Vehicle and Control Method of Vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and a control method thereof. A vehicle configured to perform multiple functions by using a single camera to reduce costs may include: a camera; at least one sensor configured to obtain position information related to a driver; a moving part connected to the camera and configured to adjust the shooting direction of the camera; and a controller connected to the at least one sensor and the moving part and configured to control the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside or inside the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and a control method thereof that can verify an outdoor driver using a single camera and determine the state of an indoor driver. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as various technologies for verifying drivers have been continuously developed, technologies for more conveniently entering a vehicle using biometric information related to the driver or facial information related to the driver have been developed.

[0003] In addition, in order to reduce the burden on the driver and improve convenience, research is actively being conducted on vehicles equipped with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that actively provides information on the vehicle state, driver state, and surrounding environment.

[0004] Technologies that can use facial information related to the driver to enable access or control vehicle behavior by determining the driver's condition both require a camera configured to obtain a driver image, which is a basic requirement. However, as the number of cameras increases, the vehicle cost also increases.

[0005] The information included in this background section of the invention is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that this information constitutes the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a vehicle and a control method thereof that can verify a driver outside the vehicle using a single camera and determine the state of a driver inside the vehicle.

[0007] A vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a camera; a sensor part configured to obtain position information related to a driver; a moving part connected to the camera and configured to adjust the shooting direction of the camera; and a controller connected to the sensor part and the moving part and configured to control the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside or inside the vehicle.

[0008] When the driver is located outside the vehicle, the controller may control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle.

[0009] When the door is unlocked and opened, even if the driver is located outside the vehicle, the controller may still control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle.

[0010] When a preset time elapses after the vehicle door is opened and the driver is outside the vehicle, the controller may control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle.

[0011] When the driver is inside the vehicle, the controller may control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle.

[0012] When the vehicle door is unlocked and opened, the controller may control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle.

[0013] When a preset time elapses after the vehicle door is opened and the driver is inside the vehicle, the controller may control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle.

[0014] When the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle, the controller may verify the driver based on the image obtained from the camera and unlock the vehicle door based on the verification result of the driver.

[0015] When the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle, the controller may verify the driver based on the image obtained from the camera and determine whether to allow the vehicle to start based on the verification result of the driver.

[0016] When the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle, the controller may determine the state of the driver based on the image obtained from the camera.

[0017] The sensor part may include at least one of the following: a seating sensor for obtaining seating information related to the driver, a door locking device for detecting the locked state of the vehicle door, and a door open / close sensor configured to detect the opening and closing of the vehicle door.

[0018] The camera may be disposed inside the vehicle, on the A-pillar above the vehicle dashboard.

[0019] The controller may be configured to control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the driver's seat or the outside of the driver's seat side door.

[0020] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a control method of a vehicle including a camera and a moving part connected to the camera and configured to adjust the shooting direction of the camera may include: obtaining position information related to the driver; and controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside or inside the vehicle.

[0021] Controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside or inside the vehicle may include: when the driver is outside the vehicle, controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle.

[0022] Controlling a moving part based on position information related to a driver such that a shooting direction of a camera faces outside or inside a vehicle may include: when a vehicle door is unlocked and opened, even if the driver is located outside the vehicle, controlling the moving part such that the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle.

[0023] Controlling a moving part based on position information related to a driver such that a shooting direction of a camera faces outside or inside a vehicle includes: when a preset time has elapsed after the vehicle door is opened and the driver is located outside the vehicle, controlling the moving part such that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle.

[0024] Controlling a moving part based on position information related to a driver such that a shooting direction of a camera faces outside or inside a vehicle includes: when the driver is located inside the vehicle, controlling the moving part such that the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle.

[0025] Controlling a moving part based on position information related to a driver such that a shooting direction of a camera faces outside or inside a vehicle includes: when a vehicle door is unlocked and opened, even if the driver is located inside the vehicle, controlling the moving part such that the shooting direction of the camera faces outside the vehicle.

[0026] Controlling a moving part based on position information related to a driver such that a shooting direction of a camera faces outside or inside a vehicle includes: when a preset time has elapsed after the vehicle door is opened and the driver is located inside the vehicle, controlling the moving part such that the shooting direction of the camera faces inside the vehicle.

[0027] According to a vehicle and a vehicle control method according to an aspect, by performing multiple functions using a single camera, vehicle costs can thus be reduced.

[0028] The method and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will become apparent or will be set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description included herein. The accompanying drawings and the following detailed description together are used to explain certain principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a control block diagram of a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a control block diagram of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a structure for rotating a camera according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4is a diagram showing the structure of a lens for a mobile camera according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a situation where the driver is located outside the vehicle.

[0035] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a situation where the driver is located inside the vehicle.

[0036] It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present invention. Specific design features of the present invention included herein (e.g., including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specifically contemplated application and use environment.

[0037] In the drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention in multiple figures of the drawings. Detailed Description

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings and described below. While the present invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0039] Throughout the specification, the same numerals represent the same elements. All elements of the embodiments of the present invention will not be described, and descriptions of what is well known in the art or what overlaps in the exemplary embodiments will be omitted.

[0040] It should also be understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection, and indirect connection includes connection through a wireless communication network.

[0041] It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements.

[0042] As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms.

[0043] Terms such as "~ part", "~ module", "~ component", "~ block", etc. used throughout the specification can be implemented in software and / or hardware, and multiple "~ parts", "~ modules", "~ components", "~ blocks" can be implemented as a single element, or a single "~ part", "~ module", "~ component", "~ block" can include multiple elements.

[0044] The reference numerals for the method steps are used only for convenience of explanation and do not limit the order of the steps. Therefore, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order can be practiced in other ways.

[0045] Hereinafter, a vehicle and a method for controlling the vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a diagram exemplarily showing the internal structure of a vehicle 1 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 Each component shown therein refers to a software element and / or a hardware component, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0048] Figure 1 is a control block diagram of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figure 2 is a control block diagram of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a door D, a camera 100 for obtaining an image of an external view or an internal view of the vehicle 1, and a seat S for a passenger to sit on, and may include a start button 30 for turning on the ignition of the vehicle 1.

[0050] In addition, the vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a sensor part 200 configured to obtain position information related to the driver; a driving part 150, which may be referred to as the "moving part 150" and is configured to adjust the shooting direction of the camera 100; a door locking device 300 configured to lock or unlock the door D; a vehicle control system 400 configured to control the behavior of the vehicle 1 based on information collected from various vehicle sensors (e.g., radar, LiDAR, camera); a starting system 500 configured to manage the start of the vehicle 1; and a controller 600 configured to control various components of the vehicle 1.

[0051] The door D can isolate the interior of the vehicle 1 from its exterior or can communicate with the exterior. For this purpose, a plurality of doors D can be provided in the vehicle 1.

[0052] In the following, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the door D on the driver's seat side is taken as an example, but the description of the driver's seat door D can also be applied to the passenger seat door D.

[0053] Based on the front of the vehicle 1, when the door D is closed, the left side of the door D can be classified as the outside of the vehicle 1, and the right side of the door D can be classified as the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0054] The door D can be locked or unlocked by the door locking device 300.

[0055] The controller 600 can lock or unlock the door D by outputting a signal to unlock the door D or outputting a signal to lock the door D and sending the signal to the door locking device 300.

[0056] In addition, the controller 600 can receive information about the locked state of the door D from the door locking device 300.

[0057] The door open / close sensor 220 included in the sensor section 200 can refer to all sensors configured to detect the opening and closing of the door D.

[0058] For example, the door open / close sensor 220 can detect the opening of the door D when the door D is opened, and can detect the closing of the door D when the door D is closed.

[0059] The door open / close sensor 220 can send information about the open / close state of the door D to the controller 600.

[0060] A plurality of seats S (such as the driver's seat and the passenger seat next to the driver's seat) can be provided inside the vehicle 1.

[0061] In the following, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the driver's seat S is taken as an example, but the description of the driver's seat S can be applied to the passenger seat.

[0062] The seating sensor 210 for obtaining seating information related to the driver can be provided in the driver's seat S.

[0063] The seating sensor 210 can refer to any sensor configured to detect the state of the driver sitting on the driver's seat S. As an example, the seating sensor 210 can include a pressure sensor provided in the driver's seat S, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] Although shown separately in the figure, the sensor section 200 can include the door locking device 300. In this case, the door locking device 300 can detect the locked state of the door D and send information about the locked state to the controller 600.

[0065] The camera 100 may refer to any component configured to obtain a facial image of a driver. For example, the camera 100 may employ a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor.

[0066] The camera 100 may be disposed on the A-pillar 101 on the driver seat S side, and preferably may be disposed inside the vehicle 1. In this case, the camera 100 is preferably disposed on the top of the instrument panel so as to photograph a user outside the vehicle 1 and a user inside the vehicle 1.

[0067] The image obtained from the camera 100 may be sent to the controller 600, and the controller 600 may perform various functions based on the image sent from the camera 100.

[0068] The driving part 150 may adjust the photographing direction of the camera 100. For example, the driving part 150 may include: a motor M configured to generate power for rotating the camera 100 or moving the lens 110 of the camera 100; and a driving circuit configured to supply driving power to the motor M according to a control signal from the controller 600.

[0069] The motor M may receive driving power from the driving circuit and convert the supplied driving power into a rotational force. In addition, when the camera 100 is rotated by the converted rotational force, the photographing direction of the camera 100 may be changed.

[0070] For example, the rotational force generated by the motor M may be transmitted to the camera 100 through gears or the like. In other words, the motor M may rotate the camera 100 or move the lens 110 of the camera 100 through gears or the like.

[0071] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotational force generated by the motor M may be transmitted to the camera 100 through a fluid and a piston. In other words, the motor M may rotate the camera 100 or move the lens 110 of the camera 100 through a piston or the like.

[0072] The driving circuit may supply driving power for rotating the camera 100 or supply driving power for moving the lens 110 of the camera 100 to the motor M according to a control signal from the controller 600.

[0073] The driving circuit may include a switching element, such as a relay for supplying driving power to the motor M or blocking the driving power, or an inverter circuit.

[0074] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a structure for rotating a camera according to an exemplary embodiment, while Figure 4 is a diagram showing a structure for moving a lens of a camera according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0075] ReferenceFigure 3 As shown in Figure 3 , the driving part 150 may include a motor M, which rotates the second gear g2 in contact with the first gear g1 connected to the camera 100. The first gear g1 may be connected to the camera 100 through a housing connected to the camera 100, and the shooting direction of the camera 100 may be changed according to the rotation of the first gear g1. The first gear g1 may rotate according to the rotation of the second gear g2, and the second gear g2 may rotate based on the rotational force provided by the motor M.

[0076] In this way, the driving circuit of the driving part 150 may adjust the shooting direction of the camera 100 by applying driving power to the motor M based on a control signal sent from the controller 600.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 As shown in Figure 4 , the camera 100 may include a lens 110 and a guide 120 through which the lens 110 may move. The lens 110 may be configured to move axially within the guide 120.

[0078] In this case, the driving part 150 may include a motor M that moves the lens 110 on the guide 120. To this end, the driving part 150 or the guide 120 may include a structure configured to change the rotational force generated by the motor M into a linear motion.

[0079] In this way, the driving circuit of the driving part 150 may change the position of the lens 110 by applying driving power to the motor M based on a control signal sent from the controller 600, thereby adjusting the shooting direction of the camera 100.

[0080] Refer again to Figures 1 to 2 As shown in Figures 1 to 2 , the vehicle control system 400 may include various systems configured to control the behavior of the vehicle 1 according to control signals from the controller 600.

[0081] For example, the vehicle control system 400 may control the speed of the vehicle 1 including a braking system and an acceleration system, and may control the steering of the vehicle 1 including a steering system.

[0082] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle control system 400 may include a body control module configured to control an air conditioning device, a turn signal, and a window of the vehicle 1.

[0083] The controller 600 may determine the state of the driver based on a facial image of the driver obtained from the camera 100, and control the vehicle control system 400 according to the state of the driver.

[0084] For example, when it is determined that the driver is in a drowsy state, the controller 600 may control the vehicle control system 400 to park the vehicle 1 on the road shoulder. In addition, when it is determined that the driver is in a drowsy state, the controller 600 may control the vehicle control system 400 to turn on the air conditioning device of the vehicle 1 and open the window of the vehicle 1.

[0085] The starting system 500 may manage the starting of the vehicle 1. For example, when the user presses the start button 30, the starting of the vehicle 1 may be changed to the on state.

[0086] In addition, the starting system 500 may determine whether to allow the starting of the vehicle 1 based on a control signal from the controller 600. For example, when the starting of the vehicle 1 is not allowed, even if the start button 30 is pressed, the starting system 500 may not start the vehicle 1.

[0087] The controller 600 may include at least one memory configured to store programs for performing the above-described operations and the operations described later, and at least one processor configured to execute the stored programs.

[0088] When the controller 600 includes a plurality of memories and a plurality of processors, the plurality of memories and the plurality of processors may be integrated into one chip or may be physically separated. In addition, the controller 600 may include an image processor configured to process an image obtained from the camera 100.

[0089] For example, the controller 600 may adjust the shooting direction of the camera 100 by controlling the driving part 150 based on the driver position information obtained from the sensor part 200, control the door locking device 300 by performing a driver verification process based on the image obtained from the camera 100, control the starting system 500 by performing a driver verification process based on the image obtained from the camera 100, and control the vehicle control system 400 by determining the driver state based on the image obtained from the camera 100.

[0090] In the above, reference has been made to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 to describe the respective components of the vehicle 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, but the components of the vehicle 1 are not limited to the above description and may be changed or specific components may be added within the normal range.

[0091] Information or signals obtained from the sensor part 200, the camera 100, the door locking device 300, the vehicle control system 400, and the starting system 500 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be sent to the controller 600.

[0092] In this case, signals can be transmitted by using a Controller Area Network (CAN) communication method.

[0093] That is, in order to control various electrical loads installed in the vehicle 1 and communicate between the various electrical loads, a communication network including a body network, a multimedia network, a chassis network, etc. is configured in the vehicle 1, and each of the networks separated from each other can be connected by the controller 600 to exchange Controller Area Network (CAN) communication messages with each other.

[0094] Hereinafter, a method of controlling the vehicle 1 by using components of the vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0095] Figure 5 FIG. is a flowchart of a method for controlling a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6 FIG. is a view showing a case where the driver is located outside the vehicle, while Figure 7 FIG. is a view showing a case where the driver is located inside the vehicle.

[0096] Referring to Figure 5 , the sensor unit 200 can obtain position information related to the driver and transmit the obtained position information to the controller 600 (1000).

[0097] The seating sensor 210 can obtain seating information related to the driver, and when the driver is not sitting on the driver's seat S (the seating sensor is turned off), the seating sensor 210 can transmit information that the driver is located outside the vehicle 1 to the controller 600.

[0098] In addition, when the driver is sitting on the driver's seat S (the seating sensor is turned on), the seating sensor 210 can transmit information that the driver is located inside the vehicle 1 to the controller 600.

[0099] The door open / close sensor 220 can obtain open / close information related to the door D, and can use the open / close information related to the door D to predict the position of the driver.

[0100] For example, when the driver is not sitting on the driver's seat S, since it can be reasonably assumed that the driver will sit on the driver's seat S when the door D is opened after the door D is unlocked, even if the seating sensor 210 is in the off state, it can be considered that the driver is located inside the vehicle 1.

[0101] Conversely, when the driver is sitting in the driver's seat S, since it can be reasonably assumed that the driver will leave the vehicle 1 when the door D is opened after being unlocked, even if the seating sensor 210 is in the on state, it can be considered that the driver is outside the vehicle 1.

[0102] The controller 600 can control the shooting direction of the camera 100 based on the driver position information obtained from the sensor section 200.

[0103] Even when the seating sensor 210 is in the on state, it can be considered that the driver is outside the vehicle 1.

[0104] For example, when the driver is outside the vehicle 1 (i.e., when the seating sensor 210 is in the off state) (example of 1100), the controller 600 can control the drive section 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces outside the vehicle 1 (1250).

[0105] When the seating sensor 210 changes from the on state to the off state, the controller 600 can change the shooting direction of the camera 100 to face outside by controlling the drive section 150, but the operation timing of the drive section 150 is not limited to this, and when the seating sensor 210 is in the off state, the drive section 150 can operate without limitation.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 , the controller 600 can send a control signal to the drive circuit of the drive section 150, and the drive circuit of the drive section 150 can change the shooting direction of the camera 100 to face outside by applying driving power to the motor M in response to the control signal.

[0107] For example, the motor M can rotate by using driving power to bring the second gear g2 into contact with the first gear g1 connected to the camera 100, and when the first gear g1 rotates counterclockwise in response to the rotation of the second gear g2, the shooting direction of the camera 100 can be adjusted to face outside the vehicle 1.

[0108] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the motor M can move the lens 110 to the left on the guide member 120 by using driving power, and the shooting direction of the camera 100 can be adjusted to the outside of the vehicle 1 in response to the movement of the lens 110.

[0109] In this case, the shooting direction of the camera 100 can face outside the door D on the driver's seat S side, and the camera 100 can include a shooting area 100a passing through the window of the door D on the driver's seat S side. That is, the controller 600 can control the drive section 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces outside the door D on the driver's seat S side.

[0110] Even when the driver is located outside the vehicle 1 (i.e., even when the seat occupancy sensor 210 is in the off state (example of 1100), when the door D is unlocked and the door D is opened (example of 1200), the controller 600 can still control the drive unit 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1 (1260).

[0111] At this time, the controller 600 can receive information about the locked state of the door D from the door locking device 300, and receive information about the opening of the door D from the door open / close sensor 220. That is, when the door open / close sensor 220 detects the opening of the door D after the door locking device 300 outputs an unlocking signal for the door D during the off state of the seat occupancy sensor 210, the controller 600 can control the drive unit 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0112] As described above, it can be reasonably assumed that when the driver is located outside the vehicle 1 and the door D is opened after being unlocked, the driver will sit on the driver's seat S.

[0113] However, when it is determined that the driver is still located outside the vehicle 1 even after a preset time has elapsed after the door D is opened and when it is determined that the preset time has elapsed (example of 1270), the controller 600 can control the drive unit 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the outside of the vehicle 1 (1250).

[0114] In the above case, this is because the driver unlocked and opened the door D but did not sit on the driver's seat S.

[0115] When the driver is located inside the vehicle 1 after a preset time has elapsed after the door D is opened (no in 1270), the camera 100 can photograph the driver inside the vehicle 1 because the shooting direction of the camera 100 is maintained to face the inside of the vehicle 1.

[0116] When the driver is located inside the vehicle 1 (i.e., when the seat occupancy sensor 210 is in the on state) (no in 1100), the controller 600 can control the drive unit 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1 (1350).

[0117] When the seat occupancy sensor 210 changes from the off state to the on state, the controller 600 can change the shooting direction of the camera 100 to face the inside by controlling the drive unit 150, but the operation timing of the drive unit 150 is not limited to this, and when the seat occupancy sensor 210 is in the on state, the drive unit 150 can operate without limitation.

[0118] Reference Figure 7, the controller 600 may send a control signal to the drive circuit of the driving part 150, and the drive circuit of the driving part 150 may change the shooting direction of the camera 100 to face the interior by applying driving power to the motor M in response to the control signal.

[0119] For example, the motor M may rotate the second gear g2 in contact with the first gear g1 connected to the camera 100 by using driving power, and when the first gear g1 rotates clockwise in response to the rotation of the second gear g2, the shooting direction of the camera 100 may be adjusted to face the interior of the vehicle 1.

[0120] As an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the motor M may move the lens 110 to the right on the guide member 120 by using driving power, and the shooting direction of the camera 100 may be adjusted to the interior of the vehicle 1 in response to the movement of the lens 110.

[0121] In this case, the shooting direction of the camera 100 may face the driver's seat S, and the camera 100 may have a shooting area 100a including the driver sitting on the driver's seat S. That is, the controller 600 may control the driving part 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the driver's seat S.

[0122] Even when the driver is inside the vehicle 1 (i.e., even when the seat sensor 210 is in the on state (No in 1100)), when the door D is unlocked and the door D is opened (Yes in 1300), the controller 600 may still control the driving part 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the outside of the vehicle 1 (1360).

[0123] At this time, the controller 600 may receive information about the locked state of the door D from the door locking device 300, and receive information about the opening of the door D from the door open / close sensor 220.

[0124] When the door D is opened according to the door open / close sensor 220 after the door lock release signal is output from the door locking device 300 during the on state of the seat sensor 210, the controller 600 may control the driving part 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the outside of the vehicle 1.

[0125] As described above, it can be reasonably assumed that when the driver is inside the vehicle 1 and the door D is opened after the door D is unlocked, the driver will leave the driver's seat S.

[0126] However, when it is determined that a preset time has elapsed after the vehicle door D is opened and the driver is still inside the vehicle 1 even after the preset time has elapsed (example of 1370), the controller 600 may control the drive unit 150 so that the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1 (1350).

[0127] In the above case, this is because the driver unlocked and opened the vehicle door D but did not leave the vehicle 1.

[0128] When a preset time has elapsed after the driver is outside the vehicle 1 after the vehicle door D is opened (no in 1370), the camera 100 can photograph the driver outside the vehicle 1 because the shooting direction of the camera 100 is maintained to be outside the vehicle 1.

[0129] Although Figure 5 not shown in, when the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the outside of the vehicle 1, the controller 600 can unlock the vehicle door D in the following manner: verify the driver based on the image obtained from the camera 100 and control the door locking device 300 based on the verification result of the driver.

[0130] That is to say, in the case where the camera 100 faces the outside of the vehicle 1, it can be used to unlock the vehicle door D by verifying the face of the driver.

[0131] In addition, when the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1, the controller 600 can determine whether to allow the vehicle 1 to start in the following manner: verify the driver based on the image obtained from the camera 100 and control the starting system 500 based on the verification result of the driver.

[0132] That is to say, in the case where the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1, it can be used to determine whether to allow starting by verifying the face of the driver.

[0133] In addition, when the shooting direction of the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1, the controller 600 can determine the state of the driver based on the image obtained from the camera 100 and control the system of the vehicle 1 according to the state of the driver.

[0134] That is to say, in the case where the camera 100 faces the inside of the vehicle 1, it can be used to assist the driver by determining the state of the driver.

[0135] Examples of the vehicle and the vehicle control method are not limited to this, and the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all aspects.

[0136] Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain will be able to understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features.

[0137] The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than in the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto may be construed as being included in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0138] According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the camera can be utilized to the maximum extent by changing the shooting direction of a single camera based on position information related to the driver. Accordingly, an increase in cost due to an increase in the number of cameras can be prevented.

[0139] Meanwhile, the disclosed exemplary embodiments can be embodied in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions can be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, can generate program modules to perform the operations of the included exemplary embodiments. The recording medium can be embodied as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0140] The computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording media storing instructions decodable by a computer, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage device, and the like.

[0141] For the purpose of facilitating the accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms "above", "below", "inside", "outside", "upper", "lower", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "back", "interior", "exterior", "inward", "outward", "inner", "outer", "inner", "outer", "forward", and "backward" are used to describe the features in conjunction with the positions shown in the drawings of the features of the exemplary embodiments. It will be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct connection and indirect connection.

[0142] The foregoing description of the specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it is obvious that many modifications and variations can be made in light of the above teachings. The selection and description of the exemplary embodiments are intended to explain certain principles of the present invention and its practical applications so that others skilled in the art can make and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the present invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: a camera; at least one sensor configured to obtain position information related to a driver; a moving part connected to the camera and configured to adjust a shooting direction of the camera; and a controller connected to the at least one sensor and the moving part, and configured to control the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or the inside of the vehicle; wherein, the controller is configured to: when the driver is located outside the vehicle, control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle, and when the vehicle door is unlocked and the door is opened, even if the driver is located outside the vehicle, still control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: when a preset time elapses after the door is opened and the driver is located outside the vehicle, control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: when the driver is located inside the vehicle, control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to: when the vehicle door is unlocked and the door is opened, control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to: when a preset time elapses after the door is opened and the driver is located inside the vehicle, control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: when the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle, verify the driver based on an image obtained from the camera, and unlock the vehicle door according to a verification result of the driver.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: when the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle, verify the driver according to an image obtained from the camera, and determine whether to allow the vehicle to start according to a verification result of the driver.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to: when the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle, determine a state of the driver according to an image obtained from the camera.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sensor includes at least one of the following: a seating sensor for obtaining seating information related to the driver, a door locking device configured to detect a locked state of the vehicle door, and a door open / close sensor configured to detect opening and closing of the vehicle door.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The camera is disposed inside the vehicle and on an A-pillar above a dashboard of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is configured to control the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces a driver's seat or outside a driver's seat side door.

12. A control method for a vehicle, the vehicle including a camera and a moving part connected to the camera and configured to adjust the shooting direction of the camera, the control method comprising: Obtaining the position related to the driver by a controller connected to the moving part; And Controlling the moving part by the controller according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or inside of the vehicle; Wherein, controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or inside of the vehicle includes: When the driver is located outside the vehicle, controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle, and When the vehicle door is unlocked and opened, even if the driver is located outside the vehicle, still controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle.

13. The control method according to claim 12, wherein, Controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or inside of the vehicle includes: When a preset time has elapsed after the vehicle door is opened and the driver is located outside the vehicle, controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle.

14. The control method according to claim 12, wherein, Controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or inside of the vehicle includes: When the driver is located inside the vehicle, controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle.

15. The control method according to claim 14, wherein, Controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or inside of the vehicle includes: When the vehicle door is unlocked and opened, even if the driver is located inside the vehicle, still controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside of the vehicle.

16. The control method according to claim 15, wherein, Controlling the moving part according to the position information related to the driver so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the outside or inside of the vehicle includes: When a preset time has elapsed after the vehicle door is opened and the driver is located inside the vehicle, controlling the moving part so that the shooting direction of the camera faces the inside of the vehicle.

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