Autonomous vehicle position providing apparatus and autonomous vehicle position providing method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an autonomous vehicle location providing apparatus and an autonomous vehicle location providing method for providing a location of an autonomous vehicle moving to a user location according to a user call. The autonomous vehicle location providing apparatus receives a call, a call location, and user information from a user terminal, and communicates with user terminals around an autonomous vehicle corresponding to the user information when the autonomous vehicle moves to the call location according to the call. The autonomous vehicle location providing apparatus provides a location of the autonomous vehicle moving to the user location according to the user call to identify a customer who calls a vacant taxi.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0078219, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 16, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle location providing device and method, and more specifically, to an autonomous vehicle location providing device and method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle that moves to a user's location based on a user call. Background Technology

[0004] Autonomous vehicles are those that autonomously identify the driving environment to assess risks, control the driving path to minimize driver intervention, and drive themselves. In short, autonomous vehicles are those capable of driving, steering, and parking without human intervention. Autonomous vehicles can be used as driverless taxis through fully autonomous driving.

[0005] However, fully autonomous vehicles used as driverless taxis have limitations in recognizing users who call for them. Furthermore, there is a lack of mature methods to overcome the challenges users face in setting up the called autonomous vehicles. On the other hand, with the development of smartphone technology, there is a technology that uses smartphone applications as smart keys for vehicles. A method is needed to integrate this technology into driverless taxi technology to improve user convenience.

[0006] The information disclosed in the background section above is provided to help understand the background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission that such information constitutes any part of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art while maintaining the advantages of the prior art.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides an apparatus and method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle that moves to a user's location based on a user call.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an autonomous vehicle location provisioning device and a method for identifying customers calling driverless taxis.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an autonomous vehicle location provisioning device and method that overcome the immaturity of user setup for called autonomous vehicles.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an autonomous vehicle location providing device and method for resolving errors that occur when identifying a user's location due to user movement, errors in GPS information, etc.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an autonomous vehicle location providing device and method for accurately identifying the service end time when a user ends use of a called autonomous vehicle.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above. Any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an autonomous vehicle location providing device may include: a communication device disposed in the autonomous vehicle and receiving a call, a call location, and user information from a user terminal; a short-range communication device disposed in the autonomous vehicle and communicating with terminals around the autonomous vehicle; and a controller that, when the autonomous vehicle moves to the call location according to the call, communicates with the user terminal corresponding to the user information via the short-range communication device.

[0015] In this embodiment, the short-range communication device can communicate with terminals around the autonomous vehicle via Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0016] In one embodiment, the controller can display information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of communication with the user terminal via a short-range communication device, on the user terminal.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the RSSI of communication with the user terminal via a short-range communication device is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the controller can display the image acquired by the camera installed in the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the location of the call and the location of the user terminal based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) are determined to be different according to a predetermined criterion, the controller can send a notification to the server that manages the calls of the autonomous vehicle through a communication device.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the RSSI of communication with the user terminal via a short-range communication device is greater than a predetermined second reference value, the controller can grant control of the autonomous vehicle to the user through the user terminal.

[0020] In one embodiment, the controller can grant control of the autonomous vehicle to the user via a user terminal, and can indicate whether control has been granted by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

[0021] In one embodiment, when the door lock of the autonomous vehicle is unlocked via a user terminal and then locked again, the controller can begin autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination.

[0022] In one embodiment, after the autonomous vehicle reaches its destination, the controller can reclaim control granted to the user when a Quick Response (QR) code set in the autonomous vehicle is marked via a user terminal.

[0023] In one embodiment, the controller can change the color of the ambient lighting inside the autonomous vehicle based on whether the door lock is locked or autonomous driving is started.

[0024] In this embodiment, the communication device can receive the air conditioning status setting information of the autonomous vehicle simultaneously with receiving a call from the user terminal. As the autonomous vehicle moves towards the calling location based on the call, the controller can control the vehicle's air conditioning based on the received air conditioning status setting information.

[0025] In an embodiment, control may include at least one of the following: locking the door locks of the autonomous vehicle, unlocking the door locks, outputting an alarm, controlling navigation, controlling the vehicle's interior temperature, and playing music.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an autonomous vehicle location provision method may include: receiving a call, a call location, and user information from a user terminal via a communication device disposed in the autonomous vehicle; and, when the autonomous vehicle moves toward the call location in accordance with the call, communicating with the user terminal corresponding to the user information via a short-range communication device by a controller.

[0027] In one embodiment, the autonomous vehicle location provision method may further include: displaying information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on RSSI (Relationship to Short-Range Sensor) communication with the user terminal via a short-range communication device, on the user terminal by the controller.

[0028] In an embodiment, the autonomous vehicle location provision method may further include: when the RSSI of communication with the user terminal via a short-range communication device is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the controller displays an image acquired by a camera installed in the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal.

[0029] In an embodiment, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: when the RSSI of communication with a user terminal via a short-range communication device is greater than a predetermined second reference value, the controller grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user via the user terminal.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: the controller granting control of the autonomous vehicle to a user via a user terminal, and indicating whether control has been granted by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

[0031] In one embodiment, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: when the door lock of the autonomous vehicle is unlocked via a user terminal and then locked again, the controller initiates autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: after the autonomous vehicle arrives at its destination, when a QR code set in the autonomous vehicle is marked by a user terminal, reclaiming the control granted to the user.

[0033] In one embodiment, receiving a call, call location, and user information from a user terminal via a communication device may include receiving air conditioning status setting information of the autonomous vehicle simultaneously with receiving the call from the user terminal. The autonomous vehicle location provision method may further include controlling the autonomous vehicle's air conditioning based on the received air conditioning status setting information as the autonomous vehicle moves towards the call location according to the call. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a view showing a user calling an autonomous vehicle including an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 3This is a view showing an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure displaying information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user via a user terminal;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a view showing an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure displaying camera images of an autonomous vehicle via a user terminal;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure granting control to a user and initiating autonomous driving;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0041] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0043] 100: Location providing device for autonomous vehicles; 110: Communication device

[0044] 120: Short-range communication device; 130: Controller Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the following, some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components in the figures, it should be noted that identical or equivalent components are indicated by the same reference numerals, even if identical or equivalent components are shown in other figures. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the gist of this disclosure.

[0046] In describing components according to embodiments of this disclosure, 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 they do not limit the nature, sequence, or order of the components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms such as those defined in general dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and shall not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0047] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 7The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 The autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 may include a communication device 110, a short-range communication device 120, and a controller 130.

[0050] The autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented inside or outside the vehicle. In this case, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can be integrated with the control unit in the vehicle, or it can be implemented as a separate hardware device and connected to the vehicle's control unit via a connection device.

[0051] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can be integrally formed with the vehicle, or it can be implemented as a vehicle-independent configuration by being mounted / attached to the vehicle. Alternatively, a portion of the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can be integrally formed with the vehicle, and another portion can be implemented as a vehicle-independent configuration by being mounted / attached to the vehicle.

[0052] The communication device 110 can be installed in an autonomous vehicle and can receive calls, call locations, and user information from a user terminal. The communication device 110 can be a hardware device implemented by various electronic circuits, such as a processor, to send and receive signals via wireless or wired connections.

[0053] As an example, the communication device 110 can receive call information, call location, and user information input through a user terminal from an external server.

[0054] As an example, the communication device 110 can communicate with the server via wireless LAN (WLAN), Wi-Fi, Wi-FiDirect, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), WiBro, Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), High-Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High-Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE-A Advanced.

[0055] Users can call an autonomous vehicle by entering at least one of the following on their user terminal: a call request, the call location, the destination, and user information.

[0056] At least one of the following input by the user—call request, call location, destination, and user information—can be sent to the server via the user terminal.

[0057] The communication device 110 can receive at least one of the following input by the user: a call request, a call location, a destination, and user information.

[0058] As an example, the communication device 110 can receive the air conditioning status setting information of the autonomous vehicle at the same time as receiving a call from the user terminal.

[0059] As an example, a user interface can be set up on the user terminal to allow users to simultaneously input settings information about the air conditioning status of the autonomous vehicle when they call the autonomous vehicle through the user terminal.

[0060] As an example, the communication device 110 can receive air conditioning status settings information of an autonomous vehicle input by a user through a server.

[0061] The short-range communication device 120 can be installed in an autonomous vehicle and can communicate with terminals around the autonomous vehicle. The short-range communication device 120 can be a hardware device implemented by various electronic circuits, such as a processor, to send and receive signals via wireless or wired connections.

[0062] As an example, the short-range communication device 120 can communicate with terminals around the autonomous vehicle via Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy.

[0063] As an example, the short-range communication device 120 can communicate with terminals located around the autonomous vehicle at a specific distance from the autonomous vehicle.

[0064] The controller 130 according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure may be a processor (e.g., a computer, microprocessor, CPU, ASIC, circuit, logic circuit, etc.). The processor may be implemented using non-temporary memory storing, for example, programs, software instruction reproduction algorithms, etc., and a processor configured to run the programs, software instruction reproduction algorithms, etc., which, when run, can perform overall control, enabling each component to perform its respective function correctly. Here, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate semiconductor circuits. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single integrated semiconductor circuit. The processor may be implemented as one or more processors. The controller 130 has an associated non-temporary memory storing software instructions that, when run by the processor of the controller 130, provide the function of performing overall control, enabling each component to perform its respective function correctly. Such a controller 130 may be implemented in hardware, in software, or in a combination of hardware and software. Preferably, the controller 130 may be implemented as, but is not limited to, a microprocessor. Furthermore, the controller 130 may perform various data processing, calculations, etc., as described below.

[0065] When the autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location based on the call, the controller 130 can communicate with the user terminal corresponding to the user information through the short-range communication device 120.

[0066] As an example, when an autonomous vehicle is able to move to the calling location via autonomous driving according to a call, and is within a specific distance where the autonomous vehicle can communicate with the user terminal corresponding to the user information via the short-range communication device 120, the controller 130 can communicate with the user terminal via the short-range communication device 120.

[0067] As an example, controller 130 can display information on the user terminal about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of communication with the user terminal via short-range communication device 120.

[0068] As an example, the controller 130 can be configured such that the higher the RSSI of the communication between the short-range communication device 120 and the user terminal, the closer the user with the user terminal is to the autonomous vehicle, and the lower the RSSI of the communication between the short-range communication device 120 and the user terminal, the farther away the user with the user terminal is from the autonomous vehicle.

[0069] In addition, the controller 130 can send a command via the communication device 110 or the short-range communication device 120 to display information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on the RSSI of the communication between the short-range communication device 120 and the user terminal as measured by the user terminal, on the user terminal.

[0070] As an example, controller 130 can calculate the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user based on the RSSI of the communication between short-range communication device 120 and the user terminal, and can send signals or commands to the user terminal through communication device 110 or short-range communication device 120 to display information about the calculated distance.

[0071] The user terminal can receive and display information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated by the controller 130.

[0072] The following will refer to Figure 3 The detailed description displays information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user on the user's terminal.

[0073] As an example, when the RSSI of communication with the user terminal via the short-range communication device 120 is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the controller 130 can display the image acquired by the camera installed in the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal.

[0074] As an example, an autonomous vehicle may include cameras that acquire images of the area around the autonomous vehicle.

[0075] As an example, controller 130 can be connected directly or indirectly to a camera via a wired or wireless connection to receive images of the surroundings of the autonomous vehicle acquired by the camera.

[0076] As an example, when the first reference value is set to "0", when the RSSI of the communication with the user terminal via the short-range communication device 120 has a positive value, the controller 130 can send images of the autonomous vehicle's surroundings acquired by the camera to the user terminal via the communication device 110 or the short-range communication device 120, and can also send signals or commands to the user terminal to display images of the autonomous vehicle's surroundings via the communication device 110 or the short-range communication device 120.

[0077] The user terminal can receive and display images of the surroundings of the autonomous vehicle obtained through cameras.

[0078] The following will refer to Figure 4 The description details how images of the surroundings of the autonomous vehicle are displayed on the user's terminal.

[0079] As an example, when the location of the call and the location of the user terminal based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) are determined to be different according to a predetermined criterion, the controller 130 can send a notification to the server that manages the calls of the autonomous vehicle through the communication device 110.

[0080] As an example, controller 130 can receive the location of a GPS-based user terminal via communication device 110 or short-range communication device 120.

[0081] As an example, when the distance between the received GPS-based location and the call location is greater than a predetermined threshold distance, the controller 130 can determine that the GPS-based location and the call location are different from each other.

[0082] As an example, when controller 130 sends a notification to a server that manages calls for autonomous vehicles, the server can provide the user with information via a user terminal that determines the GPS-based location and the call location to be different from each other.

[0083] Furthermore, when the controller 130 sends a notification to the server that manages calls for autonomous vehicles, the server can update the call location via the user terminal and send the updated call location to the communication device 110.

[0084] As an example, autonomous vehicles can move to an updated call location via autonomous driving.

[0085] As an example, when the RSSI of communication with the user terminal via the short-range communication device 120 is greater than a predetermined second reference value, the controller 130 can grant control of the autonomous vehicle to the user via the user terminal.

[0086] As an example, controller 130 can grant control of the autonomous vehicle to a user via a user terminal through the smart key system (SMK) of the autonomous vehicle.

[0087] As an example, an SMK can be defined as a system that identifies a user with a smart key via low-frequency (LF) or radio-frequency (RF) communication, enabling the user to input vehicle controls including locking or unlocking door locks, opening or closing the trunk, or starting the vehicle.

[0088] As an example, a smart key can be implemented as an application in a user's terminal.

[0089] As an example, control may include at least one of the following: locking door locks, unlocking door locks, outputting alarms, controlling navigation, controlling the vehicle's interior temperature, and playing music.

[0090] As an example, a user can input commands via a user terminal for at least one of the following functions in an autonomous vehicle: locking / unlocking doors, issuing alarms, controlling navigation, controlling the vehicle's interior temperature, and playing music. The user terminal can then send the received commands to the autonomous vehicle.

[0091] In addition, the controller 130 can control the autonomous vehicle based on at least one of the following commands received by the autonomous vehicle: locking the door locks, unlocking the door locks, outputting an alarm, controlling navigation, controlling the vehicle's interior temperature, and playing music.

[0092] As an example, controller 130 can grant control of the autonomous vehicle to a user via a user terminal, and can indicate whether control has been granted by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

[0093] As an example, when the user grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user via a user terminal, the controller 130 can turn on lights such as the Dynamic Welcome Light (DWL) set in the autonomous vehicle to indicate that control has been granted to the user.

[0094] As an example, when the door lock of an autonomous vehicle is unlocked via a user terminal and then locked again, the controller 130 can begin autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination.

[0095] As an example, when the door lock of the autonomous vehicle is unlocked by the user terminal that has been granted control and then locked again, the controller 130 can determine that the user has completed getting into the autonomous vehicle and can begin autonomous driving to the destination.

[0096] As an example, after the autonomous vehicle reaches its destination, the controller 130 can reclaim control granted to the user when a Quick Response (QR) code set in the autonomous vehicle is marked via a user terminal.

[0097] As an example, autonomous vehicles can have QR codes on the outside.

[0098] As an example, when a QR code set in an autonomous vehicle is marked by a user terminal, the controller 130 can determine that the user has disembarked from the autonomous vehicle, can ultimately determine the disembarkation time, and can revoke the control granted to the user.

[0099] As an example, controller 130 can change the color of ambient lighting set inside an autonomous vehicle based on whether the door lock is locked or autonomous driving is started.

[0100] As an example, when a user gets into the autonomous vehicle and the door locks are locked, the controller 130 can change the color of the ambient light set inside the autonomous vehicle to orange, and when the door locks are locked and the autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle begins, the controller 130 can change the color of the ambient light set inside the autonomous vehicle to green.

[0101] Here, orange and green can be randomly set colors to give an example; in reality, they can be set to other colors.

[0102] The controller 130 can change the color of the ambient light set inside the autonomous vehicle based on whether the door lock is locked or autonomous driving is started, so that passengers of the autonomous vehicle can recognize the status of the autonomous vehicle.

[0103] As an example, when an autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location based on a call, the controller 130 can control the autonomous vehicle's air conditioning based on the received air conditioning status setting information.

[0104] As an example, the air conditioning status settings information may include settings for at least one of the ventilation, cooling, heating, and humidification states inside the autonomous vehicle.

[0105] As an example, when an autonomous vehicle moves toward a call location, the controller 130 can control the air conditioning of the autonomous vehicle based on the received air conditioning status setting information, so that the user can ride in the autonomous vehicle with the air conditioning status set by the user, thereby providing convenience for the user.

[0106] Figure 2 This is a view showing a user calling an autonomous vehicle including an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0107] Reference Figure 2 Users can call autonomous vehicles through user terminal 201.

[0108] As an example, user terminal 201 can receive calls and call locations from the user via an application from the autonomous vehicle.

[0109] As an example, user terminal 201 can send the received call and call location of the autonomous vehicle, as well as the user information registered in the application, to the autonomous vehicle through the server.

[0110] User terminal 201 can provide a user interface that allows users to input information about the call location and destination while calling an autonomous vehicle.

[0111] As an example, user terminal 201 may provide a user interface that can display a map based on the user's location and allow users to input information about the call location or destination via pins on the map.

[0112] In addition, the user terminal 201 can receive settings information about the air conditioning status of the autonomous vehicle from the user when calling the autonomous vehicle.

[0113] As an example, user terminal 201 can send at least one of the received call location of the autonomous vehicle, the received destination of the autonomous vehicle, and the received setting information about the air conditioning status of the autonomous vehicle to the autonomous vehicle.

[0114] Figure 3 This is a view showing an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure displaying information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user via a user terminal.

[0115] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 1 The autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can display information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user through the user terminal 301.

[0116] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can be based on... Figure 1The short-range communication device 120 communicates with the user terminal 301 via RSSI to calculate the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, and can send information about the calculated distance to the user terminal 301 for display on the user terminal 301.

[0117] As another example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can send a command to calculate the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user based on the RSSI of the communication between the autonomous vehicle and the user terminal 301 via the short-range communication device 120, as measured by the user terminal 301, and can send a command to the user terminal 301 to display the calculated distance.

[0118] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can use numerical values, charts, etc., through the user terminal 301 to display the proximity between the autonomous vehicle and the user.

[0119] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can use a pie chart to display the proximity between the autonomous vehicle and the user via the user terminal 301, such that the closer the autonomous vehicle and the user are, the wider the shaded area becomes.

[0120] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can calculate the RSSI of the communication between the user terminal 301 and the short-range communication device 120 as a value between 0 and 100 through the user terminal 301, and can display information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user based on the calculated value between 0 and 100.

[0121] As an example, when the calculated value between 0 and 100 is greater than a predetermined threshold, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can turn on the autonomous vehicle's dynamic welcome light so that the user can find the autonomous vehicle.

[0122] Figure 4 This is a view showing an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure displaying camera images of an autonomous vehicle via a user terminal.

[0123] The autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can be electrically connected to a camera installed in the autonomous vehicle to receive images acquired by the camera.

[0124] As an example, cameras installed in autonomous vehicles may include at least one of a SurroundView Monitor (SVM) camera, a Digital Video Recording System (DVRS) camera, a Camera Monitor System (CMS) camera, and a line detection camera.

[0125] As an example, when via Figure 1When the RSSI of the short-range communication device 120 and the user terminal 401 is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can... Figure 1 The communication device 110 or short-range communication device 120 transmits images acquired by cameras installed in the autonomous vehicle and signals used to display those images to the user terminal 401.

[0126] As an example, user terminal 401 can display images received from cameras installed in an autonomous vehicle.

[0127] The autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can display camera images of the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal 401, enabling the user to accurately identify the location of the autonomous vehicle through the images.

[0128] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure granting control to a user and initiating autonomous driving.

[0129] Reference Figure 5 (i), when through Figure 1 When the RSSI of the short-range communication device 120 and the user terminal 503 is greater than a predetermined second reference value, Figure 1 The autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can grant control of the autonomous vehicle 501 to the user 502 through the user terminal 503.

[0130] In addition, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can grant control of the autonomous vehicle 501 to the user 502 through the user terminal 503, and can indicate whether control has been granted by turning on the lights 504 of the autonomous vehicle 501.

[0131] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can determine whether the autonomous vehicle 501 is performing autonomous driving and approaching the user 502 based on whether the RSSI of the communication with the user terminal 503 via the short-range communication device 120 is greater than a predetermined second reference value.

[0132] As an example, when it is determined that the autonomous vehicle 501 is close to the user 502, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can grant the user 502 control of the autonomous vehicle 501 through the user terminal 503, and at the same time, it can indicate whether control has been granted by turning on the lights 504 of the autonomous vehicle 501.

[0133] Figure 5(ii) is a view showing that the user 506 is granted control of the autonomous vehicle 505 via the user terminal 507 and the user 506 unlocks the door lock of the autonomous vehicle 505 and gets into the autonomous vehicle 505.

[0134] When user 506 gets into autonomous vehicle 505 and locks the door lock via user terminal 507, autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can generate a command to start autonomous driving of autonomous vehicle 505 to the destination and can transmit the generated command to the autonomous driving system of autonomous vehicle 505.

[0135] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation process of an autonomous vehicle location providing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Reference Figure 6 In S601, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can receive input calls and destinations from the user terminal.

[0137] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can receive input call, call location and destination from user terminal via a server.

[0138] After receiving the input call and destination from the user terminal in S601, in S602, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than a first reference value.

[0139] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify via Figure 1 Whether the RSSI value of the short-range communication device 120 communicating with the user terminal is greater than the first reference value.

[0140] After identifying whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the first reference value in S602, when it is identified that the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is not greater than the first reference value, in S603, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can determine that the autonomous vehicle has not approached the calling location.

[0141] After determining in S603 that the autonomous vehicle is not close to the calling location, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can return to S602 to identify in S602 whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the first reference value.

[0142] After identifying in S602 whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the first reference value, when it is identified that the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the first reference value, in S604, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can display the RSSI value on the user terminal, or can share the camera image of the autonomous vehicle with the user terminal.

[0143] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can receive the user's selection through the user terminal, and can display information about the distance between the user terminal and the autonomous vehicle calculated based on the RSSI value or the camera image of the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal according to the user's selection.

[0144] After displaying the RSSI value on the user terminal or sharing the camera image of the autonomous vehicle with the user terminal in S604, in S605, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the second reference value.

[0145] After identifying in S605 whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the second reference value, when it is identified that the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is not greater than the second reference value, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can return to S605 again to identify whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the second reference value.

[0146] After identifying whether the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the second reference value in S605, when it is identified that the RSSI value of the communication with the user terminal is greater than the second reference value, in S606, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can grant control to the user through the user terminal, and can display the grant of control by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

[0147] In S606, after the user terminal grants control to the user and displays the grant of control by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle, in S607, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify whether the door lock of the autonomous vehicle has been unlocked and then locked again.

[0148] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify through a user terminal whether a door lock has been unlocked by the user and then locked again.

[0149] After identifying in S607 whether the door lock of the autonomous vehicle has been unlocked and then locked again, when it is identified that the door lock of the autonomous vehicle has been unlocked but not locked again, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can return to S607 to identify whether the door lock of the autonomous vehicle has been unlocked and then locked again.

[0150] After identifying whether the door lock of the autonomous vehicle has been unlocked and then locked again in S607, in S608, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can start the autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to the destination when it is identified that the door lock of the autonomous vehicle has been unlocked and then locked again.

[0151] When the autonomous vehicle's door lock is detected to have been unlocked and then locked again, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can determine that the user has boarded the autonomous vehicle and begin autonomous driving to the destination.

[0152] After the autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination begins in S608, in S609, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify whether the QR code set in the autonomous vehicle has been marked.

[0153] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can identify whether a QR code set on the outside of the autonomous vehicle is marked through a user terminal application.

[0154] After identifying whether the QR code set in the autonomous vehicle is marked in S609, if it is found that the QR code set in the autonomous vehicle is not marked, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can return to S609 again to identify whether the QR code set in the autonomous vehicle is marked.

[0155] After identifying whether the QR code installed in the autonomous vehicle is marked in S609, when it is identified that the QR code installed in the autonomous vehicle is marked, in S610, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can reclaim the control granted to the user through the user terminal.

[0156] As an example, when the location of a QR code set in an autonomous vehicle is detected as being marked, the autonomous vehicle location providing device 100 can determine that the user has disembarked from the autonomous vehicle and reclaim the control granted to the user through the user terminal.

[0157] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] Reference Figure 7 The method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may include: receiving a call, the call location, and user information from a user terminal (S710); and communicating with user terminals around the autonomous vehicle corresponding to the user information via a short-range communication device 120 when the autonomous vehicle moves toward the call location according to the call (S720).

[0159] Receiving call information, call location, and user information from the user terminal (S710) can be achieved through... Figure 1 The communication device 110 is used to perform this.

[0160] As an example, receiving a call, call location, and user information from a user terminal (S710) may include: receiving air conditioning status setting information of an autonomous vehicle from the communication device 110 while receiving a call from the user terminal.

[0161] When the autonomous vehicle moves toward the calling location based on a call, it communicates with user terminals around the autonomous vehicle corresponding to user information via a short-range communication device 120 (S720). Figure 1 The controller 130 executes the process of transmitting control commands to the short-range communication device 120.

[0162] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location provision method may further include: the controller 130 displaying information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on RSSI of communication with the user terminal via the short-range communication device 120, on the user terminal.

[0163] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location provision method may further include: when the RSSI of communication with the user terminal via the short-range communication device 120 is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the controller 130 displays an image acquired by a camera installed in the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal.

[0164] As an example, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: when the RSSI of communication with a user terminal via a short-range communication device 120 is greater than a predetermined second reference value, the controller 130 grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user via the user terminal.

[0165] As an example, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: the controller 130 granting control of the autonomous vehicle to a user via a user terminal, and the controller 130 indicating whether control has been granted by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

[0166] As an example, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: when the door lock of the autonomous vehicle is unlocked via a user terminal and then locked again, the controller 130 initiates autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination.

[0167] As an example, the method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle may further include: after the autonomous vehicle arrives at its destination, when a QR code set in the autonomous vehicle is marked by a user terminal, the controller 130 reclaims the control granted to the user.

[0168] As an example, the autonomous vehicle location provisioning method may further include: when the autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location based on a call, the controller 130 controls the air conditioning of the autonomous vehicle based on received air conditioning status setting information.

[0169] The operation of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly as hardware or software modules or a combination of hardware and software modules executed by a processor. Software modules can reside on storage media (i.e., memory / storage devices) such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, and CD-ROMs.

[0170] An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to a processor, and the processor can read information from the storage medium and record information in the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can be integrated with the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can reside within the user terminal. In another case, the processor and storage medium can reside as separate components in the user terminal.

[0171] The effects of the autonomous vehicle location providing apparatus and method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0172] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus and method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle moving to a user location based on a user call can be provided.

[0173] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an autonomous vehicle location provisioning device and an autonomous vehicle location provisioning method for identifying customers calling driverless taxis are provided.

[0174] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an autonomous vehicle location provisioning device and method are provided to overcome the immaturity of user settings for called autonomous vehicles.

[0175] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, an autonomous vehicle location providing device and method are provided to resolve problems when errors occur during user location identification due to user movement, errors in GPS information, etc.

[0176] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, an autonomous vehicle location providing device and method are provided for accurately identifying the service end time when a user ends use of a called autonomous vehicle.

[0177] In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly determined through this disclosure may be provided.

[0178] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims.

[0179] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are provided to explain the ideas and scope of this disclosure, and not to limit them. Consequently, the ideas and scope of this disclosure are not limited to the embodiments. The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents to the claims should be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A location providing device for an autonomous vehicle, comprising: A communication device is installed in the autonomous vehicle and receives calls, call locations, and user information from the user terminal. A short-range communication device is installed in the autonomous vehicle and communicates with terminals around the autonomous vehicle; as well as The controller, when the autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location based on the call, communicates with the user terminal corresponding to the user information via the short-range communication device. Specifically, when the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the communication between the short-range communication device and the user terminal is greater than a predetermined second reference value, the controller grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user through the user terminal. When the door lock of the autonomous vehicle is unlocked via the user terminal and then locked again, the controller begins the autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination.

2. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The short-range communication device communicates with terminals around the autonomous vehicle via Bluetooth.

3. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller displays information on the user terminal about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of communication between the autonomous vehicle and the user terminal via the short-range communication device.

4. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, When the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the communication between the short-range communication device and the user terminal is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the controller will display the image acquired by the camera installed in the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal.

5. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, When the location of the call is determined to be different from the location of the user terminal based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) according to a predetermined standard, the controller sends a notification to the server that manages the calls of the autonomous vehicle through the communication device.

6. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user through the user terminal, and indicates whether control has been granted by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

7. The location providing device for an automated vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, After the autonomous vehicle reaches its destination, when the user terminal marks the quick response code (QR code) set in the autonomous vehicle, the controller reclaims the control rights granted to the user.

8. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The controller changes the color of the ambient light inside the autonomous vehicle based on whether the door lock is locked or the autonomous driving is started.

9. The location providing device for an autonomous vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The communication device receives the air conditioning status setting information of the autonomous vehicle at the same time as receiving the call from the user terminal, and When the autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location according to the call, the controller controls the air conditioning of the autonomous vehicle based on the received air conditioning status setting information.

10. The location providing device for an automated vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The control includes at least one of the following: locking the door locks of the autonomous vehicle, unlocking the door locks, outputting an alarm, controlling navigation, controlling the vehicle's interior temperature, and playing music.

11. A method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle, comprising: The communication device installed in the autonomous vehicle receives the call, call location, and user information from the user terminal; When the autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location according to the call, the controller communicates with the user terminal corresponding to the user information through a short-range communication device; When the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the communication between the short-range communication device and the user terminal is greater than a predetermined second reference value, the controller grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user through the user terminal. When the door lock of the autonomous vehicle is unlocked via the user terminal and then locked again, the controller initiates autonomous driving of the autonomous vehicle to its destination.

12. The method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising: The controller displays information about the distance between the autonomous vehicle and the user, calculated based on the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of communication between the autonomous vehicle and the user terminal via the short-range communication device, on the user terminal.

13. The method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising: When the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the communication between the short-range communication device and the user terminal is greater than a predetermined first reference value, the controller displays the image acquired by the camera installed in the autonomous vehicle on the user terminal.

14. The method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising: The controller grants control of the autonomous vehicle to the user via the user terminal, and indicates whether control has been granted by turning on the lights of the autonomous vehicle.

15. The method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising: After the autonomous vehicle reaches its destination, the control granted to the user is revoked when the user terminal marks the quick response code (QR code) set in the autonomous vehicle.

16. The method for providing the location of an autonomous vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The communication device receives call information, call location information, and user information from the user terminal, including: The communication device receives the call from the user terminal while simultaneously receiving the air conditioning status setting information of the autonomous vehicle. The method for providing the location of the autonomous vehicle further includes: When the autonomous vehicle moves to the calling location according to the call, the controller controls the air conditioning of the autonomous vehicle based on the received air conditioning status setting information.

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