off state, the vehicle's power controller 100 may try to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle again. When the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the vehicle's power controller 100 may skip the power-on position to immediately switch from the power-off position to the EV ready position.

[0080] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram showing that a power controller of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention performs power switching control according to a sensed condition that a driver sits on a driver's seat.

[0081] exist Figure 4 In the implementation plan, the following situation is taken as an example: the vehicle's power is switched from the power-off position to the ACC position, from the ACC position to the IGN position, and from the IGN position to the EV ready position (drivable state).

[0082] In this case, the ACC position refers to the power condition of each device embedded for the convenience of passengers. For example, ACC corresponds to the power condition of audio, cigarette lighter, etc. In addition, IGN refers to the power condition for starting the vehicle. The IGN position refers to the power condition required for starting and driving or the power condition of each auxiliary device required for driving the vehicle (for example, air conditioning equipment, etc.).

[0083] refer to Figure 4 First, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, Figure 1 The power controller 100 of the vehicle can switch the power supply of the vehicle from the power-off position to the ACC position.

[0084] When the power source of the vehicle is ACC, the power controller 100 of the vehicle can detect whether the user is sitting in the driver's seat. When the user is sitting in the driver's seat, the power controller 100 of the vehicle can switch the power source of the vehicle from the ACC gear to the IGN gear. In this case, when the user is not sitting in the driver's seat, the power controller 100 of the vehicle can maintain the ACC gear. In other words, the power controller 100 of the vehicle can determine whether the user is sitting in the driver's seat, and when the door is opened and then the user sits in the driver's seat, the power source of the vehicle can be switched to the IGN gear to use the air conditioning equipment, etc.

[0085] When a brake input occurs in a state where the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the power controller 100 of the vehicle may switch the power supply of the vehicle from the IGN position to the EV ready position.

[0086] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 5 A power control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power control method of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] In the following, it is assumed Figure 1 The vehicle power controller 100 performs Figure 5 In addition, Figure 5 In the description, the operations described as being performed by the device may be understood to be controlled by the processor 140 of the vehicle's power controller 100.

[0088] refer to Figure 5, the power of the vehicle can be switched to the power-off position, the power-on position and the drivable position (EV ready position) in sequence. The power-off position refers to the state where all power sources of the vehicle are disconnected. The power-on position refers to the state where the power of the vehicle is connected. The drivable position is the starting position, which means the state where the vehicle can be driven.

[0089] First, in the power-off state (S101), the device can determine whether the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened, and whether there is a door opened except the door adjacent to the driver's seat. In other words, in the power-off state (S101), in step S102, the device can determine whether the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened. When the door adjacent to the driver's seat is not opened, in step S103, the device can determine whether there is a door opened except the door adjacent to the driver's seat. When there is a door opened except the door adjacent to the driver's seat, in step S104, the device can determine whether all doors are closed. In this case, the device can use the door switch installed for each door of the vehicle to determine whether the door is open or closed.

[0090] When the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened in step S102, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened in step S104, in step S105, the device can search whether there is a smart key (remote control key) inside the vehicle. When there is a smart key inside the vehicle, in step S106, the device can communicate with the smart key and can authenticate the smart key. In this case, the device can communicate with the smart key within a predetermined time period, and can check the state of authentication maintenance. In this case, authentication information can be sent and received by communication between the device and the smart key to perform authentication of the smart key. The device can compare the previously stored authentication information with the authentication information received from the smart key to determine whether the authentication of the smart key succeeds or fails.

[0091] When the smart key of the vehicle is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, in step S107, the device may switch the power supply of the vehicle to the power-on position. In step S108, the device may continue to check whether the state of the smart key being authenticated inside the vehicle is maintained. When the state of the smart key being authenticated inside the vehicle continues to be maintained, in step S109, the device may determine whether a brake input occurs. The device may receive a signal from the brake of the vehicle to determine whether the driver brakes.

[0092] When a brake input occurs while the smart key is still authenticated inside the vehicle, the device may switch the power of the vehicle from the power-on position to the EV-ready position (a drivable position) in step S110. In this case, the EV-ready position is a position ready for driving after starting the EV, and refers to the drivable state of the EV. Since the state in which the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle is maintained within a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) after the smart key is authenticated, when a brake input occurs within a predetermined time after the smart key of the vehicle is authenticated inside the vehicle, the device may switch the power of the vehicle from the power-on position to the EV-ready position.

[0093] In step S108, when the state in which the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle does not continue to be maintained, in step S111, the device may determine whether a brake input occurs. When a brake input occurs, in step S112, the device may search again whether there is a smart key inside the vehicle. In other words, when a predetermined time has passed after the smart key of the vehicle is authenticated inside the vehicle, or when the smart key is not authenticated inside the vehicle and a brake input occurs, the device may search again inside the vehicle for the smart key.

[0094] When the smart key is found inside the vehicle, in step S113 , the device may communicate with the smart key inside the vehicle and may authenticate the smart key again.

[0095] When the smart key is successfully authenticated again, the device may switch the vehicle's power from the power-on position to the EV-ready position in step S110. On the other hand, when the smart key fails to be authenticated again, the device may warn the user in step S114 of attempting to start the vehicle without the smart key. In this case, the device may use Figure 1 The display 130 outputs a warning sentence or a warning sound to warn the user that the vehicle is attempted to be started without the smart key, or a short message may be sent to a mobile terminal previously registered by the driver.

[0096] In this way, an embodiment of the present invention can determine the user's riding condition and driving start time without using a start button for the vehicle's power switching operation, and can perform control to switch the vehicle's power supply, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary vehicle operating devices and saving costs.

[0097] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention can perform start-up control without separate manipulation by the user, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0098] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a computing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] refer to Figure 6 The computing system 1000 may include: at least one processor 1100 , a memory 1300 , a user interface input device 1400 , a user interface output device 1500 , a storage device 1600 , and a network interface 1700 , which are interconnected via a bus 1200 .

[0100] The processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that processes instructions stored in the memory 1300 and / or the storage device 1600. The memory 1300 and the storage device 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, the memory 1300 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0101] Therefore, the operations of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in hardware or in a software module executed by the processor 1100, or in a combination thereof. The software module may reside on a storage medium (i.e., memory 1300 and / or storage device 1600) such as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable hard disk, and CD-ROM.

[0102] The exemplary storage medium may be connected to the processor 1100, and the processor 1100 may read information from the storage medium and may record information in the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated with the processor 1100. The processor 1100 and the storage medium may reside in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In another case, the processor 1100 and the storage medium may reside in a user terminal as separate components.

[0103] The present technology can determine the driver's riding condition and driving start time without a start button for the vehicle's power switching operation, and can control to switch the vehicle's power supply, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary vehicle operation devices, and can perform start control without the user's separate operation to increase user convenience.

[0104] In addition, various effects directly or indirectly determined by the present invention can be provided.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be changed and modified in various different ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention provided by the appended claims.

[0106] Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present invention, but not to limit them, so that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of the claims should be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle power controller, which is used to switch the power supply of the vehicle, the vehicle power controller comprising: a processor configured to switch power to the vehicle based on whether a user is riding in the vehicle or whether a braking input occurs; as well as A storage device storing information for authenticating the smart key inside the vehicle; Wherein, the processor is configured as follows: determining whether the user is riding in the vehicle based on whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed, or whether the user is sitting in a seat of the vehicle; Wherein, the processor is configured as follows: In the vehicle's power-off position, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the vehicle's power-off position is switched to the accessory power-on position; In the accessory power position, determining whether a user is sitting in the driver's seat, and switching from the accessory power position to the ignition position when the user is sitting in the driver's seat; After the smart key is authenticated, communicating with the smart key within a predetermined period of time to check whether the authenticated state of the smart key inside the vehicle is maintained; In the ignition position, when a brake input occurs while the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the power supply of the vehicle is switched from the ignition position to a drivable position of the vehicle; When a brake input occurs in a state where a predetermined time has elapsed after the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the smart key is searched again inside the vehicle.

2. The vehicle power controller according to claim 1, wherein: In the vehicle's power-off position, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, the processor switches the vehicle's power supply from the vehicle's power-off position to the vehicle's power-on position.

3. The vehicle power controller according to claim 2, wherein: In a power-on position of the vehicle, the processor determines whether a state in which the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle is maintained for a predetermined time.

4. The vehicle power controller according to claim 3, wherein: In the power-on position of the vehicle, when the smart key is authenticated in the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, the processor switches the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle power controller according to claim 3, wherein: In the power-on position of the vehicle, when a predetermined time has passed after the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle and a brake input occurs, the processor re-attempts to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle.

6. The vehicle power controller according to claim 5, wherein: When the result of the retry of authenticating the smart key inside the vehicle is that the authentication is successful, the processor switches the power supply of the vehicle from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle power controller according to claim 5, wherein: When the result of retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is authentication failure, the processor outputs a warning according to attempting to start the vehicle without the smart key.

8. A vehicle system comprising: a smart key configured to communicate with the vehicle; as well as a power controller of the vehicle, configured to communicate with the smart key and switch the power supply of the vehicle based on whether a user is riding in the vehicle or whether a brake input occurs; Wherein, the power controller of the vehicle is configured as follows: determining whether the user is in the vehicle based on whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed, or whether the user is sitting in a seat; Wherein, the power controller of the vehicle is configured as follows: In the vehicle's power-off position, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the vehicle's power-off position is switched to the accessory power-on position; In the accessory power position, determining whether a user is sitting in the driver's seat, and switching from the accessory power position to the ignition position when the user is sitting in the driver's seat; After the smart key is authenticated, communicating with the smart key within a predetermined period of time to check whether the authenticated state of the smart key inside the vehicle is maintained; In the ignition position, when a brake input occurs while the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the power supply of the vehicle is switched from the ignition position to a drivable position of the vehicle; When a brake input occurs in a state where a predetermined time has elapsed after the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the smart key is searched again inside the vehicle.

9. The vehicle system according to claim 8, further comprising: a door switch configured to be turned on or off depending on whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed; as well as A seat sensor is configured to sense whether a user is sitting on a seat of the vehicle.

10. A method for controlling electric power of a vehicle, comprising: determining whether the user is riding in the vehicle based on whether a door of the vehicle is opened or closed or whether the user is sitting in a seat; Authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle; switching power to the vehicle based on whether a user is riding in the vehicle or whether a braking input occurs; Among them, switching the power supply of the vehicle includes: In the vehicle's power-off position, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the vehicle's power-off position is switched to the accessory power-on position; In the accessory power position, determining whether a user is sitting in the driver's seat, and switching from the accessory power position to the ignition position when the user is sitting in the driver's seat; After the smart key is authenticated, communicating with the smart key within a predetermined period of time to check whether the authenticated state of the smart key inside the vehicle is maintained; In the ignition position, when a brake input occurs while the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the power supply of the vehicle is switched from the ignition position to a drivable position of the vehicle; When a brake input occurs in a state where a predetermined time has elapsed after the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle, the smart key is searched again inside the vehicle.

11. The vehicle power control method according to claim 10, wherein: Determining whether a user is riding in a vehicle includes: In the vehicle's power-off position, when the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, or when all doors are closed after a door other than the door adjacent to the driver's seat is opened and the smart key is successfully authenticated inside the vehicle, it is determined that the user is riding in the vehicle.

12. The vehicle power control method according to claim 11, wherein: Switching the vehicle's power source involves: When it is determined that the user is riding in the vehicle, the vehicle's power-off position is switched to the vehicle's power-on position.

13. The vehicle power control method according to claim 12, wherein: Switching the vehicle's power source involves: In the power-on position of the vehicle, it is determined whether the smart key is authenticated inside the vehicle for a predetermined time.

14. The vehicle power control method according to claim 13, wherein: Switching the power source of the vehicle further includes: In the power-on position of the vehicle, when the smart key is authenticated in the vehicle for a predetermined time and a brake input occurs, the power supply of the vehicle is switched from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

15. The vehicle power control method according to claim 13, wherein: Switching the power source of the vehicle further includes: In the vehicle's power-on position, when a predetermined time has passed after the smart key has been successfully authenticated inside the vehicle and a brake input occurs, retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle; When the result of the re-attempt to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is that the authentication is successful, the power supply of the vehicle is switched from the power-on position of the vehicle to the drivable position of the vehicle.

16. The vehicle power control method according to claim 15, wherein: Switching the power source of the vehicle further includes: When the result of retrying to authenticate the smart key inside the vehicle is authentication failure, a warning is output according to an attempt to start the vehicle without the smart key.

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